Phil Spector testimony comes to a dramatic close
Five months of testimony in the Phil Spector murder trial drew to a close yesterday (August 27) with the resignation of Spector's lead lawyer, and the exhibition of newly discovered emails written by actress Lana Clarkson before her death.
As previously reported, Spector's attorney Bruce Cutler told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler that he was resigning from the case because of a difference of opinion between he and his client.
After Cutler's dramatic resignation, defence attorney Roger Rosen took over as lead lawyer in the case, recalling two of Clarkson's friends to the witness stand.
Elizabeth "Punkin Pie" Laughlin and Jennifer Hayes-Riedl reiterated previous testimony that Clarkson was upset about being "dissed" by director Michael Bay at a party, reports the Associated Press.
Bay previously testified that he never saw Clarkson at the party.
The defence also showed members of the jury emails that were recently discovered on Clarkson's computer, indicating she was depressed about her acting career and personal and financial troubles.
"I hurt myself of course, injured as usual by tequila," she wrote in one of the messages. She also said she had gotten "hammered" after she was stood up by a man.
Another spoke of being critiqued by an entertainment executive who allegedly told her to change her hair colour and personality.
She wrote: "I don't feel ready to change the color of my hair, stop making people laugh and give up my dreams."
Spector is accused of murdering Clarkson at his Los Angeles mansion on February 3, 2003. The defence contends that the actress was depressed and committed suicide.
At the end of the day, Fidler said the presentation of evidence was finished, and excused the jurors until next Wednesday (September 5) when final arguments are to be presented. |
Jay-Z named richest rapper
Jay-Z has been named the world's richest rapper.
The rap star, whose real name is Shawn Carter, topped Forbes.com's Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, earning an estimated $34 million last year.
Jay-Z sold 2 million copies of his 11th studio album 'Kingdom Come', in 2006, and served as president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings.
In addition to his music-related endeavours, Jay-Z is part owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team, and endorses Budweiser, General Motors and Hewlett-Packard.
50 Cent, aka Curtis Jackson, came in a close second, netting an estimated $32 million last year. The rapper has sold more than 11 million albums as well as overseeing the G-Unit record and clothing labels.
Also making top five on the list (based on last year's earnings alone) were Diddy, Timbaland and Dr. Dre, respectively. |
Los Campesinos! map North American dates
Los Campesinos! have added a number of dates in the US and Canada surrounding their slot at the Lollapalooza festival.
The shows will support their debut North American release, an EP entitled 'Sticking Fingers Into Sockets', which hits shelves on July 3.
Produced by David Newfeld ofBroken Social Scene, it features six tracks including the single 'We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives'.
They will play:
Guelph, Ontario Hillside Festival (July 27)
Chicago, IL Double Door (August 3)
Chicago, IL Lollapalooza (5)
Toronto, Ontario The Horseshoe Tavern (7)
New York, NY Mercury Lounge (9,10)
Philadelphia, PA Making Time (11) |