Actress Mischa Barton has sued her mother, alleging she stole money that the former star of TV drama The OC earned, and made endorsement deals that damaged her reputation. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles, also accuses Nuala Barton of kicking her daughter out of a multimillion-dollar Beverly Hills home that was purchased with money earned while her daughter was a child star. Mischa was 17 when she began working on The OC and her mother Nuala was her manager. The lawsuit accuses Nuala Barton of bullying her daughter, and states she has been fired from her management role. "While Mischa was busy perfecting her craft and turning her acting dreams into reality, her mother ... was secretly scheming to exploit Mischa's burgeoning career for her benefit," the lawsuit states. It also claims the mother is withholding royalties and lied about the amount the actress was paid for a 2013 film so she could pocket the difference, and that some endorsements were entered without the actress's permission and she wasn't properly paid for the use of her name. – AP
The Star Wars saga goes digital
The Star Wars movies are being released online in digital form for the first time. The films – from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace to Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi – will be available from tomorrow on outlets including iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which was partly filmed in Abu Dhabi last year, is due for release in December. – AFP
Nimoy’s daughter plans film about fatal disease
Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy's daughter is planning a documentary about the disease that claimed the actor's life. Julie Nimoy and her fiancé, David Knight, are developing a film to help those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She said it will detail the latest COPD therapies and treatments – information her father would have benefited from. Leonard Nimoy, best known for his portrayal of Mr Spock in the Star Trek TV series and movie spin-offs, died on February 27 at the age of 83 from complications associated with COPD. In January, he tweeted: "Don't smoke. I did. Wish I never had." – AP
Tributes to Dukes of Hazzard star
James Best, a prolific character actor best known for his role as hapless Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane on 1980s American TV hit The Dukes of Hazzard, has died and the age of 88. His wife of 29 years, Dorothy Best, said he died on Monday night in hospice care from complications of pneumonia. Although best remembered as the lawman futilely chasing the Duke boys, with a battery of catchphrases and a memorable laugh, in a wide-ranging career he also acted in movies including The Caine Mutiny and Rolling Thunder, and he appeared on television in shows including Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show. Actor Burt Reynolds said: "On-set or off, behind the scenes, in front of a class or just as a friend, his name was so fitting because he was truly the best at whatever he did. My heart is heavy, and I miss him deeply." Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, said: "I learnt more about acting in front of a camera from Jimmie Best in an afternoon than from anyone else in a year. When asked to cry on camera, he would say, `Sure thing. which eye?' I'm forever thankful to have cut my teeth in the company of such a fine man." Best also served in the United States army during the Second World War. – AP
Guitar legend BB King leaves hospital
American blues-guitar legend B B King, who was hospitalised this week for dehydration stemming from diabetes, says he is feeling better and going home. “I want to thank everyone for their concern and good wishes. I’m feeling much better & am leaving the hospital today,” King, 89, said on his Facebook page yesterday. Mississippi-born Riley B B King is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He has had type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years. –AFP
West settles with photographer he attacked
Kanye West and a photographer he attacked have settled a lawsuit, at least in part with a handshake and an apology. West had been sued by Daniel Ramos after the 2013 attack outside a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport and the case was scheduled to go to trial next week. Ramos’ lawyer, Gloria Allred, said on Tuesday that the case had been settled and West had apologised to her client. A photo showed West, smiling, as he shook Ramos’ hand. She said that other details of the settlement would not be released, but said the apology was a major component. Ramos’ lawsuit had stated he was attacked by West after he asked the rapper why he wouldn’t talk to photographers. “Celebrities are not above the law, and they have no right to physically attack someone simply because they were asked a question,” Allred said. West, 37, pleaded no contest last year to misdemeanour battery and remains on probation. – AP
BMI Pop Awards honour Pink
Pink will be honoured with the BMI President’s Award next month. Broadcast Music Inc said the singer would receive the honour for her songwriting efforts and her impact on pop culture. The 63rd annual BMI Pop Awards will be presented at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on May 12. Previous recipients include Taylor Swift, Juanes and Willie Nelson. The BMI Pop Awards will also recognise the top songwriters and publishers of the last year. – AP
Influential US comedian Stan Freberg dies
Stan Freberg, the writer and comedian who lampooned American life on The United States of America and other landmark comedy albums and was hailed as the father of the funny commercial, has died at the age of 88. His wife, Hunter, said the humorist died on Tuesday at the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. Although his face may not have been as recognisable to the public as other comedians, Freberg’s influence was arguably as great, if not more so, thanks in part to a huge body of work over 70 years that influenced generations. It included radio and TV shows, comedy albums, advertising jingles and live performances. – AP
