Britney back in court over custody dispute

Britney back in court over custody dispute

LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears and a parenting coach were questioned Tuesday by the court commissioner overseeing the singer’s custody dispute, resulting in an unspecified change in visitation status. Spears and ex-husband Kevin Federline appeared before Commissioner Scott Gordon, who took the one-hour proceeding behind closed doors.

Court spokesman Allan Parachini stressed afterward that the answers given by Spears and parenting coach Lisa Hacker were not considered testimony. Spears’ behavior was “very businesslike,” Parachini said.

The 26-year-old pop princess, wearing a white short-sleeve top and capri pants with pockets down the sides, left court without comment. Federline, in a gray suit, also did not comment as he left.

Months of bizarre behavior by Spears culminated early this year with two hospitalizations. Federline was given full custody of their two little boys, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and Spears’ visitation rights were suspended. But Spears has appeared stable recently, and her visitation rights have been gradually restored. A status conference in the custody case is set for July 15.

Actress’ love interest faces fraud charges

NEW YORK — Manhattan prosecutors say an Italian businessman who has been romantically linked to movie star Anne Hathaway has been arrested on wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges. Raffaello Follieri is due in Manhattan federal court today.

He is accused of falsely telling an investor that he had been appointed as the chief financial officer of the Vatican.

Authorities say he claimed that, as a result of that connection, he and others could obtain properties of the Catholic church in the United States at a substantial discount to fair market value.

Boy George is denied visa to enter the U.S.

NEW YORK — Do they really want to hurt him? That’s the question Boy George’s managers are asking U.S. authorities now that the 47-year-old singer has been denied a visa to enter the country.

The Culture Club frontman, whose real name is George O’Dowd, had planned a U.S. tour this summer, including a free concert at the New York City Department of Sanitation’s Family Day in August. He worked for the department in 2006 while performing court-ordered community service in a drug case.

His managers said in a statement Monday that O’Dowd has been denied a visa because he’s awaiting trial in London.

The singer, whose hits include “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and “Karma Chameleon,” has pleaded not guilty to imprisoning a man at his London home.

Today’s birthdays

Movie director Sidney Lumet is 84. Actress June Lockhart is 83. Singer Carly Simon is 63. Actor-comedian Jimmie Walker is 61. TV personality Phyllis George is 59. Actor Ricky Gervais is 47. Singer George Michael is 45. Actress Angela Kinsey (“The Office”) is 37.