Kanye West arrested after nightclub fracas

November 15, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

LONDON — Rapper Kanye West was arrested after a fracas outside a club but released without charge, British media reported Friday.

The Press Association news agency and others reported that that the 31-year-old rapper was detained early Friday after an incident involving a photographer outside the Tup Tup Palace bar in Newcastle, northern England.

Police said only that a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of assault after an incident at a nightclub. They said he was later released without charge. British police do not usually identify suspects who have not been charged.

The Tup Tup Palace said West visited the club after his gig in Newcastle on Thursday but could not confirm the arrest.

Joe Jonas answers critics over break-up

NEW YORK — Joe Jonas says he’s no cad.

The teenage heartthrob has been criticized since country star Taylor Swift said the Jonas Brothers singer dumped her with a phone call.

But in a posting on the group’s MySpace page, the 19-year-old defends himself. He says he never cheated on a girlfriend. As for claims he dumped Swift in a 27-second phone call, he says: “I did not end the conversation. Someone else did.”

‘SNL’ adds replacements

NEW YORK — “Saturday Night Live” was left with some big shoes to fill when Amy Poehler departed for her new role of motherhood.

As a step in that direction, two fresh recruits, Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins, will be joining the show tonight as featured players, NBC announced.

Poehler, a longtime “SNL” regular who is married to comedian Will Arnett, last performed on the Oct. 23 prime-time special. She gave birth to a son, Archie Arnett, just hours before she was to appear on the Oct. 25 broadcast.

Hudson thanks fans

NEW YORK — Jennifer Hudson is thanking fans for their support during her recent tragedy.

In a statement on her MySpace page, the Oscar-winning actress and singer says: “I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern.”

Last week, Hudson buried her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, who were all slain in her hometown of Chicago. Hudson has been in seclusion since the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the Gap is unveiling new ads featuring a smiling Hudson. However, her representative says the campaign went to print before the tragedies.

Today’s birthdays

“People’s Court” judge Joseph Wapner is 89. Actor Ed Asner is 79. Actor John Kerr (“South Pacific”) is 77. Singer Petula Clark is 76. Actor Sam Waterston (“Law and Order”) is 68. Singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA is 63. Actor James Widdoes (“Animal House”) is 55. Actress Beverly D’Angelo is 54. News correspondent John Roberts is 52. Singer Chad Kroeger of Nickelback is 34. Drummer Jesse Sandoval of The Shins is 34.