Newsmakers

Hilton not backing down over use of gay slur

LOS ANGELES — Perez Hilton isn’t apologizing for using a gay slur.

The openly gay gossip blogger said in a statement that he would continue to say things upsetting to gay and straight people alike. The comments came after the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation called for Hilton to apologize for unleashing the word during an altercation at a nightclub with Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am.

“I wish none of it had happened,” said Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira. “I can’t take it back. I did what I thought was best at the moment to stand up for myself in a nonviolent yet still assertive way. Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community.”

Hilton said he used the gay slur because he thought it would be the worst thing he could possibly say to will.i.am. after the musician told the blogger not to write about his band on his Web site. Police charged the band’s tour manager with assault for reportedly punching Hilton during the confrontation at a Toronto nightclub early Monday morning.

Time Warner, Comcast bring TV shows to Web

PHILADELPHIA — Time Warner Inc. and Comcast Corp. on Wednesday took concrete steps to bring cable television shows to the Internet — but only for paying cable subscribers.

In a nod that migration of content viewing is rapidly moving online and to the mobile phone, Time Warner, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, and Comcast, the nation’s largest cable operator, said they’ll start online video trials nationally in July.

The test will involve 5,000 Comcast customers who will get free access to Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s TNT and TBS cable networks. Turner is a unit of Time Warner. Time Warner Cable Inc., which separated from its parent this year, is not part of the trials.

Viewers can access the shows initially at Comcast.net and Fancast.com. Eventually, they will be available on TNT.tv and TBS.com.

AMC adds new show

NEW YORK — AMC is saying “yes” to a third original dramatic series. “Rubicon” is a political thriller that AMC hopes will be as well-received as its dramas “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.” The series focuses on an analyst at a New York-based think tank who uncovers a clue to an unfolding global conspiracy. AMC says the 12-episode series will air next year.

Today’s birthdays

Movie director Sidney Lumet is 85. Actress June Lockhart is 84. Singer Carly Simon is 64. Actor-comedian Jimmie Walker is 62. TV personality Phyllis George is 60. Actor Ricky Gervais is 48. Singer George Michael is 46. Actress Angela Kinsey (“The Office”) is 38.