NEWSMAKERS || Microsoft pulls out as sponsor for variety special

Microsoft pulls out as sponsor for variety special

NEW YORK — Microsoft says it’s pulling out as sponsor of a “Family Guy” variety special.

The software giant had announced just two weeks ago that it would be the sole sponsor of the program, “Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show.”

Starring “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, the Fox special will apparently follow in the racy tradition of the animated “Family Guy” series.

In a statement, Microsoft said it decided the variety show’s content “was not a fit” with the company’s Windows software brand after reviewing an early version of the special.

Fox still plans to air the program Nov. 8.

Clapton facing surgery; cancels appearance

NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Clapton has pulled out of this week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert in New York after undergoing gallstone surgery.

Kristen Foster, a publicist for the guitarist, said Tuesday that Clapton was doing well and recuperating with his family in England.

The hall says Jeff Beck will replace the 64-year-old guitarist for Friday night’s show at Madison Square Garden.

Clapton was to perform as part of a two-night celebration in honor of the hall’s 25th anniversary. Beck now joins U2, Aretha Franklin and Metallica for the final night.

The Thursday lineup includes Crosby, Stills and Nash; Stevie Wonder; and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. HBO will air the concerts Nov. 29.

Clapton’s Web site says he remains committed to his 2010 concert schedule.

Springsteen cancels show after crew member dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bruce Springsteen canceled a performance in Kansas City after his cousin and road crew member died.

The death of 36-year-old Lenny Sullivan was announced in a statement on Springsteen’s Web site.

Sullivan was found dead at Kansas City’s Intercontinental Hotel hours before Springsteen and the E Street Band were to take the stage Monday night.

Kansas City police spokesman Capt. Rich Lockhart said officers were investigating the death, although he said it was not suspicious.

A call to Springsteen’s publicist was not immediately returned.

The Sprint Center arena said tickets would be refunded.

First ‘Survivor’ winner claims he’s a victim

BOSTON — “Survivor” winner Richard Hatch says he’s the victim of a “witch hunt” by federal prosecutors.

Hatch completed a tax evasion sentence earlier this month. He complained to NBC’s “Today” show Tuesday that he was taken from his sister’s apartment while wearing boxer shorts in August and held in solitary confinement for 30 days after granting TV interviews without permission.

He called it “the worst time of my time in prison.”

But Barnstable County, Mass., Sheriff James Cummings says Hatch refused to get dressed when deputies arrived to take him to jail. The sheriff also disputes that Hatch was in solitary confinement.

Cummings calls Hatch “a stranger to the truth.” A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Providence, R.I., would not comment.

Hatch was convicted in 2006 of failing to pay taxes on the $1 million he won in 2000 on the CBS reality show.

Today’s birthdays

Country musician Charlie Daniels is 73. Actor Dennis Franz (“NYPD Blue”) is 65. Actress-singer Telma Hopkins (Tony Orlando and Dawn) is 61. Actress Annie Potts is 57. Actress Daphne Zuniga (“Melrose Place”) is 47. Actor-comedian Andy Richter is 43. Actress Julia Roberts is 42. Singer Ben Harper is 40. Country singer Brad Paisley is 37. Actor Joaquin Phoenix is 35. Singer Justin Guarini (“American Idol”) is 31. Guitarist Dave Tirio of Plain White T’s is 30.