newsmakers

newsmakers

Doctor’s love life cited in Jackson case

LOS ANGELES

Prosecutors in the case against Michael Jackson’s doctor say they want to show jurors that his complicated love life distracted him from the pop star’s treatment.

In motions filed Thursday, Los Angeles prosecutors also say Dr. Conrad Murray violated doctor-patient confidentiality by trying to impress three girlfriends with the fact that he was treating Jackson.

They say he disclosed medical information to them while withholding it from authorities at the critical time of Jackson’s death and was distracted by phone conversations with the women when Jackson was dying.

Defense attorneys have moved to bar from evidence “sexually scandalous information” including his patronage of strip clubs where he met women.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the pop star’s death. Jury selection resumes May 4.

Studio denies Sheen-return talks

LOS ANGELES

Lawyers for the studio behind “Two and a Half Men” are rejecting Charlie Sheen’s claim that he’s in talks to return to the hit CBS sitcom.

A letter Thursday from attorneys for Warner Bros. Television to Sheen’s lawyer dismisses as “false” Sheen’s comments that discussions are under way to reinstate him.

Details of the letter were confirmed by a person close to the situation who requested anonymity because they lacked authority to speak publicly.

Sheen told a Boston radio station Tuesday that there was an “85 percent” chance of his returning to “Two and a Half Men.” He was fired last month after outbursts directed at the show’s producer.

The letter from the firm of Munger, Tolles & Olson to Sheen’s attorney, Marty Singer, says there are no discussions regarding Sheen rejoining “Two and Half Men,” and there will be none.

Prince William invites unit to his wedding

LONDON

Members of Prince William’s search-and-rescue unit say all 27 of them have been invited to attend the royal wedding later this month.

Crew members of the C Flight 22 unit at Royal Air Force Valley on the Welsh island of Anglesey say that they and their partners will be attending the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on April 29.

Flight Cmdr. Iain “Spike” Wright, William’s line manager, said he was dumbfounded by the invitation, saying it was a “great honor” and would be “quite good fun.”

Discovery launching network for rich men

NEW YORK

Discovery Communications Inc. is launching a television network for rich guys and their toys. Called Velocity, the new network will replace the current network HD Theater in some 40 million homes Sept. 25, Discovery officials said Thursday.

The target audience is men with incomes of $150,000 a year and more.

Programs will include “Chasing Classic Cars,” “Cafe Racer” and “Mecum Auto Auctions.”

Velocity also will televise an upscale sailing race that touches on five oceans, travel programming to upscale locations, adventure sports and “real-life adrenaline shows,” said Robert Scanlon, senior vice president of Velocity.

Associated Press