NEWSMAKERS | Sex-scandal teen to attend Opera Ball

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Sex-scandal teen to attend Opera Ball

VIENNA

A camera-happy Austrian says he’s booked a young woman linked to the sex scandal engulfing Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi as his companion for the Vienna Opera Ball on March 3. Richard Lugner is a 78-year-old construction mogul who is a regular on reality TV and known for his young girlfriends and quirky ways. Every year, he takes a different celebrity to the flashy bash amid much media attention.

Lugner said Tuesday he’s received a completed contract from Karima el-Mahroug, an 18-year-old nicknamed Ruby, who is at the heart of the scandal. She replaces actress Bo Derek and two other unnamed celebrities who fell through in recent weeks. Lugner’s past dates include Paris Hilton and Nicollette Sheridan.

‘Fan cut’ of Bieber film to be released

NEW YORK

A “fan cut” of the documentary “Justin Bieber: Never Say Die” will be released Friday. Paramount announced Monday that director Jon M. Chu has re-edited the Bieber concert film based on fan suggestions. The studio says the new 115-minute cut includes 40 minutes of new footage. Chu followed Bieber for 10 days on a recent concert tour. He said he had an “embarrassment of riches” in leftover footage and sought out suggestions from Bieber fans on Twitter and Facebook.

September release for book on Palin

JUNEAU, Alaska

The author accused of helping leak an unpublished tell-all on Sarah Palin is releasing his own book on the former Alaska governor this summer. Amazon.com lists a Sept. 20 release date for author Joe McGinniss’ “The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin.”

McGinniss made headlines last year when he moved next to the Palins in Wasilla while researching the book. The move prompted complaints by Palin, who extended the fence between their properties. More recently, McGinniss has been accused of helping leak a draft of an unpublished tell-all by former Palin aide Frank Bailey.

Shakira photos hacked, says Spanish agency

MADRID

A Spanish photo agency says coveted shots of Shakira holding hands with Barcelona football player Gerard Pique that are circulating on the Internet had been stolen by a computer hacker. The agency Gtres-Online and other agencies had been planning to sell these photos to Spanish and other publications as exclusives.

Gtres-Online sales director Manuel Montero told The Associated Press on Tuesday the photos taken by paparazzi were stolen by a hacker, probably from a temporary Internet file that agencies like his use. Montero said the shots of the couple outside a Barcelona restaurant were then downloaded onto a Shakira fan website called Shakira Gallery.

Brooks, Leon Russell among hall inductees

NEW YORK

Garth Brooks is being immortalized for his songwriting skills. The country superstar is one of five acts to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 16. The announcement was made Tuesday by the group’s chairman, Jimmy Webb.

Leon Russell also is part of the inductee class, making it the second hall-of-fame honor for him this year; next month, he’ll be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fellow piano man Allen Toussaint will be inducted as well, along with John Bettis, who wrote “Human Nature” and “Crazy for You,” and the team of Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who wrote songs including “Like A Virgin” and “True Colors.”

Vindicator wire services