newsmakers

newsmakers

Firefighters off hook for porn-film shoots

LOS ANGELES

Firefighters who allowed porn producers to use Los Angeles firetrucks in sex films won’t face discipline. The Los Angeles Times reports the city charter prevents the fire department from taking disciplinary action for incidents that are more than 2 years old.

The firetruck porn shoots first were reported last month by KNBC-TV. Fire Chief Brian Cummings, who ordered an investigation after the TV report, wrote to Councilman Dennis Zine saying the two incidents occurred on or before 2008 and the charter prevented him from taking action.

One incident involved Firehouse 63 in Venice. The firetruck was used for a film starring adult actress Charley Chase, who is shown climbing on the vehicle. The other film involved Firehouse 41 in Hollywood.

MTV to livestream 55-hour dance party

NEW YORK

MTV is hoping to set a world record with a marathon dance party.

The network will live-stream a dance party aiming to surpass the 55-hour record set in Ireland in 2006. The dance party will be a featured part of MTV’s second O Music Awards, a newfangled award show that celebrates digital music.

The party will begin Oct. 29 and run into the Oct. 31 OMAs. The first OMAs in April featured rapper Chiddy of Chiddy Bang breaking the Guinness world record for longest freestyle rap.

The second OMAs will take place in Los Angeles, with the dance party taking place in a separate LA location.

The livestream also will promote awareness for LGBT youth issues, and urge viewers to donate to several organizations.

Director vows silence after Hitler remarks

COPENHAGEN, Denmark

Danish film director Lars von Trier says he’s facing charges of violating a French law against justification of war crimes over statements he made about Adolf Hitler and Jews during the film festival in Cannes.

Von Trier addressed the investigation in a brief statement Wednesday that he said would be his last.

“Due to these serious accusations, I have realized that I do not possess the skills to express myself unequivocally, and I have therefore decided from this day forth to refrain from all public statements and interviews,” von Trier said.

The director said he was questioned by police in North Zealand, Denmark, in connection with charges made by the prosecution of Grasse in France.

Rocker Rod Stewart to write memoir

NEW YORK

Rod Stewart has joined the parade of rock stars writing memoirs.

The raspy-voiced singer of hits including “Maggie May” and “Tonight’s the Night” has a deal with Crown Archetype for a book to come out in fall 2012.

Neil Young, Courtney Love and Gregg Allman are among the other stars working on books.

Vindicator wire services