newsmakers

newsmakers

PBS says it had to move fast after Willard arrest

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

PBS President Paula Kerger said Saturday the decision to remove Fred Willard as narrator of the new public TV series “Market Warriors” had to be made quickly.

Willard’s lewd-conduct arrest last week prompted concern that the “unfortunate circumstances” would distract from the show that debuted last week, Kerger said.

PBS has high hopes for the new show, which is intended as a companion to its highest-rated series, “Antiques Roadshow.”

Within 24 hours of his arrest, Willard was replaced by Mark Walberg, host of “Antiques Roadshow.” Walberg’s new voiceover was done in time for the second episode airing Monday, Kerger told a meeting of the Television Critics Association.

Best known as the announcer in the film “Best in Show,” Willard was arrested Wednesday night for investigation of committing a lewd act. He was taken into custody by police doing a routine check at a Hollywood adult theater.

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office determined Friday that Willard’s case was eligible for a diversion program that will keep him from being formally charged with lewd conduct if he completes the required courses. Willard will pay $380 for the program.

Willard said in a video posted Thursday by celebrity website TMZ that his arrest was a misunderstanding and denied wrongdoing.

Willard was nominated four times for Emmys for guest roles on TV’s “Modern Family” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” In Pixar’s 2008 hit “WALL-E,” he voiced the character of Shelby Forthright, the CEO of a ubiquitous big-box chain called Buy’n’Large.

21 burned in walk over hot coals at Robbins event

SAN JOSE, Calif.

Fire officials said 21 people at an event hosted by motivational speaker Tony Robbins suffered burns while walking across hot coals, and three of the injured were treated at hospitals.

The injuries took place during the first day Thursday of a four-day event at the San Jose Convention Center hosted by Robbins called “Unleash the Power Within.” Most of those hurt had second- and third-degree burns, said San Jose Fire Department Capt. Reggie Williams.

Robbins Research International said in a written statement that 6,000 attendees of the event walked across the coals Thursday.

Organizers had an “open burn permit” and medical staff at the event, and there also was a fire inspector on the scene, Williams said.

Associated Press