newsmakers

newsmakers

‘Buckwild’ canceled after death of star

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

MTV said Wednesday it is canceling its West Virginia-based reality TV show “BUCKWILD” a week after the accidental death of 21-year-old star Shain Gandee.

Network spokesman Jake Urbanski confirmed the news, saying it was “not an easy decision.”

“But given Shain’s tragic passing and essential presence on the show, we felt it was not appropriate to continue without him,” the network said. “Instead, we are working on a meaningful way to pay tribute to his memory on our air and privately.”

On Sunday, MTV will air a special, “BUCKWILD: WV to the NYC,” which was shot before second-season filming had begun. The network said Shain’s parents, Dale and Loretta Gandee, support the move.

Gandee and two others were found dead of carbon-monoxide poisoning April 1. Gandee’s SUV was stuck in a mud pit near his home in Sissonville, its tail pipe submerged. That could have allowed the invisible gas to fill the vehicle’s cabin.

Rogers, Bare, Clement named to hall of fame

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

The Country Music Hall of Fame recognized pioneers who are responsible for the genre’s growing diversity by selecting its new class of Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and Jack Clement.

The trio of trailblazing inductees attended a news conference Wednesday at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to announce the class of 2013.

Each has made a significant impact on country music, making bold decisions that helped spread the genre beyond its traditional borders.

Malawi harshly criticizes Madonna

BLANTYRE, Malawi

The Malawi government issued an angry attack on the pop diva Madonna on Wednesday, alleging she expected to be granted VIP treatment during her controversial tour to this southern African country last week.

A strongly worded statement issued Wednesday by the president’s office, State House, in the capital, Lilongwe, accused Madonna of using her fame and money to press the government of Malawi to give her VIP treatment.

“Granted, Madonna is a famed international musician. But that does not impose an injunction of obligation on any government under whose territory Madonna finds herself, including Malawi, to give her state treatment. Such treatment, even if she deserved it, is discretionary not obligatory,” said the statement, signed by State House Press Officer Tusekele Mwanyongo, apparently referring to the singer’s annoyance at being stripped of her VIP status on departure from Malawi on Saturday.

Madonna, who has had VIP treatment during her previous visits — including when she jetted into the country April 1 — apparently was surprised when she and her travelling party had to line up with ordinary passengers and be frisked by airport security.

Vindicator wire services