newsmakers

newsmakers

Actor Kevin Hart donates 500 computers to hometown Philly

PHILADELPHIA

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has donated 500 computers to schools and the recreation department in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Hart says in a statement that he is “blessed to be in a position that allows me to give back to the city that made me who I am.”

Hart attended local public schools before embarking on an entertainment career that includes the 2011 stand-up special “Laugh at My Pain.” He also has hosted MTV’s Video Music Awards and “Saturday Night Live.”

Mayor Michael Nutter joined Hart on Friday to visit four schools where students will be using the computers.

In all, 300 laptops will go to the financially struggling school district and 200 desktop models will go to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

French director slams Taiwan paparazzi

TAIPEI, Taiwan

French film director Luc Besson on Friday slammed paparazzi in Taiwan for interfering with the shooting of his latest film starring Scarlett Johansson,but denied reports that he considered leaving the island early to underscore his disgust over their actions.

Besson spent 11 days in Taipei filming “Lucy” with Johansson, who plays a drug mule whose contact with a “super-serum” endows her with superhuman abilities.

Meeting reporters in Taipei a day after he finished shooting the Taiwan part of the film, Besson blasted the paparazzi for dogging the production, saying it was his right as a director to keep details, such as Johansson’s hair style and her wardrobe, out of the public eye until “Lucy” is released.

“We don’t want pictures with new dresses of Scarlett,” he said. “Sometime I lost a bit of my concentration because I’m bothered by that.”

Associated Press