newsmakers

newsmakers

Ellen Pompeo: ‘The Emmys felt so dated’

NEW YORK

Ellen Pompeo wasn’t a fan of this year’s Emmy Awards show.

The 43-year-old actress says she “was really disappointed” by Sunday’s telecast.

“I didn’t see any diversity in the Emmys at all. The Emmys felt so dated to me,” she said in an interview Monday. “That dance number was embarrassing. Did you see one person of color in that dance number?”

A few others criticized the Emmys on the same point, though there were minorities represented, including Diahann Carroll, the first black person ever nominated for an Emmy; she paid tribute to “Scandal’s” Kerry Washington, who was by her side. Washington was nominated for best actress in a drama, and had she won, she would have been the first African-American to win the trophy; instead, it went to Claire Danes, star of “Homeland.”

“Grey’s Anatomy” is one of the more diverse shows on television, which Pompeo says is one of her favorite things about the series, which debuts its 10th season on ABC on Thursday.

“I’m extremely proud of our very, very diverse cast which represents the world that I walk around in every day,” she said.

Closing arguments set to begin in Jackson wrongful death trial

LOS ANGELES

After nearly five months of testimony, much of it focused on the mental and physical health of one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers, the Michael Jackson wrongful death case moved closer to a verdict Monday as the judge read her instructions to jurors.

The Jackson family’s attorneys will give their closing arguments Tuesday, followed the next day by lawyers for concert producer and promoter AEG. On Thursday, the Jacksons’ lawyers will do their rebuttal.

After that, the case will be in the hands of the jurors.

Bush: Obama shouldn’t be criticized for playing golf

ORLANDO, Fla.

Former President George W. Bush says President Barack Obama should not be criticized for the amount of golf he plays.

In an excerpt from “In Play with Jimmy Roberts,” airing tonight on the Golf Channel, Bush says he understands the pressures of the White House and that playing golf is a good outlet.

“You know, I see our president criticized for playing golf. I don’t — I think he ought to play golf,” Bush says in the interview. “Because I know what it’s like to be in the bubble. And I know the pressures of the job. And to be able to get outside and play golf with some of your pals is important for the president. It does give you an outlet.”

Wire reports