newsmakers

newsmakers

hBrown won’t discuss Watson’s graduation guard

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Emma Watson had an undercover armed guard with her during graduation ceremonies at Brown University, and a university spokesman says he is unable to answer questions about why.

The 24-year-old British actress best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” movies was one of more than 2,000 students to get a degree from the Ivy League university in Providence on Sunday.

She was photographed sitting and walking next to a woman who was wearing a cap and gown. The same woman, who was older than Watson and her fellow graduates, was later seen escorting Watson without a cap and gown and with a holstered weapon, a badge and other equipment.

Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare says the woman is not a Providence officer.

When asked if the woman was a campus police officer and why the guard was necessary, Brown spokesman Mark Nickel said Tuesday he was “not able to help.”

Watson began her studies at Brown in 2009, the same year she was named the highest-grossing actress of the decade by the Guinness Book of World Records. She earned a degree in English literature.

Her most recent movie is the Biblical epic “Noah,” and she also has starred in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “This is the End.”

Watson’s publicist would not comment.

Sambora to play at anti-drug forum

TOMS RIVER, N.J.

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora is planning to debut a new song at a New Jersey forum on drug abuse.

The event is aimed at raising awareness about abuse of heroin and prescription painkillers along the Jersey shore.

The area, like many across the country, has seen a surge in addictions and related fatalities.

Sambora grew up in northern New Jersey and once owned a home near the shore. He has acknowledged substance-abuse problems in the past.

He is currently on leave from the band.

Associated Press