NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Children’s museum removes Michael Jackson items

INDIANAPOLIS

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has removed three Michael Jackson items from exhibits after a new documentary renewed allegations of child sexual abuse against the late singer and Gary native.

The Indianapolis Star reported that a fedora and glove Jackson wore onstage and a Jackson poster are no longer on display at the museum.

Chris Carron, the museum’s director of collections, says it wants items on display to tell stories of “people of high character.”

The HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” featured accounts from two men who say Jackson groomed them for sex and molested them when they were young. Allegations of sexual abuse shadowed Jackson throughout much of his adult life. Jackson was acquitted on child-molestation charges in 2005. He died in 2009.

O’Hara honors late friend every night

NEW YORK

Kelli O’Hara was devastated by the recent death of fellow Broadway veteran Marin Mazzie, so she decided to honor her friend quietly onstage as she performs one of Mazzie’s old roles in the latest revival of “Kiss Me, Kate.”

“I have her with me every night. I make my entrance in the hat she made her entrance in,” the Tony Award-winning actress said Thursday at the opening night of the musical.

In addition to the hat, O’Hara and actress Stephanie Styles offer fans another special gesture, even if they may not be aware of it. Both actresses fight over a dress onstage – the same one Mazzie wore in her final scene.

“So, Marin Mazzie is on our stage with us every night. And her life made such an impact on me, so I carry with her every night. She was one of the strongest women I know,” O’Hara said.

Mazzie, a three-time Tony Award nominee known for powerhouse Broadway performances, died in September of ovarian cancer. She was 57.

Celebrity stylist Mandelkorn goes thrifting for a cause

NEW YORK

As a celebrity stylist, Ali Mandelkorn is usually surrounded by designer duds, so getting back to some of her favorite fashion vibes, vintage and thrift, was a treat.

She went deep into the racks of a Goodwill store in Los Angeles for a collection released Friday that will benefit employment programs for the disabled and disadvantaged run by the nonprofit’s Southern California operation.

“I love clothes, and I just feel like vintage shopping has always been a part of my vernacular,” said Mandelkorn, who has been working with red-carpet standout Janelle Monae for more than a year. “Part of the fun is going on the hunt and uncovering gems.”

Associated Press