Entertainment Briefs October 22, 2010
Elton John says America needs more compassion
NEW YORK - Elton John says he's heartbroken by a mean tone that he says is enveloping America.
John spoke at his annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit Monday night and honored the memory of AIDS activist Ryan White, who died 20 years ago. The teen contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion and faced ostracism and discrimination. White worked to combat prejudice and ignorance associated with the disease until his death.
John and White became close friends during White's crusade; John said White is the reason why he started his foundation, which has doled out tens of millions of dollars to AIDS-related causes.
However, the legendary singer said some things have not changed since White died in 1990.
"I'm saddened and disturbed to realize we are still dealing with the same problems," John said.
"Ryan White was an amazing boy who had no prejudice, no bitterness," he added. "God do we need that kind of thing in America at this moment."
The British superstar professed his love for the United States, but said there is an increasing hostility in the country that "breaks my heart."
Speaking before a crowd that included Hugh Jackman, Anderson Cooper, Christina Ricci and Billie Jean King, John condemned people who say "ridiculous horrible things" without thinking of the consequences of what they are saying.
Conan O'Brien's staff trains
camera on itself
NEW YORK - Conan O'Brien is building the hype for his upcoming TBS talk show with the debut of a 24-hour "Coco Cam" online that shows live video from his office.
The "Coco Cam" is trained on an office stairwell. Its first-day highlights included a dancing man in a taco costume and another who gave a dramatic reading from behind a podium while passersby threw things at him.
The first hour had an aerobics session with women in 1980s-era workout gear.
O'Brien, former NBC "Tonight" show host, is counting down the days toward his Nov. 8 debut. Other promotional highlights have included a blimp with "Conan" that has drifted around stadiums during Major League Baseball playoff games that TBS is broadcasting.
Rihanna leaves
her manager
NEW YORK - Rihanna is now under Jay-Z's umbrella.
The Grammy-winning pop singer has parted ways with manager Marc Jordan and is now being managed by Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management.
Rihanna said in a statement Wednesday that she's "so excited to take this next step in my career."
The 22-year-old is also launching a new company called Rihanna Entertainment. She says it will "merge all of her businesses, including music, film, fragrance fashion and book ventures."
Jay-Z signed Rihanna to Def Jam in 2005. She has released four albums and plans to release her fifth CD, "Loud," on Nov. 16.
- The Associated Press