All eyes were on Rosie O’Donnell this week, as the enigmatic TV personality went from cracking wise about Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch on Monday, to making a startling announcement about her future with “The View” on Wednesday.
The media was abuzz early in the week with reports that Rosie had made some off-color remarks about Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch at the New York Women in Communication Matrix Awards luncheon in New York. Rosie hosted the event, and along with quipping about long-time sparring partner Donald Trump, she made a point of stressing the irony of her having to introduce Murdoch as a presenter, hurling a few wisecracks in his direction in front of a distinguished crowd.
Two days later, Rosie made a move that promptly eclipsed the Murdoch incident, by announcing that she would officially be leaving “The View” (her television home for the past year) in June.
“This has been an amazing experience, and one I wouldn’t have traded for the world,” she said in a statement. “Working with Barbara, Joy and Elisabeth has been one of the highlights of my career, but my needs for the future just didn’t dovetail with what ABC was able to offer me.”
Walters expressed her deep sorrow at Rosie’s departure, insisting that she did not want her to leave, and that she had nothing to do with Rosie’s failed negotiations with ABC — despite Trump’s claim that Walters wanted her off the show and that she was fired by ABC.
Speculation is rampant over what Rosie is going to do next, with rumors swirling about a “Nip/Tuck” spin-off on FX, a new talk show, and even a return trip to Broadway. Former “View” co-hosts Meredith Vieira and Star Jones Reynolds weighed in on Rosie’s announcement, and joined in the speculation about her departure and future plans.
Alec Baldwin continued to make news this week, following last week’s leak of a damaging voicemail left by him for his daughter, Ireland. Baldwin’s ex-wife, Kim Basinger, denied Baldwin’s accusation that she was the one who leaked the voicemail to the Internet, while at the same time claiming the voicemail was not actually sealed under a court order, as Baldwin had claimed. Kim went on to refer to Alec’s “unstable and irrational behavior” in a statement.
Reports surfaced mid-week that Baldwin had left his long-time management at Creative Arts Agency (CAA) for “personal reasons,” and went on to say, “If I never acted again I couldn’t care less,” in a pre-taped appearance for ABC’s “The View,” which aired on Friday. He specifically said on “The View” that he asked NBC to let him out of his “30 Rock” contract so he can devote his time to the issue of “parental alienation.” NBC reportedly shot down the idea, stating that Baldwin was an important part of the sitcom, and that he would remain on the show.
“American Idol” had a big week, even for them. The star-studded charity special “Idol Gives Back” aired over the course of two nights, raising over $60 million for children in need in Africa and the United States. The six finalists performed inspirational songs on Tuesday night, receiving over 70 million votes in total. In a surprising twist, Wednesday’s elimination kept with the charitable spirit, and none of the final six were sent packing.
The same can’t be said for Heather Mills, though, who departed “Dancing With The Stars” on Tuesday, following an impressive run for the disabled contestant. “We knew we were going out,” said the estranged Mrs. Paul McCartney when she learned her fate. “We were in the bottom two last week. We’re not surprised.” She thanked her fans for their support, as well as the cast and crew, noting that she managed to raise a lot of money to save endangered animals (her charity of choice).
Britney Spears was the subject of a rumor this week, which claimed that she might be taken under the managerial wing of Joe Simpson, father to Ashlee and Jessica. This came right on the heels of a public dispute with her own father, stemming from her recent firing of long-time manager Larry Rudolph. A source told Access that the Simpson rumor was untrue. Britney also made news, albeit indirectly, when an eager paparazzo climbed a light pole in a dangerous attempt to capture a shot of her.
“Sanjaya mania” was full steam ahead this week, as he made the media rounds to discuss his future plans after being eliminated from “American Idol” — including spots on the morning shows, Letterman , and even a trip to the White House!
Other highlights for the week include Larry Birkhead’s victory over an appeal by Anna Nicole’s mother attempting to block Birkhead from leaving the Bahamas with baby Dannielynn, a trip to the slammer for “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis after being found in contempt of court, an arrest for R&B singer Eve for allegedly driving drunk, and an arrest warrant issued for Richard Gere in India for violating public obscenity. This week also featured the triumphant returns of Regis Philbin and film critic Roger Ebert following life-threatening problems with their health.
Capping off the week was the incredible story of Sandra Bullock and husband Jesse James. James was allegedly attacked by an unstable woman who he claims attempted to run him over with her car four times. The woman has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, and Bullock and James are without injury.
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