The Access Entertainment Week In Review

The week began with Paris Hilton front and center, as it was reported that the hotel heiress’ lawyers had filed a handwritten appeal to the 45-day jail sentence handed to her by a Los Angeles judge on Friday for violating probation by driving on a suspended license.

“I told the truth yesterday. I feel that I was treated unfairly,” Paris told the paparazzi while she was out shopping with her mother on Saturday.

On Tuesday, it was reported that fans of Hilton had begun an online petition asking California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to let Paris off the hook for her “mistake,” writing that “she didn’t hurt or kill anyone, and she has learned her lesson.” A rep for Schwarzenegger told Access they hadn’t even received the petition, and that it was “premature” to engage in a discussion over the petition until Paris has “exhausted all of her legal remedies.” Even then, “Governor Schwarzenegger would only act in extraordinary cases,“ the rep said.

That same day, Paris’ longtime publicist, Elliot Mintz, announced that Hilton had rehired him after firing him just the day before — blaming him on the stand in court for allegedly not understanding that she wasn’t allowed to drive on a suspended license. He said upon his rehiring that he will be by Paris‘ side through her court appeal and beyond.

Paris then hired a new attorney — a DUI specialist — who released a statement on Paris’ behalf, saying (in part): “No one is above the law. I surely am not. I do not expect to be treated better than anyone else who violated probation. However, my hope is that I will not be treated worse.”

Some celebrities offered their opinions on Paris’ sentencing, including Larry King, Jane Fonda, and Lindsay Lohan; while a rather modest rally took place in New York City in support of Paris’ freedom. Meanwhile, authorities remarked on Thursday that she could actually end up serving less than 45 days, due to state policies concerning good behavior and jail overcrowding.

“American Idol” continued its stampede toward its finale this week, as the four remaining finalists worked with Barry Gibb and performed the songs of The Bee Gees. The performances drew less-than-positive reviews from the judges overall, but Jordin Sparks’ rendition of “To Love Somebody” got big props from Randy, Paula and Simon. The following night’s show saw the teary elimination of LaKisha Jones, who received the least amount of votes following Tuesday night’s performances.

Despite her elimination, LaKisha is being honored by her proud hometown of Flint, Michigan, with a parade and a key to the city. Ousted “Idol” finalist Sanjaya Malakar also received a grand reception this week in his hometown of Federal Way, Washington.

Billy Ray Cyrus was eliminated from “Dancing With the Stars” this week, following a dramatic Monday night performance show in which judge Bruno Tonioli caused a stir when he commented on Billy’s performance, saying “You always are deliciously awful. This was terrible, it was crap.” The unflappable Billy Ray stayed positive on elimination night, expressing his delight at meeting Muhammad Ali, who was in the audience the night before to support his daughter, Laila Ali.

Johnny Depp spoke with Access’ Maria Menounos in London about his daughter, who is recovering from a serious illness. He also spoke about the possible future of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.

It was a big week for movie news, as “Spider-Man 3” shattered box office records upon its opening, Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz reunited at the premiere of “Shrek theThird,” and Fonda & Lohan came clean about the rumors of tensions on the set of “Georgia Rule.”

In music news, Britney Spears fans were treated to one more House of Blues show – this one in Las Vegas last weekend, Janet Jackson rehearsed for the gala grand opening of a new resort in the Bahamas, Annie Lennox dealt with the aftermath of her daughter’s wild house party, and Ne-Yo dominated the Billboard album chart.

For some celebrities, things got personal this week.

Tammy Faye Messner wrote a letter on her Web site that doctors had stopped trying to treat her cancer, and that she was down to a weight of only 65 pounds.

A Los Angeles judge suspended David Hasselhoff’s visitation privileges with his two teenage daughters, pending further review of a video showing the actor apparently intoxicated. In an interview that aired locally in Las Vegas just days before the infamous video was leaked to the media, Hasselhoff opened up about his daughters, his portrayal in the media, and his hopes for a bright future.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” star Ty Pennington was charged with two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, and actor Tom Sizemore was arrested on drug charges when police said they found two bags of suspected methamphetamine and other drug-related paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Lindsay Lohan and her mother, Dina, were sued by a photographer who alleges that Lohan struck him with her car in New York on March 13, although Lindsay said he “faked it” when she appeared on Letterman.

To end on a sunnier note, Angelina Jolie opened up about the joys of parenting her four children with partner Brad Pitt, and Kevin Costner and “My Name is Earl” star Jaime Pressly both welcomed new additions to their own families.