Is Sharon Stone back in good graces with celebrity AIDS organization amfAR? It was twoyears ago that this column caused a commotion when I reported that AmFAR had bounced Stone as emcee and celebrity auctioneer at their annual Cannes Film Festival gala. Stone told me at a dinner for Michael Douglas at the ’21’ Club that she hadn’t been asked back for the 2010 dinner after years of service and much fundraising of millions. (amfAR didn’t like that story, and banned me from the event, too.)Here’s that original story: http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/04/20/shock-sharon-stone-out-as-cannes-amfar-auction-star
Stone wasn’t back last year either, and has remained off the amfAR radar since then except for an appearance at an LA fundraiser in October 2010. But a recent press release suggests that maybe relations (at least between Stone and the group) have improved. They’re sending her to Sao Paolo for their 2nd annual Inspiration gala on April 26th. The dinner is honoring photographer Mario Testino, and Grace Jones is going to perform her cutting edge disco hits from the 70s.
There’s no word yet on whether Stone will be invited this year to Cannes. Brazil may be a testing of the waters. Stone was criticized for being “over the top” during the Cinema Against AIDS event in 2009, but frankly, she’s the main draw.
With the Cannes event a little over a month away, there’s also been no indication of who the big musical act will be–although the word is AmFar has reached out to Mariah Carey. With one year old twins and a recuperating husband, however, it’s unclear if Carey can make the trip.
Related: http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/05/19/how-madonna-got-one-million-bucks-out-of-amfar