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Jacko Nanny Departs: Grace is Gone

Roger Friedman
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The nanny who raised Michael Jackson’s kids, then turned on him and sold him out when she was fired, is finally history.

Grace Rwaramba is out of the lives of Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson after having an actual fist fight, sources say, with Rebbie Jackson.

Grace started at Neverland in the administrative office in 1994. Once source says she was introduced to Jackson by Deepak Chopra. She worked her way up to nanny in 1997 when Prince as born, and never let go. For years she was Jackson’s sole confidante.

There are often rumors that she and Michael Jackson were lovers, or some such nonsense. But Grace was married in 1995 to Stacey Adair. Last December 2008, she married again, to a fellow Ugandan who’s in the oil business.

Over the years, Rwaramba appeared to be fiercely loyal to Jackson. But last spring, when she was fired for the last time, by Tohme Tohme, she sold her story to Israeli interviewer Daphne Barak. They taped the interview just before Michael died. She quickly returned to the Jackson home, but the interview was revealed. Since the children have lived with their grandmother, Grace clashed with Katherine Jackson over how to raise them.

I am told Rwaramba is still in London, where she’s been trying to stop Barak from selling her interviews. In the meantime, she’s lost her status as the Jackson nanny.

L.A. Times: Jackson Killed by Lethal Dose of Anesthesia

Roger Friedman
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The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Michael Jackson was killed by a lethal dose of propofol, the anesthesia at the center of his murder investigation.

The Times says this information turned up today in an unsealed affidavit from a search warrant in the Jackson case found in Houston. The LAPD investigation of Dr. Conrad Murray took law enforcement to Houston, where Dr. Murray has offices.

Click here for a PDF of the search warrant.

According to the affidavit, Murray gave Jackson the propofol shot at 10:40 a.m. after giving him a variety of other drugs for nine straight hours. The other drugs included a heavy sedatives: valium, lorazepam and midazolam.

Murray told investigators, according to the report, that he’d been treating Jackson for insomnia for six weeks — perhaps giving lie to the original story that he’d been Jackson’s doctor since 2006.

Murray told detectives that he’d been giving Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol every night, but had recently cut the dosage in half because he feared Jackson was becoming addicted to it.

Murray also implicated another doctor, David Adams of Las Vegas, in whose office, he said, Jackson had propofol injections. The detectives also investigated Dr. Arnold Klein and two other doctors. But there was no mention of several doctors with whom Jackson insiders are well acquainted.

This is just tbe beginning, folks.

Dr. Murray Left Michael Jackson for 47 Minutes

Roger Friedman
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murray conrad 175 Dr. Murray Left Michael Jackson for 47 Minutes In the affidavit given by Office E.G. Chance of the Houston Police Department, Michael Jackson is quoted as calling propofol, the dangerous drug that likely killed him, his “milk.” Apparently it has a milky appearance.

While propofol was being administered to Jackson at 10:40 a.m. on June 25, his doctor ‘ Conrad Murray ‘ left his side for 47 minutes to make phone calls. When Dr. Murray returned to Jackson’s bedside, the singer was not breathing.

Dr. Murray did not tell this to police when he was interviewed on June 27. But according to Officer Chance’s affidavit, discovered by the Los Angeles Times, Murray lied to police and said he was away from Jackson’s side for not more than two minutes. It was only by going through Murray’s phone records that the police discovered he was lying.

Murray, according to his cell records, was on the phone from 11:18 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. He told police later that he’d realized Michael had stopped breathing at 11 a.m. But the implication in the police report is that he didn’t notice for a full hour. By that time, it was probably too late. And even, according to the report, Los Angeles Fire Dept. Rescue responded to a call at 12:22 p.m., meaning Dr. Murray did not instantly call 911 when he realized what had happened while he was on the phone.

Basterd-ization of Hollywood: A $38 Million Weekend

Roger Friedman
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The big box-office news is that Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Bastards” grossed $38 million domestically over its first weekend.

The predictions had been for $30 million, and those were hopeful.

Over at another industry website, the writer jumped the gun Friday night, put in low numbers, then had to keep correcting herself.

But the movie did very, very well; $14.35 million on Friday night, $12.9 million last night, and an expected $10.3 million today. The result is $37.6 million and change. Rounded up after all the counting, it will come to $38 mil.

Why is it an exceptional story? Because the New York Times last week tried to make “Basterds” a bellwether for the end of the Weinstein Company. “Clerks” director Kevin Smith, who owes his career to Harvey Weinstein, made some unfortunate comments. A pile-on was starting to happen.

But the Weinsteins have been in business for 30 years. They’ve had five tough years recently. That’s all changing now. After “Basterds” comes “Halloween II,’ which should do well. The big fish for the fall is Rob Marshall’s “Nine.” It’s a certain Oscar nominee. And from the looks of advance footage, “Nine” is going to be spectacular.The all-star cast of Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Sophia Loren should put it right over the top.

Big Hollywood, aka the studios, don’t like the New York film business. They don’t like indies, and they’re crossing their collective fingers for failure reports. It’s not going to happen. TWC lives to see another day. And as they say these days, it’s all good.

Brad Pitt, Heidi Klum Boost Weinstein Co.

Roger Friedman
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It’s good news for those “Inglourious Basterds.” Quentin Tarantino’s World War II romp, starring Brad Pitt, took in an estimated $14.3 million last night.

That means that The Weinstein Co. can expect a stunning first weekend take of $35-$38 million depending on how the film does tonight (Saturday). If word of mouth is good this morning, then hold on. Quentin Tarantino hasn’t had such a good opening since “Kill Bill, Part 2.” That was five and a half years ago. It’s also tbe best Friday night for TWC since “Scary Movie 4″ in 2006.

“Basterds” is only part of the TWC’s comeback weekend. Their “Project Runway” on Lifetime scored 45% higher ratings in its debut than its best numbers on Bravo. Maybe leaving Bravo and starting a legal war was worth it after all! Heidi Klum’s little fashion show looks like it’s going to have its peak season, with more rending of fabrics, gnashing of capped teeth and knifing in the back than ever.

Jackson Movie Will Play in Theaters Just 2 Weeks

Roger Friedman
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Sony’announced yesterday that “This is It,” the Michael Jackson movie of his rehearsals up until the day he died, will get a limited release.

The film’for which Sony paid $60 million’will play in theaters for just two weeks. That’s it, two weeks. Maybe three if it’s really popular. But this way, everyone involved is hopeful of sold-out shows day and night.

And then? A super DVD package for Christmas. That shouldn’t be too difficult. “This is It” will open on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and end its run on Nov. 13. DVDs could easily be ready to ship to stores right after Thanksgiving. The package would be No. 1 overnight.

This is another of the very good moves by Jackson’s estate, led by executors John Branca and John McClain. If only Katherine Jackson’s legal team would step out of the way and let them do their jobs.

Today, Mrs. Jackson’s lawyers are sending everyone back into court to fight yet again over the estate’s agreement with AEG Live over touring a show of Michael’s memorabilia. This is the same show that Julien’s Auctions put on last April at the Robinsons-May store in Beverly Hills.

Hello? In the two months since Michael died, the estate has brought in $100 million or more, including $5.5 million they got back from Tohme Tohme, Michael’s former manager. Mrs. Jackson’s lawyers don’t seem to like this because they’re not in on it. Mrs. Jackson says she wants to go over these decisions with her financial advisers. That’s a team consisting of her son, Randy, daughter La Toya, and Leonard Rowe, the twice-incarcerated concert promoter who was successfully sued by R. Kelly. She might be better off asking strangers!

Shortage of Best Actresses in the Coming Oscar Season

Roger Friedman
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Carey Mulligan (Getty photo)

Carey Mulligan (Getty photo)

We may be in trouble, folks. Even though the Academy has opened up Best Picture to 10 nominees, there seems to be a shortage of choices in another category.

There’s an alarming scarcity in the Best Actress division. Not only has this been a pretty terrible year for movies in general, it’s been worse for women. For some reason, no one’s written them any good leading roles. There are plenty in the Supporting Actress category, but very few and far between in lead.

Here’s what we’ve got to pull from: Meryl Streep in either “It’s Complicated” or “Julie & Julia“; Renee Zellweger in “My One and Only“; newcomer Carey Mulligan in “An Education“; two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank in “Amelia“; Emily Blunt in “The Young Victoria“; Mimi Kennedy in “In The Loop“; Evan Rachel Wood in “Whatever Works”; Penelope Cruz in “Broken Embraces“; Rachel Weisz in “The Lovely Bones“; Natalie Portman in “Brothers“; Ellen Page in “Whip It” and perhaps one of the many actresses from “Nine,” although they seem to be supporting parts.

Of course, if HBO had released “Grey Gardens” to theatres, Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange would be in the race. Alas, they’ve gone on to get all the television awards.

Otherwise, it’s slim pickings this year. If someone out there knows of any other candidates, send them in ASAP. And P.S., who’s the breakout star in that group of names above? Carey Mulligan. Remember, you heard it here first.

Who’s Going to Pay for this Jacko Funeral?

Roger Friedman
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Michael Jackson, still not buried properly, faces yet another burial postponement.

The most recent announcement was that Michael would be buried on August 29th, his birthday. This seemed odd to this column since Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate birthdays.

But now the date is postponed to September 3rd because the Jacksons say they aren’t ready. Michael is ready, trust me. But the city of Glendale says they’re charging the Jacksons $50,000 for police protection. The question is, who will pay this bill?

It turns out that the big Staples Center memorial and the mishegos that preceded it at Forest Lawn–limos, etc–cost AEG Live $600,000. The Jacksons did not pay for it. In fact, in court today sources say AEG may try and get the money back from the Jackson estate.

The main problem with all this parading around–funerals, services, etc– is that the Jacksons do not have any money. Other than what they’ve managed to exploit from Michael’s death, they have no actual income. For years, the family lived on Michael’s handouts. But now that he’s gone, there’s a crisis, insiders say.

But here’s a solution: why not just have a simple internment at Forest Lawn, unannounced and without any fanfare? That would cost a lot less than $50 Gs.

Penelope Cruz NOT Pregnant, Muchas Gracias

Roger Friedman
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penelope cruz 2 Penelope Cruz NOT Pregnant, Muchas GraciasWe can all put away our baby gifts. Penelope Cruz is not pregnant.

Despite reports all over the Internet that culminated in a local tabloid’s speculation, Cruz is not expecting a child. I got the info from one of her close buddies (for real).

In fact, Penelope appeared in London and Berlin less than a month ago to promote her new movie, Pedro Almodovar’s “Broken Embraces.” She was very clearly not pregnant and not attempting to hide any “baby bump.”

If Penelope’s off the circuit for a couple of weeks, maybe she’s taking a vacation! She should. In a couple of weeks, the “Broken Embraces” publicity will kick into high gear as the movie is shown at several film festivals before its September opening. And then, of course, there will be an Oscar campaign. Not a good time for morning sickness.

Maybe this rumor got started because at the Cannes Film Festival in late May, Penelope got a stomach flu. She was pretty green around the gills. But if she’d been a month pregnant at the end of May. she’d be showing by now. And by the looks of her recent pictures, it ain’t so. We’ll have to defer to her friend, and put away the rocking chairs for the time being.

Jackson Estate Wins Crucial Victory Over Family’s Objections

Roger Friedman
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The executors for Michael Jackson’s estate won a crucial victory today in Los Angeles Probate Court. Judge Mitchell Beckloff has approved a deal with AEG Live to send Michael’s memorabilia on a tour to New York, London, and Tokyo. The exhibition should add $6 million to the estate’s coffers.

The day was a victory for Michael’s estate and yet another failure added to Katherine Jackson’s legal wranglings. But it’s not Katherine herself who’s incurred these losses, but the lawyers representing the Jackson family. They’ve been spurred on by Joseph Jackson, who’s tried to stop the estate at every turn from moving forward.

Interestingly, the judge refused to let Michael’s brother, Randy, testify. The family’s lawyers argued that Randy was an expert. The judge was incredulous, and said no. If Randy had taken the stand, it would have been a disaster. His short run as Michael’s manager produced nothing but lawsuits and anger. He was eventually fired.

Also not testifying today was Leonard Rowe, the ex-con shady concert promoter who was touted by the Jacksons as their financial adviser.

Even the attorney guardian for Michael’s children approved the AEG deal.

John Branca, executor for Michael and his long time attorney, testified in closed court over the phone from a family vacation. His testimony was said to be most persuasive.

That leaves little more room for Katherine Jackson’s side to keep objecting to the estate’s deals. Sources at the Hayvenhurst house say Mrs. Jackson is barely aware of all this, and that she is still grieving for her son. But someone had better tell her that legal bills are now running into the millions, and that she hasn’t had one victory in court yet. And in the end, despite the court agitations having been brought by other family members, the bill is going to wind up being paid from Katherine’s inheritance. Ouch!

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