Posted on Sun, Nov. 08, 2009

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Woods sues over brother's death

Two-time Oscar-nominated actor James Woods has sued a Rhode Island hospital over the 2006 death of his younger brother.

Woods on Friday would not discuss the lawsuit in detail, but told the Associated Press he wants "justice" for his brother, Michael, who was 49 when he died at Kent Hospital in Warwick of what was believed to be a heart attack.

Woods, who is the executor of his brother's estate, claims his brother received negligent medical care. A spokesperson for the hospital did not return an e-mail seeking comment Friday. It was not immediately clear how much money or other damages Woods is seeking through the lawsuit.

A jury was selected last week and lawyers argued motions in court Friday, including one from the defense that sought to restrict the admissibility of statements of bereavement or mourning from Michael Woods's son, Peyton.

Opening statements are scheduled for Monday in Kent County Superior Court.

James Woods, who lived in Warwick growing up, received Oscar nominations for his performances in "Ghosts of Mississippi" and "Salvador." Other credits include "Nixon," "Casino," "Any Given Sunday," and the CBS legal drama "Shark."

It's a private matter

Chris Brown has heard what Rihanna has said about her beating — and while he supports her right to speak out, he wishes she had kept quiet.

"I maintain my position that all of the details should remain a private matter between us," he said in the statement to MTV, People magazine reports online. "I do appreciate her support and wish her the best."

In a "20/20" interview Friday, Rihanna offers a graphic account of the Feb. 7 fight with her then-boyfriend Brown, describing what she calls the terrifying blankness that seemed to come over him as he assaulted her. "He was clearly blacked- out," she says. "There was no person when I looked at him."

Although Brown declined to respond to her specific comments, he again took responsibility.

"I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions," he tells MTV. "At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God."

Jacksons' reality show

The A&E cable network says a reality miniseries about Michael Jackson's family will premiere Dec. 13.

Titled "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," the series focuses on brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare to reunite for a concert tour. It also chronicles their lives as they cope with Michael's drug-induced death in June.

Back-to-back hour episodes will air that night at 8 p.m. CST. There will be six episodes, the network says.

It remains unclear whether Michael Jackson, or his children, will appear in the series.

The cable network had originally announced the show as a documentary special in May, before the star's death.

Sunday news shows

ABC's "This Week" — 8 a.m. on KAKE, Channel 10: Democratic National Chairman Tim Kaine and Republican National Chairman Michael Steele; Army chief of staff Gen. George Casey

CBS's "Face the Nation" — 9:30 a.m. on KWCH, Channel 12: Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.; former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas; Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.

NBC's "Meet the Press" — 8 a.m. on KSNW, Channel 3: Govs. Haley Barbour, R-Miss., and Ed Rendell, D-Pa.

CNN's "State of the Union" — 8 a.m. on Wichita cable Channel 25: Casey; Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell

"Fox News Sunday" — 10 a.m. on Channel 24, Wichita cable Channel 4: McDonnell; Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent; Reps. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Mike Pence, R-Ind.

Another year older

Today's birthdays: Actor Norman Lloyd ("St. Elsewhere"), 95... singer Patti Page, 82... CBS newsman Morley Safer, 78... singer Bonnie Bramlett, 65... singer Bonnie Raitt, 60... "Entertainment Tonight" host Mary Hart, 59... former Playboy CEO Christie Hefner, 57... actress Alfre Woodard, 57... singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones, 55... singer-actor Leif Garrett, 48... actress Courtney Thorne-Smith ("According to Jim," "Ally McBeal"), 42... actress Parker Posey, 41... actor Matthew Rhys ("Brothers and Sisters"), 35... actress Tara Reid ("American Pie"), 34... singer Bucky Covington ("American Idol"), 32... actress Dania Ramirez, 30... TV personality Jack Osbourne ("The Osbournes"), 24.... actress Jessica Lowndes ("90210"), 21