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In the news
By Times staff report A federal court has refused to block the sale and distribution of an X-rated, animated Star Wars spoof. Lucasfilm Ltd. sued Media Market Group Ltd., the New York producers of Starballz, for copyright and trademark infringement in October. George Lucas alleged that similarities between Starballz and Star Wars could confuse consumers into thinking Lucasfilm sponsored or produced the X-rated movie that mocks the Star Wars story line. A federal judge in San Francisco said there was "little likelihood of confusion" between the films. Lucasfilm spokeswoman Lynne Hale said the company had not decided whether it would appeal. Hurley's ex-flame files 2nd suitMillionaire producer Steve Bing is suing a second British newspaper for libel in the ongoing saga of his involvement with pregnant model-actor Elizabeth Hurley. Bing, who has questioned Hurley's assertion that he is the father of her child, due in April, filed this suit against the Daily Mail, his agent told Reuters. The suit concerns a Dec. 22 article that said Bing hired a private investigator to dig up dirt on Hurley to damage her reputation. "Under no circumstances is it my intention to hurt Ms. Hurley in any way, shape or form, and any reports that I have hired a private detective in an attempt to damage her reputation are completely false," Bing said in a statement. He wants damages and an injunction to keep the paper from republishing its claims. Bing also is suing the Mirror for calling him a "sleazeball" after he questioned whether he is the father of the baby and published his business telephone number with the suggestion readers call him. Actors union resets voteThe Screen Actors Guild will launch its rerun elections earlier than expected, setting Feb. 11 for sending out ballots and March 8 as the return deadline. Results will be announced that evening, Variety says. The committee tossed out the results of November's election three weeks ago due to procedural violations by union staff and polling administrator Sequoia Voting Systems. All 10 candidates for president, secretary and treasurer have agreed to run again. The winners the first time were Melissa Gilbert for president, Elliott Gould as secretary and Kent McCord (Adam-12) as treasurer. Banderas to BroadwayAntonio Banderas will make his Broadway debut next January in a revival of the 1982 Tony-winning musical Nine, based on Federico Fellini's classic 8-1/2. Banderas, a Spaniard, will play the role of Guido, an Italian movie director having a midlife crisis who re-examines his many relationships with women. Raul Julia originated the role on Broadway.
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From the wire |
