No animals were harmed during this photo shoot with Kim Kardashian.

That's the reality star's message to fans who reacted negatively to a photo she posted online showing her holding a cat by the scruff of the neck during a shoot over the weekend.

Kardashian, 29, wrote in a blog post Monday: "Rest assured, the owner and vet were on set and showed me how to pick him up. The cat was not harmed in any way and is perfectly fine! I love animals and would never do anything to harm any animals."

Animal-rights groups didn't strongly condemn Kardashian – clearly she wasn't intentionally harming the cat – but did say her actions weren't ideal.

A rep for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals told the New York Daily News: "Kim Kardashian isn't the only person who mistakenly thinks that because a mother cat picks up her kittens by the scruff of the neck that a supportive hand under the rump isn't needed. But I'll bet plenty of fans have let her know – nicely, we hope!"

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' L.A. chapter said kittens can be held by the scruff for a brief amount of time but warned that "the manner in which Ms. Kardashian is holding the kitten could lead others to mishandle animals."

Harold and Kumar star Kal Penn, who under his real name Kalpen Modi works as an associate director in the White House's Office of Public Engagement, was reportedly robbed at gunpoint in Washington, D.C., at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to the The Washington Post's Reliable Source column.

A D.C. police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the incident as "a basic street robbery," says the newspaper, noting that the department typically does not name or discuss victims. Penn's wallet and other possessions were taken, the official said. The robbery was first reported by TMZ.com

It isn't easy being a mother to two-year-old twins. Just as Jennifer Lopez, whose tots Max and Emme are a constant challenge because she never wants either one to feel left out.

J. Lo with her daughter Emme (Bauer Griffin)She told Parade.com: "Now, they're two and noticing everything I do. It's like if I give one a little bit of candy or food or whatever, I give the other one a little bit too. If I kiss my daughter I go, 'Oh, I don't want my son to see me kissing her without kissing him.' So you just have to make sure that they both felt equally loved and I guess that's the toughest part of being a mom to twins."

Although she was shocked to discover she was carrying two babies, the 40-year-old beauty loves every part of motherhood and wishes she had started sooner.

She said: "I was in denial that I was even pregnant, so when I found out I was having twins, I kind of just laughed and went, 'Like, of course this would happen.' I started giggling and Marc started crying and it was joyous."

She added, "The best part of having two babies at once, a son and a daughter, is mostly everything. You're just having that feeling of love inside you all the time and motherhood is such a fulfilling place to be. I kind of wish it would have happened to me earlier in my life."

Buzz about a pregnant Pink surfaced earlier this month, so the rocker decided to sort of just go with it -- jokingly. She tweeted one day that she was going to work out so she'd be "strong and physically prepared" when her "600-lb baby" came, but the outlandish joke didn't put the rumors to rest.

Pink and Carey Hart. (Photo Agency)Nope, it took a statement from the musician's rep to finally (hopefully) quiet the baby buzz. Her rep made it crystal clear today: "Pink is not expecting" (via People.com).

Pink and her hubby Carey Hart may want to expand their family down the line, but, for now, no bun in the oven for this couple.

Ciara is back in the Trap and reminding her detractors that she’s still the “Same Old Chic” in the viral video for “Basic Instinct (U Got Me).” The street anthem is a formal introduction to her fourth album Basic Instinct.

CiCi admits to going Hollywood for a minute, but is coming back to stake her claim. “I got a lil’ too prissy/ I didn’t expect ya’ll bitches to try to get me/ U got me,” she raps in the expletive-filled clip featuring The-Dream.

She will unveil a glossier image when the video for her first single “Ride” premieres Wednesday.

June is shaping up to be one exciting month for music fans. New albums from Drake, Game, Eminem, Diddy, and M.I.A. are just some of the projects on the release schedule, and now The-Dream is joining the summer lineup.


The R&B singer-songwriter’s third album Love King is set to drop on June 22, Rap-Up.com has learned. The first single of the same name has already hit airwaves with two more to follow, “F.I.L.A.” (Fall In Love Again)” and “Sex Intelligent,” both featuring T.I.

Just last week, Eminem announced that he will release Recovery, the follow-up to last year’s best-selling rap album Relapse, on June 22. Diddy’s Last Train to Paris also pulls into stores the same day.

After rocking the crowd at Coachella this weekend, B.o.B stopped by “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Tuesday (April 20) where he performed his smash “Nothin’ on You” with Bruno Mars. Look for his second single “Airplanes” with Paramore’s Hayley Williams to debut high atop the charts this week.

Gang Starr frontman Keith “Guru” Elam has reportedly passed away at the age of 43 after privately battling cancer for over a year.


His partner Solar tells Yo! Raps that Guru succumbed to the disease on Monday morning (April 19). According to the MC, he underwent various special treatments, but they were unsuccessful. The hip-hop pioneer kept his diagnosis private, but earlier this year he was admitted to a hospital after reports claimed he had suffered a heart attack that left him in a coma.

Guru rose to fame in the early ’90s alongside DJ Premier as founders of the legendary hip-hop group Gang Starr. They released six critically-acclaimed albums over their career, including 1998’s Moment of Truth, their best-selling to date. Gang Starr’s last group project, The Ownerz, was issued in 2003. Guru’s solo Jazzmatazz series was among the first of its kind, combining a live jazz band with rapping.

Solar shared his loss in a statement issued to Yo! Raps. “The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all time—my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru,” he said. “Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle. This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius. For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can’t tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself.”

While in the hospital with terminal cancer, Guru wrote the following letter addressing his illness, career, family, and loved ones.


I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody’s feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.

I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of Gang Starr, I am very proud of what Gang Starr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with Gang Starr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.

Beyoncé joined Jay-Z on stage at Coachella to sing Forever Young.

Just in case Madonna didn't know she was a big deal before, now it's for sure: There's an all-Madonna episode of Glee airing Tuesday. That's huge. And, what's better, the superstar thinks the "Power of Madonna" episode is awesome.

The cast of Glee. (Getty)

Justin Timberlake has been busy filming Bad Teacher with his ex, Cameron Diaz – but he spent some quality time with his real life leading lady Jessica Biel this week.

The couple showed their love for Taylor Swift at the country star’s concert in L.A. Thursday night, popping backstage with a group of friends to greet the singer after the show.

Biel and a group of pals checked out Swift’s "T-Party" room, a backstage lounge set up with pillows, candles and food, while Timberlake had a long chat with Swift (who covered Timberlake’s "What Goes Around...Comes Around" in her set).

Other celebs on hand for the show included Kobe Bryant and family, Jennie Garth and her daughter, Master’s champ Phil Mickelson and Katy Perry, who sang a duet with Swift on Perry’s hit "Hot and Cold."

This was Timberlake and Biel’s second musical outing in as many days: The two were spotted at the Matt Morris show at L.A.’s the Mint on Wednesday night.

Another day, another fun, family outing!

With mom Angelina Jolie busy shooting The Tourist, her children have been enjoying some quality time with their grandparents. Earlier in the week, William and Jane Pitt were spotted with their littlest grandchild, Knox, 1½.

And on Friday, the two were out, strolling around Venice, Italy, again – this time with their older grandkids: Maddox, 8½, Pax, 6, Zahara, 5, and Shiloh, 3½, who led the way in an adorable sailor outfit. Equally fashionable? Sister Zahara, who held onto a Hello Kitty clutch.

The odd couple of Jay-Z and Betty White will join forces on next month’s “Saturday Night Live.”


Jay-Z will be the late-night show’s musical guest for the third time on May 8, while 88-year-old “Golden Girl” Betty White will host for the first time.

“Well, that’ll be interesting!” White told Zap2it when she heard she would be sharing the bill with Jay. “It’ll be great fun.”

Before he drops by 30 Rock, Jay-Z will headline tonight’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Calif.

Rihanna rides a gun for “Te Amo” and takes a spin during “Umbrella” in the latest rehearsal footage from her “Last Girl on Earth” tour. The European leg kicks off tonight in Antwerp, Belgium. Her single “Rude Boy” is No. 1 for the fifth straight week, while her show at Madison Square Garden has sold out. Watch Rihanna share the good news with her band below.

T.I. is breaking free with his seventh studio album. The Atlanta rapper has announced a title for his next release.


The follow-up to 2008’s double-platinum Paper Trail will go by the name of King Uncaged, it was revealed today via Tip’s website TrapMuzik.com. He has been recording with Jim Jonsin, B.o.B, Danja, and The Runners for the August 24release. A buzz single “I’m Back” is currently No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In his first interview since completing his prison sentence, the King of the South described the album’s direction. “Paper Trail was a lot more about thoughts and this is more about feelings,” he explained. “This is significantly more aggressive. It’s going hard like classic T.I.”

Bruno Mars captured the attention of listeners and the Billboard charts with his show-stealing turn on B.o.B’s chart-topping hit “Nothin’ on You,” and now the multi-faceted star is forging ahead with his own solo career.


On May 11, Elektra Records will release It’s Better If You Don’t Understand, the debut EP from Bruno Mars. The Hawaiian-born singer/songwriter/producer makes up one-half of the production duo The Smeezingtons, known for their work with Flo Rida (“Right Round”) and Brandy (“Long Distance”).

Mars is also hard at work recording his full-length debut album, slated to drop later this year. In the meantime, he can also be heard on Gym Class Heroesfrontman Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire,” also helmed by The Smeezingtons.

“If you like ‘Nothin’ on You’ and you like ‘Billionaire,’ that’s what you’re going to get,” he told EW.com. “You’re going to get these melodies. And I’m going to be singing the shit out of it.”

In the May issue of Shape, Ellen DeGeneres dishes on how she keeps her figure and how her wife Portia de Rossi helps keep her healthy and grounded.

The happy couple at the Daytime Emmy Awards. (Getty Images)"[Portia] loves me no matter what. Whenever I feel bad about myself, or if I'm in a period where I'm not working out, she's constantly telling me that she doesn't notice, that I look beautiful. She'll say, 'I think you could gain 10 more pounds,'" says the 52-year-old comedian and television host.

Says DeGeneres, "She would rather have me heavier than thinner, and she really hates that I ever doubt myself. She loves how I look. She wants me to be happy and never think about it."

For all the positive reinforcement, DeGeneres does keep in shape. Her secret? "No animals, no dairy, nothing processed; a lot of soup, veggies, rice, beans, legumes," says the American Idol judge. "I want to be on my toes; I want to have energy. And as much as the diet seems like a sacrifice, it's helping me."

The marriage of Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon may have ended nearly three years ago – but he admits to having unresolved emotions about the split.

"I still have sadness and complicated feelings about my divorce," Phillippe, who also recently broke up with live-in girlfriend Abbie Cornish, says in the May issue of Men's Health, on newsstands Tuesday. "But how beneficial is it to keep hanging onto those feelings?"

Phillippe, 35, who has two children with Witherspoon, is also surprised by the self-discoveries he's making as he ages. "I thought the most experience you had, the more certain you would be about life," he says. "But I'm finding the opposite, man. I'm more in wonder and confusion than I was in my 20s."

For inspiration, Phillippe says he looks to Clint Eastwood, 79, who directed him in 2006's Flags of Our Fathers. "He's in the latter part of his experience on the planet, and he's still growing," Phillippe says. "He's open to new ideas and he's changing the way he sees things ... It's something I want to encourage in myself: Don't close off."

Judging by his role in the upcoming MacGruber, Phillippe appears to be taking that mission seriously. The actor exercises his comedic chops in the movie, which originated as a Saturday Night Live sketch as a spoof of the '80s TV hit MacGyver. (Phillippe will appear on SNL April 17.)

"I tend to internalize and analyze, but with them, there's none of that," Phillippe says of his MacGruber costars, Kristen Wiig and Will Forte. "There was no edit, no judgment. It was just a really free atmosphere."

Melissa and Tammy Etheridge have ended their nearly nine-year relationship.

"Melissa and Tammy Etheridge are saddened to announce that they are now separated," Melissa's rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.

The former couple add in a statement: "We ask for consideration and respect for our family as we go through this difficult period."

Melissa, 48, and Tammy (formerly Tammy Lynn Michaels) exchanged vows in Malibu in September 2003.

Tammy, 35, gave birth to their children – son Miller and daughter Johnnie Rose – in 2006, after Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.

Etheridge is also the mother of two children, Bailey, 13, and Beckett, 11, with former partner Julie Cypher.

Justin Timberlake is currently filming the new movie Bad Teacher with his ex-girlfriendCameron Diaz, whom he dated for four years until 2007. Needless to say, his current flameJessica Biel isn't too happy about the casting choice.

Cameron and Justin on set (Pacific Coast News)A source said: "He tortured Jess by taking this role. They were having huge arguments on the phone and Jessica would get territorial and upset."

But insiders claim Jessica's attitude has driven Justin even closer to his former love, and they're friendlier than ever. The source added to Us Weekly magazine: "There's lots of laughing, making fun of each other, kidding around off camera. They're having a ball together."

Justin reportedly confided in his pals that he has "lost respect" for Jessica.

It was also alleged today that Cameron is dating baseball star Alex Rodriguez. The two reportedly fell for each other after meeting at a Creative Artists Agency Super Bowl party in February. 

Kelis once again reinvents herself with the avant-garde artwork for her fifth studio album Flesh Tone. The fashion chameleon takes a bold stance on the striking cover photographed by Rankin.

Her first disc in nearly four years features the No. 1 dance single “Acapella” and production from David Guetta, Free School, Boys Noize, and Benny Benassi. Grab your copy on May 17 in the U.K. and July 6 in the U.S.

Toni Braxton's "Hands Tied" video features the 42-year-old singer giving a sexy strip tease to a bar full of gentleman. The Billie Woodruff-directed clip serves as a great visual to the ballad, which will be released simultaneously with the club-friendly "Make My Heart." Actor Michael Jai White also makes a cameo in the clip and remember that Toni's album, "Pulse," drops May 4th.

Maxwell keeps it classic in the black-and-white video for “Fistful of Tears” directed by Philip Andelman (“Pretty Wings”). The soul man is set to perform the ballad from his BLACKsummers’night album on “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” next week. His arena tour with Jill Scott kicks off May 21 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Keri Hilson has a new job to add to her résumé: Avon lady. The singer-songwriter has signed on as the face of the beauty company’s fragrance line.


Hilson will lend her star power to Imari, Imari Seduction, and Avon’s flagship Color brand, it was announced today by Avon Products, Inc. The “Knock You Down” singer follows in the footsteps of Jennifer Hudson, who previously served as the brand’s spokeswoman.

“I’m so excited and honored to be Avon’s newest face,” said Hilson. “Avon has always been dedicated to empowering women through beauty. I’ve always strived to do the same with my music. To be a part of that experience means a tremendous amount to me.”

Avon North America marketing executive Bob Briddon was delighted to welcome Hilson to the Avon family. “Keri embodies everything the Avon woman aspires to be—beauty, grace, confidence, and success,” he stated. “We are thrilled to have her on board as the face of Imari and our Color collection.”

The Atlanta native, who is currently recording the follow-up to her debut album In a Perfect World…, will appear in Avon’s brochure for Imari beginning in August and for Color throughout the remainder of the year. Her first official appearance on behalf of the brand will be performing at Avon’s annual sales conference this month.

In addition to Hudson, Avon’s past and present celebrity partners include Fergie, Courteney Cox, Patrick Dempsey, Zoe Saldana, Reese Witherspoon, and Derek Jeter.
Keri Hilson has a new job to add to her résumé: Avon lady. The singer-songwriter has signed on as the face of the beauty company’s fragrance line.


Hilson will lend her star power to Imari, Imari Seduction, and Avon’s flagship Color brand, it was announced today by Avon Products, Inc. The “Knock You Down” singer follows in the footsteps of Jennifer Hudson, who previously served as the brand’s spokeswoman.

“I’m so excited and honored to be Avon’s newest face,” said Hilson. “Avon has always been dedicated to empowering women through beauty. I’ve always strived to do the same with my music. To be a part of that experience means a tremendous amount to me.”

Avon North America marketing executive Bob Briddon was delighted to welcome Hilson to the Avon family. “Keri embodies everything the Avon woman aspires to be—beauty, grace, confidence, and success,” he stated. “We are thrilled to have her on board as the face of Imari and our Color collection.”

The Atlanta native, who is currently recording the follow-up to her debut album In a Perfect World…, will appear in Avon’s brochure for Imari beginning in August and for Color throughout the remainder of the year. Her first official appearance on behalf of the brand will be performing at Avon’s annual sales conference this month.

In addition to Hudson, Avon’s past and present celebrity partners include Fergie, Courteney Cox, Patrick Dempsey, Zoe Saldana, Reese Witherspoon, and Derek Jeter.

This is the Rih-mix. Rihanna wants to make you sweat this summer with Rated R: Remixed, a collection of remixes to tracks from her fourth album. The pop star has enlisted dance remixer Chew Fu to rework 10 songs from last year’s Rated R, including her No. 1 hit “Rude Boy.” The project is due May 25, about a month before she embarks on her “Last Girl on Earth” tour with Ke$ha.

DIDNTINVITME.com has the tracklisting for you below.


1. “Mad House” (Chew Fu Straight Jacket Fix)
2. “Russian Roulette” (Chew Fu Black Russian Fix)
3. “Rockstar 101” (Chew Fu Teacher’s Pet Fix)
4. “Wait Your Turn” (Chew Fu Can’t Wait No More Fix)
5. “Photographs” feat. will.i.am (Chew Fu 35mm Fix)
6. “Rude Boy” (Chew Fu Bumbaclot Fix)
7. “Hard” feat. Jeezy (Chew Fu Granite Fix)
8. “G4L” (Chew Fu Guns in the Air Fix)
9. “Fire Bomb” (Chew Fu Molotov Fix)
10. “Stupid in Love” (Chew Fu Small Room Fix)