The
Pussycat Dolls (abbreviated to PCD) are an American pop girl group and
dance ensemble founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995 as a
burlesque troupe based in Los Angeles. After attracting national
attention, Antin eventually negotiated a record deal with Interscope
Records in 2003 turning the group into a music franchise, comprising
Nicole Scherzinger alongside Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica
Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and Carmit Bachar. Since then the group has
developed a global image and commercial brand overseen by Antin,
Interscope and various partners. They have diversified into reality
television programs, a Las Vegas and product endorsements amongst other
things.
Success as a music group came in 2005 with their first album PCD which
debuted at number five in the US producing three successful singles
"Don't Cha", "Buttons", and "Stickwitu"; the latter earned the group a
Grammy Award nomination. Following the departure of Carmit Bachar in
March 2008, the group continued as a quintet and in September of that
year they released their second album, Doll Domination, spawning singles
"When I Grow Up", "I Hate This Part" and "Jai Ho! (You Are My
Destiny)".
Throughout their rise to fame, the group has been criticized for its
overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines. The group has also
been scrutinized for the over-emphasis on lead singer Nicole
Scherzinger, who sings all lead vocals in the group. In late 2009 /
early 2010 the group went on hiatus to record their third album and
prepare their next world tour. It has since been confirmed that Jessica
Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts and Melody Thornton have all left
the group to persue solo careers.
In May 2010 it was announced that Scherzinger will remain lead singer of
the group along with the new recruits: Vanessa Curry, Kherington Payne,
Rino Nakasone-Razalan and Jamie Lee Ruiz whom together will produce a
new studio album for 2010 and accompanying world tour.
Career as dance troupe
Burlesque dancing: 1995–2003
Antin began exploring the idea of a modern burlesque troupe during 1990
with Christina Applegate and Carla Kama. The dance troupe's first
performance was in 1995. During this period which have seen many members
in its evolving lineup since debuting in 1995, they performed with
numerous guest vocalists, with a repertoire of 1950s and 1960s popular
music standards while dressed in lingerie or old-fashioned pin-up
costumes. They secured a Thursday night residency at a Los Angeles
nightclub, The Viper Room, where they stayed from 1995 to 2001.
The troupe received wider press coverage during June 1999, when Playboy
featured a Pussycat Dolls pictorial, featuring at least seven
contemporary members posing semi-nude (Kasey Campbell, Kiva Dawson,
Antonietta Macri, Erica Breckels, Katie Bergold, Erica Gudis and
Lindsley Allen). Three years later, the Dolls moved to The Roxy. The
group became internationally popular and was featured in magazines,
television specials for MTV and VH1, ad campaigns, and movies. Some of
the Pussycat Dolls appeared in the 2003 film Charlie's Angels: Full
Throttle, dancing to "The Pink Panther Theme". They were also featured
in Pink's "Trouble" music video. Along with Christina Applegate,
Christina Aguilera and Carmen Electra (who was the group's lead
performer for many of their shows) the troupe was featured in a Maxim
magazine shoot in 2002, which increased public interest in them.
Following their growing popularity, music producers Jimmy Iovine and Ron
Fair became involved with the group helping them to transform into a
franchise. The former dance troupe evolved into a popular music
recording group and became employees of Iovine's label Interscope
Records. The only troupe members who remained after the re-casting
process were Antin (taking on the creative, executive and managerial
roles), Carmit Bachar, Cyia Batten, Kasey Campbell, Ashley Roberts,
Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt. Later in 2003, Scherzinger, Kaya Jones
and Melody Thornton were cast as vocalists through an audition to
complete the transition into a music group.
Electra, when asked about her lack of involvement with the group's evolution into a popular music group, said:
“ I was part of [The Dolls] for over two years and did every show with
them... but financially, I couldn't become part of their new music
project... It was a sacrifice I couldn't make.”
Lounge act: 2005–present
In parallel with the Pussycat Dolls franchise as a recording act, during
April 2005 a resident live show commenced at the "Pussycat Dolls
Lounge" adjacent to Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas
Strip. This show contains "cast members" who continue the
burlesque-style show which began in Los Angeles during 1995.
At least one early member of the L.A. dance troupe, Rachel Sterling,
made the move to the Las Vegas show. The cast includes vocalist Jamie
Preston, Hayley Zelniker. Amanda Nowak, Colby Amanda and Alicia. Former
dolls include Meredith, Jessica Lea, Rachel Sterling, Laurel, Laura
Diane, Cindy, Ashley Gates, Bridget Nicole, Jennifer Affronti, Sheila
Joy and Jamie Ruiz from Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious.
During February 2007, Caesars Palace opened the Pussycat Dolls Casino
just across the Pussycat Dolls Lounge. It features "Dolls-style" decor
and attire for the gaming staff, waitresses and dancers. The Dolls
returned to Los Angeles and the Viper Room from November 2008 for
regular Friday and Saturday nights performances billed as the "Pussycat
Dolls Lounge".
Recording career
2003–2005: Formation
During 2003, Scherzinger, a former member of Popstars winners Eden's
Crush, became the recording group's lead singer. In the same year,
vocalist Thornton and Jones were also recruited in order to add vocal
strength to the group. The musical group's initial line-up consisted of
Scherzinger, Thornton, Jones, Antin, Bachar, Batten, Campbell, Wyatt,
Roberts, and Sutta. The group appeared in two soundtracks during 2004,
for the films Shark Tale and Shall We Dance?. The newly formed recording
group's first single was "Sway" from Shall We Dance?, with a music
video inspired by the movie.
In 2004, just before the group's debut, Batten and Campbell left the
group to pursue their solo dancing careers. Later in 2005, Jones left
the group after recording their debut album, to pursue modeling and a
solo musical career. Antin remained with the group as founder, manager
and business associate to Interscope. By the time the recording group
was launched the musical lineup was a sextet composed of Scherzinger,
Thornton, Bachar, Sutta, Roberts and Wyatt.
2005–2008: First album PCD and commercial success
Main article:
PCD (album)
On September 13, 2005, they released their debut album, PCD, which
debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. Their first single, "Don't
Cha" was a success, reaching number one in multiple countries including
UK, Australia and Canada and scored a maximum of number two on the
Billboard Hot 100. The song was originally sung by Tori Alamaze and
featured rapper Busta Rhymes. The ballad "Stickwitu" was another top
five in the US, and was their second number one in the UK. It was later
nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group.
"Beep", featuring will.i.am, was less successful but did reach number
one in some international markets.[citation needed] "Buttons" (with
rapper Snoop Dogg) scored number three on the UK Singles Chart;[citation
needed] the next single, "I Don't Need a Man" was not as successful,
although it scored the top 10 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and UK.
The group's sixth single from the album was "Wait a Minute" featuring
Timbaland released in the US in August 2006, becoming a top 40 success
worldwide.The group was selected to perform for the introduction for
ABC's coverage of the NBA. During 2007, a version of "Right Now" was
used as a theme song for the NBA, though the lyrics had been altered.
Line-up change
In 2007, Asia Nitollano nominally became the group's seventh member
after winning in the reality show Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search For
the Next Doll, giving her the opportunity to sing on the next album and
on tour. It was rumored that the Dolls would record a version of "Lady
Marmalade", which Nitollano sang during the show's finale. This was
never confirmed by the management nor the group. Nitollano performed for
the first time with the Dolls during the show's finale, singing their
Number 1 Hit "Don't Cha". She later performed again with the Dolls
during the The CW Upfronts Party. Her place in the group was questioned
due to her only seen performing with the group twice, and was
intensified by her non-appearance most notably during the group's Live
Earth performances.
2008–09: The Doll Domination era
While the Pussycat Dolls were on break between the recording of the two
albums Scherzinger worked on her own debut album titled Her Name is
Nicole. She released four singles, none of which matched the commercial
success of her work with the Dolls. The album was scheduled for a late
2007 release, then rescheduled for October 2008, and but the project was
then shelved in late 2008 and some of the songs appeared on the group's
second album titled Doll Domination. Just before the album's release
longstanding member of the group Carmit Bachar announced she was
departing the group for a solo career. The group performed for the first
time after their break and as a quintet for US troops in Kuwait for
Operation Myspace.
Main article:
Doll Domination
The group returned to the Music scene on May 27, 2008 with the new
single "When I Grow Up" which reached number nine on the U.S. Hot 100
and number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. The song topped
several European charts and became a worldwide top ten hit. The
follow-up single "Whatcha Think About That" with Missy Elliott failed to
enter the U.S. charts only managing number 8 on the Bubbling Under
chart but managed to reach top 20 in several other countries including
the UK with a limited release.
After a slight delay and with two singles released the album, Doll
Domination was finally released as a standard and deluxe edition. The
latter featured a disc with a solo song by each of the girls. The album
debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, with 79,000 copies sold in
its first week beating their debut album by one chart position but
selling 20,000 less copies. It only spent seven weeks in the top 100,
compared with their debut album which sat in the top 100 for nearly one
year. In January 2009 it re-entered the top 100 following several more
successful singles. The album in original form spawned two other
singles, worldwide top 20 hit "I Hate This Part" and the number-one club
song "Bottle Pop" which only received a limited release in the US and
Oceania. A world tour titled The Doll Domination Tour accompanied the
album and began in Aberdeen, Scotland on January 18, 2009.
In April 2009 Scherzinger confirmed to Billboard that the album would be
re-released to give more people a chance to get their music. In Europe
the album was re-released with three or four new songs. In Australia a
compilation called Doll Domination 2.0 was released with six songs from
the original version plus four new songs whereas the UK received a
six-song EP called Doll Domination: The Mini Collection, released on
April 27, 2009 and featuring four of the original songs plus a remix and
a new song. In August 2009 the album was repackaged once more, this
time as Doll Domination 3.0 to include all of the previously released
bonus songs on one CD with the original album. Its release was limited
to Europe and the UK where the group's singles had all reached top 20.
The repackaged versions spawned two more singles: the worldwide number
one "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" (featured on the soundtrack for
Slumdog Millionaire) and euro-pop remix of "Hush Hush" (retitled "Hush
Hush; Hush Hush") which reached top 20 internationally. Following
Scherzinger's over-emphasis in the release of these two singles there
several emotional outbursts to the media including one by Thornton
during one of the group's appearances on tour. This led to media
speculation about the future of the group.
2009–10: Hiatus and line up change
Following repeated media speculation and growing tension within the
group their founder and manager Robin Antin broke her silence on August
2, 2009 on her official Twitter page to say that the group was not
splitting up. She explicitly said "The Pussycat Dolls r NOT breaking
up.... & IF they ever were, u would hear it from ME 1st, NOT
GOSSIP...Album #3 on the way!" Thorton further clarified the situation
to MTV, "Right now the Pussycat Dolls are on a break. It's actually a
much-needed break. It's like when you're with your sisters for 24 hours a
day and you need to take your own shower." Thornton said that the Dolls
will eventually find their way back to one another.
Since then Wyatt has been very vocal about the actual reality of the
group and gave a long series of interviews about the status of the
dolls. In October 2009 She told the Daily Star that her "role in group
was a job at the end of the day and that they all had individual lives
to live". She went on to explain that the group had been put together
not bonded naturally therefore she saw Scherzinger as a business
associate rather than a friend.The comments highlighted the group's
position that the band would continue regardless of who returned to the
band or who was part of it. It is also reaffirmed that the group all
played a role in developing the franchise and music. On October 12 she
told the Daily Record that Antin could bring in whoever she liked and
the group would still continue just like a broadway show that she is
still part of the group. In December Wyatt once again spoke about the
group and what was currently happening to entertainment website Digital
Spy. She confirmed earlier reports that she had been in the recording
studios working on her own Electronica-influenced debut solo album.
Crucially she revealed that she did not know what was currently
happening with the group's third album as she was not the driving force
behind it. It was also mentioned that "fans should expect new faces".
She described her role in the group as irreplaceable saying that "she
will always be involved with the [Pussycat Dolls] whether its helping
with the choreography or the creative direction."This amongst many other
interviews and appearances by the group separately led to rumors and
media speculation that the group were about to split up over the group's
strained relationship with lead singer Scherzinger. However Antin
responded quickly with a statement to the press and media stating that
“ The Pussycat Dolls are very much alive and there is no truth to the
silent treatment statements. Nicole and the Dolls have ALWAYS been
close. Nicole is and always has been a strong creative force within this
group and I cherish the way we collaborate. ”
In January 2010 the News of the World claimed that both Wyatt and
Thorton were to be "sacked from the group for clashing with Scherzinger"
with the possibility of more dolls following.[24] Wyatt stated that she
was unhappy about Scherzinger's preferential treatment including
arranging private transport instead of joining the girls on the tour bus
and requesting her own dressing room whilst the rest of the girls
shared one during their recent tours. The final straw came when it was
announced that changes were being made to group, Wyatt revealed in
response that she had spoken to Thornton, Roberts and Sutta about a
rival project to the Pussycat Dolls. Although an official statement
detailing the changes is not due until Scherzinger's solo project is
due. Wyatt stated that "[Me and the other girls except Nicole] are
looking at ways to keep working together. We all want to. But when we do
that we're not allowed to call ourselves the Pussycat Dolls. Right now
there is a lot of controversy. I haven't spoken to Nicole about it.
She's full speed ahead with her career."
Finally from January 29, 2010 the true fate of the group came to light.
It began with Jessica Sutta revealing to E!Online had been ousted from
the group following the broken rib she sustained whilst on tour with the
group. The news put her under financial strain and at one point she
nearly ended up homeless. Similar to Wyatt's earlier interviews Sutta
spoke at length about Scherzinger's preferential treatment. Whilst the
group toured with Britney Spears the other dolls had to undergo regular
drugs tests but Scherzinger was exempt. According to Sutta, Scherzinger
has more involvement than just singing lead vocals, she apparently
controls the amount of camera time each of the dolls receives in their
music videos. Sutta told In Style magazine that although being a doll
was a joyful experience even after seven years, she doesn't want to be
just a glorified back-up dancer.
Less than a month later on February 26 Wyatt confirmed what was widely
expected: she was also leaving the group and officially revealed the
news in Loaded magazine. She left the group because she wasn't happy of
her position in the group stating: "I wish that it was different because
I love what we do on stage. I love being a Doll, but as far as
variables off-stage are concerned - I just couldn't do it anymore ...
when I came out on stage, I knew what my job was and I did it to the
best of my ability. I feel like I can relate to anybody in a corporate
job - because it's just a job, nothing more!" She stated that her
happiness no longer rested with the group because she wanted more than
money and fame. Just one day later Ashley Roberts also announced her
departure from the group via her website. In a simple message she said
"Yes, I have left the Pussycat Dolls..I love you all sooo much!!! I am
so grateful to have the love and support of all of you. It was an
amazing ride and I learned so much!" Meanwhile Wyatt would later go on
to confirm that all of the Dolls had left the group including Thornton.
2010–present: New line-up and third studio album
Antin appeared on the The Wendy Williams show to promote her new fitness
DVD. Williams took the opportunity to ask Antin about the rumours
surrounding the group's alleged break up. Antin responded by saying that
"The [Pussycat Dolls] have not broken up. In fact we're preparing to
make new music. She confirmed that Scherzinger was here to stay. However
Antin did state that she will be bringing in a few new faces and
several of the exisitng members will be leaving to pursue solo projects.
She said "the brand is about female empowerment. Inside every woman is a
pussycat doll waiting to get out. There are millions of women out there
who wants to know what it feels like. I want to bring in new faces."
Reaffirming the group's position, on March 4 Scherzinger told MTV that
her position with the group is secure though it will consist of a new
line-up with hopes of releasing a new album near the end of 2010. She
also stated that she is in the studio recording music. But when asked
about the nature of the recordings she wasn't sure if they would be for
her own album or for the doll's third album but the latter will
definitely be released for the fans. Speaking of the music she said "I
don't know if I'm gonna put [the new music out] under my name yet or if
it's going to be perfect for the Dolls, It doesn't matter. I just want
to make great music for the fans". Thus, the new Dolls album will have
popular music but with more rock, soul-inspired sound."
The new line-up was unveiled on May 22, 2010 consisting of Scherzinger
as returning lead vocalist and four other girls: former Laker Girl,
Vanessa Curry; So You Think You Can Dance finalist, Kherington Payne;
former Harajuku Girls member, Rino Nakasone Razalan and former Pussycat
Dolls Present: Girlicious contestant Jamie Lee Ruiz.
Tours and concerts
Main articles:
PCD World Tour and Doll Domination Tour
The Pussycat Dolls opening at The Circus
Starring Britney Spears
During 2006, the Pussycat Dolls performed live shows in North America
supporting the Black Eyed Peas. As headliners they toured the UK,
Europe, Philippines and Malaysia.The group has also performed in
Singapore for the annual Singfest.
On August 8, 2006, after a Dolls concert in Kuala Lumpur, their concert
promoter, Absolute Entertainment, was charged with flouting Malaysian
decency laws. The Malay Mail quoted Culture Arts and Heritage Minister
Datuk Mohamad Arif Abdul Rahman as saying: "I believe the way the
Pussycat Dolls behaved onstage amounted to gross indecency". The charge
was settled by paying a fine of RM5,000 (US$1,358).
From November 2006 – January 2007, the Pussycat Dolls embarked on their
PCD World Tour with Rihanna as the opening act. On February 4, 2007, the
Pussycat Dolls performed at the Manchester Evening News Arena in a
concert that was recorded and later streamed via MSN Music.
The Pussycat Dolls also toured North America as a support act for
Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour, along with Danity Kane and
NLT. They also performed at the Cokelive Festival, In Bucharest, Romania
and at the UK leg of Live Earth in Wembley Stadium, London.
The Pussycat Dolls announced that in January 2009 they will embark on a
world tour in support of their Doll Domination album. In an interview
with Capital Radio, Ne-Yo revealed he will be touring with the group.
Lady GaGa and Queensberry also supported them on stage. The tour started
January 18 at Aberdeen Exhibition Centre in Scotland. The group
recently toured as the opening act for the North American leg of Britney
Spears' tour The Circus Starring Britney Spears.
Television series
In April 2006, The New York Times reported that Interscope executives
were working to produce their own reality TV series, overseen by the
producers of America's Next Top Model and McG, the director of the
Charlie's Angels films. The show, entitled Pussycat Dolls Present: The
Search For the Next Doll would search for a new member for the recording
group.[40] The new member would sing on the next album and tour with
the group. The show premiered on The CW, on March 6, 2007. It premiered
in Australia and the UK on April 1. The season finale announced the
winner of the show to be Asia Nitollano. It was announced in July that
Asia Nitollano had "decided to pursue a solo career" instead.
The second season of the show commenced broadcast on February 18, 2008,
titled Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious. Unlike the previous series
which tried to find a new member to join the Dolls, the second series
auditioned women to become part of a new three member all-female group,
Girlicious. However, on the show's finale, it was revealed that
Girlicious would be a quartet. The lineup was composed of Nichole
Cordova, Tiffanie Anderson, Chrystina Sayers, and Natalie Mejia. The
group debuted just after the show's finale, releasing their debut album
and gaining attention from mostly Canadian and Brazilian audiences with
their hip-hop, urban sound. However on June 2009, after a change of
direction from urban to pop, it was announced by Antin that Anderson
left the group and that Girlicious will continue as a trio. Members of
the Pussycat Dolls recording group appeared on both seasons of the
Pussycat Dolls Present: either as guest judge, performing songs, or in a
video message shown to the contestants each week.
Other ventures
In 2007, Interscope formed a London-based spin-off group called Paradiso
Girls through an open audition. The group's original lineup was
composed of lead singers Aria Cascaval and Lauren Bennett, rapper Shar
Mae Amor and DJ Kelly Beckett. Antin and Ron Fair selected Pussycat
Dolls Present: The Search For the Next Doll finalist Chelsea Korka to
join as a third vocalist, making it into the group's final lineup. The
group has yet to make an international debut whilst releasing their
debut single and a yet to be released debut album.
As of February 2008, as part of the promotion for the TV series, The CW
have sponsored Stardoll.com, a virtual paperdoll website, to include
images of the members of the PCD recording group for interactive
"Dress-Up" in PCD logo clothes. This site is aimed at girls aged seven
to seventeen. The CW confirmed that the series would not return for a
third season and has been canceled due to low ratings.
The Pussycat Dolls had re-recorded "Don't Cha" in Simlish for inclusion
in the computer game The Sims 2: Pets.They also appeared in character
form in the computer game Asphalt: Urban GT 2 in November 2006.
Merchandise
During 2006, Interscope engaged the California company BandMerch to
distribute a range of merchandise, including clothing and other items,
linked through the group's official website. In a merchandising
agreement with Interscope in 2006, toy manufacturer Hasbro had plans for
a line of dolls modelled after the Pussycat Dolls, and reportedly
marketed at six to nine-year-olds. The groups Dads and Daughters and
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood successfully lobbied the
company to scrap the plan because they felt that the Pussycat Dolls
would have been inappropriate for children, due to the overtly sexual
nature of the Pussycat Dolls' songs, videos and live shows.
They also negotiated a deal with Estée Lauder for a Pussycat Dolls line
of cosmetics under the Stila brand. During 2008, It was reported that
Antin and the La Senza Corporation of Canada were producing a line of
Burlesque/Pussycat Dolls-styled lingerie called "Shhh...by Robin Antin".
In December 2009 PCD released Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls Workout DVD
featuring dancers from the PCD Lounge Review (inclding Chrystina Sayers)
and featuring Nicole Sherzinger.
Controversy
In 2006 the group ran into trouble in Kuala Lumpur with the authorities
for sexually explicit dancing. The performance, part of their PCD World
Tour, was not well-received in the Muslim state which frowned upon the
group's "eye-popping attire" and "sexually suggestive stage routines".
'Absolute Entertainment', the company behind the group's appearance in
Malaysia was fined $3000 for the incident.
Meanwhile Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly took a major swipe at
the group for their overemphasis of Scherzinger as the lead singer.
Watson said "there are two types of girl groups: those anchored by a
superstar (e.g. Destiny's Child, The Supremes) or those made of
charismatic personalities the (Spice Girls). The [Pussycat Dolls] are
neither." Other criticism pointed out that "Scherzinger is no Beyoncé
Knowles" and that many people could not even name the other four dolls.
Gary
Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an American actor,
known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom
Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986) and for his small stature as an adult. He
was described in the 1980s as "one of television's most promising
stars." After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled
financially later in life. In 1993, he successfully sued his parents and
business adviser over misappropriation of his assets.
Early life
Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois. He was adopted by Edmonia Sue, a
nurse practitioner, and W.G. Coleman, a fork-lift operator. He suffered
from a congenital kidney disease caused by focal segmental
glomerulosclerosis (an autoimmune destruction and alteration of the
kidney), which halted his growth at an early age, leading to a small
stature (4 ft 8 in; 1.42 m) and a childlike appearance. He underwent two
kidney transplants, one in 1973 and one in 1984, and required daily
dialysis.
Career
While best known for his role on Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman had appeared
earlier on The Jeffersons and on Good Times as Penny's friend Gary. He
also appeared in a 1978 pilot for a revival of The Little Rascals as
Stymie.
Diff'rent Strokes
Coleman was cast in the role of Arnold Jackson in the television sitcom
Diff'rent Strokes, portraying one of two young African-American brothers
adopted by a wealthy Caucasian widower in Manhattan. The successful
show was broadcast from 1978 to 1986.
Coleman became the most popular fixture of the show, enhanced by his
character's catchphrase "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" At the height
of his fame on Diff'rent Strokes, he earned as much as $100,000 per
episode. A Biography Channel documentary estimated he was left with a
quarter of the original amount after paying his parents, advisers,
lawyers, and taxes. He later successfully sued his parents and his
former advisers for misappropriation of his finances and was awarded
$1.3 million.
Later character appearances
Coleman became a popular figure, starring in a number of feature films
and made-for-TV movies including On the Right Track and The Kid with the
Broken Halo. The latter eventually served as the basis for the
Hanna-Barbera-produced animated series The Gary Coleman Show in 1982.
Candidacy for Governor of California
Coleman was a candidate for governor in the 2003 California recall
election. This campaign was sponsored by the free newsweekly East Bay
Express as a satirical comment on the recall. After Arnold
Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy, Coleman stated that he would be
voting for Schwarzenegger. Coleman placed 8th in a field of 135
candidates, receiving 14,242 votes.
Avenue Q
Coleman is parodied in the hit 2003 Broadway musical Avenue Q, which won
the 2004 Tony Award for best musical. A character presented as Coleman
works as the superintendent of the apartment complex where the musical
takes place. In the song, "It Sucks to be Me", he laments his fate. On
Broadway, the role was originally played by Natalie Venetia Belcon.
The show's producers have said they originally considered asking Coleman
himself to play the Gary Coleman role, and he expressed interest in
doing so. However, he never showed up for a meeting scheduled to discuss
it.
In 2005, Coleman announced his intention to sue the producers of Avenue Q
for their depiction of him, although the lawsuit never materialized. At
the 2007 New York Comic Con, Coleman said, "I wish there was a lawyer
on Earth that would sue them for me."
The off-Broadway cast of Avenue Q announced that the May 28, 2010 show
would be dedicated to Coleman, following his death. They released a
statement saying, "The creators, producers, and company of Avenue Q are
terribly saddened to hear of the death of Gary Coleman, whose tremendous
gifts brought delight and inspiration to audiences around the world.
While everything in life may be only for now, we suspect that Gary's
legacy will live on for many years to come. Gary's memory will certainly
endure in the hearts and minds of those of us who live on Avenue Q.
When the show concludes tonight at 10pm at New World Stages, Danielle K.
Thomas, who portrays Mr. Coleman in the musical, will pay a tribute to
him from the stage."
Personal life
Coleman secretly wed his girlfriend of five months, Shannon Price, 22,
on August 28, 2007. They met on the set of the 2006 comedy film Church
Ball. On May 1 and 2, 2008, Coleman and his wife appeared on the show
Divorce Court to air their differences in front of Judge Lynn Toler.
Unlike regular Divorce Court participants, they appeared on the show
with the intent to save their marriage rather than adjudicate a
separation.
Legal struggles
Financial matters
In 1989, Coleman sued his parents and former business adviser over
misappropriation of his $3.8 million trust fund. He won a $1,280,000
ruling on February 23, 1993. Coleman later filed for bankruptcy in 1999;
he attributed his financial problems to mismanagement of his trust.
Assault
Coleman was charged with assault in 1998 after he punched a woman. He
was working as a security guard, and bus driver Tracy Fields requested
his autograph while he was shopping for a bulletproof vest in a
California mall. The two argued about the autograph, and Fields mocked
Coleman's lackluster career as an adult actor. Coleman testified that "I
was getting scared, and she was getting ugly"; he said that he thought
Fields was going to hit him, so he punched her. Coleman pleaded no
contest and received a suspended sentence. He was also ordered to pay
Fields $1,665 for hospital bills resulting from the fight.
Citation for disorderly conduct
On July 26, 2007, Coleman was cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct
by a Provo, Utah, police officer after Coleman was seen having a "heated
discussion" with his wife, Shannon Price.
On July 3, 2009, Coleman and his wife were involved in a domestic
dispute in which Coleman's wife was arrested on suspicion of domestic
violence, and both parties were cited for disorderly conduct.
Automobile accident
Coleman was involved in an automobile accident in Payson, Utah on
September 6, 2008. According to Payson police, Coleman was backing up
his truck in a Payson bowling alley parking lot when he allegedly hit
24-year-old Colt Rushton. According to a witness, the tire of Coleman's
truck hit Rushton's knee and pulled him under the truck. Coleman's
vehicle then hit another car. Rushton was transported to a local
hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries. Police
said Coleman's driving speed was not excessive. Witnesses told police
the incident stemmed from an argument that started in the bowling alley
after Rushton photographed Coleman. Coleman objected to Rushton taking
his picture and the two men started arguing, according to witnesses.
There was no citation or arrest for either man. Police said neither man
would make a statement at the scene.
On December 2, 2008, Coleman pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly
conduct and reckless driving. The court ordered him to pay a $100 fine
for disorderly conduct. The reckless driving charge was to be waived in
one year if Coleman did not commit any further violations. On January
14, 2010, Coleman settled a civil suit related to the incident for an
undisclosed amount.
Domestic violence assault
On January 24, 2010, Coleman was arrested on a domestic violence assault
warrant in Santaquin, Utah. Coleman was subsequently booked into the
Utah County Jail and released on January 25, 2010.
Death
Wikinews has related news: US actor Gary Coleman dies aged 42
On May 26, 2010, Coleman was admitted to Utah Valley Regional Medical
Center in Provo, Utah, after falling and hitting his head and suffering
an epidural hematoma at his home in Santaquin, Utah. He was announced to
be in critical condition. According to a hospital spokesman, Coleman
was 'conscious and lucid' on the morning of Thursday May 27, but his
condition subsequently worsened. By mid-afternoon on May 27, 2010,
Coleman was unconscious and on life support. He died at 12:05 p.m. MDT
(18:05 UTC) on May 28, 2010.
The off-Broadway cast of Avenue Q dedicated the May 28, 2010, production
of the show to Coleman, with Danielle K. Thomas, who portrays Coleman
in the musical, paying tribute to him from the stage at the show's end.
In the hours following his death, Gary Coleman's name became the top
trending topic on social networking site Twitter. His catchphrase “What
you talkin bout Willis” also made it on to the trending list as well.
Ranking Among Child Stars
United States Cable Television Channel VH1 rated Coleman first on a list of 'the 100 greatest child stars' on television.
Filmography
Film
Year Film Role Notes
1979 The Kid from Left Field Jackie Robinson "J.R." Cooper Television film
1980 Scout's Honor Joey Seymour Television film
1981 On the Right Track Lester
1982 The Kid with the Broken Halo Andy LeBeau Television film
Jimmy the Kid Jimmy
1983 The Kid with the 200 I.Q. Nick Newell Television film
1984 The Fantastic World of D.C. Collins D.C. Collins Television film
1985 Playing with Fire David Phillips Television film
1994 Party The Liar Short film
Associate producer
S.F.W. Cameo
1996 Fox Hunt Murray Lipschitz, Jr.
1997 Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's Himself Documentary
1998 Dirty Work Cameo
Like Father, Like Santa Ignatius Television film
1999 Shafted!
2000 The Flunky
2002 Frank McKlusky, C.I. Cameo
2003 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star Himself Cameo
A Carol Christmas Christmas Past Television film
2004 Chasing the Edge Cameo
Short film
Save Virgil Himself/The Devil
2005 A Christmas Too Many
2006 Church Ball
2008 An American Carol Bacon Stains Malone
2009 Midgets vs. Mascots Gary Last film appearance
Television
First appeared in a commercial for Harris Bank. His line, after the
announcer says "You should have a Harris banker" was "You should have a
Hubert doll". "Hubert" was a stuffed lion representing the Harris bank
logo.
The Jeffersons (1977, guest)
Good Times (1977, guest)
Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)
The Facts of Life (1980)
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (episode "The Cosmic Wizz-Kid", also has a cameo in a later episode)
The Gary Coleman Show (1982) (voice)
Amazing Stories (1986) Season 1: Episode 13 – "The Sitter"
227 (1990)
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (guest) (as Arnold Jackson, with Conrad Bain as Phillip Drummond) (1996)
The Ben Stiller Show (1993) as himself
The Wayans Bros. (Pilot Episode: "Goop, Hair-It-Is" - January 11, 1995, guest; as himself)
The Simpsons, "Grift of the Magi" (December 19, 1999)
The Drew Carey Show, "What's Wrong with this Episode? IV" (March 28, 2001)
Drake and Josh (guest)
My Wife and Kids (guest)
The Jamie Foxx Show (guest as Cupid)
Married… with Children (guest)
The Surreal Life (guest)
Unscrewed with Martin Sargent (2003–2004, guest)
Simon & Simon, "Like Father, Like Son"
The Parkers as himself
Penn & Teller: Bullshit! "The Apocalypse" as himself (July 16, 2009, guest)
Ivete
Maria Dias de Sangalo, born May 27, 1972 age 38 is a Latin Grammy
Award-winning Brazilian Axé and MPB singer, songwriter, and occasional
actress and television show host. She is one of the most popular and
best-selling Brazilian female singers of the present, with six albums
released with "Banda Eva",and seven more albums in a solo career, with a
total of over 12 million albums sold worldwide. Ivete is most often
recognized by her powerful voice, charisma and live performances. Her
music is also very popular in Portugal.
As a teenager, started to sing and play violin at gymkhanas, festivals
and at presentations of the school where she studied. Ivete Sangalo's
debut show happened in Ondina Neighborhood, Salvador, in August 1992.
With that show she won the Dorival Caymmi trophy, the Grammy of Bahia
music. The solo singer was once part of a group called Banda Eva, and
with them she recorded six CDs and sold over four million copies. She's
received 14 nominations for Latin Grammy Awards alongside her career.
Biography
Beginnings, Banda Eva and early solo career
Ivete Sangalo was born in Juazeiro, Bahia, where she spent her whole
childhood. She is of Spanish ancestry on her fathers side. She started
her singing career in events at school and then started singing at bars.
Soon, she started to receive some attention and signed with Sony Music.
In 1993, Sony decided to reform the Axé group Banda Eva and she was
chosen as the lead singer. Her live album with the band, Banda Eva Ao
Vivo, was their best-selling album, selling over a million copies. In
1997 she decided to start a solo career and in 1999 she released her
first self-titled album. With lots of upbeat Bahian rhythms and axé, the
album received gold and platinum certification. The following year she
released another album, Beat Beleza, which also achieved platinum
status.
In 2000 she released the album Festa (Party), whose title track was
another major success. The single was very popular and the album got
platinum certification. "Festa" was her biggest hit single up to that
point and the video also received huge airplay. "Festa" ended up being
the most popular song of 2001 in Brazil. Its music video featured over
20 cameo appearances by Brazilian celebrities. In 2002, she released the
album Se Eu Não te Amasse Tanto Assim (If I Didn't Love You So Much),
titled after her big hit that reached the first position in the singles
chart. The album, which features a duet with American singer Brian
McKnight, didn't sell as much as her previous albums, but was still a
hit. Following Se Eu Não te Amasse Tanto Assim, she released Clube
Carnavalesco Inocentes Em Progresso in 2003. It was the lowest-selling
solo album of her career but it still managed to receive gold
certification.
Career consolidation: 2003 - 2008
Sangalo in 2005.
MTV Ao Vivo Ivete Sangalo (MTV Live: Ivete Sangalo) (2004), was a live
album and included her biggest hits, lots of them never released on an
album before, and some Banda Eva hits. The album earned huge sales, most
of them because of the single "Sorte Grande", which was renamed
"Poeira" by the public and became a big hit in parties and on the radio
and also on soccer stadiums (where it was used to cheer the soccer
teams). The song received heavy airplay in Brazil. The album received
diamond certification and was the second best-selling album of 2004. The
DVD, which included the concert held at the Fonte Nova stadium, was
certified 3x Diamond, sold over 600,000 copies, and is the best-selling
musical DVD in Brazil of all time (and the best-selling musical DVD in
the world in the second half of 2005).
Her 2005 album, As Supernovas, received triple platinum certification
shortly after its release. The album was less upbeat than the others and
included some songs with a 70s touch, with the big influence of
Brazilian singer Ed Motta. She also included the hit "Soy Loco por ti
America", a Gilberto Gil song. Ivete's cover would become the theme song
of Rede Globo's soap opera América and thanks to the tie-in, the song
became very popular. "Quando a Chuva Passar" was notable for being
nominated at the Latin Grammy Awards, an uncommon feature for a
non-Spanish speaking singer. As Supernovas also received diamond
certification which consolidated her as the biggest female solo singer
in Brazil.
Due to her remarkable appearances on TV, Rede Globo, the biggest
Brazilian TV station, released her own TV show, Estação Globo, which
aires about six episodes every year.
On December 16, 2006, she performed in the biggest stadium in South
America, Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, where Paul McCartney, Rolling
Stones, Kiss, Police, Rush, RBD, and Madonna also performed. She was the
first Brazilian act to perform in this stadium since pop phenomenon
Sandy & Junior in 2002. The concert was released as a DVD in May
2007. While her last live DVD was an MTV Ao Vivo, this new one was from
the Multishow Ao Vivo brand.
Her biggest career hits were "Sorte Grande" (which was renamed "Poeira"
and was sung by crowds at soccer games) and "Festa".[5] "Festa" was her
biggest single in airplay both on the radio and on music TV channels
while "Sorte Grande" was one of the reasons her MTV Ao Vivo album was
such a huge hit, being currently her most well-known song. "Quando a
Chuva Passar" was also very popular. The single "Berimbau Metalizado"
was the first one in Brazil to receive gold certification for 50,000
digital downloads in 2007.
Currently, she's Brazil's most popular female singer based on her CD and
DVD sales (although Ana Carolina came close in popularity in 2006).
Ivete has sold more than 7,000,000 CDs copies and more than 1,500,000
DVDs copies. It's estimated that she has a patrimony of R$400,000,000
($225,000,000). She is one of the richest Brazilian entertainers at the
time, having several parallel business, including her own production
company, "Caco de Telha", and lucrative commercial deals.
She is also one of the highest-paid concert acts. According to O Globo,
Ivete asks for R$240,000 ($120,000 per concert) and a percentage of
tickets sale, which makes her final paycheck R$350,000 ($275,000), the
second highest-paid acts in Brazil. (Roberto Carlos is the most
expensive, asking R$700,000 per concert). For special concerts, like the
Omo free concert at Copacabana Beach and New Year's Eve concerts, the
price may reach R$2 million ($1 million dollars).
Her parallel business, like her performances at her "blocos" on Salvador
carnival and other performances at trio elétrico in off-season
carnivals, are also very lucrative, as well as her commercial deals with
companies like Avon, Grendene, Panasonic, Garnier, Danone, Arisco,
Bradesco, Nova Schin beer, among others.
Thanks to Ivete, her record company, Universal, went back to the #1 most
lucrative record company in Brazil, after losing the spot to Sony BMG.
Her Ao Vivo no Maracanã DVD sold 555,000 copies making the best-selling
musical DVD of the year in Brazil and the best-selling musical DVD
overall in 2007 for Universal Records, including international acts. In
October 2008, she released a children's album with Saulo Fernandes,
lead-singer of Banda Eva.
[edit]2009 - present: Pode Entrar, motherhood, new live DVD
In June 2009, the singer released her tenth studio album, Pode Entrar,
recorded in a studio set up at her home, in Salvador. The project had
Ivete in a more intimate way, entertaining friends at his house, artists
for duets and musical partnerships also acclaimed and unprecedented. It
was also released as DVD and includes guest stars such as Maria
Bethânia, Carlinhos Brown, Lulu Santos and Marcelo Camelo. The album
includes the huge summer hits Cadê Dalila, elected the "song of the
Salvador carnival" in 2009, and Na Base do Beijo, which had heavy
airplay in the beginning of 2010. Both of them peaked #1 in the
Brazilian charts. There's also Agora Eu Já Sei, a smash romantic hit
that charted #2 on 2009 Winter. This album received three nominations
for the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards.
On September 8, 2009, it was confirmed that Sangalo would be opening
R&B singer-songwriter Beyoncé Knowles' concerts of her I Am... Tour
in Brazil, in the cities of São Paulo and Salvador, Bahia.These shows
took place in February, 2010.
Her first child, a boy named Marcelo, was born on October 2, 2009, in
Salvador. His first public appearance was on May 16, 2010, when the
press was able to take photos of Marcelo with his mother after his
baptism in Salvador, which gathered many celebrities.
On November 17, 2009, she released a clothing collection through a deal
with Lojas Riachuelo, the third biggest retail stores in Brazil.
In early 2010, she was the winner of the "Music" category of Shorty Awards for the best Twitter users.
In April 2010, a new DVD , "Ivete Sangalo Duetos" ("Ivete Sangalo
duets", in English), was released, with a total of 19 performances with
other artists, all of them previously released in her own discography or
in the discography of the other artists with whom she sings. This DVD
include performances with Alejandro Sanz, Alexandre Pires, Roberto
Carlos, Gilberto Gil, Jorge Ben Jor, Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano,
among other artists, and managed to peak #1 on Brazilian charts by the
second week of May, 2010.
She was invited by TAM Airlines, which is now one of her sponsors, to
perform on a private show to commemorate the entry of the airline in the
Star Alliance. This pocket show took place beneath the Pão de Açúcar,
in Rio de Janeiro, on May 13, 2010, and was broadcast by Terra Networks.
In Portugal, she was the only artist to perform at the four editions of
Rock in Rio festival held in Lisbon. Her debut in the country in the
2004 edition of the festival charmed the Portuguese people and made her
famous there. In the 2010 edition, she was one of the most awaited
attractions of the opening night on May 21, and performed to an audience
of more than 80 thousand people.
Ivete Sangalo will perform at the Madison Square Garden, New York City,
where she will record her third live DVD on September 4, 2010. The
singer will also perform at the American Airlines Arena in Miami on
August 28, at the DCU Center in Worcester on September 1 and at the
Brazilian Day party in Toronto on September 6.
Performance of Ivete Sangalo in Brazilian Oktoberfest - crowded.
Discography
Band Eva (1993-1998)
[edit]Albums
Year Album Sales
1993 Banda Eva 150 thousand (Gold)
1994 Pra Abalar 150 thousand (Gold)
1995 Hora H 200 thousand (Gold)
1996 Beleza Rara 450 thousand (Gold)
1997 Banda Eva Ao Vivo 1.2 million (Diamond)
1998 Eva, Você e Eu 700 thousand (2x Platium)
Total 2.8 millions
Singles
Year Single Album
1993 "Adeus Bye Bye" Banda Eva
1994 "Flores (Sonho Épico)" Pra Abalar
"Alô Paixão"
"Pra Abalar"
1995 "Me Abraça" Hora H
"Pegue Aí"
1996 "Beleza Rara" Beleza Rara
"Levada Louca"
1997 "Eva" Banda Eva Ao Vivo
"Leva Eu"
"Vem, Meu Amor"
1998 "Arerê"
"Carro Velho" Eva, Você e Eu
"De Ladinho"
Solo career (1999 - Present)
Albums
Year Album Sales
1999 Ivete Sangalo 250 thousand (2x Platium)
2000 Beat Beleza 400 thousand (Gold)
2001 Festa 800 thousand (Platium)
2003 Clube Carnavalesco Inocentes em Progresso 500 thousand (Gold)
2004 MTV Ao Vivo - Ivete Sangalo 2.5 millions (Diamond)
2005 As Super Novas 1.2 million (Diamond)
2007 Multishow Ao Vivo - Ivete No Maracanã 1.5 million (4x Platium)
2008 A Casa Amarela -
2009 Multishow Registro - Pode Entrar 200 thousand -
Total 5.6 millions
Catherine
Elizabeth, "Kate" Middleton (born 9 January 1982) is the girlfriend of
Prince William of Wales. Since their relationship first began, Middleton
has received widespread media attention and there has been constant
speculation that they will eventually marry.
Born in 1982, Middleton grew up in Berkshire, and after attending
Marlborough College went to the University of St Andrews. She met Prince
William, also studying there, in 2001. They soon started a
relationship, media attention quickly followed, and in 2005 her lawyer
complained of harassment. In April 2007, it emerged in the press that
William and Middleton had split up. They continued to be friends, and
later in 2007 the pair reunited. Since then, Middleton has attended many
high-profile royal events. She has been admired for her fashion sense,
and has been placed on numerous 'best dressed' lists.
Early life
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal
Berkshire Hospital, Reading, the daughter of Michael Francis Middleton
(born 23 June 1949) and Carole Elizabeth (née Goldsmith; born 31 January
1955). Middleton, an airline pilot, and Goldsmith, an air stewardess,
had married on 21 June 1980 at the Parish Church in Dorney,
Buckinghamshire. Kate Middleton's paternal family came from Leeds in
West Yorkshire, and her great-grandmother Olivia was a member of the
Lupton family, who were active for generations in Leeds in commercial
and municipal work.Carole Middleton's maternal family, the Harrisons,
were working class labourers and miners from County Durham. In 1987, the
Middletons founded their own company, Party Pieces, a mail order firm
that sells party supplies and decorations. They have since become
millionaires.
Kate Middleton grew up in Bucklebury, Berkshire, and attended St.
Andrew's School in Pangbourne, Berkshire followed by Marlborough College
in Wiltshire.
Michael and Carole Middleton have two other children, Philippa "Pippa"
Charlotte (born 6 September 1983)and James William (born 15 April 1987).
Pippa Middleton, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, has
received press coverage since her sister became famous, with focus on
her relationships and lifestyle.
Relationship with Prince William
Middleton's unsubstantiated status as the girlfriend of Prince William
brought her widespread media coverage in the UK and abroad, and she was
often photographed on her daily outings. On 17 October 2005, she
complained through her lawyer about harassment from the media, stating
that she had done nothing significant to warrant such publicity.
In February 2006, it was announced that Middleton would receive her own
24-hour security detail supplied by the Royalty and Diplomatic
Protection Department. This fueled further speculation that she and
Prince William would soon be engaged, since she would not, otherwise, be
entitled to this service. No engagement occurred, and Middleton was not
granted an allowance to fund this security. However, media attention
greatly increased around the time of Middleton's 25th birthday in
January 2007, prompting warnings from both Prince Charles and Prince
William and from Middleton's lawyers, who threatened legal action. As a
result, two newspaper groups, News International, which publishes The
Times and The Sun, and the Guardian Media Group, publishers of The
Guardian, decided to refrain from publishing paparazzi photographs of
her.
Middleton attended at least one event as an official royal guest, Prince
William's Passing Out Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on
15 December 2006.
Despite no official engagement, Woolworths prepared commemorative
merchandise to be ready should an engagement announcement occur.
End of relationship and reconciliation
On 14 April 2007 The Sun newspaper broke a 'world exclusive' suggesting
that Prince William and Kate Middleton had split up.Other media outlets
such as the BBC confirmed the story as the day progressed. The couple
decided to break up during a holiday in the Swiss resort of Zermatt.
Clarence House made only one comment about the relationship's end,
according to The Times, stating, "We don't comment on Prince William's
private life." Newspapers speculated about the reasons of the split,
although these reports relied on anonymous sources. The original report
in The Sun quoted a "close friend of the couple" as saying that
Middleton felt William had not been paying her enough attention. The
paper highlighted reports that William had been spending time with other
young women, and said the Prince, aged 24 at the time of the split,
felt he was too young to marry.
A report in the Daily Mail blamed a desire by royal courtiers not to
"hurry along" a marriage announcement, and William's desire to enjoy his
bachelor status within his Army career. The Mail also suggested that
William's friend Guy Pelly encouraged the Prince to take a "careless
approach" to relationships. The same article suggested that Middleton
had "expected too much" in wanting William to demonstrate his commitment
to her.
In June 2007, Middleton and Prince William insisted they were "just good
friends" following reports of a reconciliation. Middleton and her
family attended the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium; however, she
and William sat two rows apart. Since then, the couple has been seen
together in public on a number of occasions, and according to several
news sources including the BBC and the Daily Mail, have now "rekindled
their relationship". Middleton also joined William and Charles on a
deerstalking expedition at Balmoral and attended the wedding of
William's cousin, Peter Phillips even though William, due to a prior
commitment, did not. On 16 June 2008, Middleton attended the event of
William's investiture into the Order of the Garter along with the Royal
Family.
In April 2010 a report in the Daily Mail citing Tina Brown speculated
that an engagement between Middleton and Prince William will be
announced on June 3 or 4, and that a wedding will take place in November
2010. This has been denied by other sources close to the Royal Family.
2006 - present
In November 2006 Middleton accepted a position as an assistant accessories buyer with clothing chain Jigsaw.
In September 2007 it was reported that Middleton was planning to give up
her job as an accessories buyer to become a professional photographer.
Some months later, it was announced that she intended to take private
classes with internationally renowned photographer Mario Testino, who
had taken several well-known photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales,
and her sons. Middleton and Testino apparently were introduced by Prince
William. Testino later denied that Middleton was going to be working
for him or had ever worked for him. In December 2007, it was also
reported that Middleton had moved in with Prince William at Clarence
House, the residence of the Prince of Wales in London. Clarence House
later denied this.
On 17 May 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of Peter Phillips and
Autumn Kelly, which Prince William missed to attend the wedding of his
close friend. On 19 July 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of Lady
Rose Windsor and George Gilman. Prince William was away on military
operations.
On 28 February 2010, The Times reported that Kate Middleton was pursuing
an invasion of privacy suit against a photographer called Niraj Tanna
of Ikon Pictures who took pictures of her over Christmas, although they
were never published in Britain.
Fashion icon
Middleton has been featured in numerous best dressed lists. Middleton
was selected by The Telegraph as the "Most Promising Newcomer" in their
2006 list of style winners and losers. Tatler placed her at #8 on their
yearly listing of the top ten style icons in 2007. She was also featured
in People Magazine's 2007 best dressed list. Middleton was named as one
of Richard Blackwell's ten "Fabulous Fashion Independents" of 2007. In
June 2008 style.com selected Middleton as their monthly beauty icon. In
July 2008 Middleton was named to Vanity Fair's international best
dressed list.
