Eva Longoria Parker says restaurant lawsuit is 'without merit'

Actress Eva Longoria Parker has responded to a lawsuit filed by former business partners in the Las Vegas franchise of her popular restaurant Beso.

The suit, filed last week in Nevada by Ronen and Mali Nachum, charges Longoria Parker and other investors with breach of contract and unpaid loans.

"All allegations made by the Nachums against Longoria Parker, her business partner and restaurant are absolutely false, untrue and without merit," her rep tells the Ministry.

"Longoria Parker plans to countersue the couple in the court of law in order to protect the integrity of the restaurant, its brand and the welfare and well-being of her employees, as well as her own reputation."

Parker contracted the Nachums in January 2009 to oversee the construction and management of Beso and lounge Eve inside Las Vegas' City Center, the Las Vegas Sun reports. Rumored tyrannical behavior from the couple as well as money mismanagement issues, reportedly prompted their firing.

Longoria Parker, wife of NBA player Tony Parker, stars on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." In addition to her stake in Beso, the actress serves as national spokeswoman for Padres Contra El Cancer -- a nonprofit that assists Latino children with cancer. 

-- Matt Donnelly

Photo: Eva Longoria Parker rocks a silver mini. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times 

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Hugh Jackman is concentrating on 'Sesame Street'

If Hugh Jackman looked the Ministry in the eye and said "concentrate," we'd know precisely where to focus on the "Wolverine" star. Jackman will not be relaying such a message to us, however, but rather to the charming characters on "Sesame Street."

The actor will pay a visit to Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch and the gang Jan. 27 when he pops by to present the word "concentrate" to the street.

A slew of other stars are gearing up to hit the imaginary block as well:

Kobe Bryant will address the concept of the word "miniature" on Jan. 21.

Christina Applegate will shuffle down the street Jan. 25 with the word "booth," followed a couple of weeks later (yes, Hugh is in the middle) by Debi Mazar with the word "humongous" Feb. 16.