Mark Wahlberg's 9/11 gaffe: 'I was there to talk about the movie'

Mark Wahlberg has apologized and apologized again for ill-considered remarks about what he might do if he were on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

On Friday, the "Contraband" star put a little context around his remarks, and his apologies -- and described the role of the journalist who conducted the interview in question.

"Because of the fact that I had a reservation on one of those flights, it's always a topic of conversation," Walhberg noted in a chat with WPLJ-95.5 radio's morning team, coming off 13 hours of work.

This past week, with the release of promotional blurbs for the Men's Journal interview in which he made the comments, "I got blindsided by the fact that people thought I was being disrespectful to the victims of 9/11 and that was, to me, a horrific thing and i wanted to address it right away," Wahlberg said. Hence, the quick apologies.

The gaffe, for those who missed it? "If I was on that plane with my kids," Wahlberg told the magazine, "it wouldn't have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, 'OK, we're going to land somewhere safely, don't worry.'"

So how did those ill-considered words make their way out of his mouth?

"I've got this journalist who's asking all the questions, and I'm trying to promote a movie and he's asking me, you know, about sex and this and that and I'm like, dude, I've got a wife and four kids and this is not appropriate. ... It wasn't a Q&A, it wasn't like all of a sudden I decided I was going to get on this soapbox and talk about my opinion about 9/11. I was there to talk about the movie," Wahlberg explained.

Before the radio interview aired, several families of 9/11 victims told the New York Post they thought an apology was great, but that Wahlberg should use the opportunity to publicly visit the 9/11 Memorial and possibly help with fundraising for the memorial and museum.

On Wednesday, Wahlberg told TMZ, "To speculate about such a situation is ridiculous to begin with," adding, "I deeply apologize to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive, it was certainly not my intention."

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— Christie D'Zurilla
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Photo: Mark Wahlberg at the 69th Golden Globe Awards show Sunday. Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Michelle Williams dreams of Heath Ledger; transforms as Marilyn

Michelle Williams, no stranger to beauty and tragedy, is starring in a magazine cover shoot as Marilyn Monroe, whose life story is so strongly associated with those qualities.

Williams once again dons the platinum blond hair of Monroe, whom she portrays in "My Week With Marilyn," along with intimate wear and plenty of sultriness for a GQ spread dropping this month. And while her transformation is sublime the story gets down to the residual heartbreak of losing Heath Ledger.

"Our initial meeting, the circumstances of how we first met, were cosmic or something," Williams recalled, "...it’s a bit like: We had a lot of things to do, because we didn’t have a lot of time, or something."

Heath and Michelle dated from 2004 to 2007, cohabiting for the last two years of their courtship thanks to the arrival of a baby girl, Matilda. Ledger died in 2008 from a lethal combination of prescription medications, but the magazine wondered: Had Heath not passed, did Williams see them ending up together?

"[It's] one of my favorite things to imagine," she said through tears. "It’s actually one of my favorite places to visit."

Williams won best actress in a musical or comedy at Sunday's Golden Globe Awards. Her speech was a testament to little Matilda, whose "bravery and exuberance is the example that I take with me in my work and in my life."

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-- Matt Donnelly
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Photo: Michelle Williams becomes Marilyn Monroe. Credit: Michael Thompson / GQ

Taylor Lautner 'out & proud' gay People cover is a fake

Taylor Lautner has not come out as a gay man, despite an "out & proud" magazine cover making the post-Christmas rounds. Um, not that there's anything wrong with that.

The "exclusive" People cover, left, is a fake, a People rep confirmed to rumor-debunking celeb website Gossip Cop on Monday. Exclusively.

The clues are pretty obvious, even if you're not an expert at spotting Photoshop work. People publishes on Mondays; Jan. 7, the date on the alleged cover, is a Saturday. Also, People's special double issues happen twice a year, once in summer and once at year's end.

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The secondary stories on the right -- one of them, you guessed it, an exclusive! -- are lifted from a May 2006 cover of the mag, Gossip Cop noted. We're buying that one even without looking in our hoarder's pile of People magazines: Brad and Angelina were rumored to be spending this Christmas in Costa Rica, not Africa, and Carnie Wilson hasn't looked like that in a while.

One high-profile person who fell for the alleged cover? Russell Simmons, who tweeted "Proud of Taylor Lautner for his bravery and his courage" before nuking that message and replacing it with "Disappointed that people would joke about someone coming out about their sexuality. Let Taylor Lautner be whoever he wants to be." (And we suppose that we should let Simmons, famed Occupy Wall Street supporter, be wherever he wants to be, which this holiday season is apparently famed 1-percenter destination St. Barths.)

One story about Lautner that is true? His wax figure is expected to join Robert Pattinson's at Madame Tussauds in London this January, the museum announced earlier this month. And though it won't be an exclusive photo opportunity, we can't wait to see the pics.

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-- Christie D'Zurilla
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Photo: Twitter

Paula Patton: 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' star blends in

What is it about espionage and lingerie? Paula Patton certainly knows, because the "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" star pretty much nails the one in the film and the other in a sexy new photo spread. 

To help you decide which is which, let us present the actress in the current issue of GQ, where she delivers an underwear shoot and some chatter about her quirky family situation.

You see, Patton is married to R&B sex god Robin Thicke, whose father is beloved television institution-slash-Canadian Alan Thicke. 

"Canadians are a lot like us, actually," Patton tells the mag. "I've figured out how to blend in." 

Insert spy quip here? As far the intimate apparel goes, don't let that trick you into thinking Patton is a precious female lead beside Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg in "Ghost Protocol." She's one sweet cookie, but a tough one too.

"I was doing physical stunts," Patton said, "feet in the mud, fingernails full of dirt, shooting and fighting for my life."  

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Photo: Paula Patton inspects the luckiest wall ever. Credit: Mark Seliger.

Matt Damon: Ben Affleck is his 'hetero lifemate'

Matt Damon wants to make it clear: Though he may wander from the supple valley of his Ben Affleck bromance, he'll never stray too far.

Basically, Damon has been collaborating with a new Hollywood guy but is still fond his oldest friend, Ben.

Damon is prepping his directorial debut to start sometime in 2012, a script he's currently co-writing with "The Office" star John Krasinski. The pair met when Damon was filming "The Adjustment Bureau" with Emily Blunt, Krasinski's wife.

"I just found writing with him really easy -- like writing with Ben," Damon told GQ.

But it's not like writing with Ben, Matt. It's not.

Damon acknowledges as much, referring to Affleck as his "hetero lifemate" and saying that the pair are working on a project  Affleck will direct. Based on the life of James "Whitey" Bulger, the Irish mobster apprehended after 16 years on the run, the project will see Damon in the lead.

And will see our boys reunited.

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Photo: Matt Damon spends a fashionable day at the zoo. Credit: Ben Watts / GQ

 

Lindsay Lohan nude spread for Playboy is leaked

Looks like Lindsay Lohan's full monty has been revealed early -- and not in Playboy's glorious glossy form.

Lohan's full spread hit the Internet on Friday after a shot of her cover was tweeted a few days before, trumpeting the arrival of her nude photo shoot for Hugh Hefner's magazine.

Inspired by Tom Kelly's famous portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Lohan rocks platinum blond hair and a pair of pumps (and nothing else) draped across red velvet. Hefner told fans that the Marilyn tribute was his idea. "I thought it would make it truly memorable," he wrote.

"Sex and sexuality are a part of nature and I go along with nature. I think Marilyn Monroe once said that," Lohan reportedly told the mag.

Hefner certainly approves of his cover star.

"Lindsay Lohan was the top search name on the Internet yesterday. Her issue goes on sale late next week. Hot. Hot. Hot," the mogul tweeted.

The magazine's street date was moved up to next Friday, Dec. 16, in response to the nude photos leaked online. Now the magazine will be available the day after Lohan's appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' daytime talk show, which is where she was originally set to unveil the magazine's cover. But that plan was upset when the cover leaked this week as well.

The photos of Lohan have had their (predictable) share of criticism since going online. Most have commented on the amount of Photoshopping done to the pictures. As one person said in a tweet directed at Hefner, "nice washed out pictures of that ginger .... i wonder what she looks like in real lighting .... possibly a gremlin?"

Will you pick up a copy of Lindsay's Playboy? Tell us in comments. 

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Photo: Lindsay Lohan on the cover of Playboy, which will go on sale Dec. 16. Credit: Playboy

Guy Ritchie calls marriage to Madonna a 'soap opera'

Guy Ritchie is in a philosophical space lately, or rather philosophical in a promotional space for his upcoming "Sherlock Holmes" sequel, and a recent talk turned to his former wife, Madonna.

"It's definitely not something I regret. The experience was ultimately very positive," he tells Details of his marriage to Madge. "I love the kids that came out of it and I could see no other route to take. But you move on, don't you?"

Both he and Madonna have had multiple loves since their 2008 split but Ritchie isn't done waxing on their whirlwind union -- complete with an imagined revamp for the star, who became an equestrian English bride and mum under Guy's watch.

"I stepped into a soap opera, and I lived in it for quite a long period of my life. I'll probably be more eloquent on it 10 years from now," he said. 

Ritchie and Madonna share 11-year-old son Rocco and 6-year-old son David Banda, adopted from Malawi. Madonna has stylish teen Lourdes Leon from a previous relationship. Guy and new love Jacqui Ainsley welcomed a baby boy in September. 

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Photo: Guy Ritchie and Madonna attend the 2008 premiere of his film "RocknRolla" in London. Credit: Sang Tan / Associated Press

Jennifer Hudson says fiance saved her life when family was killed

Though Jennifer Hudson has long refrained from talking in detail about the 2008 murders of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, the Oscar winner finally revealed the simple twist of fate that literally saved her life.

Hudson says her fiance, pro wrestler David Otunga, suggested she visit him in Florida the weekend of the killings.

"That's one of the things that saved my life, because I could have been home with my mom then," Hudson told Ebony. Otunga "wanted me to come out to Florida with him instead of going to Chicago."

While Hudson was in Florida, Her 57-year-old mother Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson were gunned down. Nephew Julian King, reported missing in the wake of the shootings, was found dead the following Monday in the back of an SUV. Jennifer immediately went into hiding.

"I flew out to see him; that's why I'm still here. I've never said that before, and I can't believe I just said that now," she said. "But I didn't know. He was just like, 'I'm going to this wrestling thing, and it's in Tampa. I'm going out there now, so you can come out there and see me versus going home." 

William Balfour, a love interest of Jennifer's sister Julia, was arrested in December 2008 and faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. After years of continuances, a judge said last week that the case will be tried in February.

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Photo: Jennifer Hudson arrives at the Swarovski Elements Rodeo Drive Lighting Ceremony in Beverly Hills on Monday. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press

 

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel cozy up at GQ Men of the Year

Justin Timberlake was honored Thursday as one of 2011's  GQ Men of the Year, and brought a significant lady friend to be at his side -- former girlfriend Jessica Biel.

So are they back in full swing as a couple? It would seem so, as the pair were attached at the hip navigating the packed lobby and patio of the Chateau Marmont, eventually departing after midnight, hand in hand.

Back inside the party, another honoree commanded full attention of the crowd: dad-to-be Jay-Z. All  kinds of boldface names flocked for their five minutes with the mogul, including Jimmy Fallon, Lake Bell and Aziz Ansari.

PHOTOS: 2011 GQ Men of the Year party 

Cutting a Sinatra-style figure in a black suit, and looking very lean, Jay-Z held court in a corner table while fellow man of the year Michael Fassbender charmed a group of ladies across the garden.

Joe Manganiello stuck out, literally, his towering frame grabbing attention alongside cast members from "Mad Men." The whole gang of Fox's "New Girl" turned up, including a whimsical Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson. 

Anna Faris and husband Chris Pratt mostly hung out together, as did Armie Hammer and his bride, Elizabeth Chambers. Sadly for the Ministry, Jay-Z -- who would make it to Heavy D's funeral in New York the next day -- wasn't joined by his fabulous ball-and-chain, the pregnant Beyonce.

But as the focus of the party was dudes, plenty of them made strong and stylish showings over Grey Goose cocktails, including "Hunger Games" star Josh Hutcherson, Topher Grace, Anton Yelchin, Johnny Galecki, Kellan Lutz, John Cho, Adam Scott, Michael B. Jordan, Sam Paige and Eli Roth. 

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Top photo: Justin Timberlake, in Calvin Klein, was celebrated as one of 2011's GQ Men of the Year. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press

Left photo: Chris Pratt and wife Anna Faris. Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Rachel Bilson ponders a pantyless 'Hart of Dixie' PSA

Rachel Bilson is game for some equal-opportunity viral promotion when it comes to her show "Hart of Dixie."

After a spoof public service announcement made the YouTube rounds, with her costar Wilson Bethel preaching the benefits of baring one's chest, Bilson says a female response could happen.

"Like pantyless? I mean, it could happen," she told us at L.A.'s Sherbourne restaurant, where she was toasted as Nylon magazine's current covergirl. 

"Is that weird? Is that CW?" she asked of her home network. "I don't think they'd do it, but I know a few other networks that would."

Jokes aside, we asked if life was different leading the medical drama, as opposed being part a large ensemble cast on her star-making "The O.C."

"Honestly, I just work a bit more," she said, "but my costars are amazing."

And supportive, it appears, with cast members Bethel and Deborah S. Craig turning up to cheer her on, along with Ashlee Simpson and her "Boardwalk Empire" boyfriend Vincent Piazza, Shenae Grimes, Trevor Donovan and Evan Ross.

Nylon editor in  chief Marvin Scott Jarret and American Eagle hosted several courses of deliciousness, over wine and conversation, complimenting Bilson on her fashion prowess and a successful flagship season for "Dixie."

Nightlife architect Scott Sartiano popped in as folks buzzed about the week's previous Nylon Guys event, where "Breaking Dawn" stud Kellan Lutz celebrated his own cover at the Beverly lounge next door. 

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Photo: Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart on "Hart of Dixie." Credit: The CW