Today in Pellicano: Garry Shandling cracks wise
Funny man Garry Shandling played to one of his toughest -- and smallest -- crowds at the Anthony Pellicano trial today, where he opened with a joke and got heckled by the judge. Our own Victoria Kim has the report.
Prosecutors started out by asking Shandling what he does for a living and he answered, “That’s a bad sign.” Pause. “I’m a comedian.”
Everyone in the room laughed, but the judge admonished him, “Not today sir.”
Shandling then turned somber tones as he described a falling out with Brad Grey, his former manager of 18 years, who now serves as chairman of the Paramount Motion Picture Group.
After suing Grey for a series of alleged improprieties, Shandling claims his former manager waged a campaign of character assassination against him. Shandling told the court he learned from reporters that Pellicano helped generate the negative spin.
Shandling wasn't alone in getting scolded by the judge, Kim reports. Pellicano once again came in for some sharp comments from U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who admonished him for a somewhat rambling cross examination. At one point, the lawyer for Kevin Kachikian, a co-defendant in the case, asked and received permission to huddle with Pellicano and, presumably, offer a few tips.
More as the story develops.
-- Veronique de Turenne
