The producers of Speed the Plow have filed a grievance against Jeremy Piven for his early departure from the Broadway play.  For some unknown reason, the show has tanked since he left.  It’s hard to believe that Jeremy Piven is the lynchpin of success of any production, but the numbers don’t lie.

Before Jeremy got so “sick”, he had asked to be released from the show early.  He obviously never learned how to call in sick.  You can’t foreshadow your illness and you can’t claim drug abuse mercury poisoning and then arrive at every party, premiere and award show in the city looking completely healthy, save a bloody nose. 

Now, a committee will convene to determine if there should be some sort of monetary compensation paid to the producers.  I know that I’m only supposed to reserve prayer for really important things such as Amy Winehouse, so it would be wrong to pray for a huge fine for Piven, right?

Here’s Jeremy, obviously ill, last week at the Golden Globes.

Beyonce Knowles has landed the much-sought-after gig of singing for Barack and Michelle Obama’s first dance on inauguration night Tuesday.

But … event organizers are keeping the song she’s singing completely secret until the actual performance.

All I have to say about this is: Was Danity Kane already booked? Because I think they should have performed “Damaged,” except instead of “heart” they would need to say “country.” And Aubrey O’Day could re-enact her Playboy shoot, and, if nothing else, it would force the nation to start fresh, at least as far as their bedsheets were concerned.

What do you guys think Beyonce will sing????

BritneySpears.com just released some new photos of Britney showing off her lipo and her dance moves as she preps for her upcoming tour. Looking good, Britster!!!

I basically never read the tabloids, except for when I’m flying somewhere, and I picked up an issue of the new OK! magazine in the Seattle airport yesterday. This is the cover:

Do those big yellow words make sense to any of you? “WHAT PRICE FAME”? Were there supposed to be, ya know, other words in there, too? Or is OK! now publishing in Engrish?

Anyway, the article was very fascinating. It basically said that Britney had wanted to end her conservatorship after 2008 and start the fight for getting her kids back, but they couldn’t get her tour insured without her father as her conservator, because Britney’s past is too flaky and insurers were concerned about what it would cost them if she went nuts and canceled dates. And Britney can’t fight to get her kids back while she’s still under a conservatorship — no judge would allow it. So basically Britney had to choose between getting her kiddos back and doing this tour, and she was very pressured into doing the tour.

Also apparently word on the street is that preparations for the tour are not going well, and that several key choreographers – including former tryst Wade Robson — have quit because Britney just doesn’t seem into it.

Ruh-roh!!!!

Since I posted this article about Spike.com’s jackass list of “Top 7 Butterbodies,” I’ve had an influx of commenters come by to post this link to the author’s photo. Most of the commenters have never posted on Evil Beet before.

So, I must ask, are you all just that excited that this dude has a hairy chest and balding head, or is there some manner of underground, organized effort going on to post this link to his face to every blog discussing The Mean List?

Taylor Momsen Takes on Pap Patrol

This is a phenomenal video of Taylor Momsen getting all kung-fu to avoid a crazy swarm of paparazzi. I think part of it’s a stunt double, but, still. Very amusing. Love her.

Um, the photo agency has this tagged as Lindsay Lohan, but I’m looking at a young woman with no boots, no leggings, no cigarette and no Samantha Ronson, so I have my doubts.

But this girl who is supposedly Lindsay Lohan was shopping in Malibu yesterday.

Image via Fame