How do you know if the guy who paid you six-figures to attend his birthday party in Chechnya is a bloodthirsty madman who tortures for sport? Looking that stuff up—and knowing whether to care about it—is hard. That’s why two non-profits are teaming up to answer the question: Is the oligarch I’m privately entertaining for money a monster?
Global Philanthropy Group and Human Rights Watch have jointly announced the new service, which will come free of charge to any celebrity contemplating that private gig in Kazakhstan.
There you have it, famous people! No more performing for murderous megalomaniacs! You have no excuse! Plus, the service is free!
So the next time a dignitary from some weird nation you’ve never heard of comes a-knockin’, just ask the Human Rights Watch whether the gig is legit. Easy!
Oh, and by the way: Swank’s publicist reportedly ignored repeated calls and emails from the Human Rights Watch before the Ramzan Kadyrov gala ever went down. So the other takeaway, all ye hubristic Oscar-winners, is, freaking stop ignoring the Human Rights Watch. They can only make it so easy for you.
The other day, I was watching The Reaping with my boyfriend, you know, that Hilary Swank movie about the plagues and all that? And we had that conversation that everyone has when they watch a Hilary Swank movie, the one where someone is like “do you think she’s pretty?” and everyone is like “wellll …” He also asked what Hilary had been up to in the past few years, and I honestly didn’t know. It’s been a long long time since I’ve heard any gossip at all about Hilary Swank. But then I checked, and you guys, Hilary Swank has been up to a lot. And it’s not good.
See, it all started when Hilary was asked to attend a birthday party for the president of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, last week. And Hilary was like “yeah, sure, sounds like a blast!” and she went and gave this speech:
Note the part where that one guy is all “how did you know about this gig?” and Hilary goes “I read. I do my research.” Because the thing is that either Hilary is a liar who does not do her research or she is a cold-hearted shell of a lady, because it turns out that the president of Chechnya is actually not such a great guy. As in, he’s accused of torturing and murdering people.
So all these human rights groups are like “Hilary, what are you doing?” and Hilary has to issue this apology, saying that “I deeply regret attending this event. If I had a full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would never have gone.” She’s also saying that she’s going to donate the money she got for her appearance to charity, which makes it ok that she flashed her big goofy smile and gave a “happy birthday, Mr. President” to a dude who murders people.
Are we all caught up? I think so. Should we really hate Hilary? I’m not sure. Maybe a little.
Now, when I said she looked like a box of popcorn, obviously I meant the fat-free variety. The very bony Nicky Hilton attended the 14th Annual Los Angeles Antiques Show opening last night, appearing in desperate need of a calorie.
Nick Lachey was also there with girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo. Does this put to rest the rumors that she was hanging all over 90210 actor Matt Lanter the night before? I say “NO!” based on the couple’s body language. Nothing says “impending breakup” like a jaw clamped shut as tightly as Miley Cyrus’ kneecaps.
“Actress” Shiva Rose was there. I consider this woman about one step away from a miracle worker. Not only did she manage to stay married in Hollywood (to Dylan McDermott) for more than a decade before her marriage imploded, she divorced with…wait for it…no lawyers on either side. Amazing!
Hilary Swank appeared with her agent and boyfriend John Campisi. I’m sorry, but he looks like Chad Lowe. Doesn’t he? Oh, the soft spot she has for a receding hairline, large forehead and weak chin.
Finally, Chris Klein was there. Boy, he looks so familiar. It’s almost like there’s someone in Hollywood who has that same face. Who could it be? *cough*SuriCruise*cough*
Chad Lowe, who was divorced from Oscar-winner Hilary Swank in 2007, is having a baby with his new girlfriend, producer Kim Painter. She’s due in early summer.
Babies are the new black!
Last year, Lowe said that his relationship with Kim and his gig on 24 helped him get through “a very dark period” after his split from Hilary.
The super-svelte Hilary Swank is reportedly going to put on between 20 and 30 pounds to play the lead in French Women Don’t Get Fat, an upcoming film based on a bestselling novel. Hilary’s also a producer on the film.
You’ve already won two Oscars, Hilary. Why on earth do you think you need to get fat for a role now? We take your acting prowess seriously, sweetheart.
Hilary Swank does the January cover of W magazine.
The interview promises to be boring as hell. She talks a little about her relationship with her (formerly married) agent — “Of course I’m in love. Or I wouldn’t be in this relationship for as long as I’ve been.” — but beyond that there’s nothing particularly juicy. Some more tidbits are after the jump if you care.
Right on, Bobby. Bo-ring, and so obviously an attempt to bait the “establishment.” If she really wanted to be bold she’d have dressed up as Mohammed and offended the Muslim world. THAT would take guts. The whole...
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