Franken tells woman in letter he’s ‘ashamed’ of himself
WASHINGTON » Sen. Al Franken has written a letter to the woman who accused him of forcibly kissing and groping her, saying he is ashamed of his actions and apologizes.
Los Angeles radio host Leeann Tweeden read the letter Friday while appearing on the TV talk show “The View.” In the letter, Franken tells Tweeden that he wants to “apologize to you personally.” He also says there is no excuse for the photo taken of him posing in a joking manner while apparently placing his hands on her chest while she was asleep aboard a transport plane.
Tweeden says the unwanted kissing took place during a 2006 USO tour. Franken says he remembers their encounter differently but is “ashamed that my actions ruined that experience for you.”
Widow of Grateful Dead’s longtime lawyer auctions rare items
RENO, NEV. » The widow of the Grateful Dead’s longtime lawyer is auctioning off treasures from their long strange trip with the psychedelic rock-and-roll band.
Hal and Jesse Kant’s memorabilia collection includes signed artwork by the band’s late leader, Jerry Garcia, and backstage passes from concerts spanning 30 years.
The Reno Gazette-Journal reports some of the items are expected to go for as much as $100,000 when they’re sold online by a Reno art gallery and auction house from Nov. 22 through Dec. 9.
Jesse Kant says she’s keeping some valuables with personal meaning, including letters from the band.
But she’s parting with more than 100 items, including a colorful set of banners used as the backdrops for concerts around the world and a poster from a Lake Tahoe show in 1968.
Harry Styles, Miguel set for Victoria’s Secret China show
NEW YORK » Singer Harry Styles and R&B star Miguel will perform at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in Shanghai on Monday.
People magazine reports that Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. and Chinese singer Jane Zhang will also perform at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The show will air Nov. on CBS.
Karlie Kloss and Bella Hadid are among the 55 models participating. Gigi Hadid said she will not be walking in the show, a few months after Chinese internet users accused her of racist behavior.
It was not immediately clear whether Hadid had been denied a visa. It is not uncommon for entertainers to be denied visas by Chinese authorities for political reasons.
The fashion show’s executive producer tells People they’ve been granted more than 700 visas for the event. 28
Rep says David Cassidy in hospital, ‘surrounded by family’
NEW YORK » “Partridge Family” star David Cassidy has been hospitalized in Florida.
His representative tells The Associated Press on Saturday that Cassidy is “now conscious” and “surrounded by family.” The rep adds that Cassidy was in pain and taken to the hospital on Wednesday. No additional details were provided.
The 67-year-old said earlier this year that he was struggling with memory loss. He also announced this year that he was ending his 50year career after a few concerts. The actor and singer said that traveling and his arthritis made performing difficult.
Cassidy has had numerous personal problems in the decades following his initial success, ranging from substance abuse to bankruptcy. He’s the stepson of actress and fellow “Partridge Family” star Shirley Jones.