Jackson’s Mother Wins Custody of His Kids

Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, will be awarded custody of his three children, according to the terms of a new deal that has just been reached between the Jackson matriarch and her ex-daughter-in-law, Debbie Rowe.

The deal states that Katherine, 79, will get full custody and Rowe will have visitation rights; however, the former nurse won’t receive any money in exchange for relinquishing her custodial rights to Jackson’s mother.

Previous reports had suggested Rowe was set to give up her rights to care for the children for a large lump sum payment from the Jacksons, rumours which Rowe has vehemently denied.

“It’s an agreement,” said L. Londell McMillan, Katherine Jackson’s attorney in the case, “an agreement for the best interests of the children.”

McMillian was quick to point out that money had absolutely nothing to do with the deal that was struck between Rowe and the Jacksons, contrary to what the media has stipulated.

“This is not a money deal,” he said. “This is not about money.”

“There is no situation better for these children than for them to be raised and reared in the loving care of Mrs. Katherine Jackson,” McMillian added.

While the custody of Michael Jackson’s children may have been sorted, the battle for his estate is still on-going, with McMillian hinting that the King of Pop could have been worth more than $2 billion.

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Lauren Conrad’s Novel Headed For Hollywood

Reality star turned events planner turned author Lauren Conrad is looking to add yet another tag to her ever-growing resume: screenplay writer.

Yes, you guessed it – Conrad’s debut novel, L.A. Candy, is about to get its own movie deal, with the former Hills star revealing that a Hollywood adaptation “could be in the works very soon.”

“We’re hoping for a movie deal,” Conrad said during her hosting of the Pool After Dark party in Atlantic City on the weekend. “I’m working on [adapting the book for the movies] right now, but I don’t want to commit to anything until I see all my options. We have had a lot of exciting news in that respect, though.”

Meanwhile, Conrad has been busy adding the finishing touches to her second book, which she says is a continuation in the L.A. Candy series.

“I actually finished the first draft – I’m doing edits right now,” she said. “It picks up where the first left off. I signed a three-book deal, so this is all part of the same story. The second book will be more dramatic than the first. It’s a relief, because I didn’t have to worry about character introductions.”

While LC insists writing has been a passion of hers since she was very young, there are those close to the starlet who say it’s not really her words on the pages, but that of a ghost writer’s.

One of these critics – former friend, enemy, and Laguna Beach co-star, Kristin Cavallari – has admitted that she doesn’t believe Conrad has the ability to pull off a book like L.A. Candy; or any novel, for that matter.

“Lauren says she wrote it, but I don’t know,” Cavallari said recently. “Writing a book is not so easy.”

Conrad retaliated by saying: “I wrote my book, and I don’t really feel the need to defend it. I’ve been writing forever. I have never written anything professionally before, so this was a big step for me. [Writing] was always my best subject in school, and it’s something I’ve always loved to do.”

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Jackson Guardianship Hearing Postponed

The guardianship hearing for Michael Jackson’s three children has been postponed for a second time, with reports that Jackson matriach Katherine and her onetime daughter-in-law Debbie Rowe are close to a settlement.

The hearing had been slated for July 20, but has since been re-scheduled for August 3, after sources revealed to TMZ.com that both Rowe and the Jackson family were “in discussion” over a custody settlement for the two eldest Jackson children, Prince Michael I and Paris Michael Katherine.

The deal, according to the sources, “is amicable and involves the children – not money,” and is expected to be agreed upon soon.

It is believed that Rowe had a secret deal with her ex-husband, Michael Jackson, involving the children and a very large sum of money, to be paid at various intervals for an “unknown” and extended period of time. That agreement is said to have “survived” Jackson’s death, which would explain why Rowe doesn’t seem to be pushing for money at this point in time.

Katherine Jackson will remain the children’s temporary guardian until the August 3 hearing.

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Justin Timberlake: Author?

Justin Timberlake is planning to write a book about golf, sources close to the singer say.

While no one knows exactly what the so-called golf book will include, Entertainment Weekly believes it will center around Timberlake “golfing” with other celebrities. Sounds absolutely thrilling.

It’s no wonder, then, that the Alpha Dog star hasn’t managed to secure a publishing deal yet, though he’s reportedly been busy shopping around the proposal for the past month.

Here’s hoping no one picks it up.

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Lauren Conrad: Author

These reality television alums seem to get everything handed to them on a silver platter, don’t they?

Not only is she a television star and fashion designer, but now Lauren Conrad can also call herself an author, after finalising a three-book deal with publishing powerhouse HarperCollins.

The 22-year-old star of hit show The Hills has just signed on with HC to write a three-book series of young adult fiction novels, the first of which will be released in the summer of 2009. The books will be based on Conrad’s own life experiences, going from an “ordinary” Laguna Beach teenager to reality TV star.

“It’s definitely influenced by my own life,” Conrad explained. “The books are about a girl who moves to L.A. and stars in a reality show, so obviously there are some similarities.”

However, don’t expect any of her Hills co-stars, like Heidi Montag and the big Pratt, Spencer, to show up in any of the novels. “I’m not trying to do a fictional story based on all my friends in my real life because their stories aren’t really mine to tell,” said Conrad. “Some of the characters may symbolize people in my life, but it is in no way calling anyone out.”

I wonder if she’ll include the sex tape scandal her so-called former BFF Montag reportedly leaked to the media a while back?

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McConaughey’s Baby Pics Fetch Millions

Another celebrity baby, another multi-million dollar “first” pictures deal!

It’s been a little over a day since news of the birth of Matthew McConaughey’s son Levi first broke, and already the Fool’s Gold actor has brokered a deal with OK! magazine.

According to a source, OK! has paid $3 million for the first pics of baby Levi. However, the source has it on good authority that the deal includes not only his newborn pics, but also a juicy little spread of Levi’s first Christmas. Two for the price of one: what a bargain!

But that’s not all, folks! As well as the baby pics, Matthew and Camila have reportedly given OK! the exclusive “first” rights to their wedding album — assuming they actually do tie the knot. Of course, if they want to print those photos, the mag will have to pay handsomely again..

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Ashlee Simpson’s 7-Figure Wedding Photo Deal

Pimp Daddy Joe Simpson has been out on the streets, busy doing what he does best – pimping his daughters for all they’re worth.

This time, he’s managed to sell-out younger daughter, Ashlee, cutting a deal with gossip giant People magazine for the exclusive rights to the littlest Simpson’s forth-coming wedding to Fallout Boy rocker Pete Wentz.

A source close to the mag has revealed that Papa Joe has cut a HUGE deal for the exclusive picture rights, with People reportedly having to dish out “well over” one million dollars – seven figures – in order to print the glossy photographs first.

Of course, the magazine – who Staralicious has recently had a run-in with – refused to comment on just how much they paid for the cheezy pics, but stated they were thrilled that celebrities “continued to choose” them for exclusive cover shots.

A rep for People said: “We’re thrilled that celebrities continue to choose PEOPLE as the place to share their most intimate photos. We don not comment on specifics of any deals.”

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Peaches Geldof Caught in Drug Deal

Peaches Geldof, the 19-year-old daughter of Sir Bob Geldof, has allegedly been caught on video buying drugs from Amy Winehouse’s supposed dealer, known as Jonny.

In the video, captured by The Sun, Peaches is seen offering up to £190 in cash to the dealer for miscellanious “stuff,” and then asks if she can pick up some Valium the next day.

Valium is something many long-term drug users take when they’re coming down from a drug high.

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