Affleck avoids spotlight
WASHINGTON - Ben Affleck, above, is managing to live a relatively private life in a Hollywood fishbowl.
He's no longer tailed daily by the paparazzi, as he was when he dated Jennifer Lopez from 2002 to 2004. It was a time when entertainment coverage was starting to explode and the couple were on the cover of every magazine and tabloid, and the top story on TV entertainment shows.
"I definitely was in a tabloid crosshair," he said in a recent interview. "It mucks up your life."
He described the constant attention as "sort of snarky and venal and kind of overwhelming."
The paparazzi weren't going to change their ways, so Affleck changed his life. He married Jennifer Garner, had three kids, and cut down his "compulsive" work schedule.
But not entirely: Affleck was in Washington D.C. this week to raise awareness for something else he holds dear - his Eastern Congo Initiative to reduce the child mortality rate in the region.
A royal angel is born
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge and Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill are the new parents of a baby girl.
The couple welcomed Dixie Pearl Followill on Thursday morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Spokesman Ken Weinstein says both Aldridge and the baby are happy and healthy and are resting at their home outside Nashville. Dixie Pearl was born at 1 a.m., weighing in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
Aldridge, 26, and Followill, 30, married in California last year. Dixie Pearl is their first child.
Dispute in the 'Swamp'
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - One of the stars of the TV reality show "Swamp People" has been arrested in Florida on domestic violence charges.
Noces Joseph LaFont Jr. - who is known as "Trapper Joe" on TV - was arrested Wednesday by Orange County Sheriff's deputies.
According to an arrest affidavit, LaFont, left, was arguing with his girlfriend while staying at a hotel near Disney World and tried to burn her with a lit cigarette. The report also says he punched the woman with a closed fist.
LaFont was charged with battery and assault. He was booked into the Orange County Jail, posted bail and released. It's unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
"Swamp People" is a History channel show that follows Cajuns who hunt alligators.
Maxwell cancels tour
NEW YORK - R&B singer Maxwell has cancelled his short U.S. tour after developing vocal swelling and hemorrhaging.
A representative for the singer said Friday he has been advised by doctors to rest and undergo treatment. Maxwell's six-date summer tour had shows planned for Los Angeles, Atlanta and Newark for July and August.
Maxwell said cancelling the tour "sucks" and he plans to hit the road when his new album, "blackSUMMERS'night," is released later this year.
The 39-year-old made his return to music in 2009 after a seven-year break with the platinum album "BLACKsummers'night." It won the singer-songwriter two Grammy Awards, among other accolades.
The statement also said refunds are available at the point of purchase.
Wynonna Judd marries
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Country singer Wynonna Judd has tied the knot.
Her publicist, Todd Brodginski, confirms she married drummer Cactus Moser in a private family ceremony on Sunday. The wedding took place in Leipers Fork, Tenn.
This is the third marriage for the 48-year-old Judd. She divorced her second husband, D.R. Roach in 2007 after four years together. She has two children with her first husband, Arch Kelly III.
The Grammy-winning singer from Ashland, Ky., first gained fame as part of the duo The Judds with her mother, Naomi, before going solo. She has sold more than 10 million solo albums.
From press wire reports
