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Kathy Griffin will launch a weekly talk show this spring on Bravo.

According to the network, the hour-long “Kathy” will feature the Emmy winner’s “thoughts on everything pop culture as she rants on the week’s biggest headlines and tabloid gossip.”

The show will also “feature stand-up routines, celebrity interviews and taped segments.”

There’s no set premiere date yet.

Bravo has been home to Griffin’s long-running reality series “My Life on the D List.”

She’s also done a number of comedy specials for the network.

Would you be excited to check out a new Griffin talk show?

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Ryan Seacrest is being sued by a woman who’s set to appear on his upcoming Bravo show, “Shahs of Sunset.”

On Thursday, Kathy Salem filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court in an effort to stop Bravo from airing her scenes on the the reality show, which has been described as a Persian “Jersey Shore.”

The basic premise is that the show follows the lives of a few super-wealthy Iranians living in L.A.

According to her complaint, Salem was targeted by some people as soon as she entered a filmed party in July, all in an effort to add drama to the show.

Her lawsuit states, “What developed was a bullying session wherein [the cast members] became verbally abusive to plaintiff and addressed her in an obscene manner… Then, after the verbal abuse, someone tried to strip plaintiff’s top off and another cast member by the name of Reza threw a cup of water in plaintiff’s face.”

Salem says in court papers that she was “forced” to play the role of a “bad girl” at the party, and was publicly humiliated.

She’s now seeking an injunction against the airing of her scenes and $100,000 in damages from the producers, including Seacrest, his production company and Bravo.

And though she signed a release (to allow the airing of her footage), Salem’s complaint says she “did not understand that she might be blindsided and forced against her will to play a demeaning and humiliating role in an episode of Shahs of Sunset.”

A rep for Seacrest declined to comment.

Bravo’s rep tells Gossip Cop the network “has not seen a copy of the complaint, but we believe these claims have no merit.”

“Shahs of Sunset” is set to air, beginning February 2012.

What do you think about Salem’s claims?

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As Gossip Cop reported a few days ago, Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Alex McCord and Cindy Barshop were likely to be axed before the new season of “The Real Housewives of New York,” and now Bravo has made it official — without even mentioning them by name.

Instead, the cable network said who would be returning and simply referred to the fired four as “the ladies,” adding cryptically that they may have future dealings with them.

Here is Bravo’s official statement to Gossip Cop: “Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and LuAnn De Lesseps will be returning for season five of The Real Housewives of New York City. We’ve had a fabulous run with all the ladies and appreciate them sharing their lives with our viewers. It is a friendly departure among the other ladies and we continue to have on-going discussions with them.”

What do you think of this official news?

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There’s been a lot of talk recently about a cast shake-up on the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” with multiple outlets reporting that Bravo is set to fire Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Alex McCord and Cindy Barshop.

Gossip Cop investigated, and a “Real Housewives” insider informs us, “There are ongoing talks” about replacing the four ladies, but that at present, “No one’s been told they’re fired.”

Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and LuAnn de Lesseps have already been asked back, we’ve learned, while Zarin, Bensimon, McCord and Barshop “are the most probable” to be axed from the show.

The possible shake-up has to do with the public expressing interest for new stories on the show.

In an official statement to Gossip Cop, Bravo says, “No decisions have been finalized yet.”

What do you think about Zarin, Bensimon, McCord and Barshop possibly leaving the series?

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“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” got off to a somber start last night with a taped sit-down of the ladies and their husbands discussing the recent suicide of Russell Armstrong.

In the four-minute segment airing ahead of the show, Taylor Armstrong‘s co-stars offer their insight on the tragedy, with Kim Richards saying she “wasn’t aware of the financial mess [Russell] was in,” and Kyle Richards offering, “It was his choice.”

And despite Bravo having re-edited scenes in the wake of Armstrong’s suicide, such as a trip to a lingerie store where Taylor makes some purchases “to spice up my love life,” the couple’s troubled marriage was still the main plot line of the episode.

At a dinner party thrown by Adrienne Maloof, Taylor is asked how she and Russell are getting on, to which she responds, “We’re knee deep into so much psychotherapy that I’m sick of myself.”

Lisa Vanderpump‘s husband Ken amps up the drama when he says that he considers using therapy to work on a relationship “weak.” Taylor spends a good deal of time crying in the bathroom, and the remainder of the dinner is painfully awkward for everyone involved.

Tho show’s executive producer Douglas Ross has said that while Armstrong was edited out of the first few episodes, “It is important to know that Taylor’s story is told throughout the season.”

But is it inappropriate and morbid to have Armstrong still a topic of discussion on the series? And to have the couple’s crumbling marriage remain one of the show’s plot lines?

Check out the video below, and share your thoughts with us.

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WATCH:

(ABC)

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” stars Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump and Adrienne Maloof broke their silence on the suicide of Russell Armstrong today.

The ladies appeared on the “Today” show this morning with “RHOBH” executive producer Douglas Ross to discuss the tragedy ahead of the show’s season premiere tonight.

As for how Taylor Armstrong is coping with her estranged husband’s death, Maloof said, “She was very beside herself. I think her concern is her little girl now. It’s heartbreaking.”

“We spent a couple of evenings with her this week,’ said Vanderpump. “She’s trying to digest everything.”

Richards called Armstrong’s suicide a “complete shock.”

“I always saw him as being reserved and quiet. I knew that they had their issues,” she said, adding, “But no one could have anticipated something like that.”

The ladies also denied rumors that they’d been pressured by Bravo to create drama on the series.

Vanderpump said, “We lead and they [the producers] follow. We kind of create and they document. I’ve never felt any responsibility to bring drama.”

Richards said she didn’t think the show pushed Armstrong over the edge, noting, “He also signed up for this, season one… and came back for season two.”

As for downplaying Armstrong’s presence on the show, Ross said he does not appear in “the first few episodes that we’ve completed editing,” but added, “It is important to know that Taylor’s story is told throughout the season.”

All of the “Housewives” except Taylor taped a sit-down that addresses Armstrong’s suicide in late August. The special will air prior to the show’s 9 p.m. premiere tonight.

Check out the video below.

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WATCH:

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(Bravo)

The suicide of Taylor Armstrong‘s husband, Russell, has left Bravo’s premiere of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” uncertain.

Russell Armstrong, whose marital difficulties with Taylor were played out last season, was supposed to be featured on this year’s show, which was slated to begin airing in just three weeks.

Now the network is trying to figure out what to do.

Bravo executive Andy Cohen said in his blog, “We’re all still trying to process yesterday’s very sad news, and looking at how to proceed with the series, which has finished primary production and was set to premiere on Labor Day. We’ll let you know what we decide when we do. In the meantime, we’re sending our thoughts and prayers to Taylor and the rest of Russell’s family.”

What do you think Bravo should do?

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“Real Housewives” stars and Bravo TV’s Andy Cohen are taking to Twitter to express their sadness over the apparent suicide of cast member Russell Armstrong, and to offer their condolences to his estranged wife Taylor Armstrong.

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Adrienne Maloof tweeted, “My heart goes out to @TaylorArmstrong and [daughter] Kennedy during this devastating time. You will be in my thoughts and in prayers.”

Ramona Singer, of “Real Housewives of New York,” wrote, “My prayers and thoughts go out to Taylor Armstrong and her family.”

Cohen, a Bravo vice president and the host of “Watch What Happens Live,” said, “I am so very sad about today’s news. My prayers and thoughts are with Taylor Armstrong and her family.”

“My deepest condolences go to @TaylorArmstrong and her precious daughter,” tweeted RHONY star Cindy Barshop.

A network spokesperson tells Gossip Cop in a statement, ”All of us at Bravo are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Armstrong family at this difficult time.”

The second season of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” is set to premiere on September 5.

Bravo has yet to comment on whether or not the show will still air as scheduled.

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If you thought “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” couldn’t get any better, think again.

Bravo is reportedly trying to get Brandi Glanville, Jennifer Flavin Stallone (wife of Sylvester Stallone), and Los Angeles Lakers exec (and girlfriend of coach Phil Jackson) Jeanie Buss for the show’s second season.

Glanville, ex-wife of Eddie Cibrian (now engaged to LeAnn Rimes), is said to be in talks with the network. Stallone is reportedly also being sought after, although she says she has yet to have been contacted. And Buss, whose dad Jerry owns the Lakers, has already met with the members of the production.

Buss’ inclusion could make for a lot of fireworks since existing castmember Adrienne Maloof-Nassif‘s family owns the rival Sacramento Kings.

Bravo has declined to comment on the casting rumors.

What do you think about Glanville, Buss and Stallone possibly joining the show?

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On Bravo‘s “Watch What Happens Live” last night, after the show’s host Andy Cohen asked 1980s pop sensation Tiffany if she had ever dated any of the New Kids on the Block, her onetime opening act, she said she used to go out with Jonathan Knight, before adding, ”He became gay later.”

“We used to do facials together,” recalled Tiffany. “He was so easy to talk to… and he was fabulous.”

Now a number of outlets have attacked Tiffany for “outing” Knight, who’s never publicly said whether or not he’s gay.

And while it certainly wasn’t her place to talk about Knight’s sexuality one way or the other, Tiffany’s actually not the one who “outed” him.

In February 2009, the National Enquirer did an interview with Brazilian model Kyle Wilker who alleged in a piece titled, “Jonathan Knight’s Gay Lover Tells All,” that he dated the singer f0r 18 months.

Here’s a suggestion: In the future, let’s leave discussion of Knight’s sexuality to Knight himself.

It’s actually a good rule of thumb for lots of stories.

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Camille Grammer will not be returning for the second season of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The reality star, currently going through a divorce from Kelsey Grammer, has attracted much attention for her antics on the show, particularly her clashes with other members of the cast, most notably Paris Hilton‘s aunt Kyle Richards.

The blonde bombshell has also drawn scrutiny for her very close relationship with married actor Nick Stabile.

As Bravo has yet to announce a second season for the show, a rep for Grammer tells Gossip Cop it’s still “too early” to comment on whether she’ll be returning or not.

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.

UP.

UPDATE: The show has been renamed, “Platinum Hit.”

***** ***** *****

Kara DioGuardi and Jewel will headline “Going Platinum,” a Bravo reality competition for aspiring singer-songwriters.

DioGuardi will act as head judge, while Jewel will fill the role of host.

The series follows 12 musicians as they write and perform songs across a variety of genres. Judges — not viewers — will select a winner.

DioGuardi was an “American Idol” judge for the past two seasons.

The show will premiere in 2011.

Will you be watching?

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Teresa Giudice may be a “Real Housewife” no more.

The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star has threatened to leave the show if Bravo doesn’t agree to significantly increase her salary from last year.

Giudice, who has dealt with a whole slew of financial problems, including filing for bankruptcy, claims she’ll walk if Bravo doesn’t meet her demands.

A source close to the negotiations confirms to Gossip Cop that Giudice is asking for “crazy money,” and that Bravo talent execs are ”pissed.”

So will she really leave the show that made her famous?

Probably not.

Our source says Giudice will likely “cave.”

Gossip Cop has reached out to Bravo and a rep for Giudice, but has yet to hear back.

Do you want Giudice to stay or go?

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Patti Stanger, the star of Bravo’s “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” will need one of her own.

The famous matchmaker has just called off her wedding to longtime boyfriend Andy Friedman.

“I just ended my relationship with Andy. It hit me really hard that I want kids in my life. You have to agree on the non-negotiables,” Stanger tweeted.

Stanger and Friedman got engaged in May 2009.

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President Obama & White House Crasher Michaele Salahi (White House Photo)

An unnamed TV executive tells the Associated Press the Salahis, who were pictured chatting up the president and also photographed with Vice President Joe Biden, are looking for a payday “in the mid-six figures range.”

Networks don’t openly pay for interviews, but often find ways around it by claiming they are just buying rights to air private photos or video.

Gossip Cop has always found it a bit sketchy when networks “buy the rights” to seemingly ordinary photos and videos for tens — sometimes hundreds — of thousands of dollars, and afterwards magically get that sought after interview, which they then claim was done for free.

The Salahis were slated to appear on “Larry King Live” tomorrow night, but have canceled, giving more credence to the report that they’re not talking for free these days.

But one really has to wonder about the Salahis and their desperate desire to be on TV. As you probably know, Michaele is trying to be chosen for “The Real Housewives of D.C.”

Gossip Cop wants to know: Do you think networks paying for interviews is a big deal or not? And would you watch the Salahis if they were interviewed by one of the networks?

With her phenomenal success on the charts and, of course, that incident with Chris Brown, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Rihanna has been the subject of a slew of rumors, ranging from a romance with Justin Timberlake to the downright “Rated R.”

Here is a list of 10 of the most ridiculously off-key rumors about Rihanna:

10. Rihanna may have been pregnant with Chris Brown’s baby

Shortly after Brown assaulted Rihanna, the Star birthed this bad rumor. 

9. The singer was forced to turn over her cell at Jennifer Lopez’s birthday

This phone-y story claimed Jennifer Lopez wanted Rihanna’s cell at her birthday, which uh… Rihanna wasn’t even at. Bad call.

8. Despite a ban restricting them being near each other, Rihanna and Brown are set to vacation together in Mexico

¡Ay, caramba! the British Star was trippin’ when they wrote this.

7. Rihanna was happy to have Usher put the moves on her

The National Enquirer took two single singing stars and added them together for a story that equaled “wrong.”

6. And then the secret romance with Justin Timberlake…

Star magazine declared on it’s cover, “Justin & Rihanna: It’s On!” — and the mag is still WAY OFF. Only the mag’s readers got “cheated.”

5. The Star continued with its “Jessica vs. Rihanna: Showdown!”

Oh wait, Jessica Biel and Rihanna never had that “showdown,” in much the same way Timberlake never cheated with Rihanna. At least, the Star spelled everyone’s names correctly.

4. Rihanna called Biel to assure her the only beautiful music she was making with Timberlake was in the studio

The Enquirer claimed Rihanna had her assistant track down Biel’s number so she could assure her nothing was happening with her man. Isn’t it great when two people can clear the air and settle something … that was never unsettled in the first place?

3. Rihanna romancing 90201 star Tristan Wilds

The New York Daily News claimed that proof Rihanna was having a secret relationship with “90210″ star Tristan Wilds was when he showed up to a party of hers as an “unexpected guest.” Huh? If they were dating he wouldn’t have been “unexpected.” Are we missing something here?

2. Rihanna’s men have to have big um… brellas?

The German magazine Bravo had quotes allegedly attributed to Rihanna that caused a GIANT stir. The HUGE controversy was over reported remarks that her men needed to be, well… you know. The story ended up being a BIG lie.

1. Rihanna and Chris Brown’s “Secret Wedding” in Miami

An early favorite of Gossip Cop, the Star announced on its cover that after the assault Rihanna and Brown had a “Secret Wedding” in Miami. It was so secret, not even they knew about it!

*****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****

Favorite wrong rumors? Glaring omissions? Let us know!

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(GettyImages.com)

After all of the real drama she’s been through this year, it’s a shame Rihanna has had to deal with a lot of contrived controversy, too. And now it’s reaching new levels of silliness.

Quotes attributed to German magazine Bravo are now EVERYWHERE and creating a “huge” stir. Why?

Because Rihanna reportedly said of any potential future boyfriend, “He has to be good in bed and the size matters. You know what I mean? Inner beauty counts as well, but without a toy it doesn’t make it fun.”

[silence]

Well then.

Those comments sound… “candid”? No.

How about “fake”?

Gossip Cop contacted a source close to Rihanna to find out whether she’d actually made these comments, or whether they were a “big” exaggeration. We got an emphatic “No way!”

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