Sarah Jessica Parker Still Loves Girlfriend-Beater Chris Albrecht
Nestled in the Times coverage of disgraced HBO exec Chris Albrecht’s move to IMG are oddly effusive statements of love and support for former HBO star Sarah Jessica Parker. Albrecht, it was just announced, will be helping IMG chairman Ted Forstmann expand his empire into more media and entertainment ventures by setting up a new investment fund. Forstmann, since taking over IMG in 2004, has already quadrupled the company’s profits and vastly spread its domain. It now produces Fashion Week, broadcasts major sporting events like the U.S. Open, and owns television-production companies in the U.K. Albrecht is a good catch for Forstmann, as he has been much sought after since his ouster from HBO, even though his departure came after a domestic-battery arrest and revelations that he once choked a female co-worker.
the industry
Chris Albrecht Rises Again, As Does ‘Sex and the City’?strong>Albrecht Moving Toward Sex Onscreen?: Deposed HBO head Chris Albrecht is reportedly working behind the scenes to get a Sex and the City movie produced. Cast is ready, creator Michael Patrick King is ready, and Albrecht is assembling distributors. Albrecht will also appear in a cameo as “Abusive Guy in Casino.” [Variety]
gossipmonger
Odd CouplingsTwo men bought a date with New York Giant Michael Strahan at an auction. Denise Richards and Richie Sambora finally split. Bruce Willis is dating a 23-year-old Playmate. Former HBO exec Chris Albrecht went out on the town with the girl he allegedly assaulted. The Office stars Rashida Jones and John Krasinski may be dating again.
gossipmonger
Beyoncé Smells! (Like Armani)Beyoncé will be the face of Giorgio Armani’s new fragrance. Former West Wing star Allison Janney confused George Bush and playwright Charles Busch. Lindsay Lohan made out with British scenester Callum Best at a club. Rosario Dawson sang karaoke in Times Square for her 28th birthday. Denise Richards claims she had to hire bodyguards to keep the paparazzi away during her divorce from Charlie Sheen.
gossipmonger
Albrecht Out at HBOHBO chairman Chris Albrecht was forced to resign last night after allegedly beating up his girlfriend Sunday, likely because this wasn’t his first domestic assault. Harvey Weinstein had to explain to girlfriend Georgina Chapman that Elie Wiesel was notable for being “in a concentration camp” at the Time 100 fête. And Jessica Simpson dressed conservatively at the event to not draw attention from boyfriend and honoree John Mayer. Cameron Diaz went to a sex show at the Box the night before appearing on the Today show. Josh Hartnett and Helena Christensen sang karaoke together. Lorne Michaels sang karaoke at oil heir William Hess’s bar mitzvah. Nancy Grace is trying to get on The View now that she’s out at Court TV. NBC News’ David Gregory may be Don Imus’s replacement.
Chef Out at Craftsteak; Colicchio: “It Was Time for Him to Go”We’ve learned that Chris Albrecht, executive chef at Craftsteak, has left the kitchen — apparently as part of owner Tom Colicchio’s effort to improve the restaurant’s disappointing performance. “Overall the restaurant wasn’t going in the direction we wanted,” Colicchio tells us. “It was time for him to go.” Though their Las Vegas location is a big hit, higher standards prevail in New York. “We need to break out of the steakhouse mind-set,” Colicchio says, “and start thinking about this as a Craft restaurant that happens to be a celebration of meat — all meat.” Damon Wise, chef de cuisine at Colicchio’s flagship Craft, will take over until Albrecht’s replacement is found.
