Here’s a breakdown of the facts from the provided text,focusing on the key details of each article:
1. scientology and the Movie “Blasphemy” (8.23.00)
* the Conflict: Director Mendoza’s film, “Blasphemy,” includes a scene were an actor portraying L. Ron Hubbard attempts to sell Scientology books to an actor playing Jesus.
* Scientology’s Response: Scientologists allegedly tried to stop the scene before filming, offering Mendoza money to remove it. After filming continued, Mendoza and Leon (Madonna’s child’s father) were reportedly followed/stalked by Scientologists.
* Conflicting Accounts: Mendoza claims he was offered $150,000 to remove the scene.Pam Shannon (Scientology’s public affairs director) claims Mendoza offered to remove the scene for $150,000 if the Church paid him. Shannon dismisses the incident as a “parasitic marketing scheme.”
* Current Status: Mendoza is seeking distribution for the film.
2. Herbalife Widow’s Social Life (8.23.00)
* Darcy LaPier: The widow of Herbalife founder Mark Hughes is actively seeking a new romantic partner shortly after his death.
* Recent Activities: She was seen “on the prowl” in the Hamptons, showing interest in polo player Nacho Figueras and a young man related to a local news anchor.
* Hughes’ Death: Hughes died from a combination of alcohol and antidepressants after a binge.
* LaPier’s History: She has been married multiple times, including to Jean Claude Van Damme and Ron Rice.
* Social Circle: She was staying with Rick and Kathy Hilton, whose daughters are also in the spotlight.
3. Debra Winger’s Return to Film (10.2.00)
* New Project: Debra Winger is secretly filming a low-budget movie called “Big Bad Love” in Oxford, Mississippi.
* Behind the Scenes: The film is directed by her husband, Arliss Howard, in his directorial debut. The screenplay is based on short stories by Larry Brown.
* Past Difficulties: Winger took a long break from acting after a previous film (“Divine Rapture”) was shut down due to financial issues.
* Winger’s Career: the article notes her past successes (“An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Terms of Endearment”) and her reputation for being “tough” and choosing unconventional projects.
* Current Life: She has been raising children and reportedly teaching at Harvard.
* Secrecy: The production is being kept very quiet, with a closed set and limited press outreach.
