Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

September 17, 2012

Photog butt of royal complaint

LONDON — Lawyers for Britain's royal family will make a criminal complaint against the photographer who took pictures of Prince William's wife, Kate, sunbathing topless in the south of France, William's office said Sunday.

The palace has already launched a civil lawsuit against France's Closer magazine, which published the paparazzi snaps of Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, relaxing during a holiday at a private villa in Provence.

The couple is hitting back hard against publication of the pictures, which William's office called a "grotesque" abuse of the young royals' privacy.

A spokeswoman for William's St. James's Palace office said the couple's lawyers would file a complaint with French prosecutors Monday against the unidentified photographer or photographers involved.

"The complaint concerns the taking of photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge whilst on holiday and the publication of those photographs in breach of their privacy," she said on condition of anonymity in keeping with palace policy.

The palace said it would be up to French prosecutors to decide whether to investigate and pursue a criminal complaint for breach of privacy or trespassing.

The couple's lawyers are already due in a Paris court Monday seeking an injunction against Closer's publisher, the Italian media group Mondadori. It also publishes Italy's Chi gossip magazine, which says it will publish 26 pages of the images Monday.

The palace will seek damages from the publisher, which is owned by former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

The palace said it was considering "all proportionate responses" against Chi, though no decision has been made on legal action against it or the Irish Daily Star, which reproduced the Closer photos Saturday.

No British publication has run the pictures, and Britain's tabloids have lined up to denounce them as an invasion of the duchess' privacy.

Minaj, Urban tapped for ‘Idol’judges’ panel

NEW YORK - The "American Idol" judges' panel is now complete with the naming of singer-rapper Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban.

The Fox network officially tapped the pair with an announcement Sunday, confirming rumors surrounding them both just hours before the first round of auditions for next season was due to begin in New York.

Randy Jackson will stay put as the sole remaining original "Idol" judge, scotching rumors he might assume a different role on the talent competition. This trio will join pop star Mariah Carey on the judges' panel.

Arriving at Lincoln Center, where the auditions would take place, Urban said that as a judge, he plans to be "authentic" but not cruel. On a similar show in his youth, he recalled, "I was sort of crucified by one judge. So I don't know that I'll ever be THAT guy."

Minaj said, she'll be looking for "a superstar."

Killam lands Paul Ryan role in 'SNL' lineup

NEW YORK - The final piece is in place for the presidential race on "Saturday Night Live."

"SNL" cast member Taran Killam will be playing Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan.

The NBC comedy show returned for its season premiere Saturday. Killam appeared in a sketch as Ryan, attempting to clarify his past athletic achievements.

Earlier, "SNL" executive producer Lorne Michaels said Jay Pharoah would take over the role of President Obama from Fred Armisen. Pharoah made several appearances as Obama on Saturday's show.

Michaels also said Jason Sudeikis will continue to play both Mitt Romney and Vice President Joe Biden.

-- From news service reports

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