THE HAGUE, Netherlands — War crimes judges Tuesday ordered special security measures for fashion model Naomi Campbell when she testifies at the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, barring photographers from catching her entering or leaving the courtroom.

The judges say Campbell’s fears for her safety and privacy are legitimate because of her high profile.

In its ruling, the Special Court for Sierra Leone instructed authorities to ensure that no one photograph, videotape or even sketch Campbell in or around the courtroom.

Her testimony, however, will be recorded as usual by courtroom cameras.

She is due to appear Thursday, but judges have not yet decided on a motion by Taylor’s lawyers to delay her appearance.

Measures to protect witnesses in war crimes cases are routine. Such witnesses testify under pseudonyms and with their images blurred in recordings of their testimony.

But blocking the media from photographing a known witness is highly unusual.

Campbell was summoned to testify about whether she received diamonds from Taylor after a celebrity-studded dinner in South Africa in 1997. Taylor is accused of trading in “blood diamonds” in exchange for helping rebel factions during the 11-year civil war in Sierra Leone.

Palin-Johnston off again, on again, off again

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston have called off their second engagement after he told her he may have fathered a baby with another woman.

The other woman was not identified, but a pregnant ex-girlfriend of Johnston has publicly denied he is the father.

The 19-year-old daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told People magazine that the “final straw” was when Johnston told her he was going to Hollywood to see a hunting show, but actually went there to star in a music video mocking her family.

Sarah Palin said she hopes her daughter will “move forward in life with her same forgiving, gracious, optimistic spirit, but from henceforth she’ll know to trust but verify.”

Will.i.am against MJ project

 

NEW YORK — A new Michael Jackson album is expected by the end of the year, culled from unreleased material in his vaults. But Jackson collaborator and Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am is vehemently opposed to the idea.

“I don’t think that should ever come out. That’s bad,” he said. “He was a perfectionist, and he wouldn’t have wanted it that way.”

Will.i.am collaborated with Jackson on the 2008 rerelease of “Thriller” with remixed versions of some of its classics. He said Jackson was particular about all aspects of his productions, from his vocals to arrangements to instrumentation.

The Jackson estate did not respond to a request for comment.

First lady, Gaga share more than a name

NEW YORK — First lady Michelle Obama is becoming a fixture on the Vanity Fair International Best-Dressed List – but it’s soccer star David Beckham who earned a spot in the hall of fame.

The most eyebrow-raising choices on the list are in the “originals” category, which includes cover girl Lady Gaga and Helena Bonham Carter.

Gaga channels the “Dada Catholic girl” in the spirit of Gypsy Rose Lee and Rosie, the Jetsons’ robot maid, the magazine says, while Vivienne Westwood and Marie Antoinette inspire Bonham Carter, who says her favorite item of clothing is her “bloomers.”

 

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