Monday, October 06, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: John serves up criticism of Miller

Elton John responds to political comments. Chris Giunchigliani enters fray. Steffi Graf gives birth to baby No. 2. Lorraine Hunt answers rumors.

Entertainer Elton John slammed comedian Dennis Miller for a political tirade during Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children, and then chastised those who applauded Miller by saying, "You're all mental if you like that."

Miller ranted at the Democratic presidential candidates, those who didn't support the war in Iraq and the French.

"I would call the French scumbags but that would be a disservice to bags filled with scum," he said.

When John, who was the evening's honoree came as the final performer, he immediately let the MGM Grand Garden Arena audience of 8,500 know that he was offended by Miller.

"It's not an occasion to air your political dirty laundry." He added, "When people say, `Why do they hate us so much? Why do they hate us so much?' Dennis Miller."

Among those who were upset by Miller's rant was state Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, who introduced herself to a newspaper columnist to say she found the outburst out of place at an event held to honor children.

"I was appreciative of Elton John's bringing it back home that this was a function about kids, about hope, and about doing good things. I think he was right on point when he made the comment that people around the world don't trust us when Dennis Miller trashes anyone who may or may not agree with positions on the war."

She added, "I don't think it was a Democrat or Republican `thing.' A lot of women were offended by the language and his positions. This was supposed to be about celebration."

Also riled by Miller was Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, who told me he was among the loudest boobirds.

Scattered booing was heard as well when John lashed out at Miller.

An angry female attendee e-mailed to say she and others walked out after hearing John's comments. She added that she hopes Agassi "rethinks his relationship with Elton John. I know that I will not support a foundation anymore knowing that such an anti-American is on the board of directors. Too bad that Toby Keith wasn't there!"

Hunt clears air

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, addressing rumors that she is romantically involved with local singer and radio-TV host Dennis Bono, characterized the relationship as "just very good friends."

I put in a call to Hunt on Sunday after receiving reports that the two have been seen at dinner and various events as a couple.

Hunt, who filed for divorce from her longtime husband-entertainer Blackie Hunt this summer, said, "I appreciate the chance to clear the air. We've been friends for a long time, doing recordings. My son (Ron) is his producer. We're like one big, happy Italian family."

She confirmed that a restraining order has been in place against her estranged husband, "but that has nothing to do with this."

Bono hosts and performs on "The Dennis Bono Variety Hour," a weekly fixture on KJUL-FM 104.3 and KTUD-TV, Channel 25 (Cox Cable Channel 14).

The Scene and Heard

One of the biggest ovations of the Agassi event came when he announced his wife, Steffi Graf, had given birth to their second child, a girl, on Friday.

The Punch Line

"Maybe we could put him (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in a tank with Arianna Huffington and see who lives." -- Robin Williams, on how to settle the California recall election.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.