Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: Wynn unlikely to testify at pal's trial

The Palms is springing a surprise on Pamela Anderson tonight at 7, as part of the unveiling of her new Playboy slot machine. Photo by John Gurzinski.

Odds are "slim and none" that Steve Wynn would testify in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial, according to Wynn watchers.

Jackson's legal team on Monday listed the Las Vegas casino mogul among possible character witnesses for the singer.

Wynn "at this time has no plans to be a witness and actually was surprised to see his name mentioned as a witness," Denise Randazzo, vice president of public relations and advertising for Wynn's new resort, Wynn Las Vegas, said Tuesday.

Wynn and Jackson struck up a friendship during the early years of The Mirage, and the two discussed a Jackson production at the property in the space above what is now the Carnegie Deli.

For years, the most luxurious high roller suite at The Mirage was the Michael Jackson suite, and it was specially decorated for the pop star.

But, said an insider, while Wynn would be "a powerful advocate" on the stand for Jackson, the prosecution would surely hone in on who was in Jackson's entourage, potentially opening "a can of worms" for the defense.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger offered his theory: "It's apparent to me the defense is trying to influence the potential jurors by listing a slew of very credible people as potential characters witnesses."

Ka-boom

A hydraulics failure stole the show 30 minutes into Saturday's 10:30 p.m. performance of "Ka," the $165 million Cirque du Soleil production that opened in November at the MGM Grand.

After the "floating" stage would not descend after the beach scene, the crowd of 1,950 was informed the show was being canceled.

The audience was offered a full refund or given the opportunity to reschedule for another performance, said spokeswoman Reggie Lyons.

Sunday's performances went off without a hitch.

The Scene and Heard

The Palms is springing a surprise on Pamela Anderson tonight at 7, as part of the unveiling of her new Playboy slot machine. Then, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., she's signing autographs at The Lounge, before heading for her fashion show at Rain at 9 p.m. It's open to the public, and there's no cover. She's also appearing at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company at 3 a.m. for Cary Hart's unveiling of his "Ink, Not Mink!" ad supporting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Sightings

On hand for impressionist Rich Little's Walk of Stars dedication Tuesday at the Flamingo: Robin Leach, Steve Rossi, Frankie Scinta, Charlie Callas, Marty Allen, Bill Acosta, Gordie Brown, Fred Travalena, Bob Anderson, Frank Marino, Chrissi Scinta and Pete O'Donnell of The Scintas. ... At Pure nightclub (Caesars Palace) on Monday: Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake, drinking bottled water at the launch party of FUL apparel. Also there: rising starlet Elisha Cuthbert. ... Kenny Loggins, playing his guitar and singing at the Cellar Lounge on West Sahara Avenue until 4 a.m. Monday with drummer Phil Leo. Later Monday, Loggins was spotted at the Jhane Barnes trade show booth at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. ... Ryan Seacrest, introducing Duran Duran at a private show at the Bellagio Spa Tower on Sunday. ... UNLV basketball great Reggie Theus, checking out the Palms on Tuesday night. ... Jermaine Jackson, Michael's brother, lunching Tuesday with his wife at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (MGM Grand).

The Punch Line

"Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love." -- Charlie Brown

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