They love Paris or they hate her

Depending on whom you talk to in Las Vegas, Paris Hilton is either washed up, an "absolute goddess," or "a political football."

"She's hated," said prop comic Joe Trammel, who spent 21 hours a day most of the last week in a pink jail "cell," spoofing her on the Fremont Street Experience.

"I don't think she'll be able to go out in public again or a walk a red carpet," said Trammel, who said Friday was "pure pandemonium" for him after Hilton was sent back to jail in Los Angeles to serve the remainder of her sentence.

Trammel's spoof, titled "Glamour in the Slammer," is aimed at bringing attention to drunken driving, which started Hilton's legal tailspin.

When Trammel, who performs at the V Theatre (Planet Hollywood Resort), returned to his prop cell on Friday, the reaction was hostile, at first.

"People threw things at me, ice and other things, thinking I was supporting her," said Trammel, who wore a Hilton wig, white oversized sunglasses, prison-striped skirt, pink slippers and had a black-and-white-striped bed cover (with pink sheet, of course).

He went from a zero to hero in seconds, when they realized he was tweaking the limelight-loving socialite.

Jeff Beacher, host and producer of the Hard Rock Hotel-based "Beacher's Madhouse," slammed Trammel for the stunt.

Beacher said he's disgusted by "the way the judicial system is treating Paris.

"She is one of the most loving and caring people I know. It's harassment and horrible what's going on and my love and prayers are with her and her family. She's an absolute goddess."

Palms owner George Maloof, also a close friend of Hilton's, said "she's not the spoiled brat everyone thinks she is."

"They're overreacting and taking advantage of her celebrity," said Maloof. "I feel for her. They're throwing her around like a political football."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Clint Holmes opened a congratulatory card before Thursday's premiere of "Just Another Man" and immediately recognized the handwriting. Inside was the word "Wow!" It was from his ex-wife, Brenda, who attended Wednesday's show, the final preview. Wow, indeed.

Holmes' autobiographical musical hits home with an at-times brutal self-examination. From his struggles in a mixed-race family with a distant father to his own shortcomings as a dad and husband, Holmes exposes his life, warts and all. The result is a powerful drama that Holmes hopes to take to Broadway by way of London.

Surrounded by exceptional talent, including his sister Gayle Steele, Holmes relives a familiar story for those who know him: the son of a jazz-singing African-American father (Earl Turner) and a British opera-singing mother (Tina Walsh). Add marital strife and a conflicted son (Tezz Yancey, a future star, we predict), and the result is a gripping story filled with universal truths. Acting coach Larry Moss is worth his weight in gold. Catch "Just Another Man" at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre until June 24.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Rumors were flying that Britney Spears was in town Friday to see Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" concert at the MGM Grand Garden.

SIGHTINGS

Pamela Anderson, catching some rays poolside at Planet Hollywood Resort on Friday ... Michael Jackson, with his children, touring the Lied Discovery Children's Museum on Thursday. Later, he was seen at Best Buy, Lake Mead and Rainbow.

THE PUNCH LINE

"The reason why the Paris Hilton story is so huge is because nothing else is really going on in the world ... Well, there is the world leaders' gathering at G-8 Summit to discuss the fate of the earth ... And, oh yeah, we're at war! Other than that, it is a light news day." -- Craig Ferguson.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.