No illusions: Two exchange words

A contestant on NBC's supernatural show "Phenomenon" went after Criss Angel, one of the show's judges, during Wednesday's episode.

The altercation came after Angel challenged Jim Callahan's act and offered $1 million if the contestant could name what Angel had written on some paper. Callahan had just performed a mentalist stunt in which he claimed he was possessed and could communicate with the dead.

Angel basically called Callahan's act bogus, and the two exchanged heated words, with Callahan calling Angel an "ideological bigot" as security stepped in to separate the two.

The dustup on NBC can be viewed at YouTube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE45QHIUfiM.

Callahan, on his Web site Thursday, labeled Angel a "hypocrite" for advertising his "Mindfreak" show as supernatural, but then Angel "attempts to dismiss everyone else's as a hoax."

To make a point, Callahan's Web site ran a photograph of Angel walking on water during a "Mindfreak" stunt.

In an interview with Alicia Jacobs, entertainment reporter at KVBC-TV, Channel 3, Angel said he was feeling emotional and vulnerable over the loss of his father and was offended that Callahan was "exploiting it for money." Had security not intervened, Callahan "probably would be in a hospital right now," Angel said.

When Jacobs asked Angel to comment on illusionist David Copperfield's legal problems, he said, "Copperfield is not a big Criss Angel 'Mindfreak' fan. We have different takes on what is entertaining."

A federal grand jury is reported to be investigating allegations that Copperfield raped and threatened a Washington state woman.

Angel added, "I think the press is making him guilty, and the sad thing he hasn't been charged. That's not as a magician, that's as a human being how I feel."

Jacobs asked Angel to respond as a magician.

"It's great to be king," Angel said.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Reality TV star Jes Rickleff, winner of the VH1 hit show "Rock of Love," let the cat out of the bag during her Halloween hosting job at Poetry night on Wednesday. Rickleff, who was chosen the winner of the reality show by Poison frontman Bret Michaels, told club staffers she already had a boyfriend during the show. The New York Post's Page Six reported Rickleff had no relationship with Michaels after the show. ...

Recording artist Shakira will perform songs from the soundtrack of "Love in the Time of Cholera" at Tuesday's Las Vegas premiere of the film at the Palms. Preceding the premiere, a dinner and silent auction will be at Rain nightclub inside, with proceeds going to The Bare Feet Foundation, a Shakira-backed Colombian nonprofit aiding children and their families. Tickets: (702) 992-7979 or www.cinevegas.com. ...

Former Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt-Bono has a new title: chairwoman of the board of the Cat Pack. She's the host tonight of "Girls Night Out," featuring the foursome known as the Cat Pack, which includes singers Corrie Sachs, Maggie Mancuso, Denise Clemente and comic Kathleen Dunbar. The show starts at 10 p.m. at the Bootlegger Bistro. ...

A two-hour power outage near the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday shut down the beer taps on the final night of Oktoberfest at the Hofbrauhaus. But the band played on, unplugged.

SIGHTINGS

Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres, dining Friday night at Picasso (Bellagio). ... At the Professional Bull Riders World Finals on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center: family members of the late John Wayne, singer Jewell, songwriter Bernie Taupin and comedian Robert White. ... Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, in Trader Vic's ultralounge Thursday in the Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood Resort) after Diaz and Kutcher shot a wedding chapel scene for "What Happens in Vegas" at Planet Hollywood Resort. ... Tony Danza, at the Golden Rainbow's Beaux Arts Ball at Studio 54 (MGM Grand). ... UFC star Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, at LAX nightclub (Luxor) Thursday. ... Pete Rose and comedian Wayne Brady, lunching separately at Sushi Roku (Forum Shops).

THE PUNCH LINE

"Joe Girardi was introduced today as the new manager of the New York Yankees. Girardi says it's going to be tough coming up with a team on only a $300 million payroll." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.