Player in Beso rift in custody in NLV
Ronen Nachum is in jail in North Las Vegas in what is described as "O.J. custody" after being arrested by Homeland Security agents earlier this week.
Nachum and wife Mali were forcibly removed May 5 from Eva Longoria Parker's restaurant and nightclub at CityCenter after issues arose, including financial irregularities and violent incidents. Nachum's wife, reportedly a member of the ownership group, was not taken into custody but could face charges. They have children.
Nachum was arrested in connection with his immigration status, a source close to the situation said.
"He's in 'O.J. custody,' meaning he's being kept away from people who might want to hurt him," the source said.
Agents connected with the federal investigation were in Beso interviewing employees Thursday afternoon.
EARL'S TORN LOYALTIES
Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl can tell you the definition of conflicting emotions in very few words.
England versus the United States.
"Very torn loyalties" is how Earl put it on the eve of the World Cup opener in Johannesburg, South Africa. England and the U.S. team play Saturday in Rustenburg, South Africa.
Since 2007 Earl has been a controlling stockholder of Everton, a Liverpool club and member of England's Premier League. "Best league in the world," he said.
Of the nine Everton players who were candidates for World Cup teams, seven succeeded.
Earl has a World Cup party planned in Orlando's high-end residential development Isleworth, a scone's throw from where Tiger Woods' world came crashing down in November.
Earl is rooting for the Brits, of course, but he has great affection for two Americans, Everton's starting goalkeeper Tim Howard and striker Landon Donovan, on loan from L.A. Galaxy.
For now, Earl waits for the drama to unfold before making plans to attend. He's planning to produce a Hollywood film "based on the stars who emerge," he said Thursday by telephone.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Carla Rea, public relations and community affairs director at KVBC-TV, Channel 3, since 2006, has become the latest staff casualty, and she's not going quietly. She was terminated this week. Rea, who moonlights as a stand-up comedian, said she's departing with sadness. "There are so many people over there that I care about, but I have a feeling a lot more are going. Just a warning: Don't hang onto to a lot of personal items; it takes a long time to pack." She added, "What was such a powerhouse, now there's no direction whatsoever." ...
People magazine is reporting local nightclub operator Cy Waits and Paris Hilton are dating.
MAY I RECOMMEND
Big-screen action, bleacher seating and bam-tastic flavors await World Cup fans at Lagasse's Stadium at the Palazzo starting at 7 a.m. Friday, opening day of soccer's month-long extravaganza. Chef Emeril Lagasse's menu features international favorites with beer pairings.
SIGHTINGS
Who says the big spenders are staying home? Somebody bought out Thursday's early performance of "Love" (Mirage), all 2,013 seats. It was a corporate deal involving this week's Infocomm.com convention. With tickets ranging from $99 to $150, an average ticket of $125 would amount to a tab of $250,000.
the PUNCH LINE
"You know that excitement you get when Flag Day is coming up? I kind of feel like that about the World Cup." -- Jimmy Kimmel
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
