Stories different for ‘Elvis,’ landlord
Elvis may have left the building, but there’s a whole lotta talk about litigation going on.
At odds in the landlord-tenant battle: Elvis impersonator Jesse Garon and 84-year-old socialite Toni Hart, a former evangelical preacher and gospel singer.
Details of the disagreement emerged after a mention here Friday that Garon and his pink Cadillac were being featured in truTV’s pilot for a reality show called “Operation Repo.”
Garon, dubbed the “Official Elvis of Las Vegas” by Mayor Oscar Goodman, called Friday to say he didn’t agree with the wording in the item, specifically that he had rent issues and that he was “asked” to leave the Regency Towers at Las Vegas Country Club.
He acknowledged having problems with Hart, who leased an 18th floor condo to him for $2,000 per month. He summoned police three times over differences with her, Garon said, and she “had me banished” from entering the gated community when his lease ended Oct. 31.
Garon said he’s planning to take Hart to court to recover a number of storage items, including a massive gate that is a replica of one at the entrance of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home. He also wants an ATM machine returned.
Hart, featured in a recent New York Times article about the family’s Hartland Mansion, confirmed she and her son, Grammy-winning gospel singer Larry Hart, are keeping Garon’s belongings until he pays the deposit fee for damage.
She provided copies of letters indicating she had written to Garon seeking late rent or for him to make good on bounced checks from October 2008 to last Halloween.
“He cheated me out of rent,” she said. “What he’s done is unconscionable. I would have sued him by now if I wasn’t so sick.”
Hart said sliding doors were damaged and the carpets were ruined from dog urine. Garon acknowledged in a telephone interview that he had two dogs, Little Richard and Spanky.
In a handwritten note to Vegas Confidential, Toni Hart said the standoff has taken a toll on her health. She said she has lost 21 pounds because she can’t eat or sleep.
Garon, who said he moved here 16 years ago from Dallas “with a pink Cadillac and a dream,” said it’s unlawful “to keep stuff for nonpayment. She’s treated me like dirt and embarrassed me. I’ve got a reputation just as long as hers, and I want to keep it clean. Justice will prevail.”
MISS AMERICA DRAMA
Five weeks after being crowned, Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron finds herself in the middle of a feud between her Miss Virginia Organization and the pageant organization.
The Miss America Organization reportedly plans to boycott the homecoming event for Cameron next week in Roanoke, Va.
The issue: Cameron’s Miss Virginia Organization chose the former director of the Miss Illinois Organization to coach/prep Cameron, who went on to win the title at Planet Hollywood Resort.
There’s some nasty history between the former Miss Illinois director, Fran Skinner-Lewis, and the MAO, which pulled the Miss Illinois franchise when Skinner-Lewis was director. She sued the MAO and lost, but she’s been invited to attend the homecoming event.
Meanwhile, there’s buzz that the Miss America Organization has worked out a deal with Fox to broadcast the pageant. The cable channel TLC declined to renew its contract.
SIGHTINGS
Comedian George Lopez, playing golf Saturday with PGA Tour player Charley Hoffman. Lopez commandeered a scooter and was seen driving it around the Wynn South Entrance, surprising guests. … Funnyman Rob Schneider and friends, taking photos with patrons at Strip House (Planet Hollywood). He’s in town to celebrate his fiancée’s birthday. … Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, with friends at Blush Boutique Nightclub (Wynn) on Friday. At another table: The Killers bassist Mark Stoermer. … Jon Bon Jovi and Bon Jovi drummer Richie Sambora, with 16 friends and family at “Love” (Mirage) on Friday. After meeting with the cast, the group dined at Japonais.
THE PUNCH LINE
“It’s not a great day for California state Sen. Roy Ashburn (who has voted against expanding legal protections for gay, lesbian and transgender Californians). He was pulled over for a DUI and it turns out that he was drinking in a gay nightclub. All I can say is, ‘Thank you, Senator Ashburn,’ because until now, it’s been a very slow week.” — Craig Ferguson
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
