Tyson prefers to be behind the camera
Mike Tyson's wife, Kiki, won't be in the corner of cast members of "Vegas Elite," the "Housewives"-like reality show knockoff.
She will be busy behind the camera of a competing group of local socialites and well-known personalities.
She confirmed the development Tuesday in a text message from Leeds, England.
"I did receive a message but I prefer to stay behind the camera. I have been working with 51 Minds (production company) to cast a group of amazing women here in Vegas so it would be a conflict of interest."
However, she said, "I wish them great success with their project."
The Los Angeles company behind her project produced "The Flavor of Love," featuring rapper Flavor Flav, a Las Vegas resident. The 51 Minds group reportedly gathered at the home of socialite Jodi Fonfa last Wednesday and shot footage for a "sizzle reel."
Evolution Media, also from L.A., is producing "Vegas Elite."
Vegas Confidential on Sunday revealed several names said to be in the mix for "Vegas Elite." They include: Audra Hendley, fiancée of CityCenter president and CEO Bobby Baldwin; Alexandra Ruffin, former Miss Ukraine and wife of Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin; singer/actress Pia Zadora; drag queen Frank Marino; Emily Jillette, wife of illusionist Penn Jillette; former KSNV-TV, Channel 3, entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs; and Jessica Towbin of the Towbin car dealership empire.
Some new names that surfaced since Sunday: "Rock of Love" regular Catherine Brown, who recently married comedian Rich Little; and Lori Montoya, owner and co-founder of Las Vegas-based Rain Cosmetics.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
GossipCop.com reported Tuesday that Britney Spears has "no plans for a Hard Rock residency." Vegas Confidential reported here Sunday that the Hard Rock Hotel has had recent discussions with Spears' manager, Larry Rudolph, about a multiweek deal. We stand by our report. ...
Best line of the weekend came on Sheena Easton's opening night at South Point on Saturday: When the top button on her form-fitting blouse flew off early in the show, the Scottish singer "soldiered on unfazed," according to a spy. "You're getting 25 percent more of me tonight," she told the crowd.
SIGHTINGS
Johnny Depp, at Disney's CinemaCon preview of "The Lone Ranger" at the Colosseum (Caesars Palace) on Tuesday. ... Rapper 50 Cent, among the media day turnout Tuesday watching Floyd Mayweather Jr. work out at his Chinatown gym. On Sunday, Mayweather was seen arriving for dinner on a six-passenger golf cart at the Off the Strip restaurant in Southern Highlands. ... At Tuesday's morning session of CinemaCon, featuring the Warner Bros. presentation "The State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future": Tim Burton and Depp for "Dark Shadows," Christopher Nolan for "The Dark Knight Rises," Adam Shankman for "Rock of Ages" and Jay Roach for "The Campaign." Sacha Baron Cohen, in character and costume as Gen. Aladeen from his upcoming movie, "The Dictator," made a surprise appearance Monday at the opening-night presentation of CinemaCon. Also there for the previews of their upcoming movie releases: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Chris Rock and Chris Pine. At "Love" (Mirage) on Monday: Burton, with Giles Martin, who co-produced "Love" with his father, George Martin. Others in town for the Hollywood extravaganza formerly known as ShoWest: director Jerry Bruckheimer, John C. Reilly, James Franco, Mila Kunis and Jennifer Garner.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Lakers star Ron Artest - Metta World Peace, that's his name now - was ejected for a vicious elbow to the head of Oklahoma's James Harden. It was such a cheap shot he was offered a contract with the New Orleans Saints." - Jay Leno
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
