Fox 411: The Best of 2000, Part 2
Here’s a breakdown of the two news items presented in the text:
1. Scientology and the Film Blasphemy
* The Story: Director Mendoza’s film, Blasphemy, contains references to L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. He claims Scientology pressured him to remove these references.
* Mendoza’s Claim: He says the Church of Scientology didn’t object to the references themselves,but offered no interference.
* Scientology’s Response (via Pam Shannon): They claim mendoza solicited a $150,000 payment to remove the references, which they refused. They accuse him of using their name for publicity.
* The Reporter’s skepticism: The reporter questions Scientology’s account, noting they found Mendoza independently and Shannon doesn’t explain why a “parishioner” initially contacted the director. Mendoza maintains his original statement.
2. Darcy LaPier (Mark hughes’ Widow) and Her Post-Grief Activities
* The Story: Darcy LaPier, widow of Herbalife founder Mark Hughes, is quickly moving on with her life and actively seeking new romantic partners just months after his death.
* details: She was seen “on the prowl” in the Hamptons, showing interest in a polo player (Nacho Figueras) and a young man (the son of NBC newscaster Chuck Scarborough). She made a comment about needing a dog collar “big enough for my boyfriend.”
* Background: Hughes died from mixing alcohol and antidepressants. LaPier has been married multiple times before (Jean Claude van Damme, Ron Rice). She appeared in Talk magazine shortly after Hughes’ death.
* Setting: She was staying with Rick and Kathy Hilton (parents of Paris and Nicky Hilton) in Southampton, a location known for its glamorous and sometimes scandalous social scene.