Victoria Gotti Defends Disgraced John Travolta But Would Her Racist Homophobic Dad John Gotti Have Wanted The Actor To Play Him In Planned Biopic

John Travolta

Victoria Gotti, the daughter of the late mobster, John Gotti, has slammed the public regarding negative comments about actor John Travolta. The disgraced actor, currently facing three lawsuits for sexual battery against male masseurs, is being criticized all over the internet for his lustful conduct towards unreceptive strangers.  

John Travolta in drag

Gotti stated yesterday that the public should "leave Travolta with his dignity" regardless of whether the allegations are true (but Travolta surrendered his dignity via unseemly conduct). The Judiciary Report also wonders if John Gotti would have wanted John Travolta to play him in the forthcoming biopic of his life. 

Lindsay Lohan, who was supposed to be apart of the John Gotti biopic and Victoria Gotti

John Gotti was a homophobe and a racist, who was caught on a government tape using racial slurs, such as the n-word. Mobsters are often very proud heterosexuals, with great disdain for homosexuality. I'm sure Gotti would have preferred Al Pacino or Robert Deniro playing him in a movie.

'LONELY I'M NOT' FOR ACTOR ROBERT DENIRO

Quick Mover Robert DeNiro

 Robert DeNiro

Robert DeNiro was not in the mood for the roving photographers.The superstar collided into a woman as he rushes into the Off-Broadway Opening Night Performance of the Second Stage Theatre's 'Lonely, I'm Not' in New York City.

Photos By: Walter McBride / WM Photography / Retna Ltd.

ROBERT DE NIRO IS THE TALK OF THE TIMES

Robert De Niro

Paul Weitz With Robert De Niro

Times Talks with Robert De Niro & Paul Weitz at The Times Center in New York City the other day.


Photos By: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS PRESENTATION

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WALTER MCBRIDE
IN
WASHINGTON
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Harvey Evans

Lynda Carter

Julie Chen

Les Moonves

Vernon Jordan

Alan Greenspan With Andrea Mitchel

Patti Lupone

Rob Ashford

Rebecca Luker

Laura Osnes

Sutton Foster

Will Swenson And Audra McDonald

Diane Sawyer

Nancy And Paul Pelosi

Christine Baranski

John Krasinski

Emily Blunt

Glenn Close

Barbara Cook

Robert Deniro With Grace Hightower

Neil Diamond

Newt And Marianne Gingrich

Matthew Broderick With Sarah Jessica Parker

Lionel Richie

Sonny Rollins

Mamie Gummer

Meryl Streep

Cal Ripken

Yo-Yo Ma

The 34th Kennedy Center Honors Presentation at Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. once again brought out the stars of TV, Radio, Movies and the world.


Photos By: Walter McBride / WM Photography / Retna Ltd.

STARS COME OUT FOR PBA WIVES & ORPHANS

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Sofia Coppola

SOMEWHERE -- Remember the penultimate scene in Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation, when the two leads, played by Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson are saying their final goodbyes; and, Murray’s character leans over and whispers something in Johansson’s ear? For this writer, that scene was forever etched into my mind. It remains, I think one of my best movie moments ever. Exactly what he said, as far as I know, has never been properly answered, but, the mystery of the moment was a delicious monument in movie-dom for many; let’s face it, brilliantly conceived and written too … right? Coppola’s newest movie Somewhere I had the pleasure of catching an early screening over the weekend and I came away from it as delighted as I well with her last one. The plot is not as readily discernible as it was in Translation, but, suffices to say it is a, movie about a father and daughter, who re-connect after a period apart. The main character (an action movie star with a new movie to promote called Berlin Agend) really behaves quite normally; you do like him and cheer for him; but, every time someone asks him who Johnny Marko is, he cannot answer. He may be a success on the outside; but, inwardly, he is suffering a loss of purpose. The two characters, Johnny and Cleo essayed by Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning are simply sensational. In a delightful Q&A after the screening, both actors were exceptionally focused about everything from why they chose these roles, and, to how they set about creating a back-story for each of the characters. Dorff, who has been in movies with everyone from Jack Nicholson to Wesley Snipes was very eloquent and intelligent with each of his comments. I always liked him, but hearing his method of approaching a role was positively compelling. Coppola has always impressed me as one singular talent; clearly, growing up with a father likes hers was certainly different than most, but she has, with her last and now this movie, carved out a quite nice niche for herself. Yes, idiosyncratic for sure, but, spot-on terrific. She may not now have the commercial cachet of, say a Christopher Nolan, but, I predict her major movie moment is getting closer and closer. She knows her craft. A good portion of the movie was shot in L.A. at the infamous Chateau Marmont hotel, which itself is a protagonist in the movie. I’ve stayed there and can attest to the odd-reality of each and every scene there. It’s definitely a hotel, but you can check in there and stay six months. The party and idyllic atmosphere is evident everywhere in the place; from the parking lot; to lobby; to the restaurant; and, the pool, is accurately depicted. As The Eagles once sang: you can check out, but you can never leave! Each and every scene is so totally real that it’s at times somewhat disarming. Boy, Sofia, like her Dad Francis, knows how to make a movie! Thanks to Jason at Focus for setting this up for us.

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Robert DeNiro

PBA XMAS – This weekend was the annual PBA Wives & Orphans event at Bridgewater’s at South Street, and it was another stellar event. Robert DeNiro; Toni Sirrico (The Sopranos); Chuck Zito; Colin Quinn; Tony LoBianco; and, Lon Van Eaton were the featured guests. The PBA, with Patrick Lynch and Al O’Leary hemming the event, first started as an annual Holiday event, but after the tragic events on 9/11, it evolved into its current form. I’ve been going for about 8 years now and hearing the stories of what happened on that day still moves me. Some of the kids I first met in 2001 are 9 years old now and though their memories of that day are fading, they’ve developed into terrific kids. It’s always an honor to attend this. It was great to talk to Van Eaton, who with his brother Derrek, signed to The Beatles’ label Apple Records in 1972 and released the terrific album Brother, featuring the single “Sweet Music.” Adds Lon, “We had flown to England, ushered into a waiting limousine and driven to Harrison’s estate, Friar Park. As we walked in, there on the lawn were George and Klaus Voorman singing our songs. It was amazing, to say the least.” Lon has returned to the music side with his conception and development of Livies (Live Interactive Visual Immersion Entertainment Shows)… and, according to his spokesperson will be back here next month for a series of auditions. Can’t wait to see his concept in action. Many thanks again, to Mary Grant at the PBA for her stellar efforts in always getting us there.

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Blind Spots

BLIND SPOTS – Writer John Domenico was born in 1952, raised in a Roman Catholic, Italian-American household. Indoctrinated with ideas that an all-knowing, wrathful God, sat on a throne in Heaven watching over the Universe waiting to judge the good and evil, he enrolled in Queens College and met the girl who would later become his wife, as well as songwriting partner. He tried to seek a career in rock ‘n roll, but soon surrendered that dream, as he married, raised a family, and joined the 40-hour work week. He also set out on a journey to embrace spirituality and ultimately to denounce his organized religion. Domenico’s new book Blind Spots (Outskirts Press) successfully encapsulates these beliefs … and, changes. It’s a stoic, sobering read; although his writing style does bring forth manyl humorous moments bring great joy. As many of us approach that 50+ field, this book is a solid fit and a terrific read. Would this book make for a substantial movie … definitely! I loved it! Check out www.outskirtspress.com.

Photos By: Walter McBride/RD/Roe/Retna

NY WOMEN'S FOUNDATION HONORS DE NIRO'S

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The New York Women’s Foundation Honors
Grace Hightower De Niro, Robert De Niro And
Agnes Gund At 23rd Annual Dinner
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Robert De Niro With Grace Hightower De Niro

Muffie Potter Aston With Debbie Bancroft, Somers Farkas
And Diana L. Taylor

Agnes Guld With Jane Rosenthal And Robert De Niro

Jean And Martin Shafiroff

Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Ana L Oiveira

Last night the New York Women’s Foundation® (NYWF) with a crowd of almost 300 guests celebrated their 23rd annual Stepping Out and Stepping Up Dinner at New York City’s Gotham Hall. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg congratulated the recipients of the Stepping Up Award, “three amazing New Yorkers” who included International Council Chairman and President Emerita of the Museum of Modern Art Agnes Gund, as well as Grace Hightower De Niro and Robert De Niro. The Mayor praised Agnes as having “singlehandedly changed our city’s cultural landscape,” and the De Niros, saying “these two New Yorkers really couldn’t be more deserving…they care deeply about this city.” Good Morning America’s Juju Chang was happy to host the special evening commenting, “I like to think that behind every successful woman is a successful woman.” NYWF President & CEO Ana L. Oliveira also emphasized the need for women to help other women arguing, “when we invest in mothers we invest in children…when we invest in children, we invest in our future.”

Iconic director Martin Scorsese is busy filming his upcoming film Hugo Cabret in London, but he managed to be there in spirit last night with a special video message that was taped in Italy. Martin congratulated the couple for their honor, saying “Grace, I applaud the exceptional work you’ve done…Bob, I’ve seen you give so much to the city.” Diana remarked that it was the couple who brought “residents and tourists back downtown” after 9/11 with the Tribeca Film Festival. Robert graciously reported that “I am especially honored to share the spotlight with Agnes,” and gave his wife the spotlight claiming, “I have a feeling I’m receiving this honor not for anything I’ve done, but for what Grace has contributed.” He concluded by praising his mother who, “was a Women’s Libber if you will, and she would be proud of me.” Then Grace emphasized how the NYWF is “such an effective organization…more than doubling the grant-making capacity of the organization since 2005. She ended by thanking the crowd for their support of the NYWF, because “by empowering women we are creating a safer, healthier environment for all of us.” Kate Levin, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs, introduced Agnes by lauding “how she creates connections and communities through her giving.” Agnes expressed her gratitude and emphasized her belief that “funding the arts is funding the well-being of children…to clarify who they are…to communicate who they are.” She praised the hard work of the Studio in a School Association, a non-profit organization she established in 1977 in response to budget cuts that virtually eliminated arts education from New York City public schools. Other notable guests last night included film producer Jane Rosenthal, documentary filmmaker and philanthropist Anne Bass, consultant and socialite Dan and Cynthia Lufkin, socialite Ann Rapp, Executive Director of The David Rockefeller Fund Marnie Pillsbury, and optometrist Dr. Amelia Ogunlesi. The success of the event is thanks to all the hard work by Co-Chairs Diana L. Taylor, Hyatt Bass, and Somers Farkas, and Vice Chairs Susan R. Cullman, Anne E. Delaney, Antoinette E. La Belle, Carolyn Buck Luce, Yvonne S. Quinn and Jean Shafiroff. As guests departed, they were treated to exciting gift bags, filled with exclusive goodies such as a gift certificate from celebrity-favorite Angelo David Salon, a lipstick by Estee Lauder, a Lower Eastside Girls Club chocolate bar, the Madame Paulette® Professional Stain Removal Kit, a gift certificate from hotspot Philippe by Philippe Chow, the latest book by Hatherleigh Press Thank You: 101 Ways to Practice Effortless Gratitude, new books The Gate House and The Recessionistas, a cosmetic kit from Tata Harper, and a special poem by Voices Ink.

The New York Women’s Foundation® is a cross-cultural alliance of women, serving as a force for change for women. From the outset, the Foundation’s founders strove to identify innovative organizations that were affecting change in the communities they served for women. NYWF strategically funds organizations and programs that move women, girls and families towards long-term economic security through individual transformation and systematic change, mobilizing leaders and community partners as philanthropists and change agents. NYWF funds programs in that promote economic security and justice, health and sexual rights, positive development of girls and young women, and safety. The Stepping Up Award is presented each year to recognized New Yorkers who serve as role models and demonstrate courageous leadership, vision and commitment to women and girls as individuals and as partners. For further information about The New York Women’s Foundation®, please visit www.nywf.org.