Telling Tales | torontolife.com

Advertisement

Toronto Life - The Hype

A critical guide to Toronto’s cultural events, TIFF and high society. Plus, local celebrity news. Sign up for Preview newsletter for weekly updates

The Hype

Telling Tales

June 20, 2012 | 12:40 pm

SPOTTED: Julianne Moore snubs a Yorkville boutique

The Porsche Design store just opened at 77 Bloor St. W., but not everyone is jumping at the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition BlackBerry or a pair of comfortable-looking, yet strangely shiny shoes. Julianne Moore, who is in town shooting a Carrie remake with Chloe Moretz, approached the shop during the opening night party last week, but decided not to enter. It certainly wasn’t because the shop refused to let her in. (Come on, she’s Julianne Moore.)

(Images: Porsche Design, Deidre Woolard; Julianne Moore, The Hours)

The Hype

Telling Tales

May 10, 2012 | 10:49 am

A retelling of John Travolta’s alleged big gay exploits in Toronto

John Travolta (Image: Dylan Asche)

Two men have filed a lawsuit against John Travolta this week, dealing with allegations that Travolta sexually harrassed his masseurs while getting a rubdown. Lainey Lui of Lainey Gossip fuelled the gay rumour mill yesterday by adding that she has close friends in Toronto who have been approached by Travolta. According to Lainey, while Travolta was shooting Hairspray in the city, he propositioned two of her male friends in a locker room—and she also claims a hotel worker pal of hers was encouraged to linger after showing the actor to his room. If any of this is true, and Travolta really is on the down low, he is both brazen and saucy. Or maybe he’s just like George Constanza and appreciates a good man-on-man massage? We won’t know what Travolta is thinking until he comes out and says it.

The Hype

Telling Tales

May 3, 2012 | 11:10 am

Lorne Michaels fuels rumours about high-profile cast member departures

Lorne Michaels (Image: David Shankbone)

Toronto native Lorne Michaels has been dodging queries about SNL’s cast changes, stating in a conference call with the Canadian Press that he could comment, but he’s actually not certain himself. Rumour has it that Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and Andy Samberg are all set to leave come season’s end (May 19), but no official statement has been made. Michaels noted that he’ll be spending the summer scouring dark comedy clubs for possible additions to the show’s cast (it could be you!). If some of the best cast members do end up calling it quits, at least we’ll always have Penelope.

• Lorne Michaels talks about SNL cast changes [Toronto Star]

The Hype

Telling Tales

April 5, 2012 | 10:51 am

Did Ryan Gosling really save Laurie Penny’s life? We’re not so sure

Dear Laurie Penny,

Given that Ryan Gosling has not actually come out to confirm your life-changing event (he has merely confirmed that he’s in New York), we’re about ready to call this a hoax. In your piece for Gawker yesterday, you act coolly, saying that the person who saved you just happened to be Gosling (no big deal), but then you go on to repeat moments of minor swooning. Well, which is it—are you over your celebrity encounter or crushing on the man who should’ve been named the sexiest man alive? Your excitement on Twitter two nights ago suggested it wasn’t just some random thing that happened, and you certainly didn’t hide the fact that it was the great and powerful Goz who was responsible for your survival. You make the observation that “if Ryan Gosling hadn’t happened to be the nearest person at the time, I’m sure the girl standing next to me, who confirmed Gosling’s identity, would have prevented me from meandering into an early grave.” While that might be true, if it weren’t for the Goz, the few million people who aren’t calming down about Gosling may not know who you are—the writer from Britain, who lives in New York, who has books to sell.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Hype

Telling Tales

April 4, 2012 | 3:09 pm

Drake hints at a collaboration with late R&B singer Aaliyah, maintains he’s still a man

Drake (Image: Brennan Schnell)

We learned that a posthumous Aaliyah album may be in production after producer Jeffery “J. Dub” Walker suggested it via Twitter a while ago, and now Drake is fuelling rumours about how he’ll be taking part by saying he has “some great Aaliyah news coming soon.” He further described the secret project as “great for music, period,” but he also felt the need to explain that while “it’s hard for [him] to ride around to a female singer because [he’s] a man,” Aaliyah is an exception because she “always kept it G with the writing and the melodies.” There is still no word from Aaliyah’s record label Background Records, but considering that her music reminds Drake of when he “used to love,” we figure there’s a near guarantee that something big is going to happen very soon.

The Hype

Telling Tales

March 29, 2012 | 5:17 pm

Recovering addict Lindsay Lohan is headed for the land of snow (specifically, Toronto)

Lindsay Lohan attends court on March 29 (Image: Getty Images Entertainment)

Hide your kids, hide your jewelry—Lindsay Lohan is coming to town. Despite two DUIs and a theft conviction, LiLo has been granted a Canadian work permit to film her made-for-TV Liz Taylor biopic in Toronto. Usually Immigration Canada isn’t a big fan of convicts, but we imagine exceptions are made when there’s $1.13 billion a year on the line. Officials signed off on Lilo’s permit hours after she completed her community service requirements yesterday, but we think they’re secretly hoping Emma Stone will show up instead.

The Hype

Telling Tales

March 27, 2012 | 12:16 pm

DeadMau5 accuses Madonna of being a drug pusher

DeadMau5 has become vocal after Madonna allegedly referenced (and therefore, according to DeadMau5, advocated for the use of) ecstasy at this year’s Ultra Music Festival in Miami, stating that she is pandering to “extreme bullshit lifestyles” that dredge up the “shit that really held electronic dance music down for years.”

Here is what Madge said that ruffled DeadMau5’s feathers:

“How many people in this crowd have seen molly? Are you ready to dance? Are you ready to sweat? Are you ready to make some noise? Are you ready for the next DJ, motherfuckers?”

Molly is in fact a street term for MDMA, but is Madonna really pandering to ecstasy-popping fans? Madonna has denied the allegations, saying that she was merely referencing the song “Have You Seen Molly?” written by her friend Cedric Gervais, so it’s unclear whether she was begging her fans to get high. What is clear, though, is how high Deadmau5 is perched atop his DJ pulpit.

The Hype

Telling Tales

January 16, 2012 | 4:31 pm

Will Toronto’s Azari and III open for Madonna on her next tour?

Madonna may have added writer and director to her resumé this past year, but she’s still first and foremost a pop star who promotes religion, sex and the old adage that “age ain’t nothin’ but a number.” News of Madge’s 2012 tour leaked earlier this year, and now Toronto group Azari and III are rumoured to be the opening act. While the band’s management can’t confirm or deny rumours about the tour, the Sun newspaper reports Madonna is a big fan of the band’s electronic sound—the quartet is made up of producers Dinamo Azari and Alixander III and singers Starving Yet Full and Fritz Helder (formerly of Fritz Helder and the Phantoms). Find out more about the group that may or may not be opening for Madonna’s new tour after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Hype

Telling Tales

December 1, 2011 | 2:59 pm

Paulina Gretzky to flaunt her Great Ones on Twitter no longer

Paulina Gretzky

Paulina Gretzky (Image: Twitter)

Paulina Gretzky, daughter of Wayne, triggered lamentations from 24,000 slavering horndogs followers this weekend when she shut down her racy Twitter account. Gretzky is apparently Internet-famous for posting sexy photos of herself—and holy mackinaw, there are some spicy shots. Rumour has it that Daddy was behind the account’s demise—we were particularly tickled by the Toronto Star headline “Too Sexy for Gretzky?” Shortly before posting her farewell message on Saturday, the 22-year-old tweeted, “Having a nice sit-down dinner with my dad about social media..haha #SIKEEE.” The buxom dame has done some professional modelling as well, making the cover of Flare in 2005 and landing roles in 2009’s Fame and this year’s Guns, Girls and Gambling. She also produced a single called “Collecting Dust,” which was featured on MTV’s Laguna Beach. For some choice shots of her better-known work (including three pics of her planking), check out the gallery after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Hype

Telling Tales

August 31, 2011 | 1:10 pm

SPOTTED: Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel at Downward Dog, Ella’s Uncle and biking down Queen West

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have been spotted on more than one occasion in the past few days taking full advantage of Toronto’s many gems. Biel has been routinely visiting Downward Dog studios for a dose of yoga, and the duo—who may or may not be rekindling their old flame—stopped in at Ella’s Uncle yesterday for raspberry scones. If scones and yoga aren’t twee enough for you, the two were also spotted enjoying a bike ride down Queen West. Bless.

(Images: Jessica Biel, Maggie; Justin Timberlake; Audrey Pilato; Scones, Neil Conway; Bike, Electra)

The Hype

Telling Tales

August 15, 2011 | 4:05 pm

Is hometown boy Drake dating Serena Williams?

Is the ball in Serena Williams’ court? (Image: paddynapper)

Just weeks after being spotted buying sex toys with Rihanna in Ottawa, homegrown rapper and Degrassi alum Drake appears to have moved on to someone even better (and buffer): recent Roger’s Cup champion Serena Williams. Rumours of the pair’s involvement were sparked last week when they were seen flitting off to a Florida resort together. Later, Drake suggestively tweeted (or propositioned?) Williams, writing, “I cannot wait to put it on you and make you sweat……….during our match this weekend.” On Saturday, he was spotted cheering as Williams tore up the courts at the Roger’s Cup Tournament. It’s a pretty good catch for Drake—Williams is, after all, a super-built warrior princess. We hope Drizzy can keep up.

The Hype

Telling Tales

June 6, 2011 | 2:36 pm

SPOTTED: Martha Stewart eats, Rihanna walks and Robert Pattinson drinks

Martha Stewart, Rihanna and Robert Pattinson have been spotted in Toronto

It figures that once the weather gets nice, Toronto is the go-to destination for the stars. If we had this kind of sun all year round, we bet Hogtown could really give Hollywood a run for its money. No, seriously, it seems the city was teeming with celebrities this past week. Check out a roundup of star sightings after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Hype

Telling Tales

May 31, 2011 | 2:25 pm

Mark Wahlberg may be seen shirtless more often in his rumoured Yorkville property

Mark Wahlberg can make Rhea Durham do this, but what will he do for Toronto? (Image: WEBN-TV)

Unless someone is shooting a movie or revisiting a favourite Toronto haunt, we’re typically limited to boldface Hollywood types on our less-glistening Toronto streets during TIFF. At least that was the case before we heard that Dirk Diggler Mark Wahlberg is scouting property in the Yorkville area. Shinan Govani reports that the actor was heard saying, “I love the fact that it’s a smaller building,” which we thought we’d never hear from a celebrity who makes countless millions every year (especially considering that Lady Gaga just announced that her decadence has essentially bankrupted her). Apparently its micro size and a nudge from other local small property Tie Domi seem to be enough to hold Wahlberg’s interest in the to-be-renovated building that once belonged to St. Basil’s Catholic School (and, well, it doesn’t cost $28 million). Nothing has been signed, but Govani seems confident that there’s a good chance he might, which will mean more abs and pecs for everyone.

• Shinan: On the Marky Market [National Post]

The Hype

Telling Tales

April 15, 2011 | 4:42 pm

Playboy Magazine thinks Western is a fun place to party, but not as fun as Boulder, Colorado

Playboy Magazine is a fan of Western’s “play harder” attitude (Image: Better Than Bacon)

Students at the University of Western Ontario in London will be celebrating extra hard this weekend with the news that their reputation as a party school has been cemented in Playboy (we only read it for the articles, which is how we got this information). Rated the No. 4 party school in North America, UWO was the only Canadian university to make the top 10. (The school is no stranger to notoriety—most readers will recognize the name of the campus’s largest residence, Saugeen-Maitland Hall, thanks to a 2005 incident that led to a Toronto Star cover story about the 18-year-old Saugeen Stripper.)

Read the rest of this entry »

The Hype

Telling Tales

April 6, 2011 | 4:40 pm

Yoko Ono’s publishing company pulls Stephen Harper’s “Imagine” performance off YouTube

Yoko-Ono-Harper

It looks like the video of Stephen Harper and Maria Aragon singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” (a clip that both amused and confused us) has been pulled from YouTube. The page says it was removed “due to a copyright claim by Lenono music”—the publishing company behind Lennon and Yoko Ono’s music. We don’t know if Ono herself took the thing down, but she has a history of making sure conservatives don’t use her late husband’s song (back in 2008, she went to court to try to stop a creationist film from doing just that). So maybe the sight of Canada’s Conservative prime minister singing Lennon’s lyrics was a bit much. The person we feel bad for here is Maria Aragon, the young YouTube sensation from Winnipeg who sang with Harper. Then again, thanks to Lady Gaga she’s already way more popular than Harper.

Advertisement

Current Issue

Current Issue

Advertisement

Advertisement

Contests

Click for the latest contests »

Advertisement

© 2013. All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. Toronto Life is a registered trademark of Toronto Life Publishing Company Limited