Morning Buzz: Michael Jackson Ill?

Bauer Griffin Online

Is Michael Jackson seriously ill? A Michael Jackson biographer, Ian Halpernin, is claiming that Jackson suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which has caused emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding. TMZ reports that the author claims that Jackson can barely speak and is nearly blind in his left eye. Jackson's reps had no comment.

Russell Crowe is allegedly looking to get director Ridley Scott fired from their next film, Nottingham, a new report alleges. Page Six reports that Crowe, a longtime collaborator of Scott's, is distressed over the poor box office of their last film, Body of Lies. "Ridley is the only one who is willing to stand up to Russell and tell him he's too fat and that he can't show up four hours late to the set," said one source. "He [Russell] wants someone he can control." Reps for Crowe, Scott, and Universal Pictures deny the allegations.

Singer Rihanna will perform at the Recording Industry of America's charity ball on Inauguration Night. The event will support the Feeding America charity, according to People. "We could not be happier that Rihanna will be performing at the Inauguration charity ball to benefit Feeding America. "Rihanna's involvement will help raise awareness about the prevalence of hunger in America and help bring more aid to the 36 million Americans who do not always know where they will find their next meal," says Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of the charity.

Ex-porn star and reality show veteran Ron Jeremy was involved in a fracas with a photographer in Mel's Diner in on the Sunset Strip early Saturday morning. As Jeremy and a group of friends dined, a paparazzi photographer Nasim Saleh began photographing them. When one of Jeremy's companions reportedly stood up to complain and advance on the photographer, Saleh allegedly pepper sprayed him. The spray's fumes went through the restaurant, according to TMZ, and Saleh was arrested for criminal use of tear gas.

Jim Carrey's return to comedy, Yes Man, was #1 at the box office this weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. The film took in $18 million. Will Smith's new film, Seven Pounds, was second with $16 million.