PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

NEW YORK (AP) — Hilary Duff is joining the cast of “Gossip Girl” — but not on a regular basis.

The CW series’ spokeswoman, Melissa Burton, says the 21-year-old singer and actress will guest-star next season as “a movie star looking for a typical college experience.”

Duff’s character, named Olivia Burke, enrolls at New York University and becomes roommates with “Gossip Girl” hipster Vanessa, portrayed by Jessica Szohr.

Oh, what a tangled web: Burton says Olivia will spark a romance with aspiring novelist Dan, played by Penn Badgley. As fans know, Vanessa used to have eyes for Dan — then they dated other people.

‘300’ actor charged in scuffle with paparazzo

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Arraignment has been postponed for “300” actor Gerard Butler, who’s been charged in Los Angeles with misdemeanor battery for a scuffle with a paparazzo.

A Los Angeles Superior Court clerk says the actor’s lawyer requested the delay on Wednesday, and a judge agreed to postpone the arraignment to Aug. 18.

City prosecutors say the Scottish-born actor had a run-in with a photographer on Oct. 7 after leaving a premiere party for the film “RocknRolla.”

Butler’s manager, Alan Siegel, says Butler was forced to have his driver stop the car after the photographer repeatedly sped through red lights and almost struck two pedestrians.

Butler, who also stars in this summer’s “The Ugly Truth,” faces up to six months in jail if convicted.

Doctor agrees with Carradine finding

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The private pathologist who conducted a second autopsy on David Carradine’s body said Friday that Thai authorities have determined the actor died of asphyxia and so far, he agrees.

“Thus far, the information we have gathered is consistent with that,” Dr. Michael Baden said. But he noted that is waiting for key details from Thai authorities.

Those include results from toxicology tests, an analysis of items found in Carradine’s room, security surveillance footage and a log of room entries from the hotel’s key card system.

The famed New York pathologist said he cannot yet determine whether Carradine’s death was accidental or a homicide.

Baden performed a second autopsy on Carradine’s body after it was returned to the United States. The actor was buried on June 13 in Los Angeles.

His immediate conclusion was that the “Kill Bill” actor didn’t die of suicide.

Thai police initially said they suspected Carradine’s death was a suicide, but later conceded it could have been accidental. Their description — that the actor’s body was found nude, with ropes around his neck, wrist and genitals — fueled speculation that he was killed while engaging in a dangerous sex practice called autoerotic asphyxiation.

Some of Carradine’s friends have said they suspect foul play in his death. His brothers, Keith and Robert, have urged patience until all information is available and promised to release the results of Baden’s inquiry.

Baden said he is waiting to talk to a pathologist in Thailand about some of the missing details he needs.

Gary Coleman’s wife arrested after dispute

SANTAQUIN, Utah (AP) — Police say the wife of actor Gary Coleman was booked into jail after an argument at the couple’s Utah County home.

Shannon Price was arrested Wednesday and held for about two hours before posting $1,205 bail. Utah County Jail records show the 23-year-old Price was booked for investigation of domestic violence, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. It’s unclear whether Price has an attorney.

An arrest affidavit says police were called to the home after Price allegedly locked Coleman out during an argument and was yelling obscenities out the window, had thrown items around the home and upended furniture.

There is no indication that the 41-year-old Coleman, best known for his stint on “Diff’rent Strokes,” was injured.

Country star Husky admitted to hospital

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A spokesman for country star Ferlin Husky says the singer has been hospitalized in Tennessee.

Tracy Pitcox, president of Heart of Texas Records, said the 83-year-old was admitted to the critical care unit of Summit Medical Center in Hermitage on Thursday.