Celebrity Dish: Serving up the gossip you should know!

It seems we have an insatiable appetite for celebrity gossip (which is exactly what this column will focus on) – who’s dating, who might be dating, who so-and-so is wearing on the red carpet and even interesting casting news (Jake Gyllenhaal as a gladiator? OK …). But all of that traditional gossip has been pushed aside by health issues facing some celebrities.

The recent deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson – all in one week – certainly caused a great deal of mourning. Jackson’s death, in particular, left behind more turmoil than peace. It will still be some time before we have a clearer picture of what killed the King of Pop, pending the toxicology reports, and guardianship of his three children has yet to be decided. Members of the Jackson family are claiming foul play, which begs the question – what role do you think Michael’s doctors played in his death?

In addition, actress Mischa Barton remains hospitalized with an undisclosed condition after being forcibly removed from her home July 15 by police under California’s involuntary psychiatric-hold law. Speculation is that Barton was possibly suicidal. Friends also commented on her drug and alcohol use, telling People magazine that it has “gotten to a point where it drove people away.” Whatever the cause, we wish her well.

While Jessica Simpson’s heart may be physically fine, she is feeling the pain of heartbreak after splitting with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. He reportedly ended the relationship after two years of dating on the night before her 29^th birthday and has been seen partying with his pals since then. I can’t help but wonder – is that better or worse than breaking up with a girl on a Post-It?

Jon Gosselin certainly can offer Simpson some words of encouragement – when one relationship ends, another begins. The father of eight spent time in France with new girlfriend Hailey Glassman, and some sources are claiming the couple is already engaged. What’s interesting about this relationship isn’t that he filed for divorce a month ago or even that she’s 10 years his junior. It’s that Glassman is the daughter of Jon’s wife’s plastic surgeon – the doctor who performed a tummy tuck on Kate Gosselin. Seems just a little too close to home …

In other couples’ news, Ivanka Trump got engaged to her boyfriend, Jared Kushner, last week. Singer Christina Milian will be living the dream when she weds her fiancé, music producer The-Dream. He popped the question this week. And (*deep sigh*) Kevin Jonas is off the market. He proposed to girlfriend Danielle Deleasa earlier this month, but no date has been set yet to trade his purity ring for a wedding band. Ladies, wipe away those tears and be happy for them.

And speaking of (possible) couples, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are scheduled to appear this week at Comic Con. Together. (Cue the raised eyebrows.) But don’t expect them to answer any questions that aren’t directly related to the Twilight series. And in a way, that’s OK. With those two, it’s all about the body language.

Krista Richmond is a journalist and pop culture enthusiast. Have a question, suggestion or hot gossip tip? Send them to her at Krista@killerfilm.com.