People news 3/15/03

Singer's comments about Bush draw fire

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Dixie Chicks are drawing criticism from country music fans for remarks singer Natalie Maines made about President Bush during a recent performance in London.

Maines told the audience earlier this week, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."

Angry phone calls flooded Nashville radio station WKDF-FM on Thursday, some demanding a boycott of the Texas trio's music.

The group released a statement saying they've been overseas for several weeks and "the anti-American sentiment that has unfolded here is astounding. While we support our troops, there is nothing more frightening than the notion of going to war with Iraq and the prospect of all the innocent lives that will be lost."

In a separate statement Thursday, Maines said, "I feel the president is ignoring the opinion of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world. My comments were made in frustration, and one of the privileges of being an American is you are free to voice your own point of view."

Country singer Cash treated for pneumonia

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Johnny Cash is being treated at a Nashville hospital for pneumonia, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The 71-year-old singer, who was admitted Monday to Baptist Hospital, is in stable condition, said Melissa Cantrell.

"He has a slight case of pneumonia and we expect to release him soon," she said.

Cash's manager, Lou Robin, said the singer is expected to be released sometime early next week.

Cash, who has scored dozens of hits including "I Walk the Line" and "A Boy Named Sue," suffers from autonomic neuropathy, a disease of the nervous system that makes him susceptible to pneumonia. Robin said Cash was diagnosed with the disease about 15 months ago.

He was hospitalized in August for an allergic reaction, and twice in the fall of 2001 for bronchitis.

Tim Allen reaches settlement with wife

LOS ANGELES -- Actor Tim Allen and his wife have reached a divorce settlement, avoiding a trial that was to have begun Thursday.

Laura Deibel, who married the "Home Improvement" star in 1984, filed for a legal separation in 1999 in Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple share custody of their 13-year-old daughter.

The settlement, terms of which weren't disclosed, was confirmed Thursday by the court. Representatives for Allen and Deibel did not immediately return calls for comment.

Allen, 49, who played Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor in "Home Improvement" from 1991-99, has starred in such films as "The Santa Claus" and "Galaxy Quest" and provided the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the "Toy Story" movies.

Musician files lawsuit against fellow artists

LOS ANGELES -- Stewart Copeland, former drummer for the rock group The Police, has filed a $1 million breach of oral contract lawsuit claiming two members of The Doors 21st Century reneged on a promise to include him on an upcoming tour and album.

Copeland's lawsuit was filed in Superior Court on March 7 against keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger. Both were original members of the 1960s rock band The Doors.

Representatives for Manzarek and Krieger declined comment.

Copeland, 50, had performed as recently as January with the defendants, but in February was replaced in The Doors 21st Century, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of "exploiting the credibility, talent and reputation" of Copeland.

Last month, original Doors drummer John Densmore sued Manzarek and Krieger for going on tour without him. Lead singer Jim Morrison died in 1971.

-- From wire reports