‘Wild’ girls go to court

New Orleans — Two Louisiana women are suing rapper-actor Snoop Dogg, saying they were offered drugs during Mardi Gras 2002 to flash their breasts for pictures that later appeared on the cover of a “Girls Gone Wild” video.

The lawsuit by Jaime Capdeboscq, who was 17 at the time, and Whitni Candiotto, who was 18, also names Joe Francis, owner of Mantra Films Inc.

The women claim Francis broke a promise that their picture wouldn’t be used in connection with a video. However, when the video — known as “Girls Gone Wild Doggy Style” — came out, they found themselves on the cover, the lawsuit alleges.

Attorneys for Francis and Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, have denied the allegations. They say a sign was posted in the video shooting area that said: “By entering, you consent to the use of such film and your image in a commercial film product.”

Wolfe takes the prize

Chicago — The Chicago Tribune has awarded its 2003 Literary Prize to Tom Wolfe for a lifetime of achievement.

The prize, announced Monday, goes to an author whose body of work has had a great impact on American society, according to the newspaper. Last year’s winner was playwright Arthur Miller.

Wolfe, 72, is the author of numerous books, including “The Right Stuff,” a nonfiction work about the U.S. manned space program, and the novels “The Bonfire of the Vanities” and “A Man in Full.”

His work is widely credited with helping to revolutionize nonfiction writing by drawing on elements from pop psychology and literature.

Costner gets his star

Los Angeles — Kevin Costner is the 2,233rd person to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“It’s just nice that people showed up,” the actor joked after Monday’s ceremony, which drew about 2,000 people.

Costner co-produced, directed and starred in 1990’s “Dances with Wolves,” which won seven Oscars, including best picture and best director. His other films include “Bull Durham” (1988), “Field of Dreams” (1989) and “JFK” (1991).

Censors relent on movie

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Government censors have approved the Malaysian release of Jim Carrey’s latest film, “Bruce Almighty,” after briefly withholding it amid religious officials’ objections that it trivialized the subject of God.

The comedy had been scheduled to open last Thursday in this mostly Muslim country, but the state-run Film Censorship Board decided to reconsider its earlier decision to approve the movie.

However, the government has now given the go-ahead for the film’s release, The Star newspaper said, citing an unidentified government official.

Movies screened in Malaysia must abide by a strict censorship code that forbids showing sex, graphic violence or the provocative handling of topics such as race and religion.