‘Today’ show apologizes for Fonda’s vulgarity

New York – NBC News is apologizing again – this time for Jane Fonda.

The 70-year-old actress used a vulgar slang term on the “Today” show Thursday while talking about the play “The Vagina Monologues.” Fonda is appearing in a 10th-anniversary performance and was on “Today” with author Eve Ensler.

Fonda told co-host Meredith Vieira that she was asked to perform a monologue with a slang term for vagina as the title – and Fonda used the term itself on the air in explaining why she said “no.”

“I said, ‘I don’t think so, I’ve got enough problems,'” Fonda said.

About 10 minutes later, Vieira told viewers that Fonda had used a word from the play that normally isn’t used on television.

“It was a slip and obviously she apologizes and so do we,” Vieira said. “We would do nothing to offend the audience, so please accept that apology.”

“Today” moved quickly to silence the word and cover up Fonda’s face with a still photo when the show was aired in the Midwest, Mountain and West Coast feeds.

Comic Damon Wayans launching ‘WayOutTV’

Los Angeles – Damon Wayans is taking “In Living Color” to the Internet.

The 47-year-old comedian has announced the debut of “WayOutTV,” a collaboration with YouTube that will show sketch comedy videos that he produces.

Wayans described the venture as “In Living Color 2.0” – an online version of the hit 1990s TV series that made him and his brothers Keenen Ivory, Shawn and Marlon famous.

“WayOutTV” will allow viewers to share, rate and leave comments on the sketches.

“For too long, comedy has been a one-way dialogue, with comedians talking to an audience rather than with an audience,” Wayans said in a statement Thursday. “My entire goal is to make people laugh and at the same time find a way to be creative and collaborative with people who want to be a part of the process.”

Beyonce’s dad weighs in on ‘queen’ flap

New York – Beyonce’s father says Aretha Franklin’s criticism of his daughter for referring to Tina Turner as “the Queen” at the Grammys is “ridiculous.”

On Tuesday, the Queen of Soul let everyone know her royal feathers were ruffled when Beyonce called Turner “The Queen” before their joint performance Sunday at the Grammys. Franklin, who also performed at the ceremony, was sitting in the audience: Beyonce did reference her along with other top female singers before introducing Turner.

“I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce,” Franklin said in a statement issued by her publicist. “However, I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy.”

However, in an interview with CelebTV.com posted Wednesday, Matthew Knowles, Beyonce’s father and manager, said: “I am not taking something this ridiculous to Beyonce. Beyonce referred to Tina Turner as a ‘queen.’ Not queen of gospel, queen of soul, queen of blues, Queen of England. I consider my wife a queen and sometimes call her that. Does Aretha have a problem with that?”

Famed guitar donated to Music Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tenn. – Marty Stuart and Connie Smith gave a sweetheart gift to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Grand Ole Opry stars, who are married, have donated Lester Flatt’s 1950 Martin D-28 guitar. The instrument, which some have called “the Holy Grail of bluegrass guitars,” was used on most of Flatt and Earl Scruggs’ classic recordings and live performances.

Flatt & Scruggs are perhaps best known for their tunes “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” from the 1960s TV show “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

Flatt bought the guitar for $115 at a Charleston, W.Va., pawnshop in 1956.

In the 1970s he loaned it to Stuart, then a prodigy in his band.

Stuart fell in love with the guitar and often played it until Flatt retired and disbanded his group.

Stuart thought he’d never see it again, but after Flatt’s death in 1979 he was able to buy it from Flatt’s daughter, Brenda, and has had it ever since.

Stuart and Smith also donated some of their own stage costumes and instruments to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, as well as items once belonging to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

Stuart and Smith also donated some of their own stage costumes and instruments to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, as well as items once belonging to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

Moore to star in supernatural thriller

Pittsburgh – Julianne Moore will star in a supernatural thriller that will begin shooting this spring in the Pittsburgh area.

Filming of “Shelter” is expected to begin in late March or early April, said Rudy Scalese, director of development for Nala Films LLC.

Moore, 47, has received Oscar nominations for her roles in “Boogie Nights,” “The Hours,” “The End of the Affair” and “Far From Heaven.”

Scalese said the $75 million that state lawmakers approved last year for annual tax incentives for movie production helped in the final decision to shoot in western Pennsylvania.

The tax break has helped lure several productions to the area, said Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office.

Kevin Smith is shooting his comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” in the region. Filming of “The Road,” starring Charlize Theron and Viggo Mortensen, is scheduled to begin later this month.