People in the news

Chastity Bono announces sex change

Los Angeles — Chastity Bono is having a sex change to become a man.

A spokesman for Bono, born a girl to Sonny and Cher, says he “has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity” and began the sex-change process earlier this year.

Publicist Howard Bragman said Bono is proud of his decision and hopes “that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue.”

The 40-year-old writer, activist and reality-TV star came out as gay 20 years ago, Bragman said.

A message left with Cher’s representatives was not immediately returned Thursday.

Jazzy Jeff: Kansas City incident not about race

Kansas City, Mo. — Hip-hop performer DJ Jazzy Jeff says his weekend performance in Kansas City was stopped because of censorship, not race.

Jazzy Jeff left the stage during a Saturday show in the city’s downtown Power & Light District after saying venue managers didn’t like the type of music he was playing.

Power & Light District officials have said the music was too loud for the venue’s sound system.

But critics of the district’s handling of the show have suggested race played a role.

Jazzy Jeff told The Associated Press on Thursday that the incident involved censorship. He says show organizers didn’t like the “style of music” he was playing, but race wasn’t an issue.

Criminal vandalism charges for Alba unlikely

Oklahoma City — The owners of property plastered with great white shark posters said Thursday they have little interest in pursuing criminal vandalism charges against actress Jessica Alba, who already has apologized for her role in the stunt.

Oklahoma City police are continuing to investigate the allegations, but haven’t interviewed the 28-year-old co-star of the “Fantastic Four” movies.

Investigators first plan to meet with the property owners to see whether they are willing to prosecute, said police Sgt. Gary Knight.

“Typically in cases like this if people don’t want to prosecute, oftentimes the case is closed,” Knight said.