Taking Names

Broken engagement

Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow have decided to split, the couple announced in a joint statement Friday night.

The seven-time Tour de France champion and the rock star announced their engagement in September. It would have been her first marriage and his second. He has three children from his previous marriage.

“After much thought and consideration we have made a very tough decision to split up. We both have a deep love and respect for each other and we ask that everyone respect our privacy during this very difficult time,” the statement said.

Mr. Armstrong, 34, recovered from testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain to become the dominant athlete in one of the world’s most grueling sporting events.

Mr. Armstrong and the 43-year-old Miss Crow met in October 2003 and began dating shortly after.

Miss Crow called Mr. Armstrong the inspiration for her last album, “Wildflower,” which was released in September.

Blake bankruptcy

Actor Robert Blake has filed for bankruptcy, 2 months after a civil court jury found he “intentionally caused” his wife’s death and awarded her children $30 million in damages.

Mr. Blake was acquitted in March in criminal court of murdering Bonny Lee Bakley. In Friday’s filing, he listed his biggest liabilities as the $30 million judgment, a $1,274,783 million federal tax bill and a $334,337 state tax assessment. The filing says he has assets of $100,001 and $500,000.

Mr. Blake’s civil attorney, Peter Ezzell, said he believes the former tough-guy actor is broke. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have written off $200,000 in fees,” he said.

Mr. Ezzell said he capped his legal fees at $250,000 plus costs. The former “Baretta” star’s bankruptcy filing indicates he owes the attorney $7,903.

But Eric Dubin, the attorney who represented Bakley’s family in the civil trial, questioned whether Mr. Blake is financially destitute.

“The concept of Robert Blake doing everything he can to avoid paying was highly anticipated,” Mr. Dubin said. “And we’re ready for it.”

Mr. Dubin said Mr. Blake sold two homes in recent years. He declined to say what he thinks Mr. Blake is worth, but said the actor spread his assets around in numerous corporations.

Private investigator Scott Ross, who helped with Mr. Blake’s criminal defense, said Mr. Blake lives off his pension.

Mr. Blake rents an apartment in the San Fernando Valley, said his longtime friend, publicist Dale Olson. Mr. Blake’s adult daughter adopted Rosie, the now 5-year-old girl he had with Miss Bakley.

Mr. Ezzell said he plans to file a motion for a new trial in the civil case. He has not done so because the judge who presided over the trial became ill soon after the verdict and has not affirmed or signed the jury’s judgment.

Brando estate settles

Lawyers for the late Marlon Brando’s estate have settled a sexual harassment and unlawful termination lawsuit against the estate by his former business manager, attorneys said.

Details of the settlement, described as “amicable” by lawyers for Jo An Corrales of Kalama, Wash., were not released.

Ms. Corrales filed her lawsuit against the Brando estate in Los Angeles Superior Court in April. She said the actor had insulted her and subjected her to sexual innuendo, and that he exposed himself, touched her inappropriately, forced her to watch pornographic movies with him, and told her dirty autobiographical stories.

She also claimed she was unfairly removed as co-executor of Mr. Brando’s will 12 days before he died on July 1, 2004.

Pete Linden, an attorney for Ms. Corrales, said Friday that both sides signed off on an agreement.

Brando estate attorney Elizabeth Bawden had no comment.

Compiled by Kevin Chaffee from Web and wire reports.