Taking Names

Pesci punch probed

Police have confirmed that Oscar-winning actor Joe Pesci is being investigated after a fan said the star punched him in the mouth because he snapped a photo of the actor in a shopping center parking lot.

The “Goodfellas” star gave his account of the Jan. 22 incident last week at a Boca Raton, Fla., home where he was staying, police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Kelly said.

Sgt. Kelly did not provide details because of the investigation. “There are two sides to every story,” he said.

According to Associated Press, police were preparing to send the investigation results to the Palm Beach County prosecutors to determine whether Mr. Pesci should be charged with misdemeanor battery for reportedly punching Juan Carlos Montenegro, 24.

Mr. Montenegro, a Broward Community College student, told police that after encountering Mr. Pesci, 62, he shook the actor’s hand and told the star he was a big fan. He said he then purchased a camera, walked toward Mr. Pesci and asked for a picture, but the actor refused.

Mr. Montenegro kept asking to take a picture, according to the report, and when Mr. Pesci turned, Mr. Montenegro took the photograph. Mr. Pesci then punched him with his right fist, the report continues.

If Mr. Pesci is charged, he would be issued a court summons and would not be booked into the county jail, said Mike Edmondson, a spokesman for the state’s attorney’s office.

Jay Julien, Mr. Pesci’s attorney, did not return a call for comment.

Celeb sleuth indicted

Anthony Pellicano, Hollywood’s most famous private investigator, was charged with wiretapping journalists, entertainers and supposed rape victims for his clients in an indictment unsealed yesterday.

On Friday, Pellicano was transferred from a federal prison near Bakersfield, Calif., where he had completed a 2- year sentence for weapons possession, to face the new charges in a U.S. District Court arraignment.

Among those who reportedly were wiretapped or subjected to illegal computer searches were actor Sylvester Stallone, comedian Garry Shandling, former New York Times film industry correspondent Bernard Weinraub, former Los Angeles Times reporter Anita Busch, former “Saturday Night Live” star Kevin Nealon, actor Keith Carradine and five women who accused software millionaire John Gordon Jones of rape, the Hollywood Reporter notes.

Pellicano, whose clients have included top Hollywood entertainment lawyers and executives as well as celebrities such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Michael Jackson, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.

The indictment also accused Pellicano of paying thousands of dollars in bribes to Los Angeles Police Sgt. Mark Arneson, other police officers and public officials and telephone company employees to obtain information related to his cases.

Leading contender

Singer R. Kelly leads the list of nominees for the 20th annual Soul Train Music Awards, announced yesterday, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mr. Kelly received three nods overall, including two for his “Trapped in the Closet” saga, (best R&B/soul single, male, and best R&B/soul or rap video) and best male R&B/soul album for “TP.3 Reloaded.” He will receive the first-ever Stevie Wonder Award for outstanding career achievements in songwriting.

Other multiple-award nominees are Mariah Carey, Charlie Wilson, John Legend, Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliott and the Black Eyed Peas.

The Soul Train Music Awards will be taped March 4 in Pasadena, Calif., and will air in syndication March 11 through 19.

White House visit

The Dance Theatre of Harlem and its founder, Arthur Mitchell, were honored last night at a White House dinner hosted by President and Mrs. Bush. A performance by the Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble, comprising students from DTH’s School, followed the meal.

The acclaimed troupe celebrates its 37th anniversary today.

Compiled by Robyn-Denise Yourse from staff, Web and wire reports.