Whoopi Goldberg has spoken out in defence of Mel Gibson, as a fourth alleged recording of the actor was released today.

“I don’t like what he did here, but I know Mel and I know he’s not a racist,” Goldberg said on US talk show The View on Monday. “He may be a bonehead. I can’t sit and say that he’s a racist, having spent time with him in my house with my kids.” Goldberg also questioned why Gibson’s ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, would release the tapes on the Internet, through a showbiz website. “If someone is kicking your behind and punching you while you’re holding your kid, you don’t go to the cops first? You go to RadarOnline?” she said. Gibson has allegedly been taped using the “N-word” and referring to Latino workers as “wetbacks” in rants against his ex. There has been no proof as to the authenticity of the tapes. Following Monday’s show people took to the Internet and left angry emails and phone messages with Goldberg’s assistant, denouncing her for supporting Gibson. The 54-year-old actress and talk show host responded to the outcry on Wednesday’s edition of The View stating: “I need to take a minute here because there’s been a lot of hassle [regarding the comments].” She clarified her statements saying that she doesn’t condone what Gibson said, but maintained her position that she doesn’t consider him to be a racist. “Being a black woman, you would think people would give me some leeway [on spotting a racist!]” she said. She added that she has made racial comments herself during bouts of road rage.

— Daily Mail

Sandra Bullock takes baby Louis back to his birthplace in New Orleans

Sandra Bullock touched down in New Orleans with some very precious cargo – her son Louis.

The 45-year-old actress cradled the 7-month-old in a blanket as they made their way through the terminal while minders were put in charge of the baby carrier and luggage. Of course, the Louisiana city is particularly special for the mother and son – it’s where Louis, whom The Blind Side actress adopted in January, was born. “New Orleans is his city, and he is going to know it inside and out,” she vowed in April. Bullock now has permanent roots in the city after purchasing a home in the Garden District.

— Daily Mail

Naomi Watts hotfoots it in New York without shoes

She may dress to the nines for the red carpet, but Naomi Watts was very down to earth indeed while out in New York on Wednesday.

Clutching her BlackBerry, the 21 Grams actress raced out of her apartment building and into the street barefoot, wearing no make-up and with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Dressed in only in a pair of cotton shorts and a shirt, the 41-year-old revealed her toned and tanned legs. New York has been experiencing a heatwave over the last few days and Naomi appeared to be taking advantage of the opportunity to wear as little as possible. She ran to the assistance of her nanny and helped wheel in her sons Alexander, who turns three next week, and Samuel Kai, 18 months.

— Daily Mail