Demi Lovato has hit back at cruel taunts about her weight following her appearance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. While the singer and actress, who recently sought treatment for “emotional and physical issues” including an eating disorder, looked sensational in a sparkling silver dress, it seems a few nasty comments got under her skin. The 19-year-old became a hot topic on Twitter last night under the hash-tag ‘#demilavato,’ (an incorrect spelling of her name) after she presented an award on stage. And while many were full of praise for the former Disney star, some touched a nerve with critical comments about her figure. She quickly took to Twitter to defend herself, writing: “I’ve gained weight. Get over it. That’s what happens when you get out of treatment for AN EATING DISORDER.” The star, who was bullied over her weight as a child, later deleted the note, according to the New York Daily News, replacing it with a more considered response. She wrote: “Guess what, I’m healthy and happy, and if you’re hating on my weight you obviously aren’t.” Lovato, who left rehab in January, is currently promoting her new album, Unbroken.

— Daily Mail

Judgement day

As a former prosecution lawyer she is used to being in front of a judge. But I’m sure Nancy Grace is not used to a panel of judges who will be criticizing her on her footwork or prowess on the dance floor. The 51-year-old legal commentator is reportedly set to don some sequin outfits and join the season 13 cast of the hit ABC show Dancing With The Stars, which is to begin airing next month. The Court TV former host currently has her self-titled, TV show on HLN- nightly celebrity news and current affairs show, which has been on the air since 2005. The show is shot in Atlanta, so according to TMZ, Nancy will train in Georgia and commute back and forth for the live performances in order to balance her schedule. Another surprise face expected to make an appearance on the new season is Chaz Bono who was last week spotted hitting the gym in West Hollywood in preparation for the dance routines. As the official cast is yet to be announced, several other celebrities have been spotted at the West Hollywood dance studio where rehearsals for the show take place. George Clooney’s ex-girlfriend and Italian television presenter Elisabetta Canalis donned black sports bra and leggings combo as she dashed from the building to her car yesterday. The Hills star Kristin Cavallari was also seen sneaking in the back of the building clutching a water bottle and wearing workout clothing.

— Daily Mail

Michael Jackson’s family, friends and fans gather to commemorate his 53rd birthday

Monday marked what would have been late pop star Michael Jackson’s 53rd birthday. And to commemorate the occasion, the singer’s children, mother Katherine and father Joe, all gathered to visit his childhood home in Gary, Indiana, over the weekend. Hundreds of fans also flocked to the home over the weekend, ahead of Monday’s memorial. The massive turn-out pleased the singer’s family members, especially Michael’s teenage daughter Paris. The teenager told local television station WLS-TV that she “enjoyed seeing her father’s fans” whilst she and her brothers visited the home on Saturday. Michael’s father Joe also accompanied his wife to the service on Sunday. It is unknown whether the late singer’s siblings attended. Sister La Toya Jackson, 55, did however take to her Twitter page to wish her brother a happy birthday close to midnight on Sunday. She tweeted, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL! I MISS YOU AND WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU! YOU’VE GIVEN SUCH AN EXTRAORDINARY GIFT TO THE WORLD! WE WILL CHERISH IT!” Since his death, each year there has been gatherings at the home to commemorate his birthday. In 2009, Mayor of Gary, Indiana, Rudolph Clay dubbed the humble abode “the new Graceland.” He said that he wanted to make the town a place where fans could come and pay tribute to the star. “If they can do it for Elvis Presley in Graceland, we can do it for Michael Jackson in Gary,” he told The Associated Press.

— Daily Mail