Kelsey Grammer's TV show axed

Plus, Tolkien heirs sue producers; Fiona Apple delays tour to be with dying pet; Melrose Place star in court over crash death; Sesame Street star resigns over sex claims

Citing low ratings, Starz television network has decided not to renew the political drama Boss in which Kelsey Grammer plays a tyrannical Chicago mayor. Chuck Hodes / Starz via Bloomberg

Kelsey Grammer's TV show axed

Starz television network has decided not to give Kelsey Grammer another term as the mayor of Chicago. The cable network said Tuesday that it was cancelling his political drama Boss after two seasons due to low ratings. The show premiered to critical acclaim, starring Grammer as the tyrannical Chicago mayor Tom Kane. The role earned Grammer a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama earlier this year. Starz says in a statement that while the network is proud of the show, it has "made the difficult decision to not proceed with Boss". Grammer is still best remembered for playing Dr Frasier Crane on the sitcoms Cheers and Frasier. - AP

Tolkien heirs sue producers

The heirs of the late author JRR Tolkien are suing the producers of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies over alleged exploitative merchandising. The lawsuit was filed on Monday in Los Angeles after "fruitless discussions" and a week before the premiere of the The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Wellington. The Tolkien estate is upset at "morally questionable" digital marketing, which could jeapardise Tolkien's "legacy and reputation" and is seeking US$80 million (Dh293.8m) from Warner Bros, its New Line subsidiary and rights holder Saul Zaentz Co. In 2009, Tolkien's heirs settled a lawsuit over The Lord of the Rings movies for an undisclosed amount, allowing production to proceed on The Hobbit. Warner Bros declined to comment on the case. - AP

Fiona Apple delays tour to be with dying pet

The American singer Fiona Apple is postponing her South America tour to care for her dying dog, Janet. Apple posted a letter to fans on her website and Facebook page saying that the 13-year-old pit bull is her best friend, mother, daughter and benefactor and "the one who taught me what love is". Apple says Janet suffers from Addison's Disease and is near death. The singer writes, "I will not be the woman who puts her career ahead of love and friendship," and asked her fans for their blessings and patience. Apple says she will reschedule her South American appearances. - AP

Melrose Place star in court over crash death

A jury is deciding whether a former Melrose Place actress is guilty of aggravated manslaughter for a 2010 crash that killed a 60-year-old woman. Amy Locane-Bovenizer, 40, whose blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit at the time, has been on trial in Somerset County, New Jersey, since October. Jurors began deliberating on Tuesday afternoon and have yet to reach a verdict. They were scheduled to resume yesterday. The defence concedes that the actress was driving under the influence but claims a woman was chasing her after an earlier accident, forcing her to drive above the speed limit. If convicted, Bovenizer faces up to 30 years in prison. - AP

Sesame Street star resigns over sex claims

The puppeteer behind the Sesame Street character Elmo has resigned following new allegations that he had sexual relationships with underage teenagers. In a statement issued Tuesday, Kevin Clash, 52, said he was leaving after nearly three decades on the show with a "heavy heart", but needed to settle the allegations against him "privately". Sesame Workshop, which produces the long-running children's programme, said the controversy around Clash had become a "distraction" that could not be overcome and called it "a sad day for Sesame Street". Last week, Clash admitted he had a relationship with the first accuser but claimed it occurred after this person had turned 17. - AFP