DiCaprio & Rafaeli on Again?
------------------------------------Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly back in the arms of Israeli model Bar Rafaeli after the 'split' couple was spotted holding hands in Hollywood just before Christmas. Revellers at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills saw the couple together for the first time since their October split hit the headlines on 20 December.
A source tells Us Weekly magazine Rafaeli and DiCaprio never officially split: "They were never really off. It was always a distance thing - Leo was making a movie in Morocco, and Bar had her modeling career. It's a struggle to make a relationship like theirs work, but yes, they're together." Rafaeli has been linked to surfing icon Kelly Slater since allegedly splitting from the movie star.
Crowe: "DiCaprio Was Still a Virgin at 17"
----------------------------------------------Leonardo DiCaprio wasn't always a hit with the ladies - the actor was embarrassed about not losing his virginity at 17, according to his pal Russell Crowe. The pair both starred in 1995's The Quick And The Dead, and Crowe hopes the young actor - who has dated a string of beauties including Gisele Bundchen and Bar Rafaeli - has finally made some progress in the romance department since they last worked together.
He says, "You know, I worked with Leonardo when he was 17. He was a virgin, and he'd talk about that constantly. So I'm hoping we have some time so he can fill in what's happened in between, maybe show some photos, because I'm sure life's different now." Crowe and DiCaprio will reunite in forthcoming movie Body Of Lies.
Clooney & DiCaprio To Head 'North'?
---------------------------------------George Clooney is in negotiations to direct Leonardo DiCaprio in a movie adaptation of Beau Willimon's play Farragut North. The two stars are looking to co-produce the project through their production companies Appian Way and Smoke House. DiCaprio has been attached to the film for a while; Clooney is also considering appearing in the movie, according to trade paper Daily Variety. In the film, DiCaprio will star as a idealistic communications director for a rising political figure, who finds himself tangled up in intrigue and spin. Meanwhile, Jake Gyllenhaal will play the political story's protagonist when Farragut North hits Broadway next year, for what will be the Brokeback Mountain star's New York theatre debut.
DiCaprio To Build "Green Hotel" in Belize
------------------------------------------Leonardo DiCaprio has struck a deal with the owners of The Four Seasons Resorts chain to create a 'green hotel' in Belize. The new environmental Caribbean getaway will be built on land the Blood Diamond star owns on the island. New York gossip columnist Liz Smith reports ground-breaking on the new hotel will begin in 2008.
DiCaprio "Not Inspired" by 2008 U.S. Presidential Hopefuls
---------------------------------------------------------------Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has decided not to campaign for any of the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates, because none of the politicians in the running "inspire" him. The Blood Diamond star, 32, was a staunch advocate of Democratic hopeful Senator John Kerry during 2004's presidential election and even traveled across 14 states to rally support and raise funds for him. But DiCaprio admits the frontrunners for 2008's election - Democratic candidates Senator Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and Republican Ron Paul - have yet to catch his attention with their environmental policies.
He says, "I'm still on the fence about it, to tell you the truth. I have yet to hear a candidate that has clearly laid out their environmental policy in a way that is inspiring to me." Referring to Senator Kerry's previous election campaign, DiCaprio adds, "I thought he had an amazing environmental policy. But I have yet to hear a candidate that has compared in that regard. I'm waiting for the right questions to be asked, and for these candidates to give really clear responses to what they're going to do in a tangible way - not a lot of rhetoric. I want to hear hardcore facts.
DiCaprio Sued Over Basketball Court "Damage"
-----------------------------------------------Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio is being sued for more than $250,000 by his neighbors for allegedly damaging their property by building a basketball court. Ronald and Joan Linclau claim the recreation area has caused damage to their Los Angeles property since 2004.
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, the Linclaus accuse The Departed actor of "maliciously" cutting and removing hedges while crossing onto their property. They also claim he excavated "earth, granite and bedrock," destabilizing their deck and swimming pool, and ignore their repeated requests to halt construction.
DiCaprio Flew to Australia for Free
----------------------------------------Leonardo DiCaprio was so committed to making cult movie Romeo + Juliet he flew coach to Australia for no money just to shoot promotional scenes with director Baz Luhrmann. The Titanic star treated the week-long trip as a holiday and paid for six pals to join him down under while he shot scenes intended to convince 20th Century Fox executives to make the movie. Luhrmann reveals, "People don't realize Leonardo had to come to Australia for no money. He wasn't paid." The film was eventually made on location in Mexico.