Janet Charlton's

HOLLYWOOD

Savannah Guthrie was in the news once again for her mother Nancy’s kidnapping. Savannah gave her first interview to Hoda Kotb on The Today Show and here’s what we know.  The interview was pre-taped (somewhat unusual, but not unheard of for morning live TV) and edited, because Savannah didn’t want to slip up and release any details that haven’t been publicly released yet by authorities investigating the kidnapping.  My source says that Savannah and her family now believe Nancy was either murdered or died during the kidnapping, and they’re secretly making plans for some sort of private celebration of life in hopes of getting even the slightest amount of closure.

Former Today Show host Matt Lauer was also in the news during a rare outing with girlfriend Shamin Abas.  Matt has kept a low profile since his accuser Brooke Nevils released her explosive memoir detailing alleged sexual abuse.  We can tell you this.  Matt was given the opportunity to respond and the Today Show invited him to come on to tell HIS side of the story.  This would have been HUGE since Matt was let go from the show when allegations first surfaced.  Matt’s longtime friend Kathie Lee Gifford even reached out on behalf of another friend hosting a show inviting Matt to appear, but he didn’t respond to anyone.  Apparently he plans to stay silent.

Andy Cohen and Sarah Michelle Gellar made headlines after Andy called out Sarah for saying his show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was boring this season.  We can tell you this.  My well placed Bravo source says the entire thing was likely set up to generate publicity, since Andy is pursuing Sarah to join the series next season (as he secretly feels it is currently lacking in real star power).  Their feud is anything BUT a real fight, so don’t be too surprised if Sarah joins the cast in the future, perhaps as in the less demanding role as a friend.

President Trump was in the news for the ongoing war in Iran and our D.C. source says that behind closed doors some of his inner circle are starting to worry he’s losing it. Not only is Trump seemingly contradicting himself in public about the situation, (he claims he’s negotiating, but Iran says he’s delusional) but he’s also allegedly contradicting himself in private meetings.  My source says that behind very closed doors members of both parties are secretly meeting behind Trump’s back and strategizing for a way to wrestle control from him unless this conflict ends quickly.

Sydney Sweeney made headlines – and this time  it was for something not related to her lingerie line. Sydney’s brother Trent was deployed overseas as part of the US – Iran war and Sydney sent him wishes on her social media.  We can tell you this.  If the conflict escalates Sydney is planning to appear with the USO and entertain the troops, but for now she has secretly recorded a video message that is being shared with Trent’s fellow servicemen.  Sydney worked with the USO on the inspirational message and is now wrangling other celebrity friends to do the same.

The Bachelorette was big news this week when ABC canceled the entire season-  losing upwards of perhaps $70 million dollars – when more allegations of domestic violence surfaced against star Taylor Frankie Paul.  We just heard this.  Don’t think for one second that the network owned by Disney is going to walk away with that sort of loss.  Behind closed doors plans are being discussed to sell the entire season to a streamer or put it on pay per view.

Rihanna and her alleged house shooter made headlines when Ivanna Lisette Ortiz pled not guilty to attempted murder charges for allegedly firing multiple rounds at the singer’s home in Los Angeles.  We can tell you this.  The last thing on earth Rihanna wants is to have to testify in a public trial – she’s hoping to put this entire chapter to rest. So her legal team has suggested to prosecutors that Rihanna would be satisfied with a plea deal that would include a stay in a mental health facility for Ortiz.  Behind closed doors, the negotiations are already underway.