MTV’s hit show “Jersey Shore” is currently shooting its third season. Joining the show is Nicole “Snooker” Polizzi’s best friend Deena Nicole Cortese. The 23 year old has been best friends with Snooki for two years now. The new cast mate was announced at the meeting of the Television Critics Association. The second season of “Jersey Shore” recently broke records with 5.3 million viewers.

Deena has already experienced controversy when she said a racial slur in a MySpace video. When asked about the video, she says that she was only using the word as slang. She also issued an apology and said that she did not mean it to be offensive to anyone.

Deena doesn’t have a nickname yet, but describes herself as “class in a glass and party in a body.” She was added to the cast as Snooki’s partner in crime. The two have spent many nights clubbing together and met through mutual friends. They live in different cities but keep in touch on facebook and make time to hang out when they spend summers on the shore. Deena says that she likes everyone in the house and is looking forward to living with the cast. According to her, she is “looking to party.”

Mario Dewar Barrett, more commonly known as R&B singer Mario, was arrested and charged with assaulting his mother.

Shawnita Hardaway, Mario’s mother, called police and told them that her son had hit her and was destroying her apartment. When police reached the Fells Point area apartment, they found Shawnita crying in the lobby. She again told the police that her son had hit her and that it was the second time he had done so recently. She claims that in an earlier incident, he had pushed her into the living room causing her to hit her head on the wall. Shawnita also told police that she feared for her life. In the apartment, police found a broken mirror, a broken china cabinet, and a hole in the closet door.

Mario has several hit songs and was also a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars”. He was raised by his grandmother due to his Mother’s drug problems.

Mario’s attorney describes the situation as “an unfortunate incident between a loving son and a mother who continues to struggle with a devastating addiction.” The relationship between Mario and his heroin addicted Mother was the inspiration for his Baltimore based charity, Mario’s Do Right Foundation. The charity provides mentors for the children of drug addicts. It was also the subject of a MTV documentary called “I Won’t Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and his Mom.”

After his arrest, Mario was charged with one count of second degree assault and was released shortly after. To be released, he posted a $50,000 bond. November 9th is the first scheduled court appearance for the charge.

J. Lo and Ryan Seacrest Feuding Backstage at American Idol

Earlier this week, contestants began auditioning for American Idol season 10. This will be the first time that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be working with the American Idol crew. Even though auditions have just begun, there are already rumors about new judge Jennifer Lopez.

Supposedly, J.Lo is acting like a diva. Sources say that Jennifer is asking to be the top star on the bill and fighting over dressing rooms with Ryan Seacrest. When asked about her attitude on set, a source was quoted saying “she is acting like she is a bigger star than she is.” J. Lo’s reputation for diva behavior has led credibility to the rumored backstage feuding with Ryan.

Ryan Seacrest is supposedly the first among the American Idol team that suggested Jennifer Lopez as a replacement judge. According to the rumors, he is supposedly regretting that decision already.

According to a source at US Magazine, the rumors are false and there is no backstage feud between Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest or any of the cast. When asked for a comment the source said ‘I don’t know where they get this stuff! They’ve barely started work but are getting along great. They actually really like each other.”

American Idol’s Adam Lambert has joined the list of celebrities who have been accused of attacking photographer’s lately. Adam was enjoying a day on Miami Beach when a group of paparazzo’s began taking photos. For a celebrity, this is nothing new. Members of the paparazzi take advantage of every chance they have to snap candid photos of stars. Adam was even patient enough to allow photos to be taken with fans for 45 minutes before asking them to stop.

One of the photographers that day was 38 year old Victor Eras. Eras claims that Adam came after him in an “aggressive manner” and wrestled him to the ground. He admits that he did not receive any injuries in the struggle but reported the incident anyways, six hours later to the police.

Adam’s side of the story is a little different. He claims that he tried to take the camera from Eras while he was taking repeated close up shots and insulting Adam verbally.

Miami Beach police have reported that there will be no investigation into the incident. If the state attorney decides to proceed with battery charges, Adam could face a year of prison and a $1,000 fine. Adam Lambert’s publicist has not released a comment on the issue.