Hollywood Headlines: A crazy week in review

Sacha Baron Cohen is no stranger to awards show shenanigans (remember when his Bruno character crash-landed on Eminem at the MTV Movie Awards?) and now he’s at it again. The buzz started with rumors that Cohen was disinvited from the Oscars (he stars in the best picture nominee “Hugo”). The Academy says it isn’t true, as long as he comes as himself and not in character as Adm. Gen. Shabazz Aladeen from his new movie “The Dictator.” Then Oscars producer Brian Grazer said either way was fine with him. Cohen’s taking full advantage, releasing video messages to the media as Aladeen and calling into morning show’s like “Today” to complain about the slight.  (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

Jersey City isn’t exactly welcoming Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Jennifer “JWoww” Farley with open arms. The reality stars and their crew, in town for a new spinoff, have been denied filming permits at several locations around town and in Newark. One liquor store event went so far as to hang “No Snooki” in the window. Ouch!  (Peter Kramer / Associated Press)

“American Idol” suffered its lowest in-season ratings ever this week with only 15.4 million bothering to tune in. However, those who did, got a real eyeful -- Steven Tyler in his underwear.  (Michael Becker / Associated Press)

Barbara Walters welcomed former co-host Star Jones back to “The View” for a visit on Wednesday. Jones was there to raise awareness about women and heart disease, but Walters quickly steered the conversation to Jones’ abrupt departure from the show six years ago. Taking a walk down memory lane, Jones explained it was “ugly” and a “bad emotional time” when she found out her contract would not be renewed. Fans will never forget what happened next; Jones blindsided her team by announcing on air that she was leaving the show.

On Thursday, Jones’ “Today’s Professionals” colleague Donny Deutsch stood up for her calling “The View” interview an “ambush.”  (Ida Mae Astute / Associated Press)

Charlie Sheen slammed “Two and a Half Men” and his replacement Ashton Kutcher last Thursday during a “TMZ Live” interview. “I’m tired of pretending the show doesn’t suck. I’m tired of pretending Ashton doesn’t suck,” he said on air. However the actor later tweeted an apology to Kutcher, in character as the late Charlie Harper, writing, “My bad. I was disrespectful to a man doing his best.” Apology accepted? Not so far, at least via Twitter.  (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Adele‘s moment in the spotlight ended on a sour note on Tuesday at the Brit Awards when her album of the year acceptance speech was cut short. While apologetic host James Corden tried to usher her off stage to make time for Blur, Adele became upset, eventually signing off with, “Can I just say then, goodbye, and I’ll see you next time round, then.” And then she gave the crowd the middle finger. Despite hubbub over who she was directing the offending finger at, the singer insists it was meant for the “suits.”  (Joel Ryan / Associated Press)

It seems that adding a little structure to Lindsay Lohan’s life has done her a bit of good. During a recent court hearing Judge Stephanie Sautner told the actress she’s in the “home stretch” of her probation and that summary probation could be right around the corner (meaning no check-ins with probation officers). Lohan has been completing community service and therapy sessions in monthly increments since November. Her good behavior is paying off and with permission she will likely be heading to New York next week to host “Saturday Night Live.”  (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together, at least vocally. The former couple released two new remixes this week featuring both singers, including “Turn Up the Music” and “Birthday Cake.” The announcement came as a surprise to many fans, considering Brown’s violent attack on Rihanna on the eve of the Grammys three years ago. He is still serving the remainder of a five-year probation sentence for the felony.  (Photos from left: Chris Brown; Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press. Rihanna; Credit: Joel Ryan / Associated Press.)

Dame Judi Dench went public recently with news that she’s suffering from age-related macular degeneration. The condition won’t lead to blindness but it has had a significant impact on her vision. These days she uses lenses, glasses and bright light to see and requires a friend, relative or agent to come by and read her scripts aloud.  (Dave Hogan / Getty Images)