MOMENTS IN THE ARTS : 1989
Feb. 28: Lesson 1: Never put anything in writing. “Today” show co-host Bryant Gumbel learns the hard way when his confidential memo thrashing weatherman Willard Scott is leaked to the nation’s press.
April 4: Pepsico drops Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” TV commercials when religious activists threaten a boycott. Pepsi says critics have confused the ad with Madonna’s music video of the same song.
May 18: Actor Rob Lowe is caught in a compromising position by Fulton County, Ga., officials who announce they have a home video of night games starring Lowe and an underage girl.
July 21: Candid Camera meets the KGB? “ABC World News Tonight” sparks controversy when simulation footage of Felix Bloch allegedly passing secrets to the Soviets is not identified as a re-enactment.
Sept. 29: American Ballet Theatre artistic director Mikhail Baryshnikov resigns, leaving a year ahead of schedule. Misha originally claims his departure was in solidarity with his assistant, who was reportedly being ousted. But feuding over the company’s financial problems was also cited.
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