PEOPLE WATCH

Benson Brouhaha: Robby Benson, whose six-figure earnings at the University of South Carolina have sparked controversy, is being wooed to stay put. The State Development Board and Columbia College asked Benson and his wife, singer-actress Karla DeVito, if they would consider staying in South Carolina, possibly to teach at Columbia College and help bring movie producers to the state. Benson was caught up in negative publicity surrounding college President James B. Holderman, who resigned last week amid reports of lavish spending. The school paid $158,367 in salary and living expenses to Benson during the last two years to teach filmmaking.