Quick Takes: Rihanna sues accountants

Rihanna sued her former accountants Thursday, blaming them for tens of millions of dollars in losses, shoddy bookkeeping, a failure to recommend she trim expenses when a 2009 tour was losing money and an ongoing audit by the Internal Revenue Service.

The lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan sought unspecified damages against New York-based Berdon LLP and two accountants. A Berdon spokeswoman said the company had no immediate comment.

The singer, suing under her real name, Robyn Fenty, alleged through her attorneys that the defendants drained tens of millions of dollars from revenues while she launched four national and international tours over a five-year period.

Since firing the firm and its accountants in September 2010, Rihanna’s fortunes already have reversed, the lawsuit said. The “Loud” tour stretching from June 2011 to December 2011 produced a net profit equal to more than 40% of total tour revenues, it said.

—Associated Press

Jane Austen ring on auction block

A ring once owned by Jane Austen will be auctioned by Sotheby’s next week.

Austen, the author of the much-loved novels “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Emma,” never married or had children, but the ring has remained in the possession of her family since her death in 1817.

Scholars had been unaware of its existence, and it is expected to sell at auction for $31,000 to $46,000.

The ring remains in its original box and comes with letters dating to 1863 describing its provenance.

The ring will be offered Tuesday at Sotheby’s English Literature, History, Children’s Books and Illustrations auction, which also includes first editions of Austen’s novels “Mansfield Park,” “Northanger Abbey,” “Persuasion,” “Emma” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

—Carolyn Kellogg

Taking a drive with Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld is going back on the road.

The 58-year-old comedian announced Thursday that he’ll debut the Web series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” on July 19. The interview show will feature Seinfeld’s comedian friends as guests.

In a teaser video, Seinfeld is shown driving various vintage cars with Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Michael Richards, Alec Baldwin and others.

The show is presented by Crackle, the digital network owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

—Associated Press

Frank Ocean finds support

The music industry is showing support to R&B singer Frank Ocean after he revealed that his first love was a man.

Ocean announced the news Wednesday on his blog. His record label’s president, Joie Manda, offered support to the rising singer in a statement Thursday, saying, “The courage he displayed in his beautiful and eloquent letter was touching on many levels. Frank broke down a wall that should never have been built.”

Def Jam founder Russell Simmons wrote in a post that he’s moved by Ocean’s “courage and honesty.”

“Today is a big day for hip-hop,” Simmons wrote on his Global Grind website Wednesday. “Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many young people still living in fear.”

And others, from Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers to Solange Knowles, RuPaul and Rita Ora, tweeted positive thoughts.

Ocean is best known for the R&B songs “Novacane” and “Thinkin Bout You.” The 24-year-old self-released his debut, “nostalgia, ULTRA,” to critical success last year and will release an official album, “Channel Orange,” on July 17. It features collaborations with John Mayer and Andre 3000 of OutKast.

Ocean has also written songs for Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, John Legend and Brandy.

—Associated Press

Grauman’s is kind to families

As part of the celebration of its 85th anniversary, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre said it will screen family films at its Chinese 6 complex in Hollywood at 10 a.m. every Saturday during July and August, at a cost of 25 cents per ticket.

First up on the “25 Cent Family Flicks” schedule is “Bee Movie” on Saturday. Successive weeks will bring such films as “Puss in Boots,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Megamind” and “Monsters vs. Aliens.”

And to underscore the family emphasis, the theater said it would not admit adults unaccompanied by children, would offer healthy snacks at the concession stand and would keep the lights on during screenings so parents can easily track their children should they leave their seat.

—Lee Margulies