- Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The former teen with whom Roman Polanski was convicted of having sex — leading to one of Hollywood’s most notorious scandals and the director’s flight from the U.S. — is writing a memoir.

Samantha Geimer, 47, has a deal with Atria Books for “The Girl: Emerging From the Shadow of Roman Polanski.” Atria, a Simon & Schuster imprint, announced Tuesday that the book will come out next fall. According to Atria, Ms. Geimer will provide “insight into many dimensions of the story that have never previously been revealed.”

“I am more than ’Sex Victim Girl,’ a tag the media pinned on me,” said Ms. Geimer, who long ago identified herself as Mr. Polanski’s victim, in a statement released through Atria. “My friends in junior high, scolded by their parents to stay away from that girl, also labeled me. I offer my story now without rage, but with purpose — to share a tale that in its detail will reclaim my identity. I have been dogged by tired thinking and easy tags nearly my entire life. I am not a stick figure. I know what it is like to be a woman and a victim in the realest possible way.”

Financial terms were not disclosed. Ms. Geimer’s attorney, Lawrence Silver, will contribute to the book, giving “his insights on the many fascinating and even shocking legal aspects of the story.”

Ansel Adams collection is gifted to N.Y. college

A small New York college has been given a rare collection of 75 signed Ansel Adams photographs, selected as a set by the artist himself, the college announced Tuesday.

Among the images is the famous “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico” as well as several well-known scenes of Yosemite National Park and photographs of artist Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz, Associated Press reports.

The College of New Rochelle said the gift, worth $2.5 million, is from Caryl Horwitz, former director of its graduate art department. Her late husband acquired the collection in the 1980s.

The 75 photographs make up what is known as Adams’ Museum Set Edition of Fine Prints, a selection he made beginning in the late 1970s. He created several museum sets before his death in 1984.

College President Judith Huntington called the donation “a profound compliment” to the 109-year-old school, which has a picturesque campus in New Rochelle and five outposts in New York City. She said the college has not decided how or where to display the photographs — there are security and climate-control issues to solve — but will try to make the collection available to as many people as possible.

“We don’t want to keep it locked up,” she said. “We’ll find ways to share it.”

Rihanna, Nicki Minaj lead AMA nominations

Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are the leading nominees at the 40th annual American Music Awards with four nods each.

Christina Aguilera announced the nominations Tuesday in Los Angeles. She also said she plans to perform at the ceremony next month, Associated Press reports.

Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher earned three bids apiece. Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, fun., Gotye, J. Cole, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan and Pitbull are each double nominees.

Drake, Mr. Bieber, Maroon 5, Miss Perry and Rihanna also are in the running for artist of the year.

Nominees are selected based on broadcast airplay and online popularity. Fans can vote online for their favorites in all 20 categories.

The American Music Awards will be presented Nov. 18 at Nokia Theatre and broadcast live on ABC.

’Peanuts’ movie planned for strip’s 65th anniversary

Charlie Brown and his “Peanuts” pals are coming to the big screen.

Charles Schulz’s beloved characters will star in their own animated film scheduled to hit theaters Nov. 25, 2015, Associated Press reports. That year marks the 65th anniversary of the “Peanuts” comic strip and the 50th anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first of the gang’s many TV specials.

The as-yet-untitled film will be produced by 20th Century Fox and its Blue Sky Studios animation unit, the outfit behind the “Ice Age” flicks and such cartoon hits as “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!”

Schulz’s son Craig and grandson Bryan co-wrote the screenplay with Cornelius Uliano, and the three also are producing the film. Steve Martino, co-director of “Horton Hears a Who” and “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” will direct the “Peanuts” film.

Daredevil Blaine completes electrifying stunt

Daredevil David Blaine has finished what could be called his most electrifying stunt.

The magician emerged shortly before 9 p.m. Monday after spending three days and three nights standing in the middle of 1 million volts of electric currents at New York’s Pier 54.

According to Associated Press, a spokesman said Mr. Blaine was able to walk with assistance, speak and kiss fiancee Alizee Guinochet before being taken to a hospital to be examined.

The 39-year-old Mr. Blaine wore a chain-mail bodysuit as a barrier between himself and the currents, emitted by Tesla coils.

The stunt was called “Electrified: One Million Volts Always On.” It was streamed on YouTube, with help from Intel Corp.

Mr. Blaine’s past stunts include hanging upside down over Central Park and being encased in a block of ice.

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