Ben Affleck Heads Back To School To Honor Graduate

Ben Affleck cracked jokes about his film career during a high-school commencement speech Friday while giving a heartfelt tribute to a graduating student he befriended years ago.

Students at Falls Church High School and family members gave a standing ovation to Affleck following his commencement speech, in which he praised 19-year-old Joe Kindregan, a disabled student he met in 1998 on a film shoot. The two built a close friendship.

"Everything I learned about life that really matters ... I learned from Joe," Affleck told the audience.

Kindregan suffers from ataxia-telengiectasia, a rare, degenerative genetic disease. Over the past decade, Affleck has helped Kindregan raise money to develop a cure for the disease.

The close nature of the pair's friendship was evident at Friday's ceremony; Affleck planted a kiss on Kindregan's forehead after being introduced and later playfully swatted him with a rolled-up program.

The two met in 1998 when the Kindregans came to Dulles International Airport to watch a crew shoot the film "Forces of Nature," which starred Affleck. The actor noticed Kindregan, then 10 years old, in his wheelchair and struck up a conversation.

Affleck jokingly explained to the 284 graduating seniors -- who most likely never saw the film -- that "it was very similar to another movie called "Citizen Kane."'

Affleck said Kindregan has since been on the set of all of his films -- "He liked being on the set of `Daredevil' a lot more than being on the set of (box-office bomb) `Gigli.' But he was too polite to mention it," Affleck said.

Kindregan introduced Affleck to the audience by saying "He is married to the cutest girl (Jennifer Garner) ... but most important he is the best friend you could ever have." Kindregan declined to be interviewed.

Affleck, dressed in a traditional graduation gown, sat on the dais next to Kindregan and other school officials and shook hands with students who came up on stage to receive their diplomas. A few were bold enough to ask for a hug, and Affleck obliged.

"He's a good hugger," said graduate Melinda Wodatch. She said Affleck's presence added to a memorable event. "I think all the kids were actually listening to his speech," she said.

Garner attended the graduation but did not participate in the ceremonies.

Paula Abdul Sounds Off On Leaked Audio Tape

Paula Abdul was the subject of a report in THE NY POST's PAGE SIX yesterday, when a "sob-filled audio tape" of a recent conference call between Abdul and what is assumed to be a group of publicists was posted and described in detail.

The tape (said to be recorded in the past week) features an emotional Abdul talking about her health issues, and she also speaks of the poor treatment she's allegedly received from "people who are supposed to be taking care of things" for her.

She targets former rep Howard Bragman in the conversation, insinuating that he didn't appreciate her enough, and stated that Bragman left her to her own devices when she made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 15th.

"I'm being tested," she said on the tape. "All I've ever wanted in my life is to be treated fairly and be treated with kindness. And I've never in my entire career been treated this way. The people who are supposed to take care of these things do not. I have to clean up after them everywhere they go. And I'm tired of it."

Access Hollywood spoke with Abdul at the Fragrance Foundation's FiFi Awards last night (she was a presenter at the event), and she spoke about the posting of the leaked tape.

"I definitely feel my privacy's been violated," said Abdul. "What goes on on a personal phone conversation -- it's illegal and it's really appalling. And I'm not gonna make any apologies for a private phone call. I will say this, though: I do believe that as an artist I deserve to be properly represented professionally and appropriately, and when you work this hard to be in the industry everyone deserves that. I don't feel that I have to make any apologies for it. It was a private conversation."

When reached for comment by Access, Howard Bragman responded, "I will stand by my reputation."

Abdul stood by her own reputation when she spoke with Access yesterday.

"I do believe nothing like this is gonna blemish or diminish my career or my reputation," she said. "I've worked really hard. I'm coming up on 20 years of being in this business."

And does Abdul feel that she needs to defend herself in light of what she said on the leaked tape?

"No, I don't need to," she stated. "You know, I've been able to maintain a level of naivety. To keep thinking that I'm gonna find people that are -- I believe people are good by nature, and that they are gonna stand by that."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Talks Billionarie Baloney

You would think being named on of the world's Hottest Billionaire Heiresses by a very reputable financial magazine would be something to crow about.

But for Julia Louis-Dreyfus, not so much.

Julia, who was named to Forbes.com's Hottest Billionaire Heiress list earlier this month, says it appears a mistake was made.

"It's not true actually," she told Access Hollywood. "Forbes made a mistake and I won't be on the list anymore."

According to the list, Julia's dad William Louis-Dreyfus is worth $3.4 billion. But at Thursday night's Heal the Bay event, Julia shot down the title.

"I wish I was a billionaire but I'm really not," she insisted. "I guess their fact checker was asleep at the wheel or something."

But is she pulling our leg?

According to the Access Hollywood research department, the former "Seinfeld" star is indeed the daughter of the French billionaire.

And she even talks about the issue on Monday's upcoming episode of "Inside The Actors Studio" on BRAVO.

"I was just having a conversation with my sister today saying we don't know any of our family history," she says on the show.

Well, not exactly, as host James Lipton asked her about her dad.

"[His name is] William Louis-Dreyfus although he was born with the name Gerard Louis-Dreyfus," she explained.

"And what is his profession?" Lipton inquired.

"He does stuff that I don't understand with grains and energy and selling commodities. That goes in one ear and out the other," she said.

Calls to Forbes for clarification have not yet been returned.

Who Is Lindsay's Friend Samantha Ronson?

She’s the woman who Lindsay Lohan was caught partying with, reportedly screaming profanities at and partying with again over Memorial Day weekend, but who exactly is Samantha Ronson?

Heavily entrenched in the music world, 29 year-old Ronson is primarily known for being a celebrity DJ a la Nicole Richie’s ex, DJ AM.

Ronson has been spinning at a host of exclusive parties for years. Some of the most notable, according to her own website include Jessica Simpson’s Birthday Party and corporate events for Blender, Maxim, Playstation and ElleGirl. She also DJ’d alongside Lohan at the American Music Awards one year, but Ronson’s history with the star goes back much further.

As a singer-songwriter, Ronson’s Ashlee Simpson-esque single “Built This Way,” was featured on the 2004 soundtrack for “Mean Girls.” She appears to have been friends with Lohan for years, recently featuring in an article in Nylon magazine where she reportedly helped searched for Lohan gossip on the web and read it to the starlet.

Ronson comes from a musical family. Her brother Mark Ronson is also a world-traveling DJ who just released an artist album where he produced such stars as Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. Their stepfather is Foreigner’s Mick Jones.

Love Connection: Why Do Celebrities & Athletes Hook Up?

by Eric Anderson

Remember back in high school when all the jocks used to get the cheerleaders?

Well, life hasn't changed much except now the sports guys are snatching up all the Hollywood stars.

Of course, it's not exactly a new trend. Dating back to the days of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, Hollywood starlets have long been attracted to athletes.

Check out just a few of the star-celeb couples heating up Hollywood:

Eva Longoria & Tony Parker - The "Desperate" diva has become a fixture in the stands for Tony's games with the San Antonio Spurs. The two met in the locker room after a Spurs game in 2004. They announced their engagement on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS FM radio show in November 2006. The two will reportedly tie the knot on July 7, 2007.

Reggie Bush & Kim Kardashian – Affectionately dubbed "Bush & Tush" by the online blogosphere, the young NFL stud and the perennial party gal have been photographed all over town and are rumored to be dating. While Bush makes headlines on the field for the New Orleans Saints, Kardashian has been in the news for her sex tape controversy with Brandy's brother Ray J.

David & Victoria Beckham - Perhaps the pinnacle of the current star-athlete relationship, Posh and Becks began dating in 1997 and were married in 1999. The soccer superstar and former Spice Girl quickly became Britain's hot couple, and arguably still are despite their recent move across the pond.

Carrie Underwood & Tony Romo – Fitting that the "Idol"-turned-country cutie has fallen for the QB of the Dallas Cowboys. Come on, country and Cowboys – what could be better? Romo was thrust into the sports spotlight mid-season when he took over the starting job in Big D. After a rumored romance with Jessica Simpson, it was soon Carrie who was on the sidelines of Tony's games.

Of course, the list goes on and on. From Carrie Tom Brady and Giselle to a "View" host and her NFL beau and even Ashley Judd and the man who gets her motor running, CLICK HERE to check out our Love Connection: Stars & Athletes photo gallery for more cute couples!

Sheriff: No Jailhouse Interviews For Paris Hilton

Sheriff Lee Baca said Friday that Paris Hilton will not be allowed to give television interviews while serving her jail sentence and that aggressive steps were being taken to prevent cameras from being smuggled into the facility.

Hilton was ordered to begin her sentence by Tuesday at a county jail in Lynwood, about five miles south of Los Angeles.

Baca told the Los Angeles Times that deputies and jail employees have been told to treat the 26-year-old heiress like any other inmate.

"Paying a debt to society should not be an element of her celebrity," Baca said. "Her occupation is publicity, but no one should profit in jail."

Hilton could report to jail before Tuesday, but as of Friday afternoon had not done so, said sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore. She may report at any time of day, said Whitmore.

Hollywood photo agencies expect a photo of Hilton in jail would be worth big money.

"The reality is why don't they just let her walk down the concrete carpet," said Frank Griffin, co-owner of the Bauer-Griffin paparazzi agency, told the paper. "This is going to be turned into an event like the Oscars."

Hilton was sentenced last month to 45 days for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless-driving case after repeatedly driving her car while her license was suspended.

Sheriff's officials have said she will serve about 23 days behind bars because of state rules allowing shorter sentences for good behavior.

Baca said it was unclear whether Hilton will surrender at the court where she was sentenced or report straight to jail. He said authorities will not allow her to "be seen in handcuffs ... or in the back of a police car, forlorn and in handcuffs."

Once there, Hilton will go through the normal intake process, said Baca. That involves undergoing an interview by jail staff and evaluations for any medical or other needs.

"Jails are not circuses and not places where `'un' is the priority," Baca said. "Jail should be a corrective learning experience."

The jail houses about 2,200 women, but officials have said Hilton will be kept away from the general population. Baca said no decision has been made about whether she'll share a cell with anyone.

Hilton will "experience her incarceration as all other women will experience it," said Baca. "She won't get better food, she won't get different lockup time or a different environment."

Lindsay Leaves Rehab

Earlier this year Lindsay Lohan made headlines for regularly leaving her Wonderland rehab program for a variety of personal outings and now it appears the star is doing it again at her new treatment locale.

Lohan,who was arrested Memorial Day Weekend on suspicion of DUI, checked into the Malibu based rehab facility Promises on Monday. With just fivedays of treatment under her belt, Lohan has already left the facility at least three times.

Yesterday at 4PM, Lindsay left Promises, traveling to a nearby gym where she is believed to have engaged in a workout.

“Yes, Lindsay went to the gym,” a spokesperson for the rehab center confirmed to Access.

Later that evening, the star made a second trip from the treatment center. At 8PM Thursday, Lindsay left Promises and traveled into the center of L.A. to an undisclosed property near Bundy Drive and San Vicente, where she attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. She was accompanied by a counselor.

Today, Access Hollywood has learned Lindsay ventured out again. She hit a Malibu gym shortly before noon, Friday.

Lohan’s rehab sincerity was questioned earlier this year when she left Wonderland facility repeatedly. At the time, Wonderland Center’s Dr. Howard C. Samuels explained to Access Hollywood that Lindsay’s trips away were part of her treatment.

"Wonderland is a structured 12-step base treatment center. We treat individuals' emotional, physical and spiritual elements as they pertain to the disease of addiction and alcoholism,” he said.

“Our philosophy is a policy of integration into life - not isolation. We do not isolate the individual; we integrate recovery into the individual’s life. That is what we believe in,” he added.

“We keep our policies private,” the Promises spokesperson told Access Hollywood.

Keith Richards Wraps 'Pirates' Scenes

Keith Richards confirms he's done his part for the next "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie.

Richards says he and Johnny Depp had "a great three or four days of swashbuckling."

Richards plays the father of Depp's character, Captain Jack Sparrow, but he's not giving many details on his role.

He says it was "a blast," and "it was great scenery," and people will find out the details in May.

He says he's not allowed to give anything away because "it's all top secret."