MTV News Round-up 03/06/2004

*** Police have dropped investigations into child abuse claims against Michael Jackson that date back to the 1980s after no evidence was found. The claims are separate from Jackson's ongoing child abuse case in which he pleaded not guilty to 10 child molestation charges. A tentative trial date has been set for September 13.

*** Jessica Simpson is suing a gig promoter for $140,000, claiming he didn't pay her for an hour-long performance at the Puerto Rican Grand Prix. Simpson said she fulfilled all the conditions of her contract with 4 Dog Productions, including a stipulation that she wear a T-shirt imprinted with the logo for Motorock, a car racing company, while filming a music video.

*** Ex-All Saint Shaznay Lewis has revealed details of her long-awaited solo album, 'Open', which includes collaborations with Basement Jaxx and Primal Scream. "Everyone I worked with was so enthusiastic about what we were doing and nothing was premeditated. It's just been one big jam," Shaznay said. The album's first single, 'Never Felt Like This Before', is out on July 19.

*** Bono, Chris Martin, Jude Law and Colin Firth are among stars who have signed a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, asking him to donate more aid money to the world's poorest countries. The open letter, also signed by Minnie Driver and Helen Mirren, is timely as the government is currently deciding British aid budgets for the next three years.

*** Flamboyant OutKast star Andre 3000 is to launch his own fashion label. Andre, who's favourite designer is Ralph Lauren, said: "There will be something for everybody, whether you want to dress up or down, and there will be a lot of classic finery. It will make an impact." The rapper has also recently taken a major movie role and signed up to co-produce a cartoon TV series.

*** Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has revealed that the band has started work on their new album, the follow up to 'Think Tank'. But don't expect it to be anything like its predecessor. "Itll never be in a similar vein (to 'Think Tank'). What would be the point in doing that? The basis of the record is Damon's 'Democrazy' album so anyone who listens to that will have a good head-start on what were doing."

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