· Prince percussionist Sheila E. is Simple Life star Nicole Richie's aunt. Evidently Nicole is actually the biological daughter of Peter Michael Escovedo III, who was Lionel Richie's drummer. My head just exploded. I'm taking to my bed. [NYDN (fifth item)]
· Britney Spears stoned over upcoming tour; Jessica Simpson flak denies pregnancy. [The Scoop]
· Missing actor Spalding Gray's family is pissed that the Times printed their address. [NYP]
· J.Lo and P.Diddy meet in Miami, tear up issues of In Touch and Us Weekly. [NYDN]
· NYT "public editor" Dan Okrent has lunch with HarperCollins. Oh God no. Not a book. Please. [NYP]
· Bill Murray: "People who want to be rich and famous should try rich first because fame is a 24-hour job." [Cindy Adams]