Williams is seeking help for alcoholism

Robin Williams is seeking treatment for alcoholism, his publicist said yesterday. The 55-year-old comedian had been sober for 20 years, Mara Buxbaum said. Williams ``found himself drinking again and has decided to take proactive measures to deal with this for his own well-being and the well-being of his family," she said in a statement. ``He looks forward to returning to work this fall to support his upcoming film releases." Buxbaum declined to elaborate beyond the statement.

Bruce Willis has sued a childhood friend, claiming he tried to extort at least $100,000 from him by threatening to release private photos of the action star. The lawsuit claims that Bruce DiMattia was ``overcome by greed" and was ``jealous of his former friend's success," so he threatened to disclose personal information about the 51-year-old actor unless Willis bought him a car and paid him at least $100,000. DiMattia worked for Willis -- and lived rent-free in a house owned by the actor -- from 2002 until 2006, the lawsuit said. He was responsible for maintaining Willis' s personal items and memorabilia and organizing photographs and videos of Willis and his family. DiMattia's employment ended this year, but he has refused to move out of the house and still has Willis' s private photos and other property, according to the lawsuit. Willis is seeking at least $1 million in damages, according to the lawsuit.

Tickets to a fund - raiser for Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., featuring Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou sold fast in the first day of public sale. The private school for black women sold all 300 tickets available Monday, bringing in more than $100,000 for the Oct. 20 event. Corporate sponsors can still purchase blocks of seats for between $25,000 and $100,000, officials said.

The lawyers who represented Prince Charles and Princess Diana in their divorce are squaring off again in the split between Paul McCartney and Heather Mills McCartney. Anthony Julius, who represented Diana, was retained to work for Mills McCartney, the law firm Mishcon De Reya said. Julius reportedly secured a $32 million settlement for Diana. The former Beatle has already retained Fiona Shackleton, who represented the prince 10 years ago.

FROM WIRE REPORTS