Custody hearing for Smith baby delayed

A judge in the Bahamas delayed a hearing yesterday on custody of Anna Nicole Smith's baby daughter to give the late Playboy Playmate's mother and ex-boyfriend more time to negotiate a private visitation arrangement. Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur, and the baby's father, Larry Birkhead, were to meet privately today to discuss access to 7-month-old Dannielynn, who could inherit a fortune from her mother's estate. A DNA expert revealed Tuesday that Birkhead, a Los Angeles photographer, was Dannielynn's father. Smith's companion, Howard K. Stern, then said he would not fight to retain custody of the baby. The judge agreed yesterday to postpone the hearing to determine who should get custody until April 20. (AP)

Michael Jordan's split in December from his wife of 17 years, Juanita, is No. 1 on Forbes.com's list of "The 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces." Juanita Jordan could possibly "get more than $150 million in a settlement, making the Jordan divorce the most expensive in entertainment history," Forbes said. Neil Diamond, whose 1995 divorce from Marcia Murphey cost him an estimated $150 million, holds second place. Steven Spielberg comes in third for paying his ex-wife Amy Irving an estimated $100 million. Also making the list are estimated settlements between Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison ($85 million); Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva ($80 million); Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, whose divorce could cost him more than $60 million; James Cameron and Linda Hamilton ($50 million); Michael and Diandra Douglas ($45 million and two homes); Lionel and Diane Richie ($20 million); and Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall ($15 to $25 million).

Julian Lennon sold a share of his financial stake in Beatles songs co-written by his late father to a New York music publishing firm. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Primary Wave Music Publishing said its acquisition represented a significant share of Julian Lennon's economic interest in the songs. The deal does not apply to any of John Lennon's solo compositions. John Lennon and partner Paul McCartney wrote most of the Beatles' biggest hits, among them "Hey Jude," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "All You Need Is Love." (AP)

Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown (top right) has listed Eddie Murphy's (below right) name on the birth certificate of her infant daughter, her publicist said yesterday. Brown, 31, known as Scary Spice when she was in the megahit group of the '90s, gave birth to the child April 3 in Santa Monica, Calif. Brown has said ex-boyfriend Murphy is the father. The 46-year-old "Dreamgirls" star has said he isn't sure, while Brown has said there is "absolutely no question that Eddie is the father." Brown has an 8-year-old daughter, Phoenix Chi , from her marriage to Jimmy Gulzar . Murphy has five children from his marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy . (AP)

A woman who claims Chris Rock is the father of her child is withdrawing a lawsuit filed last month in Georgia and will refile it in New York, according to a published report. Kali Bowyer claims the 42-year-old actor-comedian is the father of a child she had 13 years ago. The lawsuit filed in Bulloch County asked for child support, medical coverage, and attorney fees. (AP)

Trey Anastasio pleaded guilty yesterday to a felony drug charge, avoiding jail time in a plea agreement that drops more serious charges and orders him into a drug program. Anastasio, 42, admitted he was in possession of Vicodin , Percocet , heroin, and Xanax when he was pulled over by police Dec. 15 in Whitehall, N.Y. (AP)