Wal-Mart settles with comic’s family
The family of a comedian killed in the New Jersey Turnpike crash that seriously injured Tracy Morgan last summer has settled a wrongful death claim with Wal-Mart.
The out-of-court settlement between Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the estate of James McNair is the first stemming from the June 7 crash in which a Wal-Mart truck slammed into a limo van carrying Morgan and others home from a show in Delaware.
Morgan, the former “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” star, suffered a traumatic brain injury in the accident, according to his lawyer. Criminal charges against truck driver Kevin Roper are pending in state court in New Jersey.
McNair, 62, of Peekskill, New York, grew up with Morgan in Brooklyn and was a friend and mentor to him over the years.
The terms of the settlement are confidential, but McNair family attorney Daryl Zaslow told the Associated Press that they were pleased with the outcome.
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said the company was working toward settlements with others injured in the accident.
‘Cosby Show’ son Theo weighs in
Malcolm-Jamal Warner says it’s difficult to see Bill Cosby face allegations of sexual assault.
Warner, who played Cosby’s son Theo in the hit 1984-92 sitcom “The Cosby Show,” told Billboard magazine that the comedian has been an important mentor and friend to him.
The 44-year-old Warner didn’t directly address the allegations made by at least 15 women, citing a lack of firsthand knowledge.
But he said that it’s as painful to watch Cosby face the allegations as it is to hear any woman talk about sexual assault, “whether true or not.”
“The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great for a lot of people. What he’s done for comedy and television has been legendary and history-making,” Warner said. “What he’s done for the black community and education has been invaluable. That’s the Bill Cosby I know.”
Cosby, 77, has not been charged with a crime and through his attorney has denied allegations that he drugged and assaulted women.
Senator to have eye surgery after fall
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is scheduled to have eye surgery Monday, a result of his New Year’s Day exercise accident.
“On Monday, as a necessary step to assist in recovering full vision in his right eye, Senator Reid will undergo surgery on his right eye at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.,” said Reid spokeswoman Kristen Orthman.
Reid was back at the Capitol Tuesday after working from home since the beginning of the year. He is expected be out again next week following the surgery.
The birthday bunch
Actress Piper Laurie is 83. Actor Seymour Cassel is 80. Actor John Hurt is 75. Singer Steve Perry (Journey) is 66. Actress Diane Lane is 50. Actress Beverley Mitchell is 34. Actress Sami Gayle (“Blue Bloods”) is 19.