Romance rumors hit January Jones and Nick Viall, plus more news

Is January Jones dating Nick Viall?

In November, January Jones revealed to James Corden that she's a major "Bachelor" fan — and that "Bachelor" alum Nick Viall had contacted her team. Now, the New York Post reports the two have started dating. Though January's reps haven't commented, an insider tells the tab, "They've been dating for about two months. She went on 'The Late Show' in ­mid-November and said Nick had reached out to her and tried to get her to lip-sync battle with him. She declined, but then he asked her out to a drink and she accepted. They've been seeing each other since." The two reportedly spent January's 40th birthday together over the weekend, along with some "Mad Men" alums, at Inkwell in Los Angeles. Still, a source insists to People they're just "friends." "You don't know if you like him or if he's a scumbag," January said of Nick on "The Late Show," but that's why I'm attracted to him, maybe." Nick sp lit fro m his "Bachelor" fiancee Vanessa Grimaldi over the summer.

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Laverne Cox thanks Halle Berry for being 'sweet' when she fangirled out at the NAACP Image Awards

Laverne Cox checked a milestone off her bucket list at the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 15. "I finally met @halleberry tonight. I got teary," the "Orange Is the New Black" star captioned a photo of the pair at the event on Instagram. "She has been such a huge inspiration for me for so much of my life," Laverne continued. "Thank you Ms. Berry for your incredible career and all the inspiration and being so sweet as I totally fanned out. #naacpimageawards." Halle attended the awards as a presenter, while Laverne joined Kerry Washington, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and Angela Robinson onstage to remind the audience to vote in the midterm elections and "shift the imbalance of power," according to the Grio.

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Man files trademark application on the phrase 'NOprah'

While NAACP Image Awards host Anthony Anderson was joking that the gala represented "Oprah for President headquarters," a man in Arizona was apparently plotting a way to make some cash on opposition to Oprah's rumored 2020 presidential run, which picked up steam — along with support for an Oprah-led America — after her moving Golden Globes speech. TMZ reports a man who asked to be identified only as Lewis has filed a trademark application for rights to use the phrase "NOprah" on shirts, jackets, shoes, pants and other garments. He told the website he's an Oprah fan himself, but he doesn't think celebrities belong in the White House.

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Celebs honor Martin Luther King, Jr., on MLK Day

Across the country on Monday, Jan. 15, Americans — famous and otherwise — took time out to reflect on the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. in honor of the holiday in his name. "WE owe EVERYTHING to the King FAMILY!!!" Taraji P. Henson posted on social media. "THANK YOU FOR SACRIFICING YOUR LIVES TO MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE. THANK YOU REALLY ISN'T ENOUGH 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💋💋💋 ." Tyra Banks shared a similarly grateful sentiment, writing: "We all get to dream because of YOU. And don't worry #MLK, your dreams came true and will continue to come true. We will get through this and the strength of your legacy will make sure of it!" Kris Jenner chimed in, too, posting: "Happy #MLKDAY2018. Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr's fearless fight for equality, and remember how important it is to dream!! Remember that your voice is powerful. Remember that you can make a difference. Spread love today, and every day. ❤️ #ThankYouMLK50." Ava DuVernay's post, which included a photo of Dr. King, was more concise: "Relevant. Revelatory. Revolutionary. #MLKDay #MLKNow." When MTV asked on Twitter if it was too early in the day to rewatch "Selma," she replied, "Not at all."

Penelope Cruz says Donatella Versace approved of 'American Crime Story' role

Donatella Versace has said she won't watch Ryan Murphy's take on the murder of her late brother, calling it a "work of fiction" and saying that "after all this time it still hurts to see Gianni represented untruthfully." According to Penelope Cruz, however, the Versace brand's artistic director was all about Penelope playing her on the new "American Crime Story" series. "You feel much more responsibility [playing a real person]," Penelope told Ellen DeGeneres on her show on Tuesday, Jan. 16, according to the Daily Mail. "When Ryan called me … I said 'I need to make [a] phone call and talk to Donatella about this' before taking the job." Once they spoke, Penelope felt reassured about the role. "She told me if somebody was going to do it, she was really happy that it was me, because she, I think, she knows what I feel for her and Gianni," Penelope said. "They're the most kind people. It's important to me that when she sees what I've done, she can feel the love and respect that I have put there [and] how I feel for her." She added that Donatella sent her flowers before the Golden Globes. "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Leah Remini believes Scientology staged Paul Haggis sexual misconduct allegations

Is the Church of Scientology behind the sexual misconduct and rape allegations against Paul Haggis? Leah Remini and her "Scientology and the Aftermath" co-host Mike Rinder recently posted an open letter on his personal website in which they suggest Scientologists staged the campaign about Paul because of his departure from the organization, according to the New York Post, which notes that three of the four women who accused the actor misconduct came from anonymous alleged victims. "Those who accuse without going to law enforcement, those who seek hush money to keep their stories secret, those who make accusations to the media anonymously — they are suspect. And when the target of these tactics is someone who is a prominent critic of Scientology, it is very suspect," Leah and Mike write. "Only a Scientologist can understand the pressure one feels to offer up even the slightest thing that the Scientology organization might consider a transgression of THEIR mores. This information is used against anyone who departs Scientology and dares speak their mind. This is not imaginary. There is a documented history of such things. When someone is a declared an 'enemy' by Scientology, they are fair game," they continue. "We expect the next 'revelations' about Paul Haggis in this campaign to destroy him to be based on information culled from his Scientology files in the form of more 'anonymous' accusers hiding behind a lawyer who will never have to disclose who is paying their bill." The stars also point to the Me Too movement that's shed light on a slew of sexual misconduct allegations since last fall. "In this time of heightened awareness of sexual predators, it is easy to remain quiet when an injustice is being perpetrated for fear of being tarred as politically incorrect. But more important to us than being politically correct is standing up for what we believe is right," they write in the letter. Paul has denied the allegations against him. The church responded to the letter with a statement to THR and other outlets in which its spokespeople denied having ever met with the women involved in the allegations and accused Leah, Mike and Paul of using their claim as "reprehensible smokescreen" for a "bigoted attack about their former religion."

Lindsay Lohan is 'trying to rebrand' herself

Lindsay Lohan is dutifully promoting herself in the hope she can rebrand herself. That's according to the New York Post, which points to her social media campaign to star in "Batgirl," her recent appearance on "The Wendy Williams Show" and reports that she's starting a beauty line as evidence of her determination to make another comeback in the Big Apple. On Sunday, Jan. 14, she appeared as a paid guest at Supertrade, a special event produced by the folks behind the LGBTQ party Trade at the Schimanski nightclub in Brooklyn, New York. "She's sober, showed up on time, stayed for longer than booked and took photos with fans," a source told the Post. "It seems like she is trying to rebrand. She wants to get back into the NYC scene."

Jane Fonda on Lily Tomlin's plastic surgery joke: 'Who are you, Megyn Kelly?'

What's a little plastic surgery banter between friends? When Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin appeared on the "Today" show on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the "Grace and Frankie" stars wasted no time teasing one another, much to Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie's surprise (and giggles). "You guys are real friends on and off camera, right?" Hoda asked as the segment began. "Sometimes," Jane said. When Hoda asked how long the two have known each other, Lily turned to her costar and joked, "Oh, my gosh … I think before your first facelift!" As Hoda laughed, Savannah asked, "what was that?" only to be shut down by Jane. "Never mind! Never mind! We don't need to hear that!" Jane hollered with a laugh before turning to face Lily and ask, "Who are you, Megyn Kelly?" The comment, E! News reminds us, was a reference to an awkward interaction she had with Megyn while promoting her latest film with Robert Redford in September. "You've been an example to everyone in how to age beautifully and with strength and unapologetically," Megyn told Jane at the time. "You admit you've had work done, which I think is to your credit. But you look amazing … I read that you said you're not proud to say you've had work done. Why not?" Jane, who later said she thought Megyn was bringing up plastic surgery that she'd already discussed at "the wrong time and place," given the show's time constraints and the fact that Robert was involved in the interview, too. "We really want to talk about that now?" Jane asked. "Well," Megy replied, "one of the things people think when they look at you is how good you look." Said Jane: "Well, thanks. Good attitude, good posture. I take care of myself. But let me tell you why I love this movie that we did, 'Our Souls at Night,' rather than [discuss] plastic surgery." Robert has since praised Jane's response as well.

Luann de Lesseps shares her condolences with Jill Zarin

Bobby Zarin was laid to rest in New York City on Monday, Jan. 15, after losing his battle with cancer at age 71. Among the messages his widow, Jill Zarin, received on social media was a pair of sweet posts from her "The Real Housewives of New York City" cos-tar Luann de Lesseps, who shared a photo of herself hugging Bobby as he lay in a hospital bed. "My love and prayers are with you @mrsjillzarin Bobby will never be forgotten 🙏🏻The warmest, loving human with a huge heart that beat only for you Jill ♥️," Luann captioned the photo. In another post about Bobby, she promised him they'd stay "friends forever," writing, "My sweet friend Bobby always happy to spend time with you and @mrsjillzarin" alongside the hashtags, "#friends #friendsforever #love #hope #friendship."

Wyclef ordered to pay six figures in home foreclosure case

Wyclef Jean's court battle over his foreclosed Miami home is not looking good for the rapper and actor. According to The Blast, Wyclef and his cousin Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis have been ordered to pay $484,000 to The Cruz Family Irrevocable Trust, which sued him for allegedly not paying installments on his mortgage. The judgment comes after Wyclef's initial mortgage default in 2008 landed him in court. The judge in that case sent the home to a foreclosure auction. When it was sold for less than the amount owed, Wyclef reportedly agreed to pay the balance. The Cruz Family Trust claimed he had not done so. The current amount he owes includes interest, as well as the balance. The Trust is also reportedly going after Wyclef's property and assets.