Hollywood Headlines: A crazy week in review

Mel Gibson is developing a Jewish hero epic. Say what? The news comes as a surprise to some, after a certain incident in Malibu several years ago followed by accusations of anti-Semitism. The troubled star is partnering up with Warner Bros. to produce and possibly star in the tale of Judah Maccabee, the warrior whose ancient victory is celebrated by Hanukkah. Mel’s latest deal raises the question, is this penance or career self-destruction?   (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

Celine Dion didn’t hire Daniel Bedard as a house sitter, but the stranger showed up at her Montreal-area home anyway. Bedard set off an alarm when he jumped a fence, helped himself to a snack and drew a bath, while Celine and the family were out of town. He feigned surprise when the police arrived, asking, “Hey, what are you guys doing here?”   (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

When it comes to the demise of “All My Children,” Susan Lucci isn’t holding back. In fact, she’s pointing fingers. The soap star, who spent nearly 41 years on the show as Erica Kane, called out ABC Daytime honcho Brian Frons by name in the epilogue of her memoir “All My Life: A Memoir.” Lucci believes he destroyed the production of the show and was more concerned about saving his own job than the cast and crew. Now, that’s a whole lot of daytime drama.   (Desiree Navarro / Getty Images)

Meryl Streep is no stranger to the awards circuit, and now she’s being counted among the country’s most influential artists too. Streep, along with Neil Diamond, Barbara Cook, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins, will receive Kennedy Center Honors awards in December. Mary Tyler Moore can also do some early celebrating. She is this year’s recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A judge in Paris found John Galliano guilty of “public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity” this week for hurling anti-Semitic insults at a French couple back in March. The flamboyant fashion designer didn’t get the maximum sentence of six months in jail and $31,622 in fines, but he did receive a suspended fine of $8,432. The punishment means the charge will go on his criminal record, but he doesn’t actually have to pay.   (Thibault Camus / Associated Press)

Neil Diamond, 70, is ready to tie the knot for the third time. On Wednesday, he announced his engagement to Katie McNeil , 40, via Twitter, overshadowing the earlier news of his Kennedy Center Honor. His bride-to-be was the executive producer on his TV documentary “Neil Diamond: Hot August Night/NYC” and reportedly works for his management company.   (From left: Neil Diamond; Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty Images. Katie McNeil; Credit: Neil Diamond / via Twitter.)