Missing Party Link Evolves Into Fest's First Fracas, Tears

The Darwinian drama "Creation" starring real-life husband and wife duo Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany opened this year's star-studded Toronto International Film Festival with a symbolically appropriate, but plodding, whimper instead of a bang.

The buildup to the big 'mo was, however, more exciting than the entire two minutes the co-stars spent on their awkward welcoming remarks inside Roy Thompson Hall.

Evidently acting doesn't translate to the ability to ad-lib.

Who knew?

But it was the unscripted drama at the swank gala held after the screening that had tongues wagging like Khloe Kardashian over-sharing yet more "who the hell cares" baby news.

At Astral Media's Opening Night gala reception, miffed head honcho John Riley figuratively ripped Jennifer a new one for allegedly failing to put in a promised appearance at his soiree. When announcing her no-show to party-goers, he held up a picture of her and tore it in two, saying "This is my former favorite actress. I promised my kids we would shake hands."

Damn, even movie critics aren't that harsh. Naturally, dish about the diss spread faster than a George Clooney sighting, landing above the fold in The Globe and Mail.

Cut to yesterday's Creation press conference where the notoriously private Jennifer opened up and addressed the brouhaha: "I'd liked to direct a response to Mr. John Riley and something I read in The Globe and Mail today. My husband and I did go to your party last night but only very briefly and I had to leave early because yesterday was the first anniversary of my father's death, she said, struggling against tears. She eked out a few more words, but then broke down in tears. With obvious difficulty, she blinked them away. I'm sorry, she choked. I'm sorry.

Uh, opps?

It didn't take long for Riley to issue a wordy statement, which stressed his remarks were TOTALLY made in jest and leaves no possible sorry left unturned but without actually saying the words, "I'm sorry:"

I sincerely regret if Ms. Connelly was saddened by my actions as I certainly didn't wish to detract from the premiere of her film at the festival. Clearly, I was unaware of Ms. Connelly's personal situation and, having lost my own father four months ago, I have great empathy for how difficult an anniversary such as this can be. I continue to be a tremendous fan of hers and hope that she will take my words and actions in the light-hearted spirit in which they were intended and not give this matter another minute of consideration.

Just when we thought Megan Fox would have been a shoo-in, the TIFF 2009 "Open Mouth, Insert Foot" award goes to ...

By Paige Muller

Paige Muller, Gossip & Hollywood Hijinx
		About the author:
		Paige Muller is a gossip gal with an appreciation – some would say obsession – for Hollywood hijinx, celebrity style and the latest fashion trends.  From who hooked up, who's knocked up and "WTF are they wearing?", Paige offers all the dish, with a side of snark. When not pondering Jennifer Aniston's perplexing post-breakup PR strategy, Paige is a published writer and communications professional who has worked with brands like Dove, L'Oreal, More magazine, Gap and WE: Woman's Entertainment.
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