Morning Links: Oprah to be sued by the T-Birds

Oprah Winfrey and her Harpo Studios production company are about to be sued by one of the cast members of "Grease" for failing to negotiate residuals before airing a clip of the musical on the show "Oprah's Big Give."  Barry Pearl, who played T-Bird "Doody," says that Oprah is treating him and his fellow ensemble cast memebers poorly, telling them that they should be happy for the "found money" the studio is offering.

The clip of "Summer Nights" was used during the episode, which featured John Travolta, who, of course, starred as Danny Zuko in the 1978 film adaptation.

Pearl, who largely lives on the residuals of "Grease," contacted Harpo officials on behalf of himself and other cast members after the airing and asked for $7,500 each for the use of their performance in the clip. Harpo countered with $5,000 and when Pearl's attorney countered again, it is said to have gotten ugly. Harpo's reps withdrew their offer and low-balled the group with a Screen Actors Guild-endorsed offer of 3 times the weekly wage from 1977, when it was filmed.

Harpo's rep told TMZ: "We have made a settlement offer that is in accordance with SAG guidelines, with appropriate penalties, which should bring this matter to a swift and satisfactory resolution."

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TMZ reports that actors Josh Brolin and Jeffrey Wright were subdued with tasers and pepper spray during their altercation at a bar in Shreveport, La., during the wrap party for the Oliver Stone film "W," based on the life of President George W. Bush. Witnesses and sources say Wright was also repeatedly referred to with racial slurs by arresting officers, while Brolin was sprayed while trying to calm the scene.

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Actress Mena Suvari, who captured the eyes of Hollywood as the temping teen in "American Beauty," has found a man to marry. Music producer Simone Sestito proposed to Suvari, now 29, while the couple vacationed in Jamaica.

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Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood has checked himself into rehab, according to his rep. "Following Ronnie's continued battle with alcohol, he has entered a period of rehab. His close family and friends say he is seeking help and look forward to his recovery."

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Rapper Nate Dogg pleaded innocent from a wheelchair to charges that he threatened his estranged wife. Nate Dogg, the cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg, suffered a stroke six months ago that has left him partially paralyzed.

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Comedian Andy Dick was arrested Wednesday on drug and sexual battery charges. Dick allegedly pulled down the top of a 17-year-old female outside the club exposing her chest, and was later found to be in possession of Xanax and marijuana. He was charged with felony possession of narcotics, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and misdemeanor sexual battery.

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Singer Natalie Cole says she has Hepatitis C, discovered during a routine check-up. Cole says that it is likely the result of her drug use in the past and says: "I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination."

-- Dave Valenzuela