French composer sues Eminem

Jacques Loussier, a 67-year-old French composer, has sued Eminem for copyright infringement.

Loussier claims the rapper lifted sections of his song “Kill You” from one of his jazz songs, “Pulsion.”

Loussier has released more than 12 classical/jazz albums, which have collectively sold six million copies.

“Kill You” was a tune from Eminem’s breakthrough album, “The Marshall Mathers LP.”

The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard charts.

Oprah declines president’s invite

Oprah Winfrey says she is too busy to accompany President George W. Bush on a trip to Afghanistan to visit schools in the area.

The talk-show host says she currently has too many projects in the works to join the delegation.

`Lord’ is lord at the box office

Last year’s smash success flick “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” has raked in $800 million in box office receipts worldwide.

The film debuted during the Christmas season.

The next two in the popular trilogy will be released Christmas 2002 and 2003, respectively.

– News gathered by Bethany Kohoutek from billboard.com and eonline.com.