POLICE yesterday launched an investigation after an incident in which the Scottish comedian, Billy Connolly, apparently attacked a photographer in a pub scuffle.
Trouble is thought to have flared in the Clutha Vaults pub in Connolly's hometown of Glasgow on Saturday night.
According to reports, the 54 year old comedian lunged at a press photographer, Jim Ryce, as he tried to take his picture in the bar.
The funny man, nicknamed, The Big Yin, allegedly swore at Mr Ryce after he called out to catch his attention, then punched him on the side of the head amid angry scenes.
A nagging controversy over how the family of Martin Luther King Jr will profit from his legacy threatened to overshadow the hometown events that mark the observance of the national holiday that honours him today.
Less than two weeks ago the King estate signed a publishing deal for the slain civil rights leader's writings and speeches that may earn the family $50 million during the next five years.
The King Centre is celebrating his birthday with fewer events than at any time since the King holiday was first observed 11 years ago.
Many politicians and dignitaries are passing up this year's traditional ecumenical service at Ebenezer Baptist Church to attend President Clinton's inauguration.
The former Massachusetts senator and Democratic presidential candidate, Mr Paul Tsongas, died of pneumonia on Saturday, a spokeswoman for Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston said. He was 55.
Mr Tsongas, a Massachusetts senator who retired from Congress in 1985 to battle bone cancer, ran for president in 1992, losing the Democratic presidential nomination to Bill Clinton, who went on to defeat George Bush in the general election.