Maybe we were asking for it: We were stunned and fascinated by the marriage and divorce of Liza Minnelli and David Gest - the bizarre displays of public affection, the acrimonious claims that a boozed-up Liza could beat David. But now we surrender. We do not like David Gest's new claims that Liza Minnelli failed to disclose that she was a "violent alcoholic with herpes" because we did not need to know that Liza might have an STD. Because our imagination tends to run wild, and this would imply that they would have maybe had...sex. Gest is trying to get their prenuptial agreement voided, because she should have disclosed the "alleged medical condition." The NY Times has some bits from the court papers:

Ms. Minnelli’s lawyer, Israel Rubin, who represented the singer in court yesterday, declined to comment on specific allegations, and would say only, “This whole thing is ridiculous.” more ›

And in other substance abuse news, George Carlin is checking himself into drug rehab for wine and vicodin abuse. more ›

The Smoking Gun had the documents from the lawsuit yesterday. And Gothamist on Liza with a Z. more ›

Everyone is trying to get to the bottom of David Gest's claims that Liza got stronger when she liquored up. Times reporter Michael Brick takes his assignment seriously and asks the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, a bartender at Russian Samovar, and a country singer in Brooklyn if vodka really can make someone super strong. Bartender Joseph Volovnik says, "It can make you fearless, not stronger. Why not stronger? Well, I'm just a bartender. I would say crazier." Gothamist loves this kind of journalism! And we must get back to the Russian Samovar soon. more ›

As if the whole Liza Minnelli-David Gest tableau couldn't get any weirder, David Gest confounds us again. Gest now accuses Minnelli of spousal abuse. Seriously. more ›

The bitchiest NY theater critic in town, Michael Riedel at the Post, asks a panel of "four cranky New York drama critics" (no word if Riedel is one of them) what they are dreading this new theater season. Some priceless excerpts: more ›

And they seemed so happy! Sigh, another storybook romance turned separation. Poor Liza. Man, is this what happens when Michael Jackson is best man and Elizabeth Taylor is matron of honor? And Cindy Adams is one of the bridesmaids? And David Hasselhoff and Gene Simmons are on the invite list? Maybe Gothamist is wrong in thinking that those things actually line up to summon the devil, Ninth Gate style. Maybe there was just too much passion in that marriage. more ›