Paltrow snubs Vanity Fair

NEW YORK - Actress Gwyneth Paltrow told her contacts not to cooperate with Vanity Fair magazine for a cover story that it was planning to write on her. The New York Times said that in May, the actress e-mailed her contacts, saying: "Vanity Fair is threatening to put me on the cover of their magazine. If you are asked for quotes or comments, please decline. Also, I recommend you all never do this magazine again."

The 40-year-old actress, who recently cooperated on cover stories for People and Good Housekeeping, had only said Vanity Fair is an "off- brand" for her.

This month's issue of Vanity Fair features the late Princess Diana on the cover, in a story about her relationship with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan. New York gossip has it that the cover spot was supposed to be for Paltrow.

The magazine has recently toughened its coverage of Hollywood with articles about the troubles plaguing the making of Brad Pitt's recent movie, World War Z, and the intrusiveness of Scientology in Tom Cruise's romantic life and marriage to Katie Holmes, reported the New York Times. Some celebrities and their handlers are not pleased.

Paltrow's move has prompted other Hollywood insiders to push back against the magazine, which is known for its coverage of Hollywood celebrities. A publicist for Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep tells the Times that people are less willing now to grovel to the magazine.

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