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Jessica Chastain is one of Hollywood’s most vocal advocates of gender equity. So many on Twitter reacted with alarm at the fact that Matthew Newton, named as the director of her upcoming movie “Eve,” has a history of physical assault accusations, including against two ex-girlfriends.

Newton has said his history of mental illness, drugs and drinking are responsible for the charges, and he has repeatedly sought help. He pleaded guilty in 2007 to one count of common assault on his ex, Brooke Satchwell, but the conviction was later overturned after his psychiatrist said he suffered from depression and was unlikely to reoffend. But he faced more assault accusations later, involving then-girlfriend Rachael Taylor.

Given the reversal of the conviction on the common assault charge, it does not appear that he has ever been convicted. He has not had any apparent trouble with the law since 2012, the year he says he became sober.

Melbourne, Apr 27: Tania Zaetta has alleged that the culture of bullying for the cameras and the 'blonde conspiracy' of Lauryn Eagle, Charlotte Dawson and Patti Newton are responsible for her departure from hannel 9's reality series Celebrity Apprentice.

The former Baywatch and sometime Bollywood actress has claimed she had been "dumbfounded at being portrayed as the villain" this season and believes she was eventually eliminated by producers because she "wasn't playing the game."

"I was bad TV for them. They wouldn't have any comments of me.

Matthew Newton is to appear in a Us court next month, it has been confirmed. The Australian-born actor - son of entertainers Bert and Patti Newton - has been called to the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami on May 16, 9 News reports. Newton was arrested in Miami earlier this month on suspicion of trespass and resisting arrest without violence following an incident at a bar. He may not have to appear at the first hearing, (more)...

Jason Akermanis is believed to have been axed from Celebrity Apprentice. The Australian Football League player, who was thought to have been taking part in the reality TV show alongside stars such as David Hasselhoff and Patti Newton, may have been cut from footage after his recent slurs against late sports star Jim Stynes. According to The Daily Telegraph, a "sneak peak" promo clip of Celebrity Apprentice has been revealed which does not appear to feature Akermanis at all. After allegedly being eliminated from the series in February, messages appeared on Ackermanis's Twitter account directed at Celebrity Apprentice boss Mark Bouris and fellow contestants Nathan Joliffe and Lauryn Eagle. The message for Bouris said: "@markbouris I have a long memory mate. I hope I see you real soon," while (more)...

Matthew Newton was suffering "obvious side effects" from a "bomb load of medication" when he allegedly assaulted a taxi driver in Sydney last year, according to his lawyer.

The Australian actor, son of TV entertainers Bert and Patti Newton, is facing an assault charge after allegedly punching a cab driver during a ride through the city in December.

The case went to court on Tuesday and Newton's lawyer asked for his client to be dealt with under Australia's Mental Health Act because he was suffering the effects of his prescription medication at the time of the incident.

Attorney Chris Murphy told North Sydney Local Court that Newton, who suffers from bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder, was taking a "bomb load of medication" including mood stabilisers and anti-depressants and was experiencing "obvious side effects".

He told the hearing, "This occurred when his mental illness was at its worst. He had medication difficulties. He had lost his support base... This is a man who has probably been mentally ill all his life, according to doctors... He was born in the public eye. From the day he was born, he's been the focus of the media. He needs some normalcy."

Magistrate Ellen Skinner adjourned the case until Wednesday.

David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff will be a contestant in this season’s Celebrity Apprentice it has been officially announced today.

The show, which starts to filming today for Nine, has struggled to keep the former Baywatch singer a secret but confirmed the coup via the Daily Telegraph, who announced the full line up this morning.

Joining Hasselhoff is Afl player Jason Akermanis, TV presenter Charlotte Dawson, waterskier and boxer Lauryn Eagle, comedians Vince Sorrenti and Fiona O’Loughlin, Dancing with the Stars’ Patti Newton, Bollywood actress Tania Zaetta, Masterchef’s Marion Grasby, the Amazing Race’s Nathan Jolliffe, Getaway host Ben Dark and former Can of Worms host and still executive producer Ian “Dicko” Dickson.

Mark Bouris founder and chairman of Wizard Home Loans will remain the boss. The series will air later this year.

Last year comedian Julia Morris won the first series.

Patti Newton has joined the Australian version of Celebrity Apprentice, according to reports. The 66-year-old television personality, who is married to veteran TV presenter Bert, is believed to have arrived in Sydney to start filming the Channel Nine reality show today (January 16) alongside host and chairman Mark Bouris. According to the Herald Sun, Patti will be joined by Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff, former footballer Jason Akermais, waterskier and model Lauryn Eagle, MasterChef contestant Marion Grasby, Amazing Race star Nathan Joliffe, comedian Fiona O'Loughlin and Can of Worms host Ian Dickson. Patti has allegedly decided to donate all her proceeds from the (more)...

Matthew Newton has insisted that he doesn't blame his parents for his downfall. The Australian actor, whose parents are television personalities Bert and Patti Newton, said that he doesn't want people to judge them for him receiving psychiatric treatment or for his attacks on ex-girlfriends Rachael Taylor and Brooke Satchwell. In a tell-all interview with A Current Affair's Tracy Grimshaw, Matthew admitted that he did struggle with a childhood in the public eye, but added: "It hasn't contributed to my illness. We're just a family. We have a great relationship." Matthew said that he "wasn't thrilled" when Bert and Patti decided to speak publicly about their son shortly after he entered rehab. However, he said: "I completely understand now... I've (more)...

Australian actor Matthew Newton has opened up about his battle with mental illness, insisting a hospitalisation helped him reflect on his issues and "saved" his life.

The Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities star checked into a private facility in Sydney last year to seek help for an undisclosed personal issue, following his alleged attack on former fiancee, Transformers actress Rachael Taylor.

Newton was arrested earlier this year for allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order (Avo) by trying to contact his ex, and his lawyer revealed to a court that the star was suffering from a psychiatric illness.

The 34 year old has now revealed the extent of his issues in a candid interview on Australian radio.

Speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O show, he explains, "It's been an interesting year for me and a huge one for reflection. There were certain things I had to take stock of. I was all over the place... I was a bit of a lost soul in a lot of ways and I didn't want to face that.

"I worked through it. Finding myself in hospital and being surrounded by a great group of people, the people at Northside West (facility) really saved my life... There is a lot of fear and a huge amount of stigma with mental illness and a lot of judgemental people brush it off and say, 'Get on with your life'.

"I feel like I am in the best place that I have ever been in my life... the most important thing I realised in hospital was that my opinion of myself had to be of a certain standard. If I hurt other people in my ignorance and confusion getting to this point, that causes me great regret."

During the chat, Newton also dismissed reports of a rift with his famous parents, Bert and Patti Newton, adding: "The only distance between me and my parents is 1,000 kilometres - I live in Sydney and they live in Melbourne. The great thing about family is they are there through all the ups and downs and they are that core group of people in your life that support you through thick and thin."...

Matthew Newton is believed to have left rehab. The Australian actor, who is best known for his role in Underbelly and as entertainment couple Bert and Patti Newton's son, has reportedly been encouraged to check out of the Northside West Private Clinic by his counsellors. Family friends have told The Daily Telegraph that Newton's mental health professionals advised him to leave the Sydney centre where he has lived since last August amid concerns that he is becoming institutionalised. The star was spotted getting out of a car in the city earlier this week, but his lawyer Chris Murphy has refused to comment about his rumoured release. (more)...

Patti Newton's daughter Lauren has reportedly been helping her mum deal with the recent "stress" in her life. Lauren's brother and Patti's son Matthew, who is currently living in a psychiatric clinic, was recently arrested for breaching the rules of his Avo after trying to get in touch with former girlfriend Rachael Taylor, whom he allegedly bashed last year. Since entering rehab, Underbelly star Matthew has apparently rejected any support from Patti and his TV presenter father Bert due to the fact that they spoke to the media about his psychological problems. A friend of the family said that 31-year-old Lauren has now become Patti's "rock", spending lots of time with her mother and reminding her that she is a "great" parent. They told Woman's (more)...

Patti Newton is said to be "crushed" at her son's recent downfall. The 65-year-old Australian television star, whose 34-year-old actor son Matthew recently re-entered rehab to receive treatment for rumoured psychological problems, is believed to be upset that some members of the public "blame" her for his behaviour. Matthew was arrested earlier this year after breaking his Avo conditions by trying to get in contact with ex-girlfriend Rachael Taylor, who he allegedly attacked in a Rome hotel last year. Friends of Patti, who lost her job as the ambassador of Millers Fashion Club as a result of her (more)...

Patti Newton has been dumped as the brand ambassador of Millers Fashion Club. The Australian star, whose actor son Matthew was recently arrested for breaching his Avo against ex-girlfriend Rachael Taylor after allegedly attacking her last year, is reportedly no longer deemed "the right fit" for the company due to his behaviour. A family friend told The Daily Telegraph that Patti was informed by the club that "with (more)...

Patti Newton has revealed that her son Matthew will not approve of her and her husband Bert talking to the media about his mental health issues. The famous couple decided to give an exclusive interview to A Current Affair about Matthew's drug problem, behavioural issues and aggression after he allegedly attacked girlfriend Rachael Taylor in a Rome hotel. Patti said: "He probably won't be that happy about [the interview]... but I actually instigated it. Bert (more)...

Bert and Patti Newton have revealed that their son Matthew is on suicide watch. They said that the Underbelly star, who checked into a Sydney psychiatric clinic after allegedly assaulting girlfriend Rachael Taylor in a Rome hotel, often has "psychotic episodes" causing them to previously fear for Taylor's safety. Patti told A Current Affair: "I was [fearful]. I told her many times that she had to be really careful and I worried about her, and I told her... a long time ago that 'You have to be careful. He needs help. He needs medication'. And that's no excuse for what he did. "I don't think we have to say anything to Rachael. Rachael spoke to me the night she was leaving (more)...

Australian actor Matthew Newton has left rehab in Melbourne after a stint to treat undisclosed personal issues.

The Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities star checked into a private hospital last month, just weeks after he was accused of trashing a hotel room in Melbourne where he was staying with his girlfriend, Transformers actress Rachael Taylor.

Newton allegedly punched holes in the walls, smashed glass in the bathroom and caused more than $3,633 (£2,434) of damage, although he denied any knowledge of the "incident".

He checked into a clinic to address his issues, but has now left and arrived back in Sydney on Saturday, according to the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

And his mother Patti Newton is appealing to fans to give the actor space to recover from his problems.

She says, "It is a health issue and he needs time to recover. We support him and we love him and we just want people to leave him alone so he can mend."

His publicist Jillian Bowen has also downplayed reports the star is preparing to put his career on hold to rest for the remainder of the year: "There is no truth to that. Absolutely nothing has been discussed - it's too early at this stage."

In 2007, Newton pleaded guilty to an assault charge after pushing and punching an ex-girlfriend. He was placed on a 12-month good-behaviour bond and the conviction was later quashed.

Matthew Newton has checked out of rehab. The 33-year-old Australian actor, who is believed to be engaged to Transformers star Rachael Taylor, checked into a private Melbourne clinic for drug and alcohol addiction 28 days ago. His mother Patti Newton told The Daily Telegraph: "It is a health issue and he needs time to recover. We support him and we love him and we just want people to leave (more)...

Patti Newton has revealed that her family are "strong" enough to get through any tough times. The Australian personality, who has actor son Matthew with TV presenter Bert, said that her son entering a rehabilitation clinic for alleged drug and alcohol abuse last week was very "hard". Patti told the Herald Sun: "It has been a hard week. We are a strong family and always there for one another (more)...