Owner Jay-Z says 40/40 Club is fine

Music giant Jay-Z is taking the offensive in an attempt to dispel rumors that his 4-month-old 40/40 Club in Las Vegas is in trouble.

The best-selling rapper, in an e-mail response, said his relationship with multibillionaire landlord Sheldon Adelson is "positive."

Jay-Z's latest 40/40 Club has been beset by rumors and speculation since it opened New Year's Eve in Adelson's new Palazzo.

"Our landlords are great, and we respect their input," Jay-Z said in the e-mail.

His New York-based publicist Ron Berkowitz suggested the media inquiries are being fueled by competitors and disgruntled employees.

"We are high profile and targets for rumors and false accusations," Berkowitz said.

One of the more recent rumors had Adelson reportedly upset after visiting the club.

"No, not true at all," said Jay-Z. "He actually appeared very pleased, and a week after that visit, he held his grand-opening party at the club. He has only been there twice (and I) would love to have him back. I'd move walls if he so desired."

He added, "We have met our financial projections well above our expectations. Business is great. We have conquered all the operational goals and are pleased with the results."

Adelson, the third-richest man in the United States, has been embroiled in a dispute with the owners of Tao nightclub and restaurant over what was to be a sister nightclub in Palazzo.

ROONEY SIN CITY-BOUND

London's Fleet Street gossip hounds are atwitter over the Sin City bachelor party planned by English soccer star Wayne Rooney, one of Europe's most scrutinized athletes.

The 22-year-old Manchester United standout is flying to Las Vegas on May 26 with 30 lads, including teammates and boxer Ricky Hatton. Rooney is getting married June 12.

Rooney and Las Vegas figure to be an interesting marriage. In 2006, his six-figure gambling losses made headlines, adding to his bad-boy reputation. Some fans have yet to forgive him for losing his temper and getting kicked out of a 2006 World Cup game that ended in a 1-0 win for Portugal.

Rooney's Las Vegas ties include Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, who owns the Everton Football Club, Rooney's former team.

Four years ago, Rooney turned down Everton's $90,000-a-week offer and went to soccer giant Manchester United, winners of a furious bidding that cost them $46 million.

Rooney and his lads are reportedly staying at Bellagio.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Tina Sinatra will participate in Tuesday's unveiling of a U.S. Postal Service stamp commemorating her father on the 10th anniversary of his death. The ceremony will be at the main alcove of the dancing fountains on Las Vegas Boulevard. Her sister, Nancy, and brother, Frank Sinatra Jr., will attend a ceremony in New York, and Frank Jr. will be in Hoboken, N.J., their father's hometown, for another tribute. Also attending will be Henderson resident Willy Rizzo, son of Jilly Rizzo, the longtime pal of Frank Sinatra.

SIGHTINGS

Jerry Springer, host of "America's Got Talent," dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort on Saturday. He's in town shooting segments for the show. ... Pro skateboarder Tony Hawk and his wife, Lhotse, celebrating his 40th birthday at a Red Rock Resort-hosted party Saturday. Lhotse organized a "Big Lebowski"-themed event, after Tony's favorite film, in the VIP bowling suite at Red Rock Lanes. Attendees included professional snowboarder Shaun White, Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. White later partied at Cherry nightclub. ... Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn, celebrating their son-in-law, Peter Early's surprise birthday dinner Saturday at CatHouse. Another surprise came when the model in the Catbox dressing window pulled up her sheet to cover up while she was changing. The words "Happy Birthday Peter" were written in white lace letters on the back of the sheet. ... Longtime local entertainer Clint Holmes, receiving a birthday serenade Saturday at the Stirling Club (Turnberry Towers) from Mosaic, and performances by Frankie Scinta, Jimmy Hopper, The Las Vegas Tenors, the cast of "Menopause the Musical," comedian Dom Irerra, Kelly Clinton and Holmes' sister, Gayle Steele. ... Playboy model and former "Beauty and the Geek" reality star Jillian Beyor, hosting a sexy lingerie pillow fight party at Tabu (MGM Grand) on Saturday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Can finally get my pulse back to normal after that thrill ride that was Late Show Magician Week." -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Reasons I Look Forward To Mother's Day Presented By Dave's Mom

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.