Reality

If you haven't figured it out, the two key words I referred to are "Tabloid Bullshit." I wrote this on Sunday. Mother's Day. I held off on posting it until today. I didn't know if they would actually run this non-story, but after seeing this, and this, I decided it was time.

May 8, 2004

This morning, I told my wife:

"Something weird is going on." She looked over her coffee mug at me, "What do you mean?" I pointed to my laptop and told her, "Well, I track my stats on my weblog pretty meticulously and there's been a jump in the number of people using a google search of my name to get here."

HER: [Blank stare.]

ME: "See, people find my website sometimes by searching Google, and if a keyword matches, my site comes up in the search results. I can tell what people searched for to land here. Usually, the number one name people search for to get here is "Erin Elmore," but in the past two days it has been "Shane Nickerson."

HER: [Blank stare.]

ME: "Anyway. It's weird. Plus, someone keeps doing a netscape search for "nickerblog.com." It's almost as if they have that particular search bookmarked."

HER: Oh, that is weird.

ME: "Yeah. Something is going on. I can tell."

Later that day, as we were getting ready to take our daughter outside to play, I noticed somebody walking up to the front door. We live in a little neighborhood in Manhattan Beach, so that's not uncommon. Neighborhoods bring solicitors. I went to the door to tell the gentleman that I wasn't interested. I opened it.

ME: "Hi, can I help you?"

HIM: (British accent) "I'm looking for Shawn Nickerson."

ME: "Shane?"

HIM: "Yes, I'm looking for Shawn Nickerson."

ME: "It's SHANE. Trust me. I'm him."

HIM: (slightly surprised) "Oh, it's Shane? Hi, I'm Lee Hannon with The National Enquirer."

At that point, I started to panic a little bit. What was he doing here?

For those of you that don't know, I've been working for the past year or so on a TV show called Trippin', with Cameron Diaz. I don't mention it here too much (other than in my bio) because I respect the privacy of the people I work with. It's an exciting job, but like any job, it's a lot of work. Also, because of the people involved, discretion is essential. The tabloid media are ruthless and evil.

ME: "I'm not going to comment on the show. You can talk to [insert network name here].

HIM: "Oh, so you work for [insert network name]?

ME: (crap). "I don't know. I'm going to close the door now."

HIM: "OK, well you know we're going to run a story about you and Cameron Diaz tomorrow, right?"

ME: (shock)

....
....
....

ME: (more shock)

...
...
...

ME: "What?"

HIM: "We know you've been seeing each other."

ME: (now I'm wondering if this is a joke or maybe just some freak) "I'm sorry, I'm not going to comment."

(I've been around town long enough to know that sound bites and quotes can be manipulated, twisted, edited and taken out of context. "No comment" seems to be the safest thing you can do.)

ME: (starting to close the door) "Good-bye."

HIM: "Can I show you something?"

ME: (say no, say no, say no) "Sure."

HIM: (pulling a grainy photocopied picture that looks like me and someone else out of his pocket and showing it to me) "Pretty damning evidence, don't you think?"

ME: (squinting) "I have no idea. I'm not commenting. Bye."

HIM: (as I closed the door) "Are you together?"

As the door closed, I started to realize what was going on. My wife and baby stood behind me as I turned away from the slammed door. Elisa looked at me, confused.

HER: "Did he just say "Are you together?"

ME: "I think he did, yes."

HER: "Who was that?"

ME: "The National Enquirer."

HER: "WHAT?"

The thing is, we joked about something like this when I started this job.

"How funny would it be if you end up in a paparazzi picture with her and the tabloids say something like, "Cameron's new man! Hahahahahahaha. HA." [Insert Krusty the Klown groan here]

Now that our "joke scenario" was actually happening, it wasn't quite as funny. I told her the story about Lee Hannon at the door.

HER: "What was the picture of?"

ME: "I have no idea. All I could see was my face and it was grainy."

HER: "Oh my GOD dude." (laughing)

Here's the other thing: It's such a ludicrous story, that there was never a moment from her of "Is this true?" In fact, I told my wife, "One of the reasons this is so stupid is because you know that if I was hooking up with CD you'd have been the first one I high-fived." She laughed because she knows me. If The National Enquirer knew me at all, they'd have saved whatever money they paid for this supposed picture.

I sat on the couch and started to feel that tension in my stomach. I made some calls to some people and left voicemails to make sure they knew about this supposed story too. I relaxed a bit. Maybe this was just a desperate magazine fishing for a story. Maybe they weren't actually going to run this, but were snooping around to see if there was anything to drudge up. Maybe I was panicking over nothing. My voicemail ring beeped from my cellphone. I called it:

"Hey Shane, it's Derek. I just got a call from The National Enquirer about you and Cameron Diaz. I told them nothing. Uh...call me."

Motherfucker! How the hell did they...? Why Derek? Derek is in the show I used to do at Improv Olympic. Derek and I have known each other for about 7 years, but he's just such a random person in my life to call. We perform together and occasionally I'll see him at a party. I knew then that that they were using my website to find out who I know. My e-mail alert went off. I checked it:

Shane,

Hey, can you call me? The Natl. Enquirer just called me about a story they
are doing about YOU.

323/xxx-xxxx

Not that I had anything to say to them, but I did get the information
about the story from the reporter if you want it.

~JM

Jessica, "The Ninja" Stover? I JUST met her like two weeks ago at Wil's show. What kind of reporting are these guys doing? I called her immediately. I won't try to quote the conversation, because admittedly, I was still in a bit of shock and I question my ability to accurately recount her exact words, but the gist of it was this:

They called her parents in Virginia. On Mother's Day. Fuckers. JM's mom called her to tell her someone from the press called. JM used to have a show on AOL called "Jessica's Crush," so she wasn't totally shocked by that. Local press call her house sometimes. Then her mom told her it was from a 310 number. 310=Los Angeles. JM called the "press" number immediately. The woman on the end told her they have a picture of me and Cameron Diaz and would she like to comment? You can read JM's account HERE (love the Harry Potter reference JM).

Anyway, it was real now. In a way, I was relieved to hear that the man at my door actually WAS from The National Enquirer and not some other freaky freak with my address. Which makes me wonder:

How did they find out who I was based on a picture?
How did they find my address? (google)
How did they find JM's parents number in Virginia? (google)
etc, etc. (google, google)

I started thinking about the other people I link to on my weblog on a regular basis. I immediately e-mailed Wil Wheaton and told him to call me ASAP. Seconds later, the phone rang.

Wil: "Shane?"

ME: (paranoid about media) "WHO IS THIS?"

Wil: "It's Wil!"

ME: "OH! Right. Sorry. Um....here's the thing...if the uh...National Enquirer calls? Tell them nothing.

Wil: [Confused silence]

ME: "Because um...see, they're trying to do this totally fake story linking me to Cameron Diaz. They have a picture of us or something and they're using my blog to find people I know. So if they e-mail you or call, just ignore them."

Wil: "Dude! Congratulations! You made The National Enquirer before me and I've been doing this for 26 years!"

ME: (laughing)

Wil: "Seriously though, can I tell them to fuck off?"

ME: (more laughing) "Nah, don't bother."

Wil: "Any e-mail from them will just go to /dev/null anyway.

ME: "Awesome. Thanks, man"

Wil: "Wait! Can I tell them, "Actually, the truth is that Shane is covering for me. It's ME, Wil that is having a relationship with Cameron Diaz and I'm very, very ashamed. It's been three shameful years that I, Wil Wheaton, author of "Just a Geek," available at your local bookstores, have been in a relationship with her."

ME: (laughing) "Yes, you can definitely tell them that."

I thanked him again and hung up. Talking to Wil made me feel better. I realized how silly the whole thing is and I made the turn from shock and panic into "this is actually kind of funny." Let them run it. I'll frame that fucker as a reminder of the day when the tabloids actually took an interest in some kid from New Hampshire with nothing to hide and alas, no story to give them.

A bit later that day, I got the following e-mail:

From: lhannon@nationalenquirer.com
Subject: Cameron Diaz
Date: May 8, 2005 7:44:59 PM PDT
To: shanenick@yahoo.com

Shane,

Hi. It’s Lee from the National Enquirer. We met earlier.
I wanted to give you one final opportunity to respond to the pictures of you and Cameron Diaz kissing.

You can contact me at the numbers below.
Kind regards, Lee.


Lee Hannon
National Enquirer
(310) xxx-xxxx office
(310) xxx-xxxx cell
(310) xxx-xxxx fax
(redacted)@nationalenquirer.com

Lee Hannon. Not familiar with his work? Here's a gem you may have missed. Never saw that? Hmm. How about this one? No? Well, I'm sure they're true. If you'd like to give him a call to let him know how much you like his work, I'm sure he'd appreciate it.

Anyway, I forwarded the e-mail to the appropriate people and let it go. I've been on the internet long enough to recognize a troll, even in real-life, so I did what any smart, tabloid-hating person would do:

I ignored it.

To the people at National Enquirer that decided Mother's Day was a good day to invade my life and create this week's lie:

I don't know how you sleep at night. Your work is shameful and evil.

Comments

[Fanang]

Fair enough.

But if that is really you in the pictures in NE, what exactly were you doing with Cameron Diaz? The pics do appear to show Cameron and this man making out, rather than just hugging affectionately, let's say. You don't seem to address that in your post. Did they photoshop stuff? Or is it all clever camera angles?

If it's not you in the pics, then why not say so?

[Tracey]

Perez just posted your response on his website - very supportive. Thought you would like to know...

[Steve Thorn]

Damnit, where was your video camera? What a great video blog this joker at your door would have been!
Have to say though, with your v-blogs out there, you now have all sorts of facial expressions that can be captured frame by frame and Photoshop-ed into any grainy picture the tabloids want to make.
Look on the bright side, some Google Adsense and a mention or two in NE and you could have a nice side income.
Hang in there Shane, these leeches hate the salt of real work..

[Liz]

Good grief, leave the man alone. How many times has a rag like the National Enquirer photoshopped photos or how many times has a picture that they said was so damaging end up being NOTHING at all. Stop trying to ruin his and his family's life. Not only is this affecting him, it'll affect Cameron and Justin as well.

[Fanang]

Well, he did blog about it. So it's a legitimate question, surely?

[Fanang]

Well, he did blog about it. So it's a legitimate question, surely?

[Leah]

Isn't it sad that people actually care about shit like this?

You'd think that this effected the national economy the way some people react to this sort of thing.

At the end of the day, the bottom line is, there are so many issues that are FAR more important than who Cameron Diaz is or isn't kissing. Jeez!

[EmDem0429]

Shane,

Part of me is really pissed off for you and the other part of me is laughing hysterically. Your adventures never cease to amaze me!! I'm sure you'll come out of this just fine - with many great stories to blog about. I wish you and your family the best as this blows over. You and Elisa are lucky to have each other. I love how you wrote that if it were true, she'd be the FIRST person you'd tell! Keep your spirits up - and, please, keep writing...

~Emily

[fenester]

Do you think it was wise to publish Lee Hannon's phone, fax and email address? I mean, this guy showed up at your house and he could just as easily publish your personal information in the internet. It's one of those "live by the sword, die by the sword" kind of things.

[Michelle]

I figured as much, Shane. Sorry this had to happen to you guys but all you can do is laugh at them because of how sad and pathetic they are.

[Shasta MacNasty]

Yeah. I'd be really concerned it it were 60 Minutes on your doorstep. But it's the National Enquirer. Hardly the bastion of journalistic ethics.

Maybe this will effect CD/JT, maybe not. These two seem to be well versed in the ways of the media and how far they will go to make a story out of something that isn't there.

And I have to be honest here, even if you DID lock-down with La Diaz, I wouldn't be that interested. Now have some pictures of you AND Wil Wheaton slobbing all over Jill Marie Jones...THEN I'd believe it. Totally.

[Friend]

Cameron is fugly...pictures or no, I don't think so.

[Dave Greten]

This is great! Huge exposure! Shane, can I write to Lee Hannon and tell about how I had an affair with Cameron Diaz too? Seriously, it's time I came clean. It's been eating at my soul...

Let me know,
-Dave

[Michelle]

Now you'll have to deal with people calling you a liar and saying that you are just denying this cuz you guys don't want to get caught. I've already seen a couple people do that just in the past hour.

That might be worse on you than the actual story.

[Melissa]

Shane,

Ah, I am torn. Seriously, I am really actually torn at how I am supposed to react to this turn of events. My first reaction was, like Emily above, to laugh. In fact, I am still laughing. It's not like I "know" you or anything, but as a regular reader, I feel like a distant friend, and having this happen to a friend, is just really really funny. I'd tease you over a pint of Guinness if I were there...oh and not 7 mos pregnant, but that's beside the point

maybe it's time to work on that book now, what with all the free publicity TNE is handing you. :)

Good luck. We'll be here to support you if you need it.
Melissa

[Dan]

Shane,
That is too freaking funny! OMFG! That is too funny. LOL. Now I have to go out and get the enquirer...
That is hilarious man. You should have replied to that guy from the Enquirer- go over the top to give him some really crazy lurid details.
-Dan

[Sharfa]

Wow. Dude - you have arrived. You rank. I'm sorry - I'm just laughing so hard at the absurdity of it all. The people that really matter in your life, know you and just how ridiculous these accusations are. Anyone that reads your blog regularly could see that.

As for the people that actually read and believe that crap? Well, we are not exactly talking about Men'sa candidates here, are we?

As they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity. You've got enough of a sense of humor and grounding to get through this.

I have this image of you standing at your door with a blank expression: "I did Cameron?... I did?.....Did I enjoy it? Hey Elise! I just found out I did Cameron!" High fives all around - dude, you rock.

Bwwwaaahahahaha

[zaida]

i loved Wil's response. Effing fantastic! thank goodness that you and your wife have a wonderful, trusting relationship. Not everyone is as lucky!!

[Josh]

I'm so proud to even know you right now. I'll be buying my very first NE issue.

[Beth]

First of all, your wife sounds like a fantastic human being and you guys are rocking cool. And lets get one thing straight. The National Enquirer is not a newspaper. It is pure fiction. Just because blogging gossip has gotten big and everyone and their brother reads exactly what Britney Spears does with her recycling and how much Lindsay Lohan loves her electric toothbrush doesn't mean that a magazine that publishes gossip publishes truth. These guys make their living tricking people into going on the record. They suck. And for that matter so do the jackasses who buy the National Enquirer and pay the jackholes checks.

[karen]

well i would have no idea who you were if this publicity stunt hadnt happening. based on your obvious cleverness, i think you staged it all, you cad. the plot thickens...

[Nick]

You sound kinda panicky to me. Are you afraid of something? Since you have seen the picture, why dont you tell us what its all about & if you say its not you - point out some differences. You're not being articulate.

[lara]

omg, shane. this is sooooo funny! scary that they could find all this out so quickly - but hella funny!
and i'm with you - i don't know how they look themselves in the mirror?!

[Michelle]

Wouldn't you be kind of panicky if some tabloid were running a story and "pictorial proof" of you cheating on your wife? And wouldn't you be afraid that the people you love might believe it and think less of you?

Besides, if you aren't used to something like that happening in your life then how are you going to know how to react?

[Josh]

I almost wish it were true, I was dismade when I found out CD was with a Backstreet Boy.

[Dave Greten]

Shane, I have something to confess. I've been having an affair with Cameron Diaz for the past five years. I'm emailing the National Enquirer right now.

[Pauly D]

Dude, that is just SO NOT hilarious.

[Kerrie]

Bwaaa Haaa Haaa Haaaa!!!!!!

Um...I mean...uh...so sorry you have to go through such an ordeal.
HaaHaaAAAAAA!!!

I'm not laughing at you - I'm laughing at the sit..teeheehee...the sit...teeHEEEheehee...the situation. I'm laughing at the situation. Ahhh...I've got myself together now. Really. It's just...*snicker*...so...*Oh Gawd*....I can't stop laughing. Forget it.

High five for posting the jerk's contact info - very "balls out" move!

[Fenang]

Surely either it's not true, because it's not you in the photo, in which case it's funny, because it's totally ludicrous and your wife can clearly see it's not you. So no reason to get so offended.

Or, you're just a friend and colleague of Cameron and you hug her whenever you meet her and your wife knows that, in which case it's equally ludicrious and rather amusing to think you're being accused of having an affair with her.

A lot of your commentators appear to think the whole thing is hilarious. Are they being grossly insensitive?

[Nick]

grossly insensitive? No! If the guy in the pic is really him, he has alot of explaining to do to his wife. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, we shall wait & see.

[Dave Greten]

Who are these trolls?

Nick must a good friend of yours Shane, and that's why he left a totally bogus email address. He obviously knows you better than any of us.

[Nai]

Shane,

Good luck with this and thanks for sharing the story! These people are evile. If I do pick up the enquirer to see what this asshat writes, it will be read at the grocery line. They will not get one cent from me!

Keep up the great blog!

Nai

[lizriz]

Wow.

You know, I can see how people would find it funny, 'cause Cameron is a famous actress and being paired in a tabloid with a famous actress is something that will never happen to most people, and so they find it so outrageous as to be funny.

But for me, I feel like, I work in this industry, and even if I've not worked with someone of Cameron's stature yet, I know she's a real person, and you, Shane, are a real person, and it just really blows that tabloids exist and that people care to read them. I really don't get it, I don't.

On some level, it's like, what can you do but laugh and/or ignore it? But it sucks that you have to.

Hope it doesn't make things crappy at work. Hang in there.

[Michelle]

(I totally posted this in the wrong comment area the first time, duh on me)
Awww Shane, that sucks. But ya know, anyone with half a brain knows that rags like the NE are just fodder for people with no lives and that the stories told there are just that, fictional stories. You obviously have an awsome wife and solid marriage in that she laughed and didn't even blink. Frame the edition, write yourself a letter, and in 10 years you can have another good laugh. *snicker* And if Wil manages to get his name attached to this you two can laugh together.

[Shasta MacNasty]

Here's my thing: If the MOST important people that could feel the direct impact of this (his wife and kid) are ok with all of this, why would it matter, AT ALL, to anyone else? Seriously. Of all the people in the world to question about their honesty, like, oh heavens...who can I pick here...President Bush, you have to grill some guy that you never heard of until you read some online rag that may or may not have kissed Cameron Diaz. Seriously, are you for real? Is this really happening?
----
Anyway, I'm sorry that the incident has given you attention in a way that was less-than-desireable. Hopefully some good will come of it. If it's any consolation, the media is fickle. I'm sure Paris will be jealous of the dimming in her spot light and will do something to take the attention this. Like...I dunno...more nothing. :)

[Danielle]

I'm sorry to read this is happening to you. I actually know someone who used to pose for phony photos for the Enquirer so they could run this bullshit. It's disgusting and ridiculous that people will whore themselves out for a few thousand dollars. This blog entry was a great response to this kind of invasive behavior.

Also, I looked at the links to Lee Hannon's articles. *gag* I found it HIGHLY AMUSING that it took not one but TWO tabloid "journalists" (*gag again*) to pen the Kevin Federline story-o-crap.

I guess it's kind of hard to type when you don't even have opposable thumbs.

[paul Nickerson]

Shane;

It'll pass, just like a kidney stone. NE is a world of neverwuzzers( LeCarre) trying to hurt people who really matter. Contrast their legacy with that of you and all the folks on "Trippin" trying to make the planet better. Plus, the bastards chose Mother's day to knock on your door. How proud they must be. Hang tough! We're with ya. dad

[Kathleen]

Actually, I'm the one having the affair with Cameron Diaz and Shane is totally just covering for us. Thanks for having our backs and helping us continue our sapphic love affair.

[JenX]

Hang in there. I bet the boys in the band will be jealous when they read this one.

[Uncle Josh]

Fug that! This is total bullshit! I'm hooking you up with a Blog entry that will be indexed on the five major search engines within 36 hours--fuck them. Let them find my blog defending your character (as well as I can attest, that is).

Blogosphere Powers, Activate!!!

[sean bonner]

You are cheating on me with Cameron? Bastard!

[Rae]

OMG.

I don't even know what to say...

That's such bullshit!

[Justin Timberlake]

Why are you guys in the bushes together? Looks like Cameron goes in for a hug, then there's a kiss ... whether it's a peck on the check or a makeout only you can tell us ...

[Caitlin]

Well, the National Enquirer did ONE thing right, because thanks to this, I found and read your blog, and now I plan on adding your blog to my daily reading list. Very witty and touching - always appreciated.

Oh yeah, and fuck the National Enquirer.

[Michelle]

It looks like there are just bushes by the exit of the building or something.

And there is no picture showing any kind of kiss at all, so I don't know where you got that from. Just shows them hugging.

[Diane]

I agree, ignore it. Most people know that the National Enquirer does not post factual things. Also the people that know you, (and even lots who only feel like they do), know better than to believe that kind of a story about you.

[Cutie]

I used to work for a tabloid and it's very easy to find the information you mentioned, Shawn. A program called Faces of the Nation which lists your address, telephone number (if listed, obviously yours wasn't), SS#, birthday, etc. along with names of anyone you ever lived with, family members, etc. Then you simply do a faces on those other people. The only way to stay off FACES is to become a Scientologist and buy all your property through the church!

[purple prose]

would you be interested in guest blogging for arianna huffington?

[ShariB.]

I have never been happier! I was tempted to find Nucera on his road trip so we could mock this incident together. You so called this incident happening from day one. Congrats on your infamy. You've been trolled!!!

[More Cowbell]

I, too, would be annoyed if someone accused me of swapping spit with that yappy, hyperactive, pimply, flatfaced, overrated, overpaid assclown. Blechh!

[Mrs. Knickerson's Student]

This sucks. Your wife told us about it today. I cant believe the press did this to you guys. Hopefully everything will get better cause i know all of this is bull shit. good luck.

[Lou]

Wow your wife sounds like an idiot, "Oh my GOD dude." That's a great reaction for the mother of your child when she finds out you cheated on her with Ms. Cameron "Oily Face" Diaz. Though the one brightside is that you managed to steal the star away from a younger, richer, more famous man. That must mean you're incredibly romantic, Cameron is as dumb as your wife, or this never happened. Let's see how it plays out.

[E Daly]

On behalf of English people everywhere, I'd like to apologize to you, Nick. Nothing makes me crazier than some scummy chav (google that!), sliming up to your doorstep to ask you shite. A man's home is his castle. I too live in Manhattan Beach, so if I see the revolting little man, I'll be sure to give him a good old kick in his meat and two veg.

[Wil]

Hey, Lou, do you know Shane? Do you know his wife or daughter? Have you spent a single moment with any of them?

Or are you just some stupid douchebag idiot who believes whatever he reads in a bullshit tabloid?

Who are you to say a single fucking thing about Shane or his family, you pile of worthless fuck.

Why don't you go fuck yourself, asshole, and we'll see how that plays out.

[Patti]

No one would even look at the picture if it was someone other than a celebrity. But you all have such low morals that it must be true. Of course you would risk a relationship with your soulmate by swapping spit with her. It makes so much sense :eye roll:

Hang in there. I'm sure the runaway bride will burp or Michael Jackson will break a fingernail and this will blow over like the smell of rotten trash.

[Heather/janedivided]

Wow. The trolls are really coming out of the woodwork. You've got to wonder why anyone is bothering to get accusatory over something like this. They should find something constructive to do. Take up golf or knitting or something. Being so interested in the lives of Hollywood types can't be healthy. Plus, it makes you look like a dick.

Shane, I know you know this already, but maybe it'll help to read it coming from someone else: No one with at least a couple of IQ points to rub together believes anything printed in that waste of a good tree, and anyone bothering to troll your blog needs a hobby, a job or a life.

[kriss]

Whoo, you tell him Wil!

Shane, sorry the NE slimed your way. I suppose it's publicity, but what an intrusion. :( Anyone who knows you (or reads your blog) knows it's a steaming pile of male bovine doo-doo.

[Nick]

Cameron's sneaky snog

JUSTIN Timberlake’s bride-to-be Cameron Diaz has been caught snogging a married man.

The Hollywood babe, 32, was spotted in a clinch with the TV producer while her pop star fiancé prepared to go into hospital for a throat operation.

Witness Oscar Duran said: “Cameron wrapped her arms around the guy and started kissing him on the mouth. They stood kissing for a good three minutes.”

Cameron and producer Shane Nickerson, 33 — who works on her MTV travel show Trippin’ — have enjoyed more than just a professional relationship, according to a US magazine.

Mr Duran told how he saw the pair emerging from the Oracle Post studio in Santa Monica — where Trippin’ is dubbed — and stop behind bushes in broad daylight.

He said: “They seemed to glance around to see if anyone was watching.”

Mr Duran confessed: “I was surprised they would stand there in public on the sidewalk kissing.”

Nickerson’s wife Elisa is a high school teacher. They have a one-year-old daughter Lucy.

Cameron — who starred in There’s Something About Mary — and Timberlake, 24, are Tinseltown’s golden couple after dating for 16 months.

The day after last Wednesday’s clinch, Timberlake went into hospital to have nodules removed from his throat.

The Cry Me A River singer and Cameron were pictured leaving the Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles together on Saturday.

When asked about his smooch with Cameron, Nickerson said: “Oh no! I can’t talk to you. You’ll have to talk to MTV.”

Last night Cameron’s publicist Brad Cafarelli furiously denied any romance.

He insisted: “Shane Nickerson is a friend of Cameron’s and a valued associate who works with her on her MTV show. They do not have any sort of romantic relationship whatsoever.”

Aides for Timberlake insisted he and Cameron were still very happy together.

[rick]

I think Nick is scared that Justin will kick his ass, remember he has NSync super powers

[Serena]

With all due respect to Shane's talent and the "false tabloid's" trashiness...just what *was* he doing in those pictures? I'm inclined to believe your side of the story Shane, but, honestly, why would anyone bother to carefully photoshop a (publically) unknown producer's face into a Cameron Diaz pic? Do you know the so-called eyewitness they quoted? It looks like a rather intimate hug between Ms. Diaz and yourself...what was really going on?

[Melissa]

Shane,

You know, this is the first time I've seen unfortunate rude people post to your site. I am so sorry that this is the fallout of the stupid article by the Enquirer scumpaper.

You've probably stopped reading these, but know that your regular readers will still be here. We'll just wait out these trolls.

Best of luck. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[Josh]

I gotta go with Wil on this one, as someone who has had the fortune to know both Shane and his wife in the past I'm far more inclined to believe him than some trash that's not fit to wipe my butt with.

[LoraJ]

I wouldn't wipe me a$$ with the NE.

Part of me wants to laugh, and the other wants to cry.
It's sick how they involve so many of your friends and family into their garbage.

Sorry you are going through this. But I have a feeling it will be something you will look back on and laugh at. (I hope)

[Robert]

Shane,
Obviously, what matters most is not what some POS says, but what you and your family know to be true.
What's really a shame is that there is a market for a rag that dog shit would be ashamed to wrapped in. And, a "journalist" who needs help writing a story about someone going out drinking and partying...in Vegas.
Your reply to me some time back - while brief - shows your class, Shane. And, I think the way you are handling this bs truly exemplifies what type of person you are.
Your a lucky man to have such a great wife and family.

[Cherish]

Shane, I don't even know what to say. I've only had a few conversations (if that) with you and read your blog a bit, but it's enough to see how ridiculous this all is. I'm sorry some people are being assholes, although Wil (I assume) Wheaton's reponse to that one guy made me laugh until I cried, just because he actually said what I was thinking. Anyway, just wanted to say I'm sending out good thoughts to you and your family for all the 'life kicking the crap out of you' stuff that's going on.

[Starrox]

Shane,

I've been reading your blog ever since you left a comment in Javier Grillo-Marxuach's livejournal back in February and linked one particular entry (longtime reader of WWdN, though, don't know why I didn't make it over here earlier!), but I don't think I ever left a comment... seems like a it's time to change this!

Anyway, when I read this whole thing for the first time, I couldn't help but laugh - the whole situation just seemed way too surreal! But after reading all these comments and the various "newspaper" articles and blogs, laughing is honestly the last thing I feel like doing! It's just sad how low people can sink just to sell a story, no matter how ridiculous it might be or how many people might get hurt in the process - not to mention the invasion of privacy during "research"... Maybe someone should run a similar story on the jerk(s) behind this, just to show them how much "fun" something like that can be!

[Amber]

I always have (and always will) believe that these people are the scum of the earth. I honestly don't understand why they feel the need to make up such stories and print them. What's even worse is the fact that people actually buy into all of this tabloid fodder, believing everything they read and ready to burn people at the stake for something some poor pathetic person created in their delusional mind.

(Was linked to your blog by a friend. Hope you don't mind the reply.)

[Arianna]

Shane dahling? Have you heard? I have a blog. I also have an opening because Drew broke a nail. Otherwise just chillin here all by my lonesome. Let's get together okay? Maybe suck some tongue at Wolfgang's? No cameras, I PROMISE. Or maybe just one. Call me. Please?

[Tiffany Stone]

Hey Shane,
Anyone who reads your blog regularly knows that you are a stand-up man and husband. Anyone who doubts you here is just ignorant. Hope you aren't letting this get your down.

[Jussie]

Come on. Look at the caliber of The National Enquirer. If you believe that garbage, you'll believe anything. In fact, I saw the National Enquirer run a story in one of their recent publications concerning the unfurling of a leprechaun colony - and just pages after was another story telling readers of how Big Foot stole some race car and sped away with it. Garbage, I tell ya. Garbage.

[Eric]

*Munching on the pop corn I very conveniently brought last night*

Good show, but when is Shane gonna come out with the whip and chair and rustle all these savages back to the crappy sites they came from?

Seriously though, the two things I was intending to say with this comment have already been said by Wil (when he slammed Lou for being a dumbfuck) and by Tiffany Stone just a few posts above mine. So, I'll go the easy route and give a ++ to both their comments.

Keep up the great writing Shane, and don't let this bog you down. This is one of the 3 weblogs I read regularly, and I'd hate to see things go sour after this mess.

[edward miller]

awesome. found you via the superficial!

[curious much]

http://www.timberlakestyle.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=671

[carol]

C'mon this is not just an hug.You can see is kinda affectionate.Anyway i never seen justin happy since the break up with britney so i don't even think him and cameron are/were serious.You can tell they're about to kiss!

[Amy/becky11]

Wow!?! I had no idea how much your blog had an impact! From what I read, you seem to have a great grip on reality, and by all accounts, your wife and family love you very much. Clearly, this is all going to blow over. But, I agree with JenX - I think Steve and the guys are gonna get a (perhaps sympathetic?) kick out of this one.

For those that are asking him to deny it? Well, all I can say is that he doesn't owe any one of US a *DAMN* thing. Anyone that knows him knows the truth, and the only person who he'd ever HAVE to justify ANYTHING to is his wife, who quite obviously doesn't think anything of this so, there ya go!

Best of luck dealing with the aftermath! You know that your friends, family, and regular blog readers are 100% supportive.

[Magazine Man]

Shane, just standing up to be counted among your friends. A shame about these trolls, but you just have to lump em in the same category as the rats in your attic. :-)

Just have to say: I love that the NE tabloidist (can't call him a writer) doesn't even have your name right, yet he KNOWS it's you in the picture. Pretty much sums up bottom-feeding tabloid "journalism" in a nutshell.

This too shall pass. And as my uncle would say, in the end it just becomes a really great story. May that time come soon. Meanwhile, hang in there!

[michelle]

So where's the "kiss?" All I see is Shane and CD walking by eachother, Shane doing an awful lot of nose scratching, a brief hug in which he looks kinda awkward holding his keys and a CD of something, and then they continue on. Shane actually looks like he's looking off somewhere talking to someone the whole time. And who is that 3rd person in there? I mean, for crying out loud. As for being in the bushes, it's awfully roomy back there for being someplace people don't normally walk. This whole thing is such bull. Shane, babe, I don't blame you if you've decided to not read these for awhile, you've obviously attracted some hateful idiots here, but hang in there. BTW, I think this NICK troll is actually an employee for NE.

[Heather]

Actually, I wouldn't stop at just Nick. I think all of the trolls are tabloid "reporters." Notice how they're all fishing for more information?

"Just what WERE you doing?"
"Why won't you explain?"
"Why would anyone bother to photoshop..."
Why do you care, folks? Trying to sell more trash rags? They're photoshopping because it's cheap, damn simple, and will cause herds of morons to waste their money on a paper.

No normal, sane, intelligent person is that inquisitive about a virtual stranger's life.

[Robin]

"Wil: "Any e-mail from them will just go to /dev/null anyway."

Hooray for Wil Wheaton!! the worlds biggest celebrity nerd:DDD

p.s. Tell Cameron I love her.

[Dave Greten]

Looking at the series of photos it looks like they are doing a dress rehearsal outside. Not quite a torrid affair. Sorry trolls.

[mary]

that looks like an after kiss.You and cameron probably had sex too.Her and justin are not even in love,but most likely a stunt

[Tracey]

Well the good that comes out of this is exposure to a great blog by a wonderful and insightful writer. I could care less about the drama that's going on but now I have a new must read destination.

I sincerely hope that you take your unwanted 15 mins and parley it into something good for you and your family...

[Starrox]

Congrats, Shane, you now also made it into the news in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, even MTV Germany has something on their homepage! Perfect timing (for them, of course!), Trippin' just started here about two weeks ago... *sighs*

(And in case you couldn't tell: that was sarcasm...)

[Lillie]

Shane,
OMG I miss coming here one day and the shit hits the fan. WTF? It's a damn shame the trolls found their way here via some bullshit fabrication.
To the Trolls: Who the hell cares if there was truth to this, which I'm sure there is none. Elisa and Justin would be the only 2 that should care. I mean the NE is such a trusted publication for fact right?
Will: You go hon! Tell the SOB's off. I'm with you man.
Shane: Behind you all the way! Truth is its none of our business at all. I hope this doesn't bring you down or prevent you from allowing comments or God forbid keep you from blogging cause you have a pretty good following here and its all about your talent for writing that keeps us coming back.
I'm sorry this crap had to happen on of all days mother's day but I know if any couple can get through this the two of you can.

[Jeff]

Hi Shane. I went to high school with your sister and found your blog suprisingly when I was linked from another friends' blog. I've been following this whole Enquirer thing with a chuckle and thought you'd get a huge kick that the Enquirer is now contacting people from our high school about you (and people I believe you barely knew.) Christ, that's good journalism. Anyway good luck with all this.

[Jeff]

Hi Shane. I went to high school with your sister and found your blog suprisingly when I was linked from another friends' blog. I've been following this whole Enquirer thing with a chuckle and thought you'd get a huge kick that the Enquirer is now contacting people from our high school about you (and people I believe you barely knew.) Christ, that's good journalism. Anyway good luck with all this.

[Carissa]

Those were the pictures?! The pictures showing a “makeout session”? You really have to be kidding right? You know I have always wondered what it would be like to be famous and how great it would be but here recently after seeing all the headlines that seem so far fetched and just plain crazy, I'm not sure I would want to go through that. It's rough. And what is sad is that the people who actually buy magazines like the National Enquirer and Starr probably believe what is in there. But like your friend Wil said this will all be old news next week and will be replaced with something like Angelina Jolie is having Brad Pitt’s baby or some other idiotic story.

Well that aside, I liked you site!

-I also found you via the superficial by the way.

[Jen B.]

YES! Finally a fellow KSC alum has hit the tabloids with a fury! As I was having my daily morning mockfest at a random celeb gossip website, I saw your name and almost choked on my oatmeal. I know better than to believe it, but damn, you better start perfecting your "false accusations are part of the package of being a celebrity" because you've officially made it! (the question is, will this make it into the KSC alumni mag!?)
Just remember that it'll die down as quick as it erupted - as some other schlub will surely be "caught" in a clandestine moment of "passion" with a "celebrity" (oh lord, let it be me... in the weeds... with Seann William Scott).

[Arianna]

Shane, you really DO have beautiful eyes, beautiful skin, a beautiful life. And MARVELOUS shoes. Call me hon. Okay?

[julie]

Audible Groan.

Fantastic way to start the week.

Since when does hugging constitute an affair? Sheesh, Bush was hand holding a man a couple weeks ago.

Anyone else want to make up a bunch of truthless crap and start a rag? It seems like an easy gig.

[julie]

I forgot to mention that while we had a security breach over the White House air space yesterday, your 'affair' was being discussed on the radio.

Nice huh?

[curious much]

I'm glad Justin and Cameron are over. You can have her Shane, she's nothing special :-)

[Marissa]

Speaking of trolls...

It's painfully obvious to me that a few of the trolls in the comments are slightly passive aggressive. Just a hunch. I couldn't help but notice the oddity in a few of them. If you know anything about internet culture, people don't say this kind of thing in comments:

" ... we shall wait & see."
Posted by: Nick | May 11, 2005 01:10 PM

"... Let's see how it plays out."
Posted by: Lou | May 11, 2005 04:13 PM

I'd be interested in seeing the IP addresses for these participants to see if ARIN links them to any numbers from NE. If that were the case, it's neat to see the "REAL" media stumbling around the internet trying to be sleuth.

[Pics]

http://www.defamer.com/hollywood/NE-camdiaz-sn.jpg

[k]

sue sue sue the bastards.

[Unsomnambulist]

After seeing the Cameron S&M stuff, I wouldn't blame you Shane... but...

These pics are LAME.

If this were an actual KISS, they'd have more than one shot.

If anything, those pics look like a cordial kiss and a hug - I get these from girls I've worked with for a day, let alone travelled the world with.

The tabloid freaks will be forgetting about this within the next couple weeks.

[the odder limits]

/I couldn't help but notice the oddity in a few of them. If you know anything about internet culture, people don't say this kind of thing in comments./

Which goes to show. Odd is as odd does but none like odder oddists crying oddly.

Odd: Someone caught me swapping spit with Cameron Diaz.

Odder: Oh my GOD dude.

Oddist: "Wait and see?" That's odd.

[Bree]

Wow. I was driving to school this morning when I heard this story on the radio. I had to stop and think to myself, "Wait, Shane Nickerson! I read that guy's blog, there's no way he would do that!" I gotta say it was actually pretty funny, your name was the last I expected to hear on my favorite radio station way out here in Detroit. In spite of that, I really am sorry this happened to you, I'm just glad you, your friends, and your wife especially are able to take this with a grain of salt and some humor. Take care of yourself!

[Justin]

Dude she was confused. She told me herself it was all a flashback. Frog, prince, frog, prince, frog, prince, frog ...

[Wow]

Wow. Like, you know, WOW. It ain't true. But wow. This is like so, wow, bogus. WOW.