May 18, 2009 6:39 pm US/Central
Patti Blagojevich Expected To Do Reality TV Show
Her Deposed Ex-Governor Husband Has Been Denied The Privilege
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich is expected to go to Costa Rica in her husband's place for the reality TV show, "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!"
CBS
Former Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich is expected to brave the Costa Rican jungle in the reality TV show, "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me out of Here," since her indicted husband has been denied the privilege.
Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky said Monday that NBC has offered Patti Blagojevich a spot on the show, but she hasn't reached a deal.
"I honestly have no idea whether she's going to do it or not, but obviously she's going to have to make a decision soon because I think the show starts in June," Sorosky said. "As soon as I know I will let everybody know because there are no secrets."
NBC had no immediate comment, network spokesman Gary Mednick said Monday.
Deposed Gov. Rod Blagojevich had been offered a role in the show by NBC, but U.S. District Judge James F. Zagel denied the motion last month over concerns that Blagojevich might be a flight risk.
Blagojevich publicist Glenn Selig would not immediately confirm or comment on the information.
The former governor, who has been struggling with his finances since being arrested and charged with corruption last December, was hoping to take away the sum of at least $320,000 he was expected to earn from the show.
In lieu of the former governor, NBC has offered Patti Blagojevich a slot on the show, Sorosky said.
"There's a big flurry about this, but there is nothing new, it's the same offer," Sorosky said.
Contrary to some rumors Patti Blagojevich has not left for California, said Sorosky, who added he "advised the family to follow Judge Zagel's sage advice and stay in Chicago and prepare for trial."
Even though he can't go to Costa Rica,
Blagojevich has been hoping to have some role in the show.
While Blagojevich had to surrender his passport after being charged, he can still jet around the country, and he flew to Los Angeles last month to film a promotional spot for the show. He was strapped into a harness and hoisted in front of a blank green ChromaKey screen to simulate a parachute jump with wind machines in front of him.
Actor Stephen Baldwin is among the others participating in the show, and he had hoped former Gov. Blagojevich could participate. He said the Blagojevich would "add intensity and spice" to the show and should be allowed to participate because he is innocent until proven guilty.
Former NBA basketball star John Salley, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of "The Hills," Janice Dickinson, former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar, and Torrie Wilson are also signed on for the show, according to published reports. Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and Dog the Bounty Hunter are also expected to participate, published reports said.
Patti Blagojevich is named throughout her husband's indictment as having received payments from convicted fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, but she is not charged with anything. She was fired earlier this year from her $100,000-per-year job as chief fundraiser for the Chicago Christian Industrial League homeless agency.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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