Celebrity News May 11, 2012
President Obama Parties with Clooney: All the Details
Actor and activist George Clooney held a highly publicized multi-million-dollar fundraising event for President Obama at his home in Studio City -- and we're bringing you all the details!
A campaign source revealed to Deadline.com that 150 people attended the A-list event at $40,000 a pop. The campaign declined to say how much they expected to raise, although it is estimated to be a record $15 million, making it the most lucrative fundraiser of its kind, ever.
Hollywood attendees included Clooney, his girlfriend Stacy Keibler, "Avengers" star Robert Downey Jr., Barbra Streisand, Tobey Maguire, Jack Black and Salma Hayek.
The President sat at each of the 14 tables throughout the night and joked, "This is like speed-dating... I'm a Leo,” and he stayed 4 hours, which is a rarity for a campaign fundraiser.
The President also spoke about his historic statement in support of gay marriage. “Obviously, yesterday we made some news. But the truth is: it was a logical extension of what America is supposed to be… are we welcoming to immigrants? Are we welcoming to people who aren't like us, does that make us stronger? I believe it does. So that's what's at stake.”
The event, catered by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, ended around 11 PM. The President spent the night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Whitney Houston died last February.