This one almost slipped by us, because hey, it's Thursday, it's beautiful outside and we've written enough about Australians already today. Russell Crowe — who, in just about every possible way, is the exact opposite of that "Can you hear me now?" Verizon guy — is close to settling with the Mercer Hotel employee whose face was the unfortunate recipient of Crowe's hurtling phone. Some tabloids had said it was going to cost him $11 million, but you know how those tabloids are, always bad with the decimal point. Crowe has even settled with the cops, who will charge him with a misdemeanor so he can continue to make heartwarming films about a little guy who triumphs over remarkable odds.

Crowe And Clerk In Six-Figure Deal [NYDN]

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