In one particularly expensive episode, Tonken wrangled a private jet to fly...Cher...to Atlanta so she could appear at a fundraiser for the Dallas-based Children's Craniofacial Assn. Tonken wasn't directly connected with the event, but he believed Cher would return the favor by performing at his own Los Angeles Kids Campaign gala, to be built around the Dallas charity and other philanthropies. The gala never occurred.And it gets better....lots of celebs have been pocketing big bucks for "receiving a community service award". LOL!Once in Atlanta, Cher told Tonken that she wouldn't need his chartered Gulfstream for a return flight, so he let the plane go, even though he was obligated to pay for a round trip, according to people familiar with the situation. The singer then changed her mind and asked for a plane to return home — so Tonken chartered another jet, raising his total cost to more than $63,000. But Cher decided not to use the second jet, once sent.
An attorney for Cher declined to comment about the trips.
I know a lot of you don't (won't) subscribe to the LA Times. But, given the delicious nature of this story....not to mention Aaron Torkin's relationship to Shillery...this one is worth the free registration.