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Nelly A No-Show At All-Star Celebrity Sweat VIP Party

Frances Vega |
February 22, 2011 | 3:10 a.m. PST

Associate Entertainment Editor

Most parties thrown at the Playboy Mansion are talked about for weeks after the fact, but Saturday’s Celebrity Sweat VIP

The Shannon Twins and Sam Jones III (Photo by Frances Vega)
The Shannon Twins and Sam Jones III (Photo by Frances Vega)
Premier Party was not memorable enough for that kind of attention.

The party, which was supposed to be hosted by rapper Nelly, was part of the NBA All-Star festivities. Several celebrities, athletes, and other VIPS were invited to the mansion for the release of the Celebrity Sweat DVD series. The series showcases the workouts of NFL, NBA, and R&B and hip hop artists.

More than 50 celebrities and athletes were slated to attend including, Andrew Bynum, Darryl Dawkins, Phil Jackson, Will.i.am, Ne-Yo, Chad Ochocinco, and Jenna Jameson.

Unfortunately, last weekend’s storm kept people away from even the hottest events of All-Star weekend. Less then half of the expected celebrities actually showed up.  Even event host, Nelly, was missing in action. Former NBA player Darryl Dawkins took Nelly’s place greeting guests at the red carpet entrance.

Standing at 6’11 with a green and black leopard suit, Dawkins had a pleasant smile on his face throughout the night. He made sure to introduce himself to everyone he saw and he gave out plenty of autographs.  Dawkins also did photo ops with the few celebrities who did show up, such as, Omar Benson Miller, Jamie Hilfiger, Drew Waters, and the Shannon twins.

Darryl Dawkins (Photo by Frances Vega)
Darryl Dawkins (Photo by Frances Vega)

Once guests went passed the red carpet they were escorted to a large white tent decorated with red couches and neon Playboy bunny centerpieces. The party was confined to one area due to the rain, which significantly took away from the allure of being at the Playboy Mansion. However, guests were treated to a few great consolation prizes. Every attendee received free copies of Celebrity Sweat and other swag from Nelly’s clothing line, Apple Bottoms. Golden Globe DJ Richie Rich was provided guests with great hip hop and dance beats throughout the night.

The party was not a star-studded event but guests did not seem to care too much. With an open bar and catering to keep people happy, everyone seemed to have a good time. By 11 p.m. many guests appeared pleasantly tipsy and most of the party was out on the dance floor. And, in classic Playboy fashion, there were plenty of scantily clad women for people to feast their eyes on.

Reach Associate Entertainment Editor Frances Vega Here



 

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