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21. 01. 10. - 16:00

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21. 01. 10. - 16:00

Lugner says daughter picked Lohan for Opera bash

By Thomas Hochwarter

Richard Lugner has revealed it was his daughter who made the decision to invite scandal actress Lindsay Lohan to this year’s Opera Ball.

The 77-year-old shopping centre manager said today (Thurs): "My daughter Jacqueline said she would like me to approach Lindsay Lohan about attending the ball with us."

This means it is the third year in a row that the teenager – who is dating a 25-year-old music manager – has made the decision, as it was Jacqueline’s wish that her dad ask stripper Dita Von Teese to go to the 2008 Opera Ball with him and she wanted him to invite "Desperate Housewives" actress Nicollette Sheridan to Vienna last year.

Lindsay Lohan – whose acting credentials have been doubted by many although some critics praised her performance in the 2006 film "Bobby" – was dubbed a "fallen Disney princess" by the Austrian media when it emerged yesterday she would accompany Lugner to the 11 February event.

Newspapers are speculating how chaotic Lugner’s Opera Ball attendance will be this year as madness on the State Opera Ball’s floors has been guaranteed when Lugner and his star guests try to reach their box.

Former Opera Ball organiser Elisabeth Gürtler – who is now head of the Spanish Riding School – bickered with the entrepreneur over his role at the event as the veteran playboy was always securing the most media attention.

Her successor Desiree Treichl-Stürgkh, however, has a more relaxed relationship with Lugner. She recently dismissed claims there had been difficulties in dealing with him as he had complained about the location of his box at last year’s Opera Ball.

"Mr Lugner will be satisfied with his box," she claimed.

Lugner has been inviting international stars to the Opera Ball since 1991.

Austrian Times

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