LAWSUIT Singing teen heartthrob Usher has filed a lawsuit against Tommy Hilfiger clothing for allegedly overemphasizing his participation in an ad campaign. Hilfiger had an exclusive deal with Miramax to cross-promote its new thriller, "The Faculty," with Hilfiger ads featuring the cast, which includes Usher. While the singer agreed to participate, he set limitations on how his likeness could be used so it would not seem like he was giving a direct endorsement. The singer, who had been in talks before with the clothing company to set up his own endorsement deal but could not come to terms, is suing for at least $1 million and an injunction for Hilfiger to stop using his likeness.

SPLITTING Boyzone (which is Ireland's answer to the Backstreet Boys), is breaking up, according to London's Daily Star tabloid. Although the band's spokesperson denies the story, the paper quotes the boys' manager as saying that after they finish their current record and all their promised concerts, they will split, probably within the next two years.

HONORED Actor Nigel Hawthorne ("The Madness of King George") was knighted Thursday by the British government. Other luminaries receiving honors included ex-James Bond Roger Moore, who was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire was given to Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty") and singers Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield.

OBITUARIES Don Taylor, who played Elizabeth Taylor's betrothed in the original "Father of the Bride" and went on to direct such movies as "Escape From the Planet of the Apes" and "Damien: Omen II," died of heart failure at the age of 78.... Johnny Moore, one of the singers from the soul group the Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk"), passed away at 64.