LONDON — Sacha Baron Cohen made a grand entrance yesterday at the British premiere of his mock documentary "Bruno," turning up in a skimpy variation of the uniform worn by Buckingham Palace guards.

The British comedian came in character as gay Austrian fashionista Bruno, in a towering bearskin hat, red military waistcoat and tight black shorts. He was accompanied by a group of similarly attired men whose waistcoats showed off their midriffs.

"I just wanted to do something that was flattering for the royal family. Something that the queen — I'm not talking about Elton John — would really appreciate," said Baron Cohen as Bruno.

"Bruno" debuts in the U.S. and Britain on July 10.

CHRIS BROWN TURNED DOWN BY HIGH COURT

LOS ANGELES — The California Supreme Court has refused to intervene or delay Chris Brown's preliminary hearing.

Court records show a petition filed by Brown's attorney was denied yesterday. Brown's lawyer had asked the state's high court last week to intervene in the R&B singer's felony assault case. An appeals court had already rejected a similar request.

Brown is due in court Monday for a preliminary hearing, after which a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to put him on trial. Brown allegedly beat up his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, in February.

BILLY JOEL CONFIRMS SEPARATION FROM WIFE

NEW YORK — Billy Joel and wife Katie Lee are confirming a split.

In a statement, the pair said they remain "caring friends with admiration and respect for each other." They got married five years ago at Joel's mansion on New York's Long Island.

A representative for Joel did not immediately respond to the question of whether the couple were getting a divorce.

This is the Piano Man's third marriage, her first.

The 60-year-old Joel is one of pop's most successful singer-songwriters. He recorded the song "All My Life" as an anniversary gift to his 27-year-old wife two years ago. Katie Lee Joel hosted the first season of Bravo TV's "Top Chef."

CHACE CRAWFORD NOW HOTTEST BACHELOR

NEW YORK — Chace Crawford, who plays hunky Nate Archibald on the CW teen drama "Gossip Girl," is People magazine's hottest bachelor of the summer.

The 23-year-old says he's "not in any rush" to get into a relationship. He says dating country star Carrie Underwood was "a whirlwind" — but has no regrets. Crawford adds: "I learned a ton about dating someone in that kind of spotlight."

Crawford is slated to star in a remake of the 1984 film "Footloose," which made Kevin Bacon a fan heartthrob.

People's list of sexy single men also includes Zac Efron, Robert Pattinson and Bradley Cooper.