David Carradine's widow filed a wrongful death lawsuit yesterday against a company handling the actor's last film, claiming it failed to provide proper services to protect him.

The lawsuit is against MS2 S.A., a French company responsible for the production of the movie "Stretch."

The lawsuit claims the company promised to provide Carradine the best possible amenities and an assistant to help him navigate Bangkok but left him behind for dinner on the night before the actor was found dead.

The lawsuit also claims Carradine's widow, Anne, has run into difficulties collecting on an insurance policy that MS2 was required to have for the actor.

Carradine, 72, was found hanging naked last June in a suite at a luxury Bangkok hotel. The lawsuit does not specify how much Anne Carradine is seeking.

TENNESSEE MAY NAME HIGHWAY FOR HAYES

Legendary late soul musician Isaac Hayes may get a commemorative stretch of highway in his home state of Tennessee.

A measure to designate a section of Interstate 40 the "Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway" passed the state Senate unanimously yesterday. The House approved it without opposition in April.

The commemorative stretch would be near Memphis, where Hayes had a home until he died of a stroke in 2008 at the age of 65. He was raised in Tipton County, north of Memphis.

The bill now goes to Gov. Phil Bredesen, who is not expected to oppose it.

MARTIN ATTENDS GALA FOR AIDS RESEARCH

Ricky Martin has stepped out in style at an AIDS research organization's New York City gala celebrating men's fashion. It's one of his first public appearances since announcing he's gay.

Celebrities including Kylie Minogue and Cyndi Lauper attended last night's amfAR event, which honored the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer for his philanthropic contributions through his foundation.

Minogue hosted the black tie/black leather event. She says she is happy for Martin and feels he's "embracing and living life" since announcing in late March he's gay.

Designer Jean-Paul Gaultier was honored for his contributions to menswear and his humanitarian work.

The gala benefits amfAR's AIDS research programs.

GROUP AIMS TO SQUELCH CARTOON JESUS

A coalition of religious and conservative leaders is trying to stop a proposed Comedy Central cartoon that puts Jesus Christ in a modern-day context — before it even gets started.

The newly formed Citizens Against Religious Bigotry said yesterday that it believes the "JC" series would be offensive. They accuse Comedy Central of a double standard in mocking Christian figures and beliefs while recently refusing to let "South Park" depict the prophet Muhammad for fear of offending Muslims.

Comedy Central said last month that "JC" is one of 24 series it has in development. The concept is to depict Christ as a "regular guy" who moves to New York to "escape his father's enormous shadow."

Network spokesman Tony Fox said that "JC" is nothing more than an idea now. He said the groups should save their energy for when a decision is made about whether the series will ever be completed.