More Blame Game for a No-Go Ball

Dionne Warwick's rep says she "did everything within her power" to ensure an inaugural ball. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Dionne Warwick's rep said yesterday that the singer was an unwitting "scapegoat" for the canceled American Music Inaugural Ball -- and that she's "working with her attorneys and management" to get refunds for ticket-holders.

Spokesman Kevin Sasaki said the gala was organized by promoters Billie Schley and Guy Draper, the latter a long-ago Marion Barry appointee. Sasaki said Warwick learned at the last minute that the event was collapsing and "did everything within her power" to keep it going. She "was robbed of her name, reputation and her efforts," he said.

Schley and Draper have not responded to several messages. Is this a criminal matter? "They're looking into it now," Sasaki said. Warwick has been affiliated with Draper on projects over two decades; did she not have prior concerns? "Sometimes people entrust things to people," Sasaki said. "It's one of those things."