Stallone to be called as wiretapping witness

Sylvester Stallone and stand-up comic Chris Rock could be called as witnesses in the wiretapping trial of US celebrity detective Anthony Pellicano.

Pellicano is accused of blackmailing and making threats to Hollywood stars after acquiring confidential information on behalf of his clients.

Prosecutors have a witness list of 127, which includes Garry Shandling, Farrah Fawcett and Universal Studios president Ron Meyer, and may call any of them to the stand when the trial goes to court in Los Angeles.

The prosecution estimates that Pellicano, a retired LA police officer, earned nearly $2 million from racketeering. He is alleged to have tapped phone lines and bribed police to get confidential information to gain an advantage in divorce and business cases.

The investigation dates back to 2002. So far 14 people have been hit with charges including perjury and conspiracy.

Pellicano and his co-defendants have pleaded innocent to 110 counts of wiretapping, intimidation, blackmail and bribery. If found guilty, Pellicano could face a life sentence in prison.

Die Hard director John McTiernan was jailed last September after making false statements to the FBI when questioned about the case.

Nicole Kidman was also questioned over alleged tapped phone calls to Tom Cruise.