Christie ally, not Kirstie Alley, pleads guilty

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- No, Kirstie Alley is not involved with politically motivated lane closures in New Jersey.

The actress became a trending topic throughout the U.S. on Twitter on Friday after jokes and confusion from people reading the phrase "Christie ally" in headlines.

David Wildstein is an ally of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. He pleaded guilty Friday for his role in lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in 2013.

The "Cheers" star tweeted a joke Friday morning that "THIS is how rumors once again get started."