Palin’s ex hits the red carpet with Kathy Griffin

It seems Levi Johnston, the father of Sarah Palin's grandson Tripp, is not prepared to disappear from public view just yet. Since he was dumped by Palin's 18-year-old daughter Bristol in March, Johnston has appeared on high-profile chat shows such as Tyra Banks and Larry King Live to talk about his relationship with his former fiancee and his limited access to baby Tripp. Last month, he accused the former Alaska governor of resigning to allow her to snap up lucrative TV and book offers.

On Sunday night in Los Angeles he appeared on the red carpet at the Teen Choice Awards ceremony with a new woman, 48-year-old comedian Kathy Griffin. Dressed in a pinstripe suit, Johnston held Griffin's hand and planted a kiss on her cheek. According to the entertainment website E! Online, Johnston was also in LA for a Vanity Fair photo shoot.

Griffin, who is the star of a cable comedy show My Life on the D-List, joked to reporters that the two had been an item for quite some time. "Long-distance relationships are not easy, especially when he's in his igloo and I'm in my Hollywood tower," she said as they made their way down the fake-green-grass arrivals carpet.

Asked what it was like being Griffin's date for the show, Johnston said: "I just, you know, look at her, shut up and do what I'm told." He added that if Griffin did make it to his hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, that he would like to take her hunting.

Meanwhile last year’s hit vampire film Twilight dominated the awards, which is decided by a public online vote, scooping 11 prizes including acting gongs for its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Sixteen-year-old Miley Cyrus took home six awards including wins for her teen show Hannah Montana. The teen star, who likes to cultivate a wholesome image, also did a not-so-innocent dance routine at the ceremony, pole-dancing in micro-shorts and leather biker boots. ·