Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Neil Patrick Harris Dismisses Britney; Heather Mills on Paul McCartney Dating; Rob Lowe`s Attorney Speaks Out; Heather Mills the Baptist?; Rock of Love; Sarah Jessica Parker on Making it Work
Aired April 11, 2008 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Heather Mills says what she really thinks about Paul McCartney dating again and why she dumped water on his divorce lawyer.
Sarah Jessica Parker speaks out about how she makes her marriage work.
I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Rob Lowe`s nanny scandal. New shocking late- breaking details. For the very first time, Rob`s attorney speaks out about allegations that a former nanny tried to extort Rob out of big bucks. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, did Rob Lowe make a big mistake by going public?
"Rock of Love," what`s the deal with so many big-time stars finding love with rock stars? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT rock it is house and raises the red flag. Are those stars setting themselves up for absolute disaster?
Plus, Neil Patrick Harris` startling brand new comment that he doesn`t care that Britney Spears boosted the ratings on his show and she should be banned from coming back. Are you kidding me?
(MUSIC)
Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City. And I could not believe what Neil Patrick Harris is now saying about Britney Spears` guest shot on "How I Met Your Mother." You`d think he`d be thrilled that Britney gave his show its best ratings ever. But he wants no more of Britney. What Neil said that has us saying, "Are you kidding me?" That`s coming up.
But first, ripping the lid off Rob Lowe`s mysterious nanny scandal. Tonight, we are bringing you brand new details of what really happened behind the scenes that led to Lowe going public with claims his nanny was going to blackmail him.
The "Brothers and Sisters" star had his attorney go on nationwide TV today to set the record straight about so many mind-boggling questions we`ve been asking about Lowe`s shocking decision to go public. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the brand new revelations about the nanny-gate scandal that`s rocking Hollywood.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): It`s round two, "The Nanny Versus Rob Lowe." And this time, it`s Rob Lowe`s attorney who`s speaking out for the first time about Lowe`s allegations that Lowe`s former nanny, Jessica Gibson, tried to extort the "Brothers and Sisters" star out of some big do-re-mi.
He went head-to-head to set the record straight on why Lowe decided to go public.
MEREDITH VIEIRA, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: Why did he decide to do this in such a public way.
HAMMER: Lowe`s attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein went head-to-head with Meredith Vieira on the "Today" show to set the record straight on why Lowe chose to go public with his private fight in the first place.
STANTON "LARRY" STEIN, ROB LOWE`S ATTORNEY: When someone threatens you with personal information and false information, you either succumb to their request or you fight back. And I think Rob felt that it was appropriate when improper things are said about him to fight back.
HAMMER: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, there`s a lot of he said/she said making the rounds. One point of contention? If Rob Lowe was being extorted by the nanny, why didn`t he go to the police instead of the media first?
LISA BLOOM, ANCHOR, "IN SESSION": Normally, somebody, if they`re a victim of extortion and it`s been made public already, they`re going to go to the police. The police offered their help and he just doesn`t want it. I think that`s very suspicious and strange.
HAMMER: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Lowe`s attorney wanted to set the record on that, too.
STEIN: One thing I would like to clarify is some of the media said that Rob Lowe didn`t want the sheriff investigating the situation. That`s just not accurate. I was the one that instructed the sheriff not to investigate at the present time.
HAMMER: And the reason for shutting down the sheriff`s help?
STEIN: The reason why I did that is once a criminal investigation is started, we would be stopped in our civil investigation because they would take the fifth amendment.
HAMMER: And pleading the fifth means the nanny, Jessica Gibson, can refuse to testify under oath in a court of law on the grounds that anything she says could be used as evidence against her in a criminal court. And the only way to get to the bottom of all this is for everyone to start talking.
KATIE DARYL, TMZ.TV: They`ve got to remember, you know, Rob said that this nanny tried to extort him for $1.5 million. There`s a lot of allegations coming from his party. So it`s going to be really interesting to see what she pulls out of her bag of tricks.
HAMMER: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the nanny is pulling out a major trick from her bag by hiring high-powered attorney, Gloria Allred.
DARYL: The fact that Jessica, this nanny, has been able to pull Gloria onto her side, you know, that`s some big guns coming towards Rob Lowe.
HAMMER: Some big guns indeed. Let the fight begin.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: All of this has us asking whether Rob Lowe actually made the right move by coming forward and has he been making the right decisions along the way?
Joining me in New York tonight, Lisa Bloom, host of "Session." In Hollywood tonight, it`s Howard Bragman, the founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations.
Lisa, Howard, one of the things that I found and continue to find baffling is why Lowe didn`t go to the cops after this nanny allegedly tried to blackmail him, and in a big way, ask him for all this money. Lowe`s attorney claimed today that if the nanny refused to testify at a criminal trial, it might hurt civil action that they might take to claim some damages. Lisa, to me, I`m hearing blah, blah, blah. Would you make some sense of this for me?
BLOOM: Absolutely untrue. I`ve represented a lot of clients in civil cases in Los Angeles when I practiced there. There were pending criminal proceedings at the same time. It does not shut down your civil case in any way.
A client can take the fifth in a criminal case. A client can take the fifth in a civil case if their testimony might lead to some kind of criminal liability. But either way, you have the right to go forward in a civil case. That is just flat out wrong and untrue.
HAMMER: So what are you saying? It was a bogus excuse?
BLOOM: I think it`s very clear why he doesn`t want a police investigation because the police would ask these people questions, the nannies. They would then have the right to answer those questions. It would then be made public. Without the police involved, they have to abide by their nondisclosure agreements. They cannot speak publicly except through a complaint that`s been filed now apparently through Gloria Allred, who I should disclose is my mother. I didn`t even know she`s representing them until I read it on TMZ along with everybody else.
Let me tell you something quickly about her. She gets about 500 calls a week for help from clients. She takes one or two new cases a week, only cases that are very meritorious. So this is serious business if she`s taken on the nanny.
HAMMER: Well, kind of seems that Rob Lowe wants things to be public but only on his terms.
BLOOM: Right.
HAMMER: So I think that`s what we can garner from this. Something else we`ve been wondering about is why Lowe went so public with some of these specific details. In fact, Lowe`s attorney said today he did it so it would be, presented, quote, "in a way the public would understand."
Howard, we`ve been talking about this for days now and I think a lot of people still don`t understand. Is Rob accomplishing what he set out to accomplish, do you think?
HOWARD BRAGMAN, FOUNDER, FIFTEEN MINUTES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Well, he certainly did a got job of firing the first volley, if you will. And he`s got a big advantage in that she has a confidentiality statement; he doesn`t. So you certainly want your client to get out there and speak when the other one`s hands are tied behind her back.
That being said, if you`re not understanding and other people aren`t understanding exactly what`s going on, then he may need to do a better job. Because it`s not a one time throw a grenade and look, our job is done. It`s really a campaign that you have to do. And I think that`s why you saw Larry Stein on TV today. And I`m thinking to see more clarification. Sit back in your seats, get some popcorn, this court case. This could be a long ride, A.J.
HAMMER: Yes, I ...
BRAGMAN: This isn`t going to be over by Monday, OK?
HAMMER: The good Larry Stein who referred to, that`s Rob Lowe`s attorney. Gloria Allred representing one of the nannies here. And it`s fascinating because Lisa, you point out Gloria doesn`t take cases unless she thinks there`s real merit to them.
And the developments keep coming TMZ reporting today the nanny is now being very specific about overtime and other things that she claims she`s owed. So Lisa, it seems to me Lowe is so angry that he`s hell-bent on proving she tried to blackmail him and really could care less about settling issues like getting paid overtime. Is that your take?
BLOOM: Yes. Well, hopefully there are some clear records that will establish how much money she`s owed. If she`s owed in overtime and he didn`t pay it, the California labor Board is going to come down on him quickly and hard. It`s also going to help her if she`s demanding money from him. She can say that it was this overtime money that she was asking for to respond to the extortion claims. So I think that can really help her.
HAMMER: All right. Howard Bragman, I need you to stay with me on this next thought. Not that this was Rob`s intent nor in any way am I implying it is, but I just got to put it out there. I`d have to imagine this could actually help the ratings for Rob`s TV show, "Brothers and Sisters." People are going to want to see more Rob.
BRAGMAN: Oh, A.J., you guys are so cynical. Come on.
HAMMER: No, no. Come on. No, no, no. Hear me out.
BRAGMAN: No, we will ...
HAMMER: Hear me out.
BRAGMAN: I understand ...
HAMMER: I`m not saying that`s why this is happening. But I mean it`s a by-product and I`ll give you 15 seconds.
BRAGMAN: You know, this is not why he did this. I promise, this is not a comfortable time in his life. And you don`t hire an attorney like Larry Stein and go on TV, write this column ...
HAMMER: Howard, all right. Howard, you missed my point.
BRAGMAN: Not buying it.
HAMMER: I wasn`t - I like Rob a lot.
BLOOM: I got it.
HAMMER: I think he`s one of the nicest guys in show business. I`m glad Lisa Bloom got me. You know I`m out of time now.
BLOOM: It can happen. Of course it will help ratings.
HAMMER: Lisa Bloom, Howard Bragman, thank you for being here. I`m not that cynical.
But I do want to hear from you for how SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. So please sound off - Rob Lowe`s Nanny Scandal: Did he make a mistake by going public?" Let me know what you think, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Our E-mail address if you want to tell me you understood what I meant, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
So Britney Spears did a guest spot on the show "How I Met Your Mother." The ratings went right through the roof. How come the show`s star, Neil Patrick Harris, thinks Britney should be banned from coming back? It confounds me. It makes me say, "Are you kidding me?" That`s coming up.
Also, a showbiz special report, ""Rock of Love."" I want to know what is the deal with so many big-time stars now finding love with rock stars? But are the stars setting themselves up for absolute disaster? That`s on the way.
Also, crazy stories that Lindsay Lohan is going to do a full nude scene in a movie. Yes, that`s what they`re talking about. Lindsay`s mom, Dina, has now revealed to "Access Hollywood`s" Billy Bush, the real truth behind it. I`m going to talk to Billy and find out exactly what`s going on. Coming up next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is TV`s most provocative entertainment news show. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, there are startling reports that Lindsay Lohan is thinking about doing a full frontal nude scene in a new film. But Lindsay`s mother, Dina, has now set the record straight.
"Access Hollywood" co-anchor Billy Bush who also has a brand new radio show, "The Billy Bush Show," launching nationwide on Monday. We`re going to be talking about that with him in just a bit. Billy, joining me tonight from Hollywood. It`s good to see you, my friend.
BILLY BUSH, CO-ANCHOR, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD": Hammer, tell me what`s up?
HAMMER: All right. So I don`t know about you, but jaws dropping here in our newsroom today when we heard these reports that Lindsay might go full frontal nude in a new movie. Now, Billy I know Lindsay`s mom, Dina, E- mailed you. So what did she tell you?
BUSH: Well, I just E-mailed her and said, you know, "Is it true?" Full frontal - I know Lindsay`s trying to get more - show a more mature side of herself in film and be, you know, treated that way. And I said is the full frontal - she said, "Absolutely not true." No, it is not.
HAMMER: But there was a high believability factor here when we first heard about this, you know, given that Lindsay did that nude spread in "New York Magazine." And that really shocked a lot of people. Lindsay imitating Marilyn Monroe`s last shoot for that thing.
I would expect, and tell me what you think, that Lindsay or her mom can certainly understand why people believe stories like this about her?
BUSH: Yes. I don`t think anything shocks us anymore. I mean think about the young female celebrities in Hollywood we`ve seen naked. We`ve just seen too much of so many. You know, this - and by the way, this would be - if done correctly like in "New York" magazine which was tasteful and actually beautiful - you know, great.
In this film, sometimes nudity is called for. So she`s agreed she`s an actress. She`s been in a lot of all kinds of different movies, gritty and some funny. But it wouldn`t shock me. It`s just something that I wouldn`t expect it as a career choice to do. It sort of like a play.
You know, in Hollywood sometimes there are plays. We`re going to make a play and by getting naked, that might be a move on her part. I just don`t think that that would have been a good one at this point. It`s not necessary.
HAMMER: Probably right.
BUSH: It`s fortuitous. It`s been done. You did it in the magazine and that`s enough.
HAMMER: And I think Dina probably is quite used to the wild stories that are constantly running rampant about her and her family at this time.
BUSH: And by the way, A.J., I saw "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," the movie, last night and this is all about full frontal male nudity. It is just - it`s now evening - I think they`re making a statement about too much female nudity.
HAMMER: Yes. The playing field`s been leveled. I`ve got to ask you, though. It seems lately that when it comes to the Lohans, we`re hearing a lot more about Dina than Lindsay. She`s taken a lot of heat for this new reality show that she`s doing with Lindsay`s 14-year-old sister, Ali.
A lot of people are saying that she should obviously keep Ali out of the spotlight given all the problems Lindsay has had. And a lot of people are also saying Dina herself is just obsessed with fame. Now, Billy, I`ve got to ask you, somebody who`s obviously in touch with Dina. What`s your take?
BUSH: Well, you know, Lindsay lived in Hollywood out here without her mother`s supervision starting at 17 years old. She had like an assistant that lived with her who was in her 20s. So if she does that with Ali, in other words, sets her free out here with some 20 something-year-old looking after her, then it`s going to enough that she`ll be - major mistake.
But look at "Hannah Montana," Miley Cyrus. She`s 14, 15 years old, lives at home with mom and dad. They all live here together here in Los Angeles. She`s real balanced. There`s nothing wrong with being young and being a star. It`s just don`t be set free on the loose. If she does that, she`ll be vilified - absolutely.
HAMMER: You know, because if you look at the two different situations with all that`s been said about Dina Lohan, then you look at Billy Ray Cyrus who - you hear nothing but good things about him, and how grounded he has kept Miley.
BUSH: Yes, they go every Sunday to church. I mean there is - she gives back - on "Idol Gives Back," I thought it was fantastic when they went back to Kentucky for "Save the Children" and visited that little shack. In the home, you could see the love between father and daughter right there. And the mother is not on-camera or on-screen at all ...
HAMMER: Yes.
BUSH: But she`s really the anchor of the whole team.
HAMMER: Yes.
BUSH: It`s great. That`s a different situation.
HAMMER: That is a good example being set right there. All right. Billy Bush, thank you very much. I also want to get your take on this whole Rob Lowe nanny scandal. There`s a lot to talk about there.
And of course we`ve got to talk about your brand new syndicated radio show, "The Billy Bush Show." It launches on Monday. We`re coming back to Billy Bush on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
So, Britney Spears did this guest spot on "How I Met Your Mother." When she did it, the ratings went right through the roof. So how come Neil Patrick Harris, the star of the show, actually thinks she should be banned from coming back? This is definitely a story that made me say, "Are you kidding me?" That is coming up.
Also, I have a showbiz special report that is going to rock your world. I guarantee it. I have noticed this trend lately. You`ve got big- time stars dating and even marrying the bad boys of rock and roll. And I always thought Mr. Right rode in on a white horse, not a tour bus. I want to know, are these stars setting themselves up for a disaster?
And it could be anchors away for Katie Couric. I`ve got to tell you, I think it was a pretty bold movie for Katie to leave her "Today" show gig. The "CBS Evening News," yes, that thing hasn`t worked out so well for her. Is it time for Katie to pack it in or CBS to send her packing? That`s coming up next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, the train wreck that became Katie Couric`s nightmare is not over yet following reports that CBS is ready to show her the door, after more than a year and a half of miserable ratings on the "CBS Evening News." And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers have a definite opinion about all of this.
Joining me tonight in New York, Maggie Gallant, founder of Spotlight Communications. And joining me once again from Hollywood, PR expert Howard Bragman, founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations.
So in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, we asked our viewers straight out, "Katie Couric: Should she call it quits?" And look at this: 67 percent said yes; 33 percent said no, Katie should stay right where she is. Howard Bragman, the vote really seems to mirror the ratings. I`m not hearing a big outcry for Katie to stick around. Did the results of our poll surprise you?
BRAGMAN: No, they didn`t surprise me. This is America. We love to kick people when they`re down. But I think what they don`t take into account is, you know, when Katie got this offer a couple of years ago, she had been doing "Morning News" a long time.
You`re suddenly offered almost as much money as you make for hosting this show to go on the "Evening News," try and revive it and it was a challenge. You have to give Katie a lot of credit for taking on a challenge like that. Succeed or not, it takes a lot of courage to do what she did. And I respect her for it.
HAMMER: Absolutely. And I never questioned that, and I always think it is important particularly when you have the kind of career she has, to try to jump beyond yourself at some point ...
BRAGMAN: Exactly.
HAMMER: ... which I think was a big part of the deal for her. I have to tell you the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT inbox, jammed with E-mails.
We heard from Jay in Ohio. Jay wrote, "She is doing a good job anchoring the evening newscast on CBS despite being in third place. CBS needs to give her more time."
We also heard from Mike in Texas, Mike saying, "Katie needs a job that lets her personality shine, like the one she had before."
And Maggie, Mike`s point is one that I`ve heard from so many people for a while now. Maybe the "Evening News" is not a great fit for Katie. Should she go back to doing a morning-type show, maybe a syndicated show which has been in the rumor mill these days?
MAGGIE GALLANT, FOUNDER, SPOTLIGHT COMMUNICATIONS: Well, a lot of insiders are talking about what her next move is going to be. But she`s not going to go back to morning television.
There`s talk that maybe she`ll do a syndicated morning show. I would tell her that she should go for the "60 Minutes" gig. You know, that`s up for grabs. But she would have to take a pay cut for that. But, you know, with Katie Couric, it`s not about the money; it`s about the prestige of what she`s doing. She`s not going to go back to morning television, A.J.
HAMMER: No. And she`s made the point all along. You know what? She does not judge her own value by ratings. I think everybody wants to be successful ...
GALLANT: Absolutely.
HAMMER: ... all the same. Maggie Gallant, Howard Bragman, I do appreciate you both being with us tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
So Britney Spears did this guest spot on the show, "How I Met Your Mother." The ratings - they soared right through the roof - record breaking. So how come Neil Patrick Harris, who`s the star of the show, thinks that she should be banned from coming back? It`s a story that made me say, "Are you kidding me?" We`ll get into that, coming up.
Also, a showbiz special report, ""Rock of Love."" I want to know exactly what is the deal with the fact that so many big-time stars are now finding love with rock stars? But are the stars setting themselves up for absolute disaster? That is on the way.
And Heather Mills - she is at it again. She`s speaking out about Paul McCartney`s dating habits, and that nasty little incident, remember? We reported it right here. She threw water on his divorce lawyer. What was she thinking? I thought I had heard it all, but you`re not going to believe what Heather has to say about why she poured that water. That is coming up.
Now you can watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT anytime you`d like. All you have to do is download our podcast. It`s totally free. There are a whole bunch of them. You can watch them over and over if you like so you can see me here in the iPod. You can get the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT podcast on our Web site. Surf on over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. If you use iTunes, we`re also available there. All you have to do is type "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" into that little search box. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming straight back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Here are more stories that are new right now.
All right, stop - collaborate and listen. Rapper-turned-rocker Vanilla Ice has been arrested for domestic battery. His wife called police in south Florida and said he kicked and hit her, but later told the deputies he just pushed her. Vanilla Ice spent a night in jail back in 2001 after another domestic dispute.
And in news of more currently relevant rappers, Kanye West says his mother`s death changed his whole outlook. Kanye wrote on his blog that he`s been really putting his priorities in place. He says his mother really taught him to enjoy life. Nice going.
And Heather Mills speaking out about her ex-Paul McCartney`s dating habits even though she`s really not supposed to talk about him under the terms of their divorce. On British TV, Mills said she thinks that Paul has three different girlfriends and she wishes them the very best of luck. She also added, quote, "better them than me."
Well, if you think that`s nuts, wait until you hear what else Heather Mills is talking about. You remember when she poured water on Paul`s divorce lawyer that was during their court battle? Yes, classy move, right?
Well, I can`t believe what Heather`s now saying about that incident. This is a story that just made me say, "Are you kidding me?" You have got to stick around for that. It is coming up.
Also, a showbiz special report not to be missed. It`s going to rock your world. I`ve noticed this trend lately. Big-time stars dating and even marrying the bad boys of rock and roll. I always thought Mr. Right rode in on a white horse and not on a tour bus. So I wanted to know, are these stars just setting themselves up for major disaster?
And Sarah Jessica Parker speaking out on marriage. I`ve got to say I give her and Matthew Broderick a ton of credit - 16 years together, both actors, not an easy feat. The question is, exactly how do they manage it. It is SJP in her own words, and it is coming up.
But first, you can always stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news with our daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. You want it? All you have to do is surf on over to our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Click on the "sign up for newsletter" link at the bottom of the page so we`ll know where to send it. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, coming straight back.
(NEWS BREAK)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, backlash over Britney`s comeback. Neil Patrick Harris says, who cares if Britney Spears gave his show record ratings, he doesn`t want her back.
And if I told you what Heather Mills is telling people about why she poured water on Paul`s divorce lawyer during their court battle, you`ll do what I did and say, "Are you kidding me?"
Also, how come so many stars are now finding love with rock stars? Is this a disaster in the making? It`s a showbiz special report, ""Rock of Love.""
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City. This is TV`s most provocative entertainment news show.
Tonight, two outrageous stories that are making us say, "Are you kidding me?" Neil Patrick Harris, the star of "How I Met Your Mother" telling Britney to back off his turf. He says his show doesn`t need guest stars like her to boost his ratings. Did he not get the memo that Britney`s episode with him was the highest rated ever? Are you kidding me?
And, oh boy. That darned Heather Mills, she just won`t take her $50 million and go away. She now says that the reason she dumped water on Paul McCartney`s divorce lawyer right in the middle of court was to baptize her. Are you kidding me?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood, host of "Yo on E!" on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, Michael Yo. Here in New York, the founder of Spotlight Communications, Maggie Gallant is back with us.
Guys, I want you to take a listen to what Neil Patrick Harris said about Britney on his show and guest stars in general. This is amazing, "Our show does not need stunt casting in order to succeed. I worry that if they start `Will and Grace`-ing us too much, that the show will suffer. And we`re all really proud of the content of the show. I mean, viewership is not our game."
Hello? Are you kidding me? I think that applies here. Michael, you know, I like Neil Patrick Harris a lot. But does he think he`s the star of "Masterpiece Theater" of something here?
MICHAEL YO, HOST, "YO ON E!": No. You know what? I totally agree with him. I mean who would want a million extra viewers? I mean that`s terrible to have a million extra viewers. Just if 20 percent of the people came back and watched the show, you would have an extra 200,000 viewers.
I don`t know where he`s coming from. He`s a great actor, but how can you say you don`t want Britney Spears when Tina Fey wants her on "30 Rock," when all these other shows are reaching out to Britney Spears and they want her? Yes you need to get her to get ratings. And ratings is how you stay on the air.
HAMMER: Yes, I hear his point but yet, it doesn`t seem to make a whole lot of sense. Now, Neil Patrick Harris also says he doesn`t want to start "Will and Grace"-ing the show," meaning he doesn`t want this parade of guest stars that that show quite successfully, I might add, had.
Here`s the thing, Maggie Gallant. Maybe you can help me out. Perhaps Neil Patrick Harris, nice guy that he is, maybe he bumped his head, forgot he was a guest star on "Will and Grace".
GALLANT: Right. I mean who is this guy? Apparently he`s now not an actor. He`s now a network executive making decisions about viewership. So apparently his expertise is not just in Shakespeare, but he now thinks that he can attract advertisers. I mean, are you kidding me?
HAMMER: Well, you look at him in that suit right there. Maybe he is going to be running the network one day. I don`t know. He is a very smart guy and he`s had quite a career.
All right. We need to move on to yet another story that has me saying, "Are you kidding me?" You always have to wait for the punctuation there.
Heather Mills just refuses to leave well enough alone. In a brand new interview, Heather is `fessing up to exactly why she attacked her ex- husband Paul McCartney`s attorney with water in open court.
Let me read this fine quote for you - quote, "Mrs. Shackleton said something under her breath so I cleansed and baptized her. I thought she looked fantastic. I thought it did her a world of good."
All right. Heather just got picked, as you all know, to be a judge at the Miss USA pageant. Michael Yo, do you think Donald Trump needs to be worried that he and his legendary hair could become the next Heather Mills target? Do you think he should invest - I don`t know, in like a hat or a big umbrella or something?
YO: No, I don`t think Donald Trump has anything to worry about. Yes, I mean his hair is messed up anyway. It probably be an improvement if she dumped water on his head.
HAMMER: It`s true.
YO: But I mean with Heather Mills, after she dumped the water, what is she going to do? Run away? Donald trump would catch her. I mean it`s not that hard to do with Heather Mills.
HAMMER: Hey! All right. OK. I didn`t want you to travel down that road, Michael.
YO: Hey, I`m sorry. I`m sorry.
HAMMER: I`m going to have to move on that Maggie now. By the way, I think it`s fair to point out that it was on the very same morning show where Heather explained this desire to baptize Paul McCartney`s lawyer that she also once produced what I think is just such a gem. Can we roll that?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HEATHER MILLS, PAUL MCCARTNEY`S EX-WIFE: I`ve had worse press than a pedophile or a murderer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, I just can`t see that enough. Maggie, that GMTV where she said the murderer-pedophile thing, and where she also talked about the baptism. Do you think GMTV just has her on - I don`t know - from time to time to hear what kind of weird things she`s going to say next?
GALLANT: Well, you know what you`re getting into when you book her on a television show just like Donald Trump knew what he was getting into when he asked her to be a part of the pageant. That clip just keeps getting funnier to me. And now, I`m starting to understand, actually, what she`s saying after I`ve heard it about 150 times. I`m just now figuring it out.
HAMMER: Charles, re-rack that because I may ask you to play it again. Have it on standby. Michael, do you think the reason she gets worst press than a murder or a pedophile is because, you know, she insists on saying crazy stuff on TV all the time?
YO: She says crazy stuff on TV all - She`s just a very bitter woman. She wanted $250 million. I mean, come on. She only got $50 million. Marlee Matlin on "Dancing with the Stars" is doing better than she did. I mean she has a lot to be bitter about right now, you know.
HAMMER: I just - I`m getting word in Charles Redman(ph) our director. We have that clip ready to roll. Charles, lay it in for me, would you?
YO: Yes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MILLS: I`ve had worst press than a pedophile or a murderer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Maggie, do you think somebody needs to pay Heather Mills another $50 million just to go away?
GALLANT: Well, A.J., I actually took a coffee mug and went around to all your producers and they all gave me money to offer her up. So I think if we go around, I think we could get quite a few volunteers to give some money.
HAMMER: Producers from this show?
GALLANT: Oh, yes.
HAMMER: Wow. Probably didn`t hit up Dave Levin, I`m guessing. Michael Yo, Maggie Gallant, I do appreciate you both being here tonight and settling up some of this stuff that really had me saying, "Are you kidding me?"
All right. We see how Heather Mills` love with a rock star obviously turned into a big disaster. Here`s this trend I`ve noticed lately. Big- time stars dating and even marrying the bad boys of rock and roll. Should I be warning them not to make the plunge, not to end up like Heather and Paul? I mean, are these stars really just setting themselves up for disaster? It`s a showbiz special report you won`t want to miss.
And what is Julia Roberts revealing that you are definitely going to find surprising? Well, "Access Hollywood`s" Billy Bush spilling the beans to me, coming up next.
And wait until you hear the swipe "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker took at the tabloids who have this countdown clocks on her marriage to Matthew Broderick? Definitely not to be missed. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You`re watching TV`s most provocative entertainment news show.
Tonight, a showbiz special report, Hollywood`s ""Rock of Love."" It is an age-old tradition. We all know groupies have always loved rock stars and vice versa. Well, now SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you we`ve noticed this trend. Not just groupies, but Hollywood`s biggest stars are falling head over heels for hard rockers as well.
Ashlee Simpson and Fall Out Boys bassist Pete Wentz just got engaged. And that got us thinking, what is the deal with celebrities hooking up with rock stars? It`s our showbiz special report, Hollywood`s "Rock of Love."
Joining me tonight in New York, Cooper Lawrence, psychology expert, and syndicated radio host. And in Hollywood tonight, Shira Lazar, entertainment reporter and anchor for LXTV.
Shira, Cooper, Ashlee Simpson certainly has plenty of company. Paris Hilton, as a matter of fact, just declared she`s in love with Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden and she revealed this on her MySpace blog, of course. Writing, quote, "I`ve never felt so happy and in love." Cooper, what is the deal with this attraction to rock stars?
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGY EXPERT: Well, it`s the perfect couple really, if you think about it because she doesn`t have any competition with him. It`s not like they`re in the same industry where they have to worry about the same jobs or that kind of thing.
Plus, they really understand each other`s lifestyles. It`s not like you`re dating somebody that doesn`t understand the paparazzi and the idea that we`re all interested all the time in everything they do. So they get each other without being competitive. It really is a very good match.
HAMMER: I actually find it very interesting, Cooper, that you think it is a very good match because I beg to differ.
LAWRENCE: I know, you hate them.
HAMMER: Well, no. It`s not that I hate them.
LAWRENCE: As a couple.
HAMMER: Let me get Shira`s take on this. Because Shira, I mean, think about this. I`d have to imagine a hard-rocking guy like Benji Madden is getting a lot of flak from his fans for dating after all people, the princess of benign, Paris Hilton.
SHIRA LAZAR, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER: Yes, it comes in when you think of South and West Africa are two countries. I mean there`s not a lot of respect there. But I think we`re seeing these rockers. They`re not like the hard core rockers we saw back in the day like Mick Jagger or even Marilyn Manson.
I mean these guys are like almost like metro-sexual fluffy rockers. I mean it`s not like it was back in the day. And they like bringing their women along with them on tour. They`re not doing the sex, drugs and rock and roll like it was back in the day.
I mean - and they are also doing all these appearances or in "Us Weekly." I don`t think that`s what Mick Jagger did. I don`t think he was looking for his next "Us Weekly" interview back then.
HAMMER: Yes, and I don`t know if Mick Jagger thought he was going to be together with his partner for the rest of his life.
LAZAR: Exactly.
HAMMER: But I`d like you to get face to face with Benji Madden and call him metro-sexual fluffy rocker. All right.
LAZAR: That would be cool.
HAMMER: Let`s talk about Nicole Richie, though. Because Nicole just had a baby with another Good Charlotte band member who happens to be Benji`s brother, Joel Madden. This is another example of a star and a rocker. Joel happens to be overseas touring right now.
And Cooper, that brings to mind for me, the point of why this might not work. You`ve got the traveling, you`ve got the groupies and the musician`s life. So with those things taken into consideration, are Nicole and other stars setting themselves up for disaster and heartbreak by hooking up with the rockers?
LAWRENCE: It makes it so much harder, especially when you first have a new baby or you`re a new couple starting out because he`s never around. So any resentment you`re going to feel, you`ve got some grounds for it.
And then, any issues you have with your relationship, you don`t get a chance to deal one-on-one with the person. You don`t get the chance to have face-to-face with them if they`re always traveling.
So when they`re home, the time is precious. So you can`t really be real with them and do the day-to-day stuff. You have to really preserve that time you have together. And it makes the relationship kind of fictitious in a way.
HAMMER: And I think that`s something that a lot of people who are not necessarily rockers and stars can even relate to. However, it does have the ability to work. And one couple that`s had that rare ability, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cold Play front man Chris Martin. I think they`re a great example.
In fact, in the upcoming issue of "British Glamour" magazine, Gwyneth called the rumors that her marriage is in trouble just ridiculous. And Gwyneth also said that you`ll never see them out publicly. We just don`t - she says, "We just don`t want to be one of those couples." Shira, it seems to me that every star and rocker couple should really pay attention to their example.
LAZAR: Oh, yes. It`s hard enough to maintain a normal relationship as real people. But imagine being in the public eye. I think that`s the thing to do. I mean don`t go out there. Don`t constantly be getting pictures taken by the paparazzi.
And don`t read what`s in the news. The more energy - I think negative energy gets put out there in all these magazines about people`s relationships, you almost start questioning yourself like, is that real? Is that really true? Is my relationship falling apart? So might as well just not put it out there at all.
HAMMER: What do you think, Cooper? Is there one lesson you can tell me in 20 seconds that the stars can learn to make their rocker relationships work?
LAWRENCE: I think those work because they`re older. When you`re younger and don`t know who you are, you let fame tell you who you are. So it`s really important to know who you are before you start listening to the tabloid stuff.
HAMMER: We wish all of them the very best of luck in a rock and roll kind of way. Shira Lazar, Cooper Lawrence, thank you for being here tonight.
LAWRENCE: Thanks, A.J.
LAZAR: Thanks.
HAMMER: Rob Lowe at the center of a major scandal. I`m going to ask "Access Hollywood`s" Billy Bush whether Rob Lowe did the right thing by going public about his claims that his nanny is trying to blackmail him for more than $1 million. Did he start the scandal? Rob, not Billy. It`s the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And I`ve got to tell you, I love Sarah Jessica Parker. And there`s a reason she`s keeping what happens behind closed doors in her house behind closed doors. Wait until you hear why she`s doing that when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT comes right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, TV`s most provocative entertainment news show. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, big new developments in the Rob Lowe/nanny blackmail scandal. Lowe`s attorney speaking out for the very first time today saying Lowe wants it settled in civil court and not make it a criminal case.
Back with me tonight from Hollywood, "Access Hollywood" co-anchor, Billy Bush. Billy hosts the syndicated radio show "The Billy Bush Show." It makes its debut nationwide. Congratulations on that, by the way. We`ll talk about that in just a moment.
But first of all, a lot of us were really surprised, Billy, that Rob Lowe was the first one to go public, accusing his nanny of trying to blackmail him saying she was going to make wild claims about him. You know, Billy, usually a star responds after the accusations are made. This was a little backwards from what we`re used to. Do you think Rob made the right move?
BUSH: I think he did. I mean, you know, sort of weighed it too, two ways in the beginning like, well, either he`s got something to hide and he`s so nervous about something so he`s going on the attack. Or he`s setting a precedent- "I`m going on the attack. I`m not going to let this kind ..."
You know, it`s kind of scary to think about - things should stop at your front door. I mean if all of a sudden these nannies and former chefs and employees and people you have in your house are ratting you out and trying to make a buck on you, that`s scary stuff. So I think - he reacted, I think how I would have if someone made an accusation on me.
HAMMER: Yes. It can be a very slippery slope. Obviously, it`s such a big deal when privacy is concerned. Of course, celebrities like Rob Lowe have confidentiality agreements signed by people like nannies. And as celebrities and privacy continue to be a big issue, you actually spoke for your "Billy Bush Radio Show" - Julia Roberts, you spoke to her and she`s been really outspoken about the paparazzi and how they just need to get out of her face. What else did Julia open up to you about that could get there?
BUSH: Julia Roberts, you know, is great. It was frankly calling in a favor. I begged her publicist and said, "Come on, it`s debut night. Give me some Julia action." And she asked Julia and Julia said fine. And we talked a lot about - actually, she had just gotten off the Oprah set taping an episode with Oprah about this book that she`s co-written with a friend on living the green life.
And so I just asked a little bit about her own. Because people are kind of stuck on how to go green. It`s expensive sometimes. Hybrid cars cost more than you`d think. And, you know, putting solar power on top of your house costs a lot. And she said, "Well it`s up to people with a lot of money, people like me, to just make the change. The more people with money that make the change, things will change and others will be able to follow." So she`s got solar power in L.A. and New Mexico.
And she`s really quite smart on the topic. So I engaged her on that. She`s got a new movie coming out. And we talked about her love and passion for her husband and the fact that she`s doesn`t let her kids watch much TV at all, which means they never see you, A.J.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, that`s OK. You know, I think she`s still setting a great example. And she doesn`t see you either, Billy. So there you go.
BUSH: That big laugh, though. She`s got that big laugh and I heard it two or three times, which is like - it`s an intoxicant.
HAMMER: And an unbelievable smile. On your radio show and the cool thing about doing radio as we both know is you have a lot more time to speak your mind. And you`re going to get to do that, I imagine, a lot more about what`s really going on in Hollywood than you`re accustomed to. Are you looking forward to venting a little bit?
BUSH: Yes, absolutely. I mean "Access Hollywood" goes by really fast. There`s a lot of information in it. But then, you know - I want to be able to expand a little bit. I want people to come in. I want to be able to express some opinions. I want to be able to - In a freer form like that, it`s amazing what can happen on radio.
You can really get into stuff and you can push the envelope a little bit. And I will do that. I push it enough on "Access Hollywood" with the small time that we have. Now, I`ll be able to get in there with people and get something done. Good questions - big questions and big stars.
HAMMER: Well, congratulations on it, man. And good luck with it. It`s always good to see you. Billy Bush, I appreciate it.
BUSH: A.J., thank you, man. Take care.
HAMMER: You got it. Don`t miss the debut of the "Billy Bush Show" launching nationwide Monday on the Westwood One Radio Network. Check your local listings.
We`ve been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Rob Lowe`s Nanny Scandal: Did he make a mistake by going public? Let me know what you think - CNN.com/ShowbizTonight is where you go to vote. You can also E-mail me with more of your thoughts at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Somebody else who is going public, Sarah Jessica Parker. I`ve got to hand it to her. The "Sex and the City" star taking the bull by the horns, setting the record straight on her marriage. Let me tell you. If you`ve got a countdown clock on her marriage, you want to hear what SJP has to say. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming straight back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. It is time now for "Making It Work." This is where we look at the secrets of successful romance in showbiz. And I can tell you, here in New York, "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick, they are considered royalty. And I`ve got to think, one of the reasons is because after 16 years, their relationship has beaten the odds. And more importantly, they`ve kept their private lives, well, private. Friday on "The View," she set the record straight on how they`ve been able to deal with their marriage being the target of tabloid magazine after tabloid magazine.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELIZABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": You`re both so successful and supportive of one another. You know, we`re always reading about when there are two successful people - we read these studies that it makes it harder. What do you think has been the ingredient to keep you guys so strong? Because you have an incredible marriage. You do a great job keeping your lives private.
SHARI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Really private. We don`t know anything about you and Matthew.
SARAH JESSICA PARKER, ACTRESS: And nothing will change today. His work for us is really not making great proclamations about our marriage. Our marriage is what all marriages are.
HASSELBECK: Work in progress?
PARKER: Yes. And, you know, it`s a great privilege to be part of it. And, you know, sometimes I`m really bad at it and sometimes I`m better at it. And sometimes ...
SHEPHERD: What about the paparazzi? Don`t they bother you?
PARKER: Every single day. But that can`t enter into what the -
BARBARA WALTERS, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": You and Matthew - you walk down the street. You try to - you sort of face it. You don`t run and hide.
PARKER: Yes. I mean I don`t know what else to do. It`s just the nature of the way things are now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, nicely done, Sarah Jessica Parker. Matthew Broderick, by the way, was once asked what marriage brings you. His response, and this is a quote, "Nice soap."
All right. Well, Thursday we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was - "Katie Couric: Should she call it quits?" Yes, 67 percent of you said yes; 33 percent of you said no.
Among the E-mails - J.D. in Florida writing, "Katie was never worth the money they paid her. It`s not the show or the news, it`s Katie herself."
We also heard form Michael in Texas who writes, "I`d like to know what is wrong with Katie Couric as an anchor on the "Evening News." She speaks well. She does not smoke or drink on the air. She does her job and goes home. What else do people want from her? Tap dancing?"
HAMMER: You know, maybe tap dancing is exactly the key. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And remember, you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific, and weekday mornings at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. The latest from "CNN HEADLINE NEWS" is coming up next.
END
