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Showbiz Tonight
The YouTube Lady`s Latest Rant; Is Katie Couric Blaming Sexism for Her Bad Ratings?; "The View" Feuds; Is the Christian Bale Controversy Bad for the Movie?; The Miley Mania
Aired July 23, 2008 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: The wacky YouTube divorce lady is at it again. She gets some big bucks but still won`t go away. You`ve got to see her latest rant.
And a Katie Couric shocker. Is she really blaming her bad ratings on sexism?
I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT TONIGHT, startling new "View" controversy. Tonight, the tear-filled battle over the N word spills over on live TV. Plus, Sherri Shepherd`s unbelievable words about Barbara Walters and religion. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the explosive new "The View" shockers that everyone is talking about.
Stunning new details about the jaw-dropping Batman arrest. Tonight, as "The Dark Knight" star denies charges of assaulting his mom and sister, we ask this stunning question, could these mind-blowing allegations dramatically hurt the movie? "Showbiz" investigates.
Plus, Miley Cyrus` dad, Billy Ray, opens up like never before. The secrets of their family life revealed.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, broadcasting tonight from Hollywood. A.J. Hammer is off. And just when you thought the battle had ended, the wacky YouTube divorce lady is at it again. And this time, she claims she`s setting the record straight once and for all. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRICIA WALSH-SMITH, YOUTUBE DIVORCE LADY: I will not be bullied. And I repeat, I will not be bullied, coerced or anything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I`m scared. Are you? Tonight, the woman who took her divorce battle online is lashing out after a judge rules in favor of her husband. So, why is she claiming victory? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there for this rant that you don`t want miss this, coming up.
But first tonight, "The View" unraveled? A new bitter controversy on the daytime talk show. Major drama and tears over the N word on live television creating some serious tension on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE." It`s the heated debate that`s making news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): Controversy is nothing new for the ladies of "The View." But this time, a discussion about the N word sparked the firestorm that still hasn`t been extinguished. It started like many of "The View`s" hot topics and turned into a battle royale.
SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": It means something way different to me than it does to you. I grew up with my family using it. For me, I can use it as a term of endearment.
BARBARA WALTERS, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": But if I used it, I don`t want to hear it come out of your mouth.
ANDERSON: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, that was only the beginning. Whoopi Goldberg had plenty to say and the war of words that followed could only be described as tearfully uncomfortable, especially for "The View`s" Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I understand your example. But Elisabeth, as I said at the beginning when we first talked about this word, this is a word that has meaning when you give it meaning.
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": We live in the same world.
GOLDBERG: We do live in different worlds. I`m sorry.
HASSELBECK: You know what -
GOLDBERG: I`m sorry. It`s the way it is, Elisabeth. This is the way it is.
HASSELBECK: This is upsetting to me because -
GOLDBERG: Oh, baby -
WALTERS: OK. Just take a breath and let someone else talk.
ANDERSON: As much as mother Barbara seemed to try and run interference, this ball game was clearly out of her bounds.
HASSELBECK: This is upsetting to me because -
GOLDBERG: Oh, baby -
WALTERS: OK. Just take a breath and let -
ANDERSON: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you this game plan has been a Super Bowl-style winner for this 11-year-old daytime talk show.
SHALLON LESTER, "BUSH & MOLLOY" DAILY NEWS COLUMNIST: I think that these women have found a formula that works for them. They branched out from the typical morning show format of one opinion, one side and they`re using their own opinions, and they`re also fiery.
ANDERSON: Now, the fiery debate is spilling over onto live TV, forcing some to question whether the brass at "The View" know exactly what they`re doing. The home run hit came Tuesday night while "View" co-host Joy Behar was filling in for CNN`s Larry King.
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Feelings about the use of that racial epithet ran very high on "The View," especially between my co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Take a look.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has to ask, is it pure coincidence that Joy would bring attention to "The View`s" latest controversy?
LESTER: No, I don`t think it was a coincidence. I think she thought, "Hey, it worked once. It could work again."
ANDERSON: And it did. The debate bubbled over with Joy`s panel on "LARRY KING" calling out her co-hosts from "The View." First up, commentator Nancy Giles calling out Whoopi.
NANCY GILES, COMMENTATOR: I respect Whoopi Goldberg very much. I think she`s hilarious, but because she says that we, African-Americans, have decided to take over the word and whatnot, that doesn`t really mean that`s what everybody that`s black thinks. I hate that word. My parents never used that word.
ANDERSON: And just like that famous line in the movie "Field of Dreams" (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Whoopi Goldberg was coming to play ball, calling in to Larry King to clear the air.
GOLDBERG (on the phone): I wanted to point something out. At no time do I ever think I`m speaking for any black folks.
ANDERSON: And then it was Elisabeth`s turn, calling in to Larry King after Fran Drescher made a comment about Elisabeth`s crying.
FRAN DRESCHER, ACTRESS: I don`t understand what you were crying about. That`s all I was commenting on.
HASSELBECK: Have you ever been emotional about something?
(CROSS TALK)
DRESCHER: But I don`t want to get into an argument with you about it. I mean, you`ve made your point endlessly.
ANDERSON: Endless examples of how the women of "The View`s" varying viewpoints on controversial topics are striking a chord with so many people. Striking a chord and winning over their audience on "The View," day after day.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Certainly, the women of "The View" have to realize that this is definitely a formula that works, that if they talked about something that`s controversial and if they talk about something in the news that other people maybe are afraid to talk about, people are going to watch.
ANDERSON: At least that`s what they`re hoping.
BEHAR: I think it`s nice for "The View" that we get this kind of attention.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: So are these "View" feuds a sign that the show is unraveling or is all this controversy good for ratings?
Joining me tonight from New York, Carolina Bermudez, senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." In Hollywood tonight, Jane Velez-Mitchell, investigative journalist and author of "Secrets Can Be Murder."
Carolina, Jane as we just saw, Joy Behar couldn`t stay away from the recent "View" controversy while hosting "LARRY KING LIVE" on Tuesday. Jane, was it impossible not to address it because it has struck such a chord, or does it seem like maybe a calculated attempt to drive more people to watch "The View"?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: Well, it`s both. She had to talk about it, Brooke, because everybody`s talking about it. And that`s the brilliance of "The View" creating national debates on a daily basis about serious issues. Bravo to "The View." These are serious times and we should be talking about serious issues and women shouldn`t be in a cultural ghetto of recipes and fashion. And these women are breaking through.
It all began with Rosie O`Donnell, I believe, talking about the war in Iraq and debating that. And once you made that turn and opened that door, it`s very hard to go back. And it`s wonderful. I`m reading Barbara Walters` book, "Audition" right now and she talks about her struggle to be accepted as a serious journalist as a woman way back when. Well, what could be a better reward than now having all these women ...
ANDERSON: Yes.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: ... discussing national serious issues, being taken seriously and actually really setting the agenda for the debate.
ANDERSON: Yes, Jane, I think it`s wonderful that they can so openly talk about their feelings and views. And Elisabeth Hasselbeck, of course, always expresses her opinions freely and as we mentioned, she was, once again, at the center of another heated disagreement. This, when she called in to "LARRY KING LIVE" Tuesday while Joy was filling in. This time, she locked horns with guest, Fran Drescher. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HASSELBECK (on the phone): This N word debate is happening for a reason, and if you can`t answer the question, and say, "Yes, I would teach that word to my child," which I`m not sure many people would say they would do.
DRESCHER: I think, Elisabeth, you`re now -
HASSELBECK: Then, I think you have to examine that process - examine that thought process. I believe that most would say, "No, I don`t want that word to be taught to my children, whether we are white, black - no matter our racial -
DRESCHER: I don`t understand what you were crying about. That`s all I was commenting on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: A little bit awkward there. Carolina, Elisabeth is constantly butting heads when discussing hot topics. Is that just what "The View" wants or could it actually backfire and maybe turn some people off?
CAROLINA BERMUDEZ, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Well, the producers love Elisabeth Hasselbeck just for this reason. She`s emotional, she`s passionate and she`s very invested in her opinion and she`s willing to fight for it. And I think that`s what they really want. They want people to feel like they`re being represented by women that they can connect with. And some people do connect with Elisabeth and she feels like she represents them well. But I mean, it was really awkward for her to call in. It`s almost like, come on, Elisabeth, pick your battles.
ANDERSON: And I agree with you, controversy does sell and those producers know that and are very smart in how they do that and produce their shows.
But Elisabeth and Whoopi, though, not the only ones making waves right now. In a revealing interview with African-American Christian magazine "Precious Times," "View" co-host Sherri Shepherd makes some startling revelations about promiscuity, abortions she`s had, death and her hope to convert Barbara Walters. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEPHERD: The joke that I said was, "Oh, sometimes I say, `Lord, Juanita Bynum or Joyce Myers will be so good at this table,`" because that`s how they talk to the Lord. "Will be so good at this table, and they could lay hands on Barbara Walters and get her saved." I called Barbara in France and I told her and Barbara laughed. Barbara, if I offended you in any way, I apologize. I love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: So there`s no love lost between Barbara Walters and Sherri Shepherd. But Jane, Barbara is the big boss of the show. Do you buy it that Barbara was really OK with this little joke, as Sherri called it?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I totally buy it. First of all, Barbara Walters has heard it all. She`s like a psychiatrist. She`s the one who gets people to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets not only to her but to the entire world. So, nothing`s going to shock her. That obviously was said sort of in a light-hearted fashion so I don`t think it was offensive.
And as far as Sherri being honest about her past, good for her.
ANDERSON: Yes.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I know a lot of people from the `60s and the `70s who had a lot of wild sex and did a lot of drugs and now they act like they never did any of it, and they`re a bunch of hypocrites. And I applaud her for being truthful.
ANDERSON: Yes. I find the honesty very refreshing. Carolina Bermudez, Jane Velez-Mitchell, we will leave it there. Thank you both.
Now, the controversy, though, with Sherri Shepherd didn`t end with Barbara. Shepherd also addressed comments she made about having, quote, "more abortions than she can count." Shepherd later said she was not glamorizing abortion, just trying to share the fact that she had a lot of guilt about that part of her past and that it took her a long time to forgive herself.
Well, that latest "View" controversy has shocked so many people and so has the stunning arrest of Christian Bale, Batman in "The Dark Knight." It`s so bizarre. Bale is accused of assaulting his mother and sister. Tonight, a strange new twist - will his arrest dramatically hurt the movie?
ANDERSON: And stunning new Miley Cyrus secrets. Tonight, her dad, Billy Ray, opens up like never before about his daughter and their family. What is life really like for the ""Hannah Montana"" star? Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH-SMITH: I will not be bullied. And I repeat, I will not be bullied.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The YouTube divorce lady is mad as heck about her divorce decision. You know, she was just awarded $750,000. So isn`t it time for her to just shut up? You`ve got to hear what she`s saying now, straight ahead.
Remember, you can watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT video anytime you want. We`re always posting new stuff for you to watch at our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL CAINE, ACTOR: Know your limits, Mr. Wayne.
CHRISTIAN BALE, ACTOR: Batman has no limits.
CAINE: Well, you do, sir.
BALE: Well, I can`t afford to know them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That`s Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in "The Dark Knight." Bale has learned the hard way that he, too, has limits.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, a shocking new twist in the Christian Bale arrest scandal. Bale`s movie, he plays Batman in "The Dark Knight," continues to smash box office records. But serious new questions now after London police arrested him Tuesday after his own mother and sister claimed that he assaulted them. Bale denies everything and wasn`t charged, but will this hurt the movie and this big star?
Joining me tonight from New York, David Caplan, staff editor for "People" magazine. In Hollywood, Russell Wetanson, pop culture and legal expert.
David, Russell, "The Dark Knight," as we know, an absolute phenomenon. It`s breaking almost every record on the books. It`s the biggest movie in the country right now. Bale, of course, as I said, denying the allegations. But regardless, this is the film`s star; this is Batman himself. David, is there any way this scandal could put a dent in the movie`s box office draw?
DAVID CAPLAN, STAFF EDITOR, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: No, I don`t think this will put a dent in the box office draw. All it`s doing is really adding longevity to people`s interest in the film. It`s giving sort of another news peg to the movie. We already had the initial interest in the film because of Heath Ledger. Now, there`s another horn to toot so all it means the more people are hearing about the film and now they want to see it.
ANDERSON: Well, you`re saying generate more interest. Some do say, David, there`s no such thing as bad publicity. So, Russell, do you agree with David that this could actually have the reverse effect, make more people interested in a film that is already generating monster bucks?
RUSSELL WETANSON, POP CULTURE AND LEGAL EXPERT: Brooke, I absolutely agree. It seems like Christian Bale`s dark days are not turning into any negativity for the film. In fact, since Monday, the movie has made an additional $40 million in the domestic box office. That`s good publicity - bad publicity means good numbers.
ANDERSON: You know, it is well on its way to making $200 million in its first week. It`s pretty darn remarkable. But I want to talk about the publicity factor surrounding this and the approach that the studio has to take, because first it was Heath Ledger`s tragic death and now this. "The Dark Knight" does almost seem almost cursed in that regard. Warner Brothers not willing to address the Bale controversy at this point, but this has got to be a nightmare for them in the middle of promoting this whole movie, or is it, David? They do have a hit on their hands.
CAPLAN: Yes. I mean, it`s definitely a headache for the movie studio because this is something they can`t control. And, of course, publicity machines of movie studios love to have control. They love to be the ones to be able to control the news and the flow of information. So of course, it`s a headache. They weren`t expecting it and they have to run essentially into crisis mode. But, again, you know, at the end of the day, they`re going to benefit from all the controversy.
ANDERSON: It sure looks like it. And strangely enough, guys, Christian Bale, who has had a pretty illustrious career, is kind of a mystery man, which is really in keeping with the Batman persona. Russell, who exactly is this Batman?
WETANSON: We don`t know a whole lot about Christian Bale. But there are some fun facts. We know that his mother, when he was growing up, was a circus clown. His dad, after divorcing his mother, later remarried Gloria Steinem, and his current wife used to be Wynona Ryder`s personal assistant and makeup artist. So there is some fun stuff to learn about Christian Bale.
ANDERSON: Yes. Some fascinating facts there. Well, we may not know too much about Christian Bale`s private life, but we do know that he is notoriously press shy. David, I would have to imagine that having his face plastered all over the news because of this arrest is driving him absolutely batty. What do you say?
CAPLAN: Excellent characterization. He definitely is. This is a guy who doesn`t like to cooperate with the press too often. So, of course, he doesn`t want to see his personal life, especially including his family drama out there in the press.
ANDERSON: Yes, Russell, what do you think? How is this impacting him because he`s not used to this sort of attention?
WETANSON: You know, Brooke, I actually interviewed him a few years ago at the red carpet premiere of "Harsh Times," and he was not the friendliest interviewee. He wasn`t really looking to engage some reporters. And I don`t think it was just me. He was hard to make eye contact with. He was hard to connect with. So it`s pretty clear, based on that and everything else, it would seem that he doesn`t like the publicity.
ANDERSON: He`s a pretty quiet guy. David, if these assault allegations turn out to be completely untrue, will Bale escape unscathed or is the damage to his rep already done? Quickly, 10 seconds.
CAPLAN: Yes. He`ll remain unscathed. Of course, it would be part of his story that he was this once sort of bad guy. But a lot of actors have had similar altercations and you know what? They end up being fine and they have great blockbuster movies.
ANDERSON: We shall see what happens in the future. David Caplan, Russell Wetanson, thank you both. Good to see you.
ANDERSON: And now we want to hear from you about this. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Christian Bale`s Alleged Assault: Will it hurt `The Dark Knight`?" Vote CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
You know, every time I think this wacky YouTube divorce lady can`t get any more, well, wacky, she does.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH-SMITH: My husband is a wealthy man. I gave him the best years of my life and he should give a decent thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tricia Walsh-Smith is getting $750,000 from her ex. I don`t know what she`s complaining about. You`ve got to see her latest rant and, oh no, she`s not taking her money and running. She`s not going anywhere.
Also, a brand-new Katie Couric controversy. I think Katie does a stellar job anchoring the "CBS Evening News." But her ratings have been lousy. So is she really blaming sexism for poor performance? You don`t want to miss this, coming up.
And Miley mania - stunning new Miley Cyrus secrets. Tonight, her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, opens up like never before about his daughter and their family. What`s life really like for the "Hannah Montana" star? .
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And here are some more stories that are new right now.
Heather Locklear has checked out of an Arizona facility where she spent four weeks being treated for anxiety and depression. "People" magazine says she`s feeling great and looks beautiful. Her 10-year-old daughter, Ava, whom she had with ex, Bonjovi guitarist, Richie Sambora, is now back home with Heather. Ava had been living with Richie since Locklear went into treatment in June.
ANDERSON: Well, Hulk Hogan`s son, Nick, is getting a very special present on his 18th birthday. He`s getting a new home - in jail, that is. Nick, who`s birthday is this Sunday, will move to an adult facility in Florida. He`ll be in a wide-open setting near other inmates. Now, a judge could change all of this, but we haven`t heard anything yet.
And tonight, I can tell you, Jennifer Garner is pregnant. "People" magazine reports that she and husband, Ben Affleck, are expecting their second child this winter. They have a two-year-old daughter named Violet. Congratulations to them.
Jen Garner and Ben Affleck really seem to have a terrific, healthy marriage. And then there`s the wild and wacky YouTube divorce lady.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH-SMITH: I will not be bullied. And I repeat, I will not be bullied.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Bullied? Lady, you are getting $750,000 in your divorce settlement. So, why are you still so angry? You`ve got to hear what this YouTube star, Tricia Walsh-Smith, is ranting about now.
OK, onto a real star, "Hannah Montana`s" Miley Cyrus. Tonight her dad, Billy Ray, speaking out like never before about secrets of their family life. And we`re also revealing how much Miley makes. She definitely does not need an allowance. I`m talking some serious bucks, coming up.
And a brand-new Katie Couric controversy. Is she really blaming sexism for poor ratings? You don`t want to miss this, coming up.
But first, stay on top of most provocative entertainment news and do that with our daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. Head on over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Click on the "sign up for the newsletter" link at the bottom of the page. We`re back after this.
(NEWS BREAK)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH-SMITH: My husband is a wealthy man. I gave him the best years of my life and he should do the decent thing. .
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT TONIGHT, the YouTube divorce lady speaks out. For the first time since she lost big in her divorce, Tricia Walsh-Smith is talking about the settlement and why she`s calling it a victory.
Miley mania. Miley here, Miley there, Miley, Miley everywhere. Can Miley make the transition from girl to young woman and keep her fans and her head on straight?
Plus, Miley`s dad speaks out about raising a pop phenomenon. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT presents Miley mania.
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Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood. This is TV`s most provocative entertainment news show.
Tonight, she`s back. The YouTube divorce lady is claiming victory in defeat. But why can`t she just put a lid on it? She`s one of three new unbelievable stories new right now.
YouTube divorce lady Tricia Walsh-Smith claims victory in her divorce settlement. Only one problem - she lost. She only got $750,000 of the $60 million she wanted and she`s being kicked out of her apartment. So did the YouTube lady sabotage her own divorce?
Also new right now - Katie Couric and controversial comments about sexism. In a brand-new interview, she says sexism is more acceptable in America than racism. Is she right or should Katie keep quiet?
And controversy pays. "Grey`s Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl and "Two- and-a-Half Men" star Charlie Sheen top the list of most influential actors on TV. Both Heigl and Sheen have never minced words in the media, so why hasn`t it hurt their bottom line?
With me tonight from New York, Carolina Bermudez, senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." Tonight in Chicago, Bill Zwecker, columnist for the "Chicago Sun Times." And in Hollywood tonight, Jane Velez-Mitchell, investigative journalist and author of this book, "Secrets Can Be Murder." Carolina, Bill, Jane, thanks for being here.
And I`ve got to start with the YouTube divorce lady, Tricia Walsh- Smith. The divorce settlement came down on Monday. She got $750,000, a huge sum of money, and the boot from her luxury apartment. You`d think that would be the end of it. But just as I feared, she`s back. She held a press conference and claimed victory. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH-SMITH: I appreciate your interest in my story and your understanding in allowing me a day to reflect on my victory in court on Monday. And, yes, I said victory. Today, I`m proud to say that despite the abuse of influence by Philip Smith and the Schubert organization and their ongoing efforts to bring me down, I will not be bullied. And I repeat, I will not be bullied.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Victory? I`m not so sure about that. In that press conference, her attorney revealed she could have gotten $1.25 million if she had been married another year. Carolina, so did Tricia Walsh-Smith shoot herself in the foot big-time, losing out on another half a million?
BERMUDEZ: Yes, definitely. I mean, if she would have shut up, she would get that money and actually, even her ex-husband said, "I would have given her more if she would have handled this with a little bit of dignity and class." Here`s the thing - $750,000 is not too shabby, honey. And also, she signed a pre-nup, so she knows what she was going to get out of the marriage. She can`t go back on her word now. I think she was just waiting for the guy to croak and she thought she could collect all of her millions.
ANDERSON: It`s almost like she just can`t get enough of this. And you would have thought that she would have learned her lesson at this point. But Walsh-Smith says she was determined to set the record straight. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH-SMITH: This is being recorded and will go out on my site on YouTube later this afternoon so the whole world can hear my truth and can hear that I have been bullied, coerced. And no human being would ever want to go through what I have been through in the last year, but particularly since April.
And that a human being such as I was going to be thrown on the street penniless in April and took to YouTube, is a story in itself and it should never, ever have happened. My husband is a wealthy man. I gave him the best years of my life, and he should do the decent thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, boy. She`s going back to YouTube again. Well, we know it didn`t really work for her the first time. Bill, what do you think, is she going to gain any fans this time around?
BILL ZWECKER, COLUMNIST, "CHICAGO SUN TIMES": I don`t think so. I think she`s going to lose maybe whatever fans she might have. I think this is an example of somebody who`s on a tremendous ego trip. And, you know, it`s just so amazing. If she could only hear herself - I think she - When people get into these divorces, they get so bitter. They get so over themselves that it just absolutely is amazing. I mean this is very entertaining, but she certainly is not going to accomplish much.
ANDERSON: And she will further torture her poor husband. Bless his heart. Well, she says that she would have gotten only $500,000 if she hadn`t done the videos. But her husband told the "New York Post," "I get richer every time she talks to the press."
Jane, what do you think? Would things have been different if she didn`t act so, well, wacky?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Absolutely, Brooke. This lady is a little confused. She should have decided at the outset, "What are my goals? Do I want to make money or do I want to become a household name?" She has accomplished the latter. Everybody knows YouTube lady.
But publicity doesn`t always translate to money. There are criminals who are world famous who don`t have a penny to their name. So she got very confused about the process. And I think also in a very, very deep way, she wanted attention more than anything else.
ANDERSON: All right. I do want to move now to our next story new right now. Katie Couric speaking out about sexism. I know I did a double take when I saw what she said in a brand-new interview with an Israeli newspaper. She`s there covering Obama`s trip to the Middle East.
Here`s what she said. Listen to this, "I find myself in the last bastion of male dominance, and realizing what Hillary Clinton might have realized not long ago: that sexism in the American society is more common than racism, and certainly more acceptable or forgivable. In any case, I think my post and Hillary`s race are important steps in the right direction."
OK, we all know that the "CBS Evening News" ratings have suffered since Couric became host. So Carolina, when you hear what she said, does it make you think that she`s blaming the poor ratings on sexism?
BERMUDEZ: I hope not. I mean, listen, the show sucks. They need to think about something, about how they want to revamp it and how they`re going to execute that. But I think that what she was trying to say got lost in translation.
There was a video on YouTube a while back when Hillary Clinton was campaigning and somebody yelled out to her, "Hey, Hillary, do my laundry." That right there is an example of what I think Katie Couric was trying to get at. Maybe she didn`t say quite in the right way, but I do understand where she`s going with it.
ANDERSON: Yes. And a spokesman for her said something was lost in translation as well. A lot of people say she crossed the line. Others say she made a valid point. I certainly admire her for what she`s done in the industry.
OK. I do want to go now to more TV news. And our next story, new right now, Katherine Heigl and Charlie Sheen are the top-paid stars on television. A special issue of "Forbes" magazine titled, "Entertainment All Stars" shows that "Grey`s Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl earned $13 million last year. And "Two-and-a-Half Men" star Charlie Sheen raked in a cool $20 million. This is a combination of their show earnings, endorsements, et cetera.
And I know both of them have had their fair share of controversy, Heigl slamming her show and the content, dropping out of the Emmy race, Sheen with his divorce and custody, dirty laundry in public. But Jane, is it me or does Charlie Sheen continue to be Hollywood`s Teflon star? He`s immune to all scandals and controversies.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: He does seem to be, and it`s interesting, Brooke. I think the very mischievousness that makes him such a Casanova in our eyes is the very mischievous quality that is so appealing on television. It`s that charisma and it`s a double-edged sword. In his personal life, it might create a lot of chaos and drama. But it creates drama and comedy on television.
ANDERSON: It certainly does, both of them huge successes. We`re going to leave it there for now. Carolina Bermudez, Bill Zwecker, Jane Velez- Mitchell, thank you so much for your insights.
It`s a good time to be Will Smith. His new movie, "Hancock" is a hit. And he has just been named as the best-paid actor in Hollywood. "Forbes" says Smith earned a whopping $80 million last year. Cameron Diaz was the top actress with $50 million. Kiera Knightley is second with $32 million, and Jennifer Aniston earned $27 million. For the guys, Johnny Depp is right behind Will Smith with $72 million. Eddie Murphy and Mike Myers tied for third with $55 million.
You can find more in "Forbes`" special issue, "Entertainment All Stars." It`s on newsstands now. Check it out.
Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT TONIGHT, Miley mania. Miley Cyrus is everywhere right now with her first non-Hannah Montana album finally in stores. Now, Miley has been a tremendous role model for little girls, but is all that going to change as makes the transition from young girl to young woman? Plus, her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus speaks out about raising a music phenomenon. That`s next.
And tonight, Brad Pitt takes on the paparazzi. New reports tonight that Brad Pitt has unleashed his lawyers. What really happened? We`ve got that just ahead.
And get ready for senior year. "High School Musical 3" is just a few months away. And I`ve got your very first look coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. You don`t want to miss that.
And now, you can watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT anytime you want by downloading our podcast. It`s completely free. You can find the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT podcast on our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or download it on iTunes. Type "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" in the search box. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming back right after this.
(VIDEO CLIP OF MILEY CYRUS` MUSIC VIDEO, "SEVEN THINGS")
ANDERSON: That was Miley Cyrus in her new video "Seven Things." Brett Ratner directed this video and afterward, he called Miley the new Madonna. But can Miley make the transition from Hannah Montana to young star without losing her fans or her wholesome image?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, it is Miley mania. Miley`s dad, Billy Ray Cyrus opening up like never before, talking about dealing with controversy and the success of his superstar family. From the "Vanity Fair" photo scandal to the challenges of being a celebrity himself, raising an astronomically huge star like Miley, Billy Ray is giving "People" magazine a sneak peek into life with the Cyrus family.
With me tonight in New York, David Caplan, staff editor for "People" magazine. And in Hollywood, Shira Lazar, entertainment reporter for LXTV.
David, Shira, in Friday`s issue of "People" magazine, Billy Ray Cyrus speaks out on what it`s like to raise teen queen Miley Cyrus. He tells "People" magazine, quote, "I`m not around her all the time. Miley`s a teenage girl and needs her space. But if she listened to me, I`d say, `When you get to a spot where you feel comfortable, step back and enjoy life.`"
He`s got a good point. Most teenagers not constantly under the thumb of their dads. David, how hard, though, must it be for him to keep Miley from stepping into the landmine of normal adolescent life? Let`s not forget she is growing up in front of millions of people.
CAPLAN: Well, you know, it`s very difficult, because you know, not only are we seeing her grow up in front of us, but we`re seeing her make these mistakes that are very typical of younger stars. She`s making all these mistakes in front of all of her fans. And he tells "People" saying, "You know what? You need someone rely on. You need someone who`s there for you." And he says, "I want to be that person." Because he`s been there himself, so he knows what Miley`s going through.
ANDERSON: Yes. He speaks from experience. And speaking of making mistakes and taking risks in front of the world, we all remember Miley`s shocking half-nude photo shoot for "Vanity Fair" magazine.
On Tuesday, in her first on-camera interview about this, she told "Good Morning America`s" Robin Roberts what she learned from that whole scandal. Let`s watch what she had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-HOST, "GOOD MORNING, AMERICA": What have you learned from it?
MILEY CYRUS, TEEN POP STAR: I think just knowing, you know - just kind of saying treating yourself. I think I was just kind of in a stage, you know, where I was just trying, you know - trying to get things done, and you know, maybe look for an older audience. You know, I was working with a big magazine, just trying to go with what they were trying to say. And I think it was a hard time, but I think just learning from mistakes is the biggest thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Shira, I am encouraged by what she said, but what do you think? Can she make the transition from "Hannah Montana" to young, more mature star without losing her fans or that wholesome image?
SHIRA LAZAR, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, LXTV: I think already in the past year we`ve seen her make this transition more and more. She obviously - it`s supporting her character of "Hannah Montana" on the big screen with her concert tour and everything, and it`s selling out. So fans are still on this ride with her.
But more and more, we`re seeing Miley Cyrus come out. We`re seeing that with her "Breakout" album. We`re seeing that with her, you know, being in the media spotlight as herself. And I think her fans are her age. So they`re going to go on this journey with her. And right now, it`s working. She`s making $25 million a year.
ANDERSON: Yes. So you think she is making this transition successfully. Well, David, as we mentioned, Billy Ray spoke to "People" magazine about the "Vanity Fair" photo scandal and other things. What did he tell you guys?
CAPLAN: He tells "People" that over the last month and a half, it`s been about self-discovery for Miley. He says in the past month and a half, she`s discovered who she is and where she`s come from. So there has been sort of a positive outcome of the whole scandal because it`s allowed Miley to step back and really see who she is as a celebrity, and of course, just as an average teenage girl.
ANDERSON: Yes, going through what average teenagers go through. And Shira mentioned $25 million. Listen to this. "Forbes" magazine placed Miley at number 35 on their celebrity 100 list, a list of the most influential celebrities, in part, because she made $25 million last year.
Now, it is great, wonderful that she`s had all of this success. But Shira, it`s one thing to be raising a teenager going through tough times, but take a teenager who made $25 million last year. Sounds like it could be trouble in terms of trying to parent. Is it too much too soon?
LAZAR: I think there`s always these questions that are brought up constantly with young Hollywood stars. But Miley grew up in show business. However, she`s not as much in the spotlight. She doesn`t live in Los Angeles in Hollywood. We don`t see her going out to hide or anything. Obviously she`s 15. So she`s not in the spotlight like that. She`s in Tennessee.
And it seems really from interviews, from getting a sense of who she is as a person that she`s very grounded. Even in interviews, she talks about getting a car soon and getting a license. And she says, "I`ll get anything on four wheels." And let me tell you, with that money, she could get a lot more than anything on four wheels. But she seems pretty grounded.
ANDERSON: She certainly seems to be that way. While her star is just continuing to rise, she`s now being compared, listen to this, to Madonna. Just recently, director Brett Ratner, who directed Miley`s latest video, said she`s well on her way to being the next Madonna.
David, Madonna has proven time and time again that controversy sells. Is this something that Miley is learning early on in her career? Quickly.
CAPLAN: Absolutely. She`s learned it. We`ve seen it over the past few months and it`s good for her. She`ll know later, going on, how to really deal with all these conflicts and all these scandals, so it`s a learning lesson and this is the time to learn about it.
ANDERSON: Yes, learning from her experiences and most likely from her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, as well. David Caplan, Shira Lazar, thank you both.
And you can read Billy Ray Cyrus` full interview in the new issue of "People" magazine. It`s on newsstands Friday.
On Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Miley Cyrus Mania: Is she the new Madonna?" Only nine percent of you say yes. A lot of you don`t agree with Brett Ratner. Ninety-one percent of you say no.
Here are some of the E-mails we received. Lyndajo from Pennsylvania writes, "Miley is kind, classy, and talented, whereas Madonna has always struck me as a bad role model for females."
Shawn from Illinois writes, "I don`t believe she will be the next Madonna just for the simple fact that every move she makes, the media is there to haunt and torment her."
Tonight, Brad Pitt is fighting back over invasive paparazzi photos. His lawyers are said to be threatening to sue anyone who publishes pictures of the actor and his family at their home in France. The "Smoking Gun" Web site reports the photos were taken with a high-powered lens.
Jolie and Pitt have been reportedly negotiating a deal to see the first photos of their newborn twins for as much as $11 million. All of which would go to charity.
All right. Can you feel the excitement in the air? "High School Musical 3" just a few months away. Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, the whole gang back for senior year and I`m sure it`s going to be a major hit. I`ve got your first look at "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And I want to remind you that once again, CNN is searching for heroes, ordinary people having an extraordinary impact around the world. Every one of this year`s heroes will be selected from your nominations. But you`ve only got until August 1st to nominate your favorite hero. To do that, go to CNN.com/heroes. We`re back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Tonight, in the "Showbiz First Look," "High School Music 3." Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are back for what is sure to be a huge hit. Now, high school seniors, Zac and Vanessa`s characters face the prospect of being separated from each other after graduation. So the whole gang stages an elaborate spring musical about their hopes and dreams for the future. Here`s your first look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: So I guess, once they hand us that diploma, we are actually done here.
ZAC EFRON, ACTOR: What makes you think we are getting diplomas?
(MUSIC)
ASHLEY TISDALE, ACTRESS: This show must go on.
VANESSA HUDGENS, ACTRESS: I`m a lot better at saying goodbye than you.
EFRON: Why are you saying goodbye?
TISDALE: Hey, when is the big game?
EFRON: Yesterday.
TISDALE: Well, good luck. Toodles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Mark your calendars. "High School Musical 3" is out October 24th.
And that`s a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. We do appreciate. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Remember, you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific and in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. The latest from "CNN HEADLINE NEWS" is next.
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