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Showbiz Tonight
Britney and Kevin`s She-Said, He-Said; Leonardo and Kate Winslet Reunited; Tom Cruise`s Biggest Regret; Water-In-the-Face Moments
Aired December 03, 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, CO-HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Kevin Federline speaks out. Tonight, the brand-new blockbuster interview, K-Fed on Britney`s breakdown, their divorce and what life is like now.
But wait, hold on. Why is his story so dramatically different from Britney`s and who should we believe? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the K- Fed and Britney he-said, she-said that you have to hear to believe.
Tonight, my one-on-one with Leonardo Di Caprio. Leo and Kate Winslet back on screen together for the first time since "Titanic." Tonight, what Leo revealed to me about the steamy sex scenes he did with Kate while her husband watched.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEONARDO DI CAPRIO, ACTOR: I was - it was kind of like -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Leo Di Caprio in the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Plus, Tom Cruise opens up about his biggest regret. But why now?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi, there, everybody. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, K-Fed strikes back.
HAMMER: In a big way, Brooke. Yes, now, it is Britney spears` ex-husband hopping on the confessions train. Just days after Britney stunned everyone with her warts and all MTV confessional, Kevin Federline is now also running off at the mouth to tell his side of the story.
In a blockbuster interview just out today, K-Fed leaves nothing to the imagination about his life with Britney, their kids and what he was going through during Britney`s meltdown. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you what he has just revealed is making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): From appearances on "Good Morning, America" to interviews with tons of magazines to a big documentary on MTV -
BRITNEY SPEARS, POP STAR: I`ve been through a lot this year.
HAMMER: Britney Spears is everywhere and spilling everything, including details about her marriage to her ex, Kevin Federline.
SPEARS: I think I married for the wrong reasons. And when I was in it, it was just like - I felt so alone.
HAMMER: But now, in a new cover story with "People" magazine, it`s Federline`s turn to speak out. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, there are two dramatically different versions of what happened in their failed marriage.
DAVID CAPLAN, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Now, all of a sudden, Kevin Federline is coming out and he wants to tell his side of the story. You really see how different he and Britney were on so many different issues.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the ex-couple is having a war of words over who`s to blame for their split in 2006. In her MTV documentary, Britney repeatedly suggests that Kevin left her.
SPEARS: Like I was going through so much artificial stuff with my kids and Kevin and all that stuff at that time. And he just left me and I was devastated.
HAMMER: But K-Fed tells "People" magazine that it was Britney who dumped him. He says, quote, "I mean, we were having complications. I didn`t give her an ultimatum, but I was trying to work stuff out with her, and she didn`t even talk to me or anything and went behind my back and filed for divorce. I was completely blind-sided. It was a huge shock."
KEVIN FEDERLINE, BRITNEY SPEARS` EX-HUSBAND: I love her to death, you know.
HAMMER: In fact, the very last TV interview Federline gave before Britney filed for divorce in November of 2006 was with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson. Just four days before the divorce was announced, Federline sounded very much like a man in love.
FEDERLINE: I look up to her as my wife and like a real genuine person. I`m like her biggest fan as a husband.
HAMMER: Like many exes, Britney and K-Fed clearly disagree on what really went wrong in their marriage. In her MTV documentary, Britney blames his rap career.
SPEARS: He started doing an album for himself and he started to do things for himself. And I just never saw him anymore.
HAMMER: In his "People" interview, Federline acknowledges that he was pursuing a rap career, but he says the problem was that the couple never really adjusted to being parents.
CAPLAN: Britney and Kevin had two sons together - Preston who`s three and Jayden who`s two.
HAMMER: Federline tells "People" magazine, quote, "It`s hard enough to be in a marriage, and then have a kid, then kids - it changes everything. For me, I`d become more concerned with my children. Not that I ignored Britney, but my kids are always most important."
Whoever is to blame, Britney and K-Fed`s split sent her down a spiral of self-destruction during which she lost custody of the kids to Federline after a long and bitter court battle.
CAPLAN: Kevin is adamant that he did not want custody of the kids just to get money. He says the most important thing to him was to be with his kids.
HAMMER: Now that Britney has found some stability, she`s resuming her career and spending more time with her kids. And Federline says he`s happy about it -
He tells "People," quote, "Just because I`m not in love with her doesn`t mean I don`t love her. I`m definitely rooting for her. There`s nothing more that I want than for her to be in the best health and doing what she loves to do."
CAPLAN: Kevin tells "People" never say never, but for right now, there are no plans of getting back together with her but you never know.
He really right now is one of Britney`s biggest cheerleaders, which is a huge turnaround from several months ago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: But you know the old saying, there are three sides to every story - his side, her side and the truth. So where does Kevin`s story fall? And why is he revealing so much now?
With me tonight here in Hollywood, Laura Saltman who is a correspondent for "AccessHollywood.com." And from New York is Lisa Bloom who hosts "Lisa Bloom: Open Court," and she`s also an "In Session" anchor.
Laura, Lisa, in this brand-new "People" magazine interview, one of the more shocking details really is Kevin`s version of how his divorce from Britney really happened.
Again, here`s his side, quote, "We were having complications. I was trying to work stuff out with her, and she didn`t even talk to me or anything and went behind my back and filed for divorce. I was completely blindsided."
Lisa, here`s what I don`t get. As we just mentioned, I interviewed Federline just days before Britney filed for divorce. He told me she was the love of his life. It seemed that everything was just peachy. I want to repeat, this was just days before she filed. What do you think is going on here?
LISA BLOOM, HOST, "LISA BLOOM: OPEN COURT": Yes, I think it`s very sad. And in a way, there`s probably some truth on both sides. When she says he left her, I think she may mean emotionally that he checked out. He just wasn`t there for her, wasn`t communicating with her.
When she filed for divorce, he very much was surprised because he didn`t think it was as bad as she thought it was. Communication is very important to women. If we`re not getting it in our relationships, it is devastating and sometimes, the guys just don`t understand that.
ANDERSON: Oh, and it can be very, very painful, the entire situation. Laura, how hard do you think this was for Kevin to really talk so openly about - well, about being dumped by Britney?
LAURA SALTMAN, CORRESPONDENT, "ACCESSHOLLYWOOD.COM": I think anybody who goes out there in the public eye and is willing to talk about their relationship - you know, it`s your decision. You can say, "No comment." So he put it out there. So he`s obviously has dealt with it and realized that he can put it out there and say, "Yes, this is what happened."
ANDERSON: Yes, he put a lot out of there because in this brand-new interview with "People," he also gets very personal about being a full-time dad to their sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and says the strain of having kids may have put the biggest strain on their marriage, quote, "It`s hard enough to be in a marriage and then have a kid, then kids - It changes everything. For me, I`d become more concerned with my children. Not that I ignored Britney, but my kids are always more important."
Lisa, do you buy what K-Fed is selling here?
BLOOM: Absolutely. I have two kids myself. There`s no question when they come into your relationship, your whole world changes. And look, I think both K-Fed and Britney were a little bit emotionally immature and very young when they got married and had these kids right away.
And even though they had all the money in the world for nannies and housekeepers, they still had this relationship that was not yet on solid ground. When kids come into it, it`s like a nuclear bomb goes off. They weren`t just ready for the consequences, I think.
ANDERSON: Yes, and she said that he was busy with his own career. But he says, you know, he was trying to be a working dad, set a good example for his children, bring home a little bit of bacon. But you know, I`ve got to wonder why he is getting so personal about all of this now.
He does also reveal in the new interview that, yes, he`s got a reality show in the works. And, yes, he`s developing a clothing line. Laura, would it be too cynical to suggest all of this may be part of a plan to help his career?
SALTMAN: Cynical, no. I have a feeling that that was part of the deal for the interview was that they had to mention the clothing line and the reality show. But, look, Brooke, I mean - you know, look, he`s Kevin Federline. And right now, he needs to take care of those kids and make a living. And his name and the fact that he was married to Britney Spears is what`s going to make him a living. So he has to put himself out there.
ANDERSON: Lisa, do you think this was all for publicity, in a way?
BLOOM: I think from both of them. Look, somebody at Britney Spears` level or even K-Fed - they don`t do anything without consulting with their publicist, their manager, their agent, their aroma therapist. I mean, come on. This is all highly staged so that we`ll talk about it. And that`s what we`re doing. We`re talking about it. These guys are smart.
ANDERSON: Yes. Add their masseuse, their assistant, their divorce attorney to that.
(CROSS TALK)
SALTMAN: I don`t do anything without talking to my dog-sitter, so, you know -
ANDERSON: Oh, there you go, add the dog-sitter as well. And in the interview, K-Fed also said that you never know what the future holds in terms of a possible reconciliation. Laura, do you predict that could happen? And if so, you two better get ready because we`ll be discussing them even more.
SALTMAN: Please, for the love of god, no. That`s all I`ll say.
ANDERSON: Lisa, your thoughts.
BLOOM: Look, they have two little kids and if they`re able to grow up and mature and come together again, God bless them. I just think they both have a lot of work to do to grow up.
SALTMAN: Oh, Lisa, you`re in love with love.
BLOOM: I am.
ANDERSON: God bless them. We`ll leave it at that. We`ll leave it at that. God bless them.
BLOOM: I`ll walk my own dog.
ANDERSON: Lisa Bloom, Laura Saltman, thanks for now. And we are going to put Kevin`s confession and Britney`s brand-new revelations to the SHOWBIZ test. It`s Britney and K-Fed head-to-head, he-said, she-said. You`ve got to see this coming up, 30 minutes past the hour.
HAMMER: What a love fest. Now, we want to hear from you on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Britney Spears Going on Tour: Too much too soon?" You can vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: So, A.J., you interviewed Leonardo Di Caprio, a really nice guy. How did that go?
HAMMER: Yes, I know that you`ve met him before and worked with him. Leo back on the screen with Kate Winslet and yes, he was a great interview. This is the first time they`re together, by the way, since "Titanic."
And guess what? This time while they were doing those steamier scenes, Kate`s husband was watching. What Leo told me about that unique experience is coming up in the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: Oh, can`t wait to hear that. Also, what do you think Tom Cruise`s biggest regret is? Think about that for a moment. See what you can come up with. Speaking out about Scientology? Going so public with his romance with Katie Holmes? Jumping on Oprah`s couch maybe? Place your bets. What is Tom`s biggest regret? I`ll give you a hint, it isn`t this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM CRUISE, ACTOR: Come here. Why did you do that? No, no. Don`t run away. You`re a jerk.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, water in the face. Is there any finer entertainment? I don`t think so. Now, Tom may not have been amused in that particular case, but we certainly are. Coming up, a whole bunch of people who are getting hit in the face with water. You know you don`t want to miss that. Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And now, the SHOWBIZ news ticker, more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now -
(CAPTION READS: Gary Coleman pleads no contest, ordered to pay $100 fine for a scuffle in a bowling alley parking lot. Roman Polanski files request to have 1978 child-sex charge against him dismissed.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEONARDO DI CAPRIO, ACTOR: All I know, April, is I want to feel things, really feel them.
KATE WINSLET, ACTRESS: I think you`re the most interesting person I`ve ever met.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, it`s true. Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio finally reunite in their new film, "Revolutionary Road." And tonight, Leo opens up to me about what it was like doing a love scene in front of the director who just happens to be Kate`s husband.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, Leonardo Di Caprio`s titanic reunion. It`s hard to believe it`s been nearly 11 years since Leo and Kate Winslet captured the world`s imagination in "Titanic."
The two finally reunite and reignite the big screen in the new film, "Revolutionary Road." So when I caught up with Leo, I had to ask him, after all this time, what was it like for them, when director Sam Mendes, also Kate`s husband, yelled "action" for the first time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DI CAPRIO: Well, it was interesting in the sense that we`ve grown up a lot, you know. We`ve grown up and we`ve been sort of shepherded projects since that film experience. We`re different types of actors. I think we have the same kind of passion that we had at a very young age for doing what we do, the same kind o commitment.
But it was amazing to see sort of a different woman in that regard, a much more mature woman that`s so in control of what she does professionally. But still, you know, she remains kind of unchanged and our relationship has remained unchanged. And we still have that desire to do the best job that we can as actors.
HAMMER (on camera): She`s characterized that relationship as you being, in your case, kind of like a brother to her. So with that in mind - and Leo, keeping in mind that you`re both professionals, when you have to do the love scenes with her, especially given how long you`ve known each other. And now, particularly given that her husband, Sam Mendes, is directing and yelling "action," do you kind of laugh your way through the first couple of takes? I`m realizing your job.
DI CAPRIO: We`ve done it so much in the past, those types of sequences that I was - it was kind of like -
HAMMER: Here we go again?
DI CAPRIO: No, it wasn`t, "Here we go again." But it was just an exercise that we had done before. So to me, it was just like, "All right. Action."
HAMMER: You figured it out.
DI CAPRIO: It`s kind of an automatic response. I selfishly didn`t really think about what it would be like for Sam Mendes, her husband, or her to be in the middle of this struggle. I kind of just -
HAMMER: That`s probably best -
DI CAPRIO: Yes, I mean - but for me, it was kind of not a big deal and something that I felt really comfortable doing. That`s all.
HAMMER: Now, she said you talk about the time you guys, you know, have spent since you did "Titanic" together some 11, 12 years ago, since you actually shot it. And she said in one interview she liked seeing your wrinkles, Leo. Now, how do you feel about that? I mean, as guys, you know, I think we`re maybe pretty comfortable with that. But are you comfortable with the aging thing, what`s going on?
DI CAPRIO: I don`t think anyone will ever be comfortable with that. I don`t think anyone`s who`s ever truly happy about aging, no. But thus is life.
HAMMER: Yes, thus is life. So what did you notice about her? She notices your wrinkles. You notice what about her after all these years?
DI CAPRIO: What do I notice about her? You know, what`s interesting about Kate is she`s such a professional. She`s such a great actress. Her public image, you know, is of this perfect girl and she is that.
But underneath all that, she`s remained one of the most down-to-earth, kind of real pals that I have. And that`s an amazing thing after all these years to still - to see her after all these years. And it`s almost like no time has passed.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: You can see that chemistry on screen when Leonardo Di Caprio reunites with Kate Winslet in "Revolutionary Road." It will be in theaters the day after Christmas.
All right, Brooke. So the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines have been burning up. They`re on fire with people calling in to tell us what they think about Britney spears` comeback and new tour. We`ve got a call that I want to play a call from Sharon in Montana who says it`s all happening too soon. Listen -
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SHARON, CALLER FROM MONTANA: I think Britney needs to do her own thing. I think her parents are behind this. I think it`s all money, money, money, money. And I believe she probably has enough money in her life to settle down, get out of the limelight and take care of her kids and be happy with what she`s got.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you for your call, Sharon.
ANDERSON: And we also heard from Sandra who said the comeback is a good thing for Britney.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SANDRA, CALLER: I think if her getting back into the studio and making her videos is going to help her become a better mother and a better person - and I think her dad is just great. Somebody stepped in, caring, came along and helped her out. And I just think it`s wonderful. Go, Britney.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thanks for calling, Sandra. And remember, you can call us at "Showbiz On Call." Let us know what you think about Britney`s comeback or anything else that is on your mind.
HAMMER: And the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines, they are always open. So call us at 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. We`ll play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And your calls to "Showbiz On Call" are now also online right there on our homepage which is CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
OK. So, Brooke, we`ve got this big game going on of he-said, she-said right now between Britney and K-Fed.
ANDERSON: We do, A.J. K-Fed speaking out about why their marriage failed and he`s telling a much different story than Britney is. Which one should we believe? That`s coming up.
Also Tom Cruise gets squirted with water.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRUISE: Come here. Why would you do that? Hey, no, no. Don`t run away. You`re a jerk.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Remember that? No, Tom wasn`t amused. But come on, water in the face? Now, that`s entertainment! There`s much more of that. It`s coming your way.
ANDERSON: And Simon Cowell`s Bentley bug. "American Idol`s" crankiest judge is crankier than ever after a tracking device was found in his car. That is still to come right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson. Tonight, stars are speaking out about the gay marriage ban in California. First, Brad Pitt. Pitt donated $100,000 to support gay marriage. And on "Ellen," Brad talked about why the issue is so important to him.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRAD PITT, ACTOR: That certainly was an easy one for me. I mean, that to me is an issue of equality. And you know, I go back to the declaration of independence, that we`re all created equal and we`re all free for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That proposition was stepping on people`s pursuit of happiness and people`s liberty. I don`t think it has any place in our definition of America. So I hope we figure that one out.
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": I hope so, too, Brad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, now a star-studded cast for a new video is on FunnyOrDie.com. Everybody is in this thing from Jack Black to John C. Riley, even Maya Rudolph. It`s called "Prop 8, The Musical."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHORUS 1: No, that`s not a sin.
CHORUS 2: No, the Bible says it so.
JACK BLACK (as Jesus Christ): Well, the Bible says a lot of things, you know.
CHORUS: Jesus Christ!
BLACK: Hey, how is it going?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Jesus, doesn`t the Bible say these people are an abomination?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Abomination?
BLACK: Yes, but it says the exact same thing about this shrimp cocktail.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Shrimp cocktail?
BLACK: Leviticus says shellfish is an abomination.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Abomination?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: What else does the Bible say, Jesus?
BLACK: The Bible says a lot of interesting things like - you can stone your wife or sell your daughter into slavery.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Well, we ignore those bushes -
BLACK: Well then, friend, it seems to me you pick and choose.
CHORUS: We pick and choose.
BLACK: Well, please choose love instead of hate. Besides your nation was built on separation of church and state. See you later, sinners.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Goodbye, Jesus.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: I love you, Jesus.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, I think Jack Black has got a little too much. You can see "Prop 8, The Musical" at "FunnyOrDie.com." Very funny.
All right, Brooke. We have a big game of he-said, she-said going on right now and it`s between Britney and K-Fed.
ANDERSON: That`s right, A.J. K-Fed is speaking out about why their marriage failed and he`s telling a much different story than Britney is. Which one should we believe? That`s straight ahead.
HAMMER: Also, Tom Cruise`s biggest regret. Could it be speaking out about Scientology, maybe going so public with his romance with Katie Holmes, perhaps jumping on Oprah`s couch? Place your bets. What is Tom`s biggest regret? I`ll give you a hint - it isn`t this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRUISE: Come here. Why would you do that? Hey, no, no. Don`t run away. You`re a jerk.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK, Tom may not have been amused. But is there any better comedy than the old water-in-the-face trick? Straight ahead, a whole bunch of people getting hit in the face with water. You don`t want to miss that.
HAMMER: I love the-water-in-the-face trick. And I always also like the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. That`s how you can stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news. And you can subscribe by heading over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Just click on that "sign up for newsletter" link. No water in the face. We`ll just send it to you every day. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Britney versus K-Fed. Kevin Federline speaks out in an explosive new interview detailing his side of the Britney break-up. What does he say about their failed marriage? Why does he say Britney blindsided him? It`s a revealing case of he-said, she-said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA WALTERS, TV HOST: When I said, "What do you regret the most?" He said, "You know, do you have enough time?"
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tom Cruise reveals his biggest regret. Why the star is telling Barbara Walters he wants a do-over?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
HAMMER: Well, tonight, it`s Britney versus K-Fed, he-said, she-said. Britney and Kevin Federline are dishing on their divorce. And you know what? Their stories, just not lining up.
In an explosive brand-new interview with "People" magazine just released today, Kevin Federline tells all about his failed marriage to Britney Spears. But K-Fed outright refutes parts of what Britney claims in her new MTV documentary called "Britney: For the Record."
Plus, the very last interview with K-Fed before Britney called it quits and it was done right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And it is going to shed a lot of light on this whole big game of he-said, she-said. So who exactly should we believe?
Joining me tonight in Hollywood is Laura Saltman who is the correspondent for "AccessHollywood.com." And tonight in New York, Lisa Bloom who is the host of "Lisa Bloom: Open Court" and an "In Session" anchor.
OK. So just days ago, Britney`s documentary airs. And then today, her ex-hubby, K-Fed, tells all to "People" magazine and this article happens to be called "My Side of the Story."
Now, Lisa, it seems obvious to me why both Britney and K-Fed are choosing this moment years after the divorce to discuss all the details. She`s got an album to promote and he wants to stay relevant. Is that about right.
BLOOM: Sounds about right to me. You know, you call this Britney versus K-Fed - can I pick neither of the above? I mean, I`m sensing that they`re growing a little bit. She`s had a birthday. She`s 27. He sounds a little bit more like a dad as the days go by. But what about the kids? Do they forget that all of this fighting is only going to reverberate against the kids?
HAMMER: Well, you`re not allowed to abstain. That is the truth of this. And we`ll be talking about the kids in a moment. But we have to take a look at the whole Britney and K-Fed conflicting stories.
First, about how their marriage and why their marriage failed. I want to show you Brit`s side of the story first as told by her in her MTV documentary. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SPEARS: He started doing an album for himself and he started wanting to start doing things for himself. And I just never saw him anymore. And when that happened, things just got really weird.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Really weird. OK, but then K-Fed tells "People" magazine that wasn`t the deal at all. And here`s what he said, quote, "I mean, we were having complications. I didn`t give her an ultimatum, but I was trying to work stuff out with her, and she didn`t even talk to me or anything and went behind my back and filed for divorce. I was completely blindsided. It was a huge shock."
Laura, he-said, she-said, who do you believe?
SALTMAN: I`m going to have to say I`m not sure who to believe. I kind of want to go a little side of both. Like, first with Britney, this was around the time that K-Fed was going out in his trucker hat and wife- beaters and hanging out with the boys and partying a little bit too much. And I`m sure she was getting annoyed with that.
But then, on his side, we all know Britney is probably a little closed off. She`s not the best communicator. So she most likely wasn`t saying to him, like, "Look, I need you to be home more. I need you to be around more." So lack of communication between the two of them, I think, definitely put the nail on the coffin for their relationship.
HAMMER: Yes. It certainly sounds like it. Lisa Bloom, all right. You heard both sides of the stories from each of their mouths. Can you weigh in here, please?
BLOOM: Yes, I think they can both be true, to some extent. You know, two- thirds of divorces are filed by women. And a very significant percentage of men say, "I didn`t see it coming. I was completely blindsided."
I mean, so they fall right into the norm here. I think they probably did have their disagreements. As far as her going behind his back to file for divorce, well, where else do you go? You go down to the courthouse to file. So that makes perfect sense to me.
HAMMER: Here`s some more to help you decide. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did the very last interview with Federline just days before Britney filed for divorce. Now, Britney may say he was never around, but Kevin Federline told us that he actually built a recording studio in their home to stay close to the family while he launched his rap career. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FEDERLINE: I knew we were having the baby and I knew all these things and that we weren`t going to really be able to go out. And I don`t want to be away all day long, I mean, recording - sometimes you`re in there for 12, 16 hours, who knows?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Laura, over to you - if you believe what K-Fed told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about all that, then you`ve got to think that Britney`s claim here that he was never around smells a little fishy, doesn`t it?
SALTMAN: OK. It my question is that he said he was going to build the recording studio, but he actually ever use the recording studio, right? Was he in it or did he go out and use - go somewhere else and come back? You know, I don`t know. We weren`t in their house, so we don`t know exactly how (UNINTELLIGIBLE) recording studio.
BLOOM: Oh, you know, A.J. -
HAMMER: Yes?
HAMMER: You know K-Fed with his big, important, busy rap music career - I mean, he`s just lining the shelves with all of those CDs. We all listen to him day in and day out. I mean, you can`t expect him to be at home with Brit and the kids. He`s such a busy guy.
HAMMER: Hey, he did get that TV commercial. What the heck was that even for? All right. I have to continue now with our he-said, she-said bonanza. We`ve got to take a look at Britney and K-Fed`s conflicting stories about their marriage. And I want to first show you Britney`s side again from her MTV documentary. Roll it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SPEARS: I think I married for the wrong reasons instead of - and that led me - instead of following my heart and doing what made me really happy. I just did it because - for the sake of the idea and everything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. And I think a lot of people can relate to that. But K-Fed doesn`t feel that way at all. Here`s what he told "People" magazine, quote, "I really don`t understand it. I can`t really tell you how it was for her, but I know for me. I fell in love. And I loved the idea that I was in love and I got married and had two beautiful children. If that`s what she`s talking about, I don`t know. I still don`t get it."
Lisa, back to you, based on what he said and what she said, separate from everything else, this marriage was doomed from the start, wasn`t it?
BLOOM: Yes, but I like him there. Look, after a divorce, people tend to rewrite history, "I never loved him. I never saw anything in him." She obviously loved him and he loved her and it didn`t work out. But I like his version. I think it`s a lot more honest.
HAMMER: All right. Well, Britney got -
SALTMAN: Yes, he`s so honest he left his other girlfriend who was seven months pregnant at the time (UNINTELLIGIBLE) beautiful.
BLOOM: Yes, but he didn`t hide it. We all knew about that.
HAMMER: People can change, Laura, can`t they? Oh, wait. I`m talking about K-Fed. I don`t know. I don`t know.
All right. Britney`s documentary definitely shows her in a new light. And a lot of people are saying in a positive way just really putting it all out there in a raw sense. And of course, this is just one big part of the huge Britney comeback machine that is currently on a roll. She just launched a big worldwide tour.
And in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, here`s what we`re asking - "Britney Spears Going on Tour: Too much too soon?" Look at how the voting went here. Sixty percent said, "Yes, maybe so." Forty percent, no. Also "Showbiz On Call" phone lines have been ringing like mad, I tell you. I want you to listen to what Brent from Texas had to say about all this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
BRENT, CALLER FROM TEXAS: I really do not think it is too much, too soon for Britney to go out on tour. I think it`s absolutely amazing that she managed to overcome what the paparazzi has put her through in order for her to actually still go back out into the public and do what she does best.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And he`s not alone in saying that. So Brent, we appreciate your call. Laura, do you agree with Brent that Britney, at this point, just needs to keep pushing forward?
SALTMAN: Well, I don`t agree with Brent that it`s all the paparazzi`s fault here. Come on now, Brent. Really, come on. But I do agree that - you know, look, we`re not a horrible society. We don`t want to see her shaving her head every week and having a miserable life. We want her to do well. And I don`t think going out on tour is a bad idea for her right now at all.
HAMMER: Well, not everybody thinks it is a good idea. I want to play another call, this time, this is Tameka in Alabama. She called in to "Showbiz On Call" and she said basically Britney needs to chill out. Listen to her side.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
TAMEKA: I think Britney is sick and she needs to take some time off to spend with her boys and take care of herself. I think this is all too soon.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Lisa Bloom, what do you think? Is Tameka`s take dead on? Is this all too soon?
BLOOM: Well, it could be, but we all love a second act. We love somebody who comes back from the depths as Britney has, we hope. And plus "Womanizer" - that`s a great song. I can`t get it out of my head. I think she should go on tour.
HAMMER: Laura Saltman, quickly. Now, that we know that they`ve both spoken out, we`ve heard all their personal drama, is it time for them to shut up and put that in their past and not speak of it ever again?
SALTMAN: Yes, mostly for their kids but a lot for all three of us because we don`t want to talk about it anymore.
HAMMER: Yes. Again, and the point was raised at the beginning of our little chat, you know, the kids are really who should be first and foremost in everybody`s mind.
SALTMAN: Yes, that`s right. Definitely.
HAMMER: Keep them safe from all this. Laura Saltman, Lisa Bloom, thank you.
You can read the full Kevin Federline interview in the latest issue of "People" magazine. It will be on newsstands Friday.
And we have been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It is this - Britney Spears Going on Tour: Too much too soon?" What do you think? Well, let us know, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: Hey, A.J., "American Idol" creator Simon Cowell doesn`t think Britney is doing too much too soon.
HAMMER: That`s right, Brooke. In fact, he wants Britney to take center stage on "American Idol." (UNINTELLIGIBLE) move for her.
But right now, it is a very scary personal story that`s got Simon`s attention. I`ve got to tell you, he`s completely freaked out about it, and I understand why. Coming up, the frightening discovery that led the "Idol" judge into a panic. The downright disturbing details are still ahead.
We will also have this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALTERS: When I said, "What do you regret the most?" He said, "You know, do you have enough time?"
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tom Cruise reveals his biggest regret to Barbara Walters. Why he says he would turn back time if he could.
HAMMER: And Tom Cruise wet and wild. It`s the best and worst water-in- the-face moments caught on tape. Need I say more?
And now, the SHOWBIZ news ticker. More stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Dylan McDermott finalizes divorce from wife after 13 years of marriage. Coldplay`s "Viva La Vida" is the bestselling album on iTunes in 2008. "The Dark Knight" is bestselling movie on iTunes in 2008, just based on pre-sales!)
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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SINGING SANTA: How about a song to get you into the holiday spirit? It`s the most wonderful time of the year.
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ANDERSON: Did you see this? A singing Santa decoration is ruffling feathers in, of all places, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The giant plastic Santa is making some neighbors in the Christmas city say "Bah-humbug." They think this lawn ornament is too loud and annoying. Carolers, beware.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, Tom Cruise reveals his biggest regret and we`ve got to scoop. It`s all part of Barbara Walters`s highly anticipated TV special revealing the 10 most fascinating people of 2008.
Barbara told us all about Cruise`s confession and a whole lot more. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT producer Jenny D`Attoma sat down with Barbara to talk about her fascinating list including another one of her picks, Tina Fey, everybody`s favorite Sarah Palin impersonator.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALTERS: Tina has said that she never meant to be mean. She said, you know, "Saturday Night Live" is an equal opportunity basher, and they`ve been doing this with almost every presidential candidate. The interesting thing is that when you see Tina, she doesn`t look like Sarah Palin even though she wears glasses herself.
But what was interesting to us was to see how she became that character. She shows us how she talks. She talks about the fact that Sarah Palin, no matter what she was saying or how harsh, kept smiling. And we see her transform herself in our special into Sarah Palin.
JENNY D`ATTOMA, CNN SHOWBIZ TONIGHT PRODUCER: Let`s talk about Tom Cruise. Is he a changed man from what we knew two years ago when he first burst onto the scene marrying Katie Holmes?
WALTERS: Tom is 46 years old. He is older. He is wiser. He`s gone through a great deal. There are certain things he regrets. He said, "You know, how much time do you have?" I think he`s learned from them.
He`s doing is very controversial film right now, "Valkyrie." The Germans were against in the beginning. It`s a totally different role for him, which is why we chose him because this is so not the kind of films that he`s done.
D`ATTOMA: Did he mention the Oprah coach-jumping incident, the talking about Scientology so much? Has he changed in that sense, that he won`t talk about those things or do those things anymore? Is that the impression that you get?
WALTERS: We talked to Tom about all of the things that have happened to him. I mean, he`s aware of the kind of publicity he has. He says - you know, he regrets it. When I said, "What do you regret the most?" He said, "Do you have enough time?" But I think he`s trying to put that behind him and accept this next phase as a very serious actor.
D`ATTOMA: What fascinated you most about him?
WALTERS: He`s a very serious actor and a very nice man. He tries to do good. That`s a great part of what Scientology gives to him or means to him. And he`s not afraid to admit the mistakes that he`s made.
D`ATTOMA: Let`s talk about Miley Cyrus. She`s had quite a year - the controversial "Vanity Fair" pictures, coming into her own as an adult woman. What`s the sense that you got from her?
WALTERS: This past year has been a very important year for Miley. She turned 16. She still is extremely popular but she now realizes that she can go in another direction. She can play young adult romantic roles. We`ve seen her more or less undressed in magazines.
She`s moving away from "Hannah Montana," even though it`s still so hugely popular. I`m not worried about her future as you might be with some teen star or child star. I know she`s got a very big future.
D`ATTOMA: So you don`t think she`s growing up too fast, the impression you get from her?
WALTERS: One of the things that concerns her is the whole business of being a role model. She takes that very seriously. And when you try to do different things, you can be criticized for it. And she`s aware of that. You know, she`s been extremely successful. But she`s very talented and talent is what makes the difference as you grow up.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That was SHOWBIZ TONIGHT producer Jenny D`Attoma. And Barbara Walters has released more names from her TV special. Let`s take a look at the list, shall we? Number ten, Will Smith. Nine, Tom Cruise. Number eight is Tina Fey. Number seven, Rush Limbaugh. Number six, Miley Cyrus. Number five is Michael Phelps. Four, Sarah Palin. Number three is actor Frank Langella. Number two is the pregnant man, Thomas Beatie, the pregnant man.
And as much as we tried, we could not get Barbara to reveal to us who is the most fascinating person of 2008 is. So we just have to watch the special, Thursday night on ABC.
HAMMER: All right. Are you like me? Do you find a few things more amusing in life than people losing their cool on TV? Well, tonight, we have some hilarious video you have just got to see, a pair of squabbling politicians had a water fight on live TV. And their on-camera waterworks inspired this - the greatest wet and wild moments caught on tape. Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): At least these two knew to drink their water and not douse each other with it.
During a political debate in Romania the other day, the female candidate apparently called the male senator a bidet, and he replied that her face looked like a bidet and knocked the glass his way.
Why stop at water when there`s wine? Remember Joran Van Der Sloot in the (UNINTELLIGIBLE), a suspect in the Natalee Holloway case got angry over questions from a crime reporter on Dutch TV. He tossed a glass of wine at him.
And then there was Paul McCartney`s ex-wife, Heather Mills. She dumped water on Paul`s attorney inside the courtroom. Press watched the attorney walk in dry and walked out wet. The incident even became a computer game. Players throw water on Paul and his lawyer for a bigger settlement.
Tom Cruise got squirted a few years back by British TV prankster wielding a fake mike.
CRUISE: Come here. Why would you do that? Hey, no, no. Don`t run away. You`re a jerk.
MOOS: Whether acting like a jerk on YouTube, or joking around on the Colbert report -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And all he talks about is his airline -
MOOS: At least no one melts like the wicked witch.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: I`m melting, melting!
MOOS (on camera): Not all these water throwing incidents have involved cold water. Now, the story heats up.
(voice over): A guy wearing a bra and panties and exposing himself kept going through the drive through at this java girls joint in Washington state.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He has underwear over his face. There is a little peeping hole so he can see.
MOOS: But the third go-around, the teeny barista threw boiling hot water on him. Police recently arrested the flasher.
Sometimes, it`s not whether the glass is half empty or half full, but where it lands.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: On his face and chest. And he said, "Ooh, yes."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: I bet Simon Cowell would look to throw a thing or two something at the people behind his crazy real-life drama. Coming up, a frightening incident that has Simon completely freaked out - who put a tracking device on his car, next.
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ANDERSON: Hey, welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. It is time now for "Making It Work." Now, this is where we focus on Hollywood couples who are balancing the pressures of the spotlight with their relationships.
Tonight, Beyonce and Jay-Z. Now, they`ve been together since 2002. Just got married this year in a super-secret wedding. On their own, Beyonce and Jay-Z are among the most successful stars in entertainment. Together, they are a power couple who have managed to keep their romance tightly guarded.
I spoke with Beyonce and I asked her what`s her secret to balancing such a demanding career with romance.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEYONCE KNOWLES, SINGER: Well, celebrities are no different from anyone else. It is really hard being a woman and being a woman that works hard and has their own life. It`s hard to balance.
But just like any other mother, you know, you go to work and you come home and you make time for your family and your husband and your kids. I`m no different from anyone else.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She seems really grounded doesn`t she? Beyonce hasn`t slowed down at all. You can catch her in the new film "Cadillac Records" in which she plays legendary singer and one-time heroin addict, Etta James. "Cadillac Records" opens on Friday.
HAMMER: All right. This next story is crazy. "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell is said to be completely freaked out after discovering his car had been bugged.
Yes. This happened in London where Cowell lives part of the year. Now, his rep told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that someone cleaning Cowell`s car discovered the tracking device on the cars undercarriage and then told the "Idol" judge about it.
Cowell is said to be very disturbed by the discovery. We can understand that. And we asked Cowell`s publicist about the incident. He told us they linked the device to a paparazzo.
The publicist said, quote, "This is unacceptable. We have had a good working relationship with the media for many years and this is totally unacceptable. We contacted the person and we are not taking any further action, but we made it clear this mustn`t happen again."
ANDERSON: Hey, on Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was this - "Britney Spears Going on Tour: Too much too soon?" Sixty percent of you say yes. Forty percent of you say no.
Some of the E-mails we received. Bill from Pennsylvania writes, "I could never understand the hoopla around Britney Spears. She is a marginal talent at best, totally manufactured."
Sarah from Arizona says, "Britney is trying to put her life back on track and it`s not going to happen overnight. She`s come a long way."
HAMMER: And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Don`t forget you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Take care.
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