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Showbiz Tonight

Christian Bale Apologizes; Michael Phelps Suspended; Etta James Says "Just Kidding"; The Octuplet Mom Speaks Out; Jessica Simpson`s Meltdown

Aired February 06, 2009 - 23:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, breaking news, Christian Bale apologizes. "The Dark Knight" star says he`s sorry for his on-set tirade against a crew member. But will the apology be enough?

Plus, breaking news in the Michael Phelps marijuana scandal. Phelps slammed with a swimming suspension for smoking pot. A major sponsor gives him the boot. Does the punishment fit the crime?

Etta James versus Beyonce. A brand-new strike in the war of words after Etta said she couldn`t stand Beyonce. Tonight, is Etta backtracking? Was she really just kidding? And what about her swipe at President Obama?

Plus, Jessica Simpson`s on-stage meltdown a week after her weight gain controversy. Why Jessica ended up apologizing to her audience.

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.

(MUSIC)

Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you tonight from Hollywood. And we`re all over two big blockbuster stories still developing, including dramatic developments today in the Michael Phelps pot scandal. More on that in just a moment.

But first, Christian Bale`s startling out-of-the-blue apology for his caught-on-tape tirade. After days of being slammed everywhere for his disgusting, nearly four-minute rant on a movie set, the "Batman" star came out with his set, tail between his legs and said, "So sorry."

Bale`s apology came during a phone call today to a radio station and what he wound up saying is making big news right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice over): Christian Bale made an unexpected call into L.A. radio station and KROQ`s popular morning show, "Kevin and Bean, apologizing for his nearly four-minute, expletive-filled, caught-on-tape tirade that got out earlier in the week.

CHRISTIAN BALE, ACTOR: I was way out of order. I acted like a punk. I regret that.

ANDERSON: He called to apologize for this -

BALE: Kick your (EXPLETIVE DELETED) ass! I want you off the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) set, you (EXPLETIVE DELETED)!

ANDERSON: The tape revealed an outraged Bale going off on this guy, Shane Hurlbut, the director of photography, while filming "Terminator: Salvation."

BALE: I`m going to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) kick your (EXPLETIVE DELETED) ass if you don`t shut up for a second, all right?

ANDERSON: But today, Christian Bale was calm, apologetic and maybe just a teeny bit embarrassed.

BALE: The thing I really want to stress is I have no confusion whatsoever. I was out of order beyond belief. I was way out of order. I acted like a punk. I regret that.

And there is nobody that has heard that tape that is hit harder by it than me. So I make no excuses for it. It is inexcusable. I hope that that is absolutely clear, you know?

ALICIA QUARLES, ASSOCIATED PRESS: Christian Bale didn`t have a publicist put out a statement. He actually called the radio himself. He answered questions.

ANDERSON: He didn`t just apologize. He explained how it all went down. Bale said he was in the middle of a very intense scene.

BALE: And on the day that all of this happened, the scene that we were doing, I was trying to show a little of that in the blood craziness. And you know what? It went very wrong.

And the reasons that myself and Shane, the DP and every crew member was in that hanger at Kirtland Air Force Base that day. They know the reasons. I got annoyed and then what happened, I made it ugly.

ANDERSON: Yes. It was ugly all right. Members of the crew say Bale flipped after the director of photography adjusted the lighting while Bale was in the middle of a scene.

BALE: Am I going to walk around and rip your (EXPLETIVE DELETED) lights down in the middle of a scene? Then why the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) are you walking right through, like this in the background? What the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) is it with you? What don`t you (EXPLETIVE DELETED) understand?

ANDERSON: Bale claims his reaction was especially harsh because of the state of mind he was in for the role.

BALE: And that was awful of me. I took it way too far and I completely mixed up fact and fiction. I`m half John Connor, I`m half Christian Bale. And we all heard exactly happened.

SHANE HURLBUT, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: I was look at the light.

BALE: Oh, good for you! And how was it? I hope it was (EXPLETIVE DELETED) good it`s useless now, isn`t it? (EXPLETIVE DELETED) sake man, you`re amateur!

ANDERSON: Bale says he and the subject of his wrath, Shane Hurlbut, made amends and got back to work almost immediately.

BALE: We not only kept working that day, we worked together for at least a month after that every single day. We saw each other two weeks back and we worked together then. Everything is resolved between us. There is no problem whatsoever.

ANDERSON: Now, it seems Bale`s biggest worry is that he`s ruined his rep and people won`t go to see his movie.

BALE: And a really important point that I want to make is that, hey, I know a number of people are going to be thinking they don`t want to go see the movie because I`m some kind of a prima donna or something. It isn`t that. It`s just maybe sometimes I care too much about the movie.

QUARLES: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) If people like you, they`ll go see your movies. That`s what it comes down to.

ANDERSON: But what it really comes down is whether Bale`s apology is enough to forgive and forget.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Bale also gave Michael Phelps a big shout-out and told him he should swim in the 2012 Olympics.

And tonight, the fallout from the Phelps pot scandal is the other big story we are following right now. The USA Swimming Organization has suspended Phelps from competitive swimming for three months for being caught smoking a bong. And Phelps is being dropped by Kellogg`s as an endorser.

Tonight, in New York, Katrina Szish, who is a celebrity journalist. In Hollywood tonight, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra."

Katrina, Carlos, before we get to Phelps - Carlos, you hard Christian Bale`s apology. Is all forgiven, and do you buy it?

CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": OK. I talked to the guys from the "Kevin and Bean" show on KROQ after this all went down. They didn`t know he was calling in. This was not planned, so I applaud Christian Bale for that. He answered questions without any pretense.

He went in, just basically called the station and said, "Hey, you guys made me laugh for the last week. I thought I`d set the record straight with you guys rather than going on Oprah or some place else."

So it`s one of those things where he didn`t have a list of questions in front of him that were going to be asked. He just went off the cuff. So I applaud him for that.

But - but, you`ve got to know, he even said in the interview, he`s trying to save this film. You know, he doesn`t want people not to see "Terminator: Salvation" because of his tirade.

ANDERSON: Yes. And I like that it wasn`t a tightly-scripted statement from his publicist. Katrina, what do you think? Do you buy it?

KATRINA SZISH, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: I do buy it. And I like - I think the fact that he didn`t scapegoat other people - he wasn`t trying to blame it on anyone else. He straight up said, "You know what? I screwed up."

But I do think the fact that he mentioned that he really was so in character that that led to it, and I think in a weird way, that actually might push people to see the movie because you want to know what scene that happened during, and that might drive people to the theaters.

ANDERSON: Still no excuse. But I am relieved that he`s taking some responsibility and admitting he was way out of line and apologizing.

OK. Let`s move now to the late-breaking developments in the Michael Phelps marijuana mess. The USA Swimming Organization, in explaining Phelps` three-month suspension, said, quote, "This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated. But we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero."

Carlos, fair punishment or not enough?

DIAZ: You know, you would think I would be the person who says, "Oh, this is too harsh. Come on. What`s the big deal?" But you know what? I`m going with you need to throw the book at this guy right now. I`m sorry.

I don`t think it`s a harsh-enough punishment. Listen, I`m not a celebrity, but even I know when I`m at a party, I`m always looking out for where the camera is, OK? And he`s got to know he`s one of the biggest celebrities in the world. And if there`s a bong sitting there, you know, you know that once you put that to your lips, there`s going to be a ton of pictures taken.

ANDERSON: Run the other way.

DIAZ: So you may stick that only - yes. I mean, I`m not - it`s bad to smoke pot. It`s bad to do drugs and it`s bad for Michael Phelps to do that on camera. So it`s a dumb move on his part. He should have some repercussions.

ANDERSON: And he has really set a terrible example for all of those kids. And I do bet after this, he won`t do it again.

And you know, guys? He`s even teed off Tony the Tiger. Kellogg`s saying it is not renewing Phelps` contract when it ends this month. Before that news broke, Phelps spoke to Baltimore TV station WBAL and said he regretted the mistakes he made. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL PHELPS, OLYMPIC SWIMMER: Like I said, bad judgment. And you know, I can learn from it and try to make my life better than it has been in the past. Like I said, I`ve made mistakes, and I have to live with every mistake that I`ve learned.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Katrina, he sounds sincere. I don`t know. What do you think? Should the sponsors and everybody else relax, give the guy a break?

SZISH: You know, I have to disagree with Carlos on this one. I do think they`re being too harsh. Yes, he absolutely did something wrong. But at the same time, he still is a private citizen.

He didn`t violate any anti-doping laws. He wasn`t on U.S. soil. And yes, he probably should have kept an eye out for the camera. But at least, he`s being honest about it and not claiming that he didn`t inhale.

I think that they`re actually using his celebrity, not to set an example for Michael himself, but really to set a larger example to other people out there. And I do think it`s a little harsh. He screwed up. Let`s move on.

ANDERSON: Carlos, do you want to give a quick response to that?

DIAZ: He was on U.S. soil. He is a role model. And you know what? It`s not his right to have the endorsements. It`s a privilege. Don`t act like a drug addict, all right?

(CROSS TALK)

ANDERSON: We will end it there. Carlos Diaz, Katrina Szish, thank you both.

Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the octuplet mom speaks out. The woman who just had eight babies and already has six kids at home talks about why she has such a large family. It`s really an unbelievable story. You don`t want to miss her remarkable reasons, still to come.

Plus, Etta James versus Beyonce. A brand-new strike in the war of words after Etta said she couldn`t stand Beyonce. Is Etta backtracking? Was she really just kidding? And what about her swipe at President Obama?

And this -

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JENNIFER ANISTON, ACTRESS: If this is what it means to be 40, I think it`s fantastic.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: A big weekend for Jennifer Aniston, her 40th birthday party. Jen tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT what it`s like to be hitting the big 4-0. Plus, John Mayer opens up about sleepovers at Jen`s house. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

(CAPTION READS: Research firm: President Obama is nation`s most influential celebrity. Tom Hanks second most influential celebrity, followed by Will Smith.)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": We`ve all heard Jennifer is turning 40 this -

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

ANISTON: What? What?

DEGENERES: You can`t hide it.

ANISTON: I really can`t. Honestly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: It`s a big weekend for Jennifer Aniston. She is celebrating her 40th birthday.

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson.

Jennifer Aniston is having a big 40th birthday party this weekend. And Ellen DeGeneres wanted to know the guest list. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEGENERES: I`m just curious of who is going to the party - your smaller party, OK? So I have some like, for sure - you know, Courtney, right? She`s going to be invited to the party.

ANISTON: She`s invited to my party on Saturday.

DEGENERES: To the small one?

ANISTON: The one -

DEGENERES: And then - yes. David - he`ll go.

ANISTON: Cute.

DEGENERES: And then -

ANISTON: Oh, geez.

DEGENERES: He`ll probably go, right?

ANISTON: Yes, he`ll go.

DEGENERES: Now, will he wear this, do you think?

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

You`ve seen it. Don`t act like you haven`t.

ANISTON: No. I`ve got to tell you honestly, I almost don`t want to touch it.

DEGENERES: What`s wrong with this man?

ANISTON: The man has got balls. What can I say?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Tonight, a SHOWBIZ special report, 40 and fabulous, and it`s not just Jennifer Aniston. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT teamed up with "More" to reveal the amazing number of most beautiful stars turning 40 this year. So SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and "More" magazine say get ready to say happy birthday to Aniston and all the women turning 40 and fabulous.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice over): Who can forget when she was starring in "Friends." Jennifer Aniston`s character Rachel having a tough time turning 30.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Happy birthday!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hey, come on! It`s your birthday.

ANDERSON: But now, in real life, Jennifer Aniston is turning 40, starring in the new movie, "He`s Just Not That Into You" and telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that at 40, she has never been better.

ANISTON: I personally feel better than I ever felt. Better than I ever did in my 20s, for sure - 30s. And, you know, so if this is what it means to be 40, I think it`s fantastic.

ANDERSON: Fantastic indeed, and an inspiration to women everywhere, turning 40. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is teaming up with "More" magazine to reveal this is the year of turning 40 for some of Hollywood`s biggest female stars. And Aniston tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT as she gets older, she gets wiser.

ANISTON: I was able to really enjoy what I had at 30, what took me 10 years, 15 years, from whenever the things, great things started happening to me. I wish I had the wisdom to know to enjoy it more.

ANDERSON: So happy 40 to Jen. And say happy birthday to our favorite mom of two, fashion designer and Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani.

(CLIP FROM THE MUSIC VIDEO, "HOLLABACK GIRL")

SZISH: Gwen Stefani is 40?

LESLEY JANE SEYMOUR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, "MORE" MAGAZINE: How can a rocker become 40? That`s impossible.

SZISH: What? I feel like Gwen Stefani is way younger than I am.

ANDERSON: Definitely wait, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and "More" magazine are not finished yet with even more fabulous women in Hollywood turning 40 that will blow your mind. Like this Oscar winner.

CATE BLANCHETT, ACTRESS: I`m 43. We are almost the same age.

ANDERSON: Cate Blanchett who stars in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." She makes turning 40 look like a piece of cake.

SZISH: Cate Blanchett is a gorgeous amazing woman and she really is one of those ageless types.

ANDERSON: Ageless and beautiful - a combination that Cate shares with another Oscar winner who is turning 40, Renee Zellweger.

SZISH: We`ve seen Renee Zellweger sort of come of age on camera even though she kind of looks the same as she always did.

ANDERSON: Yes, it`s true. Renee hasn`t changed a bit. Remember when she starred as lovable Bridget Jones looking for love back in 2001?

COLIN FIRTH, ACTOR: Happy birthday.

RENEE ZELLWEGER, ACTRESS: Thank you.

ANDERSON: No, thank you, Renee for making turning 40 look so fabulous.

SEYMOUR: I think she is going to be a great 40-year-old.

SZISH: The age old criticism of Hollywood ageism clearly doesn`t ring true anymore with all of these amazing beauties still going strong at the height of their career. These are still the women who we look to, to set trends.

ANDERSON: Did you just say trend? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and "More" magazine say hello and happy 4-0 to J. Lo.

(CLIP FROM MUSIC VIDEO "JENNY ON THE BLOCK")

ANDERSON: Jenny from the Block, who`s married to singer Marc Anthony and the mother of twin babies still knows how to glam it up on the red carpet. La Lopez made quite a splash at this year`s Golden Globes just like she did back in 2001 when she wore that Versace number. And as she turns 40, J. Lo knows just what to cover up. No belly button here.

SEYMOUR: I don`t want to see a 40-year-old navel, no matter how fabulous it looks. Not on the red carpet anymore, thank you.

ANDERSON: And men everywhere are still saying thank you to Jennifer Aniston for her naked ambition tour, belly button covered up, check. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you not much else.

HAMMER (voice over): Tonight, the great debate over Jennifer Aniston`s nude photo shoot.

ANDERSON: Aniston wearing nothing but a tie on a magazine cover launched 1,000 debates, like this one that raged on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": I think that there is a certain sort of scream of maybe desperation.

LISA BLOOM, HOST, "LISA BLOOM: OPEN COURT": Desperation? She is an A-list star. Look at her. Does she look desperate, lying with these gorgeous guys? If I looked that good naked, A.J., I would spend all my days in nothing but a tie and spray tan. I say three cheers for Jen. She looks fantastic. She is almost 40. Good for her! If you look that good, I think you`ve got to take your clothes off.

ANDERSON: Even Jennifer Goodwin who co-stars with Aniston in "He`s Just Not That Into You" couldn`t help gushing to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

GOODWIN: Oh my god, she is drop-dead gorgeous. I would like to stare at her body. I have such a girl crush on her.

ANDERSON: Get in line, Jennifer and be thankful that America`s sweetheart is getting some great advice turning the big 4-0 and sharing it with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

ANISTON: Every wise, wonderful, amazing person, man, woman that I know, that`s 40 or above, is just - and they really do mean it - they just say that just gets better.

ANDERSON: Better at 40 indeed. Happy birthday, ladies.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Jennifer Aniston may turn 40, but that doesn`t mean she`s not too old for slumber parties. Straight ahead, John Mayer opens up about sleepovers at Jen`s house.

Plus, the octuplet mom speaks out. She just had eight babies, already had six at home. You`re not going to believe what she`s got to say about why she wanted 14 kids.

And Jessica Simpson has a meltdown. I`ve got the story of Jessica`s onstage meltdown that left her apologizing to the audience.

And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

(CAPTION READS: Jason Bateman will "impregnate" Jennifer Aniston in movie, "The Baster." Jerry Springer won`t return as host of "America`s Got Talent.")

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: We want to let you the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been ringing off the hook. People calling in about Christian Bale apologizing and Michael Phelps getting suspended.

Let`s start with Phelps who has been suspended from competing for three months after his pot scandal. We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Mariann in Illinois who says he deserves a second chance.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

MARIANN, CALLER FROM ILLINOIS: I think that - you know, one strike. Give him a break. He`s young. We`ve all been young once. I`m 61 years old, and believe me, strike two, I would say, yes, you`re out. But give him a break. I think he deserves it.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Thank you, Mariann. And we also heard from Kevin calling into "Showbiz on Call" from Nevada. He should Phelps should remember he`s a role model.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

KEVIN, CALLER FROM NEVADA: As far as Michael Phelps saying that it was bad judgment, I think that`s the understatement of the year. I think regardless of his age, he needs to realize that children look up to him as a role model, and his behavior is not only illegal; it`s a moral issue.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Thanks for your call, Kevin. Now onto Christian Bale. He apologized for his rant against a crew member. Sheena called in to "Showbiz on Call" from Pennsylvania.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

SHEENA, CALLER FROM PENNSYLVANIA: We seem to be a culture that not only encourages but rewards indecorous behavior. There`s always a mature and professional way to handle matters. He did not do that. And he`s serving as a very bad example for our youth. Even though he may not consider himself a role model, many children do look up to entertainers and athletes as role models.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: we appreciate your thoughts, Sheena. Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7. The number 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are also now online at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.

Straight ahead on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the octuplet mom speaks out. The woman who just had eight babies and already has six kids at home talks about why she wanted such a large family. It`s an unbelievable story. You do not want to miss her remarkable reasons, still to come.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

ETTA JAMES, SINGER: I can`t stand Beyonce. She has no business up there singing, singing up there on a big old president`s day, singing my song that I`ve been singing forever.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Etta James versus Beyonce. A brand-new strike in the war of words. Is Etta now saying THAT she was only kidding? And what about her swipe at President Barack Obama?

And John Mayer opens up about his sleepovers at Jennifer Aniston`s house. Yes, you definitely don`t want to miss that, still to come right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

But first, we want you to stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news. And you can do that with our daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter, constantly updating it. Just head over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Click on the "sign up for newsletter" link at the bottom of the page. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming back right after this. Keep it here.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOM: I`m providing myself to my children. I`m loving them unconditionally and accepting them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the octuplet mom speaks for the very first time since giving birth to her eight kids. Nadya Suleman gives her first television interview. How is she responding to all the criticism? What about her other six children? And did she really want a big family?

Brand-new developments in the Etta James-Beyonce-Obama smackdown. Tonight, Etta speaks out again. Was all this just one big joke gone wrong?

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.

(MUSIC)

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you tonight from Hollywood.

And tonight, the octuplet mom speaks. Thirty-three-year-old Nadya Suleman, who gave birth to eight babies last week, is finally speaking out. And she`s got some harsh words for her critics.

In an exclusive interview with the "Today" show`s Ann Curry, the unmarried and unemployed mom who already has six kids at home, sets the record straight about how she`s feeling now that she has 14 kids.

The bombshell interview comes after speculation about Suleman selling her story to the highest bidder. She`s been reportedly entertaining multi- million dollar book and movie offers since the octuplets` astounding birth.

And we`re playing your fiery calls into the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines and revealing results of our question of the day asking if the octuplet mom should sell her story.

Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra." And in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell" that is seen weekday nights at 7:00 p.m. Eastern right here on HLN. Welcome Jane. Welcome Carlos.

And I want to begin with "Today" show anchor Ann Curry`s bombshell interview. A lot of people have been thinking, how in the world is this unmarried, unemployed woman who already had six other children before this octuplet birth - how is she going to be able to afford to care for these kids? Watch what she said when Ann Curry asked her about that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SULEMAN: I know I`ll be able to afford them when I`m done with schooling. If I were just sitting down and watching TV and not being determined as I am to succeed and provide a better future for my children, I believe that would be considered, to a certain degree, selfish.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: OK, Jane. She has a clear vision about how she`s going to do all of this. And she was obviously prepared for that question. I don`t know if she`s actually prepared for the reality of it. But do you think she convinced the millions of people who were watching her on television this morning?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Brooke, absolutely not. None of it makes any sense. She says she wants to go back in the fall to get her master`s degree. Getting a master`s degree takes time and money. Who is going to care for the kids in the interim?

We`re talking about 14 young kids under the age of eight. None of it makes sense. Her parents can`t help financially because they have their own money troubles. The only solution is for her to make an entertainment deal. But, of course, that means turning her kids into commodities, which is why this story has left such a sour taste in so many people`s mouths.

ANDERSON: And the schooling isn`t necessarily going to guarantee a job in this economy. She`s putting all her eggs in one basket, although, you know, Carlos, it is great that she`s going to further her education. But what do you think? Was she convincing?

DIAZ: I don`t think she was convincing at all. The fact - this kind of screams reality TV show. You know, I mean, is that what she`s going for here? We have the mom with no husband, no guy around, no viable income, no finished education, with 14 kids. I mean, right now hitting the reality show circuit and pitching her show that way is the only way she`s going to support these children.

ANDERSON: Well, there`s been a lots of speculation about whether or not the octuplet mom planned on having so many children, especially since she had six kids under the age of seven already. In her interview on the "Today" show, she set the record straight on that, too. Watch this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SULEMAN: All of them. Absolutely, with all of them.

ANN CURRY, ANCHOR, THE "TODAY" SHOW: You didn`t want just one or two embryos?

SULEMAN: Of course not. I wanted them all transferred. Those are my children. And that was what was available (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I took a risk. It`s a gamble. It always is.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Now, she says it very matter-of-factly. She knew exactly what she was getting into. It sounds like - Jane, did she take a gamble by going on television and telling the world this?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes, of course, she took a terrible gamble. I think that her best way out of this is to write a book, because she could get an advance for writing a book, and yet she wouldn`t have to exploit her kids and turn the whole family into a freak show by being on a reality show as Carlos mentioned.

However, I spoke just moments ago to somebody very high up in the book industry, and they said, "Forget about multi-million dollar advances." Her price is dropping the more we learn about this woman because it started out as a real feel-good story. And now, it`s become very questionable and it`s gotten tabloid.

So she thinks she can make the most money by going and selling her story to a supermarket tabloid with some photos of her brood.

ANDERSON: Yes, you know, the tide kind of did turn in terms of public opinion. And there`s also been speculation about her selling her story for millions of dollars.

And we`ve been asking SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers on air and online this question - "Octuplet Mom: Should she sell her story?" Look at the results - 79 percent say no, only 21 percent say yes.

So Carlos, now that she has spoken in this unpaid, free interview with Ann Curry, and this goes to what Jane was saying, do you think she still has something to sell and can make a bundle off of this?

DIAZ: No, I don`t think so at all. I mean, once you give out the information for free, unless there`s kind of a bombshell that she`s not talking about, you know, the tabloids aren`t interested.

I mean, think right now, the only thing that she can do is field a baseball team with nine of them and have five of them in the bull pen, you know. That`s a pretty good thing. You`ve got a closer in there as well. I mean, that would be kind of a nice way to make some money. I don`t know.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: And Brooke, I think there`s more to this story.

ANDERSON: Yes.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: She has that Mona Lisa smile. She`s at an undisclosed location. How did she pay the fertility bills which could be enormous? We don`t know the whole story here.

ANDERSON: Yes. I agree with you. We don`t know. And she just kept going back and back and back to that fertility clinic for each and every child. And our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been bursting with calls about the octuplet mom. Peggy called in, and listen to what she has to say about all the critics out there.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

PEGGY, CALLER: If she wanted to have more children, that is her business. And I think we should all celebrate her having 14 healthy children and not bad-mouth her. So let`s all give her credit for being a brave woman, and she`ll be a good mother. I feel sure.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Thank you for that, Peggy. And we are all very relieved that the kids were born relatively healthy. Who knows what problems they may have down the line?

But Jane, you know, the octuplet mom is brave, as Peggy said, brave for sitting down with Ann Curry and answering such personal questions. But do you think she really cleared the air, or asking again, could she make big money here selling the story?

VELEZ-MITCHELL Well, I think she can make big money, and she will ultimately make big money. But to answer your caller`s question or comment, let`s face it. The world is suffering an overpopulation crisis. There are children dying every day of malnutrition. There are millions of orphans in the world.

And it`s a little self-centered for her to have 14 kids when she doesn`t have any way of supporting them, is not married, cannot rely on her family for financial support. It really is narcissistic. And I think we can`t just celebrate it and say, "Oh, let`s just celebrate. This is just wonderful."

We have to have a critical eye, because our planet cannot sustain everybody having 14 kids.

ANDERSON: And my question is, where is the doctor that implanted six embryos, two of which resulted in twins? But I`m ready for that fertility doctor to come out and speak.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Oh, yes.

ANDERSON: Carlos -

DIAZ: Yes.

ANDERSON: I want to know this - there are so many reality shows out there with extreme multiples. You`ve got "Jon and Kate Plus 8," "The Duggers." Do you see a reality show coming? Very quickly.

DIAZ: Yes, I think so. I think you definitely have a reality show right here. I think maybe you make half of them vegans and half of them not vegans. And let`s see which ones are healthier or happier. I know Jane would watch that show.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: make them all vegans.

DIAZ: I know Jane would watch that show if they put that one on, so -

ANDERSON: We`ll see what happens. Carlos Diaz, Jane Velez-Mitchell, I love you both. Good to see you.

DIAZ: Thank you, thank you.

ANDERSON: All right. You know, I was really shocked by what Etta James said about Beyonce`s performance at President Obama`s inauguration.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

JAMES: I can`t stand Beyonce. She has no business up there singing, singing up there on a big old president`s day, singing my song that I`ve been singing forever.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Etta outraged at Beyonce singing her iconic song, "At Last." But is Etta really that mad? Tonight, she`s speaking out again. Was she really going after Beyonce, even the president, or is this one big joke gone wrong? Next.

Also new right now, Jessica Simpson`s onstage meltdown. Jessica totally messes up a live performance, forgetting words, even possibly crying. Does her losing it have anything to do with how she`s been slammed for putting on a few pounds?

And Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer secrets from Jennifer and John Mayer. Jennifer on turning 40, John on what happens in their bedroom. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

(CAPTION READS: Patrick Swayze, who is battling pancreatic cancer, is writing an autobiography. Actor Val Kilmer is considering running for governor of New Mexico in 2010.)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(FOOTAGE OF BEYONCE KNOWLES SINGING "AT LAST" AT PRESIDENT OBAMA`S INAUGURAL BALL)

ANDERSON: It seemed everybody loved Beyonce`s performance of "At Last" as President Obama and his wife had their first dance at the inaugural ball. Everyone, that is, except Etta James. But is the legendary singer now eating her words?

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, Etta James is backing off after ripping into Beyonce. But she`s still got a bone to pick with the president.

In a brand-new interview, the legendary singer now says she doesn`t hate Beyonce. But Etta is still ticked off she wasn`t picked to sing her signature song "At Last" at the presidential inauguration.

Also new right now, did Jessica Simpson have an onstage meltdown? Jessica gets help from her fans when she flubs her own hit song and seems to end her show in tears. Is all the talk about her weight completely stressing Jessica out?

With me now from New York tonight is Katrina Szish who is a celebrity journalist. And in Hollywood tonight is Janell Snowden who hosts "VH1 News."

Katrina, Janell, I want to begin with Ms. Etta James who got caught on tape during a performance last week just railing against Beyonce for singing "At Last" at the presidential inauguration. Listen to this -

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

JAMES: Yes. Wait a minute. He isn`t my president. He might be yours. He isn`t my president. But I`ll tell you that woman here singing for him, and singing my song, she`s going to get her ass whipped.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

The great Beyonce! I can`t stand Beyonce. She has no business up there singing, singing up there on a big old president`s day. Don`t be singing my song that I`ve been singing forever!

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: It is incredible. Well, now, James is backing off telling the "New York Daily News," "Just kidding! It was all a big joke." Janell, are you buying this?

JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": Not for a minute. This is so classic. It`s like I don`t know if there are my Martin Lawrence fans out there, but he has a famous phrase like see, "See, what happened was, I was just kidding." I mean, that`s what this seems like. This is just like (UNINTELLIGIBLE) distraction.

I`m sure some cynics will say this. Someone from Beyonce`s camp probably called her and said, "What is it going to take to shut you up?"

But on the other hand, look at what we`re doing. We`re all talking about her. So it`s like - yes, she was completely unpatriotic. No, she definitely wasn`t kidding because there`s a lot of "hateration(ph)" to use Mary J. Blige`s word. But we`re talking about her nonetheless.

So should Beyonce may have been more deferential and given her a shout-out? Perhaps. But the moment was so much bigger than giving deference to Etta James. I mean, it was a historic day. And come on. Let the woman have her moment.

ANDERSON: Yes. And we are talking about Etta James. That was a great Martin Lawrence impression, by the way.

SNOWDEN: Do you like that?

ANDERSON: I loved it. I did. Etta says she was just joking about wanting to kick Beyonce`s butt for singing "At Last." But Etta was not kidding when asked if she could have done a better job than Beyonce. Etta said, quote, "I think so. That`s a shame to say that."

I`ve got to tell you, that`s how many people called into "Showbiz on Call" felt. Listen to Judy in Florida.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

JUDY, CALLER FROM FLORIDA: I think that Obama should have asked Etta James to perform or maybe at least a duet, because that is her signature song. And I think it would have been nice to have included her. And I understand why she`s upset.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Judy, thank you. Katrina, are you with Judy? Did the organizers of the inauguration make a big mistake by not inviting Etta to at least do a duet?

SZISH: I think it certainly would have been nice to see Beyonce and Etta James do that song together. But the fact is that Beyonce is portraying Etta James in the newly-released Capitol Records movie - then newly- released. And so, this is something that`s kind of having a moment in pop culture right now.

And the Obama administration is very much about everything that`s new. So I don`t think it was an intentional slight. I think it really was just they wanted star power and Beyonce has got it right now.

ANDERSON: And they got it. They certainly did. OK. Moving now to another story new right now. Jessica Simpson at a concert in Grand Rapids, Michigan. People there say she forgot the lyrics to her own song, stumbled through others and left at the end in tears.

Now, this all comes, of course, after weeks of the focus on her apparent weight gain. Janell, do you think it`s all getting to her?

SNOWDEN: Absolutely it`s getting to her. I mean, let`s not forget that Jessica Simpson has not always had the easiest time in the spotlight. I recall a time when she was performing a Dolly Parton song before Dolly Parton and forgot the words and became tearful and Dolly had to encourage her through it.

She`s obviously a woman who wears her emotions on her sleeves. That was when she was going through her breakup with Nick Lachey.

Now, here it is, that she`s gained a little weight. It`s obvious. She`s always been a curvy woman and she`s always seemed comfortable in her skin. But it`s really hard to be comfortable when you`ve got everyone in the world, including the president on Super Bowl night, talking about how you might be having a weight issue.

ANDERSON: Yes.

SNOWDEN: So I think she might need to take some time-out and got herself back in shape if that how she feels she needs to be. Or if she`s happy with her new shape, then, you know, proudly flaunt it. But maybe she needs to take some time away.

ANDERSON: Oh, it can`t be easy no matter how strong you are. Well, listen to what Jessica told the audience at her Grand Rapids show, quote, "My voice is weak tonight and I feel so vulnerable on stage."

Well, and the co-host of the "Today" show, Kathie Lee Gifford kind of agreed with you, Janell, and said Jessica may need to take a little break from the spotlight. She said Jessica needs to heal herself, also said Jessica needs to get herself in shape, hit the gym.

Katrina, what do you think about Kathie Lee`s suggestion?

SZISH: I think we`re being way to hard on Jessica Simpson. You know, she`s a real person and she is naturally curvy. And she`s always gorgeous. She`s always beautiful. We all gain weight at certain points. And I really think that`s a little harsh.

She can do whatever she wants. She might want to take some time away. But she`s gorgeous exactly as she is. And if she wants to work out, go for it. But don`t feel pressured, Jess.

ANDERSON: I think we can all agree on that. Katrina Szish, Janell Snowden, thank you both.

SZISH: Thank you.

SNOWDEN: Thank you.

ANDERSON: Now SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s continuing coverage of couples making they are relationships work in Hollywood, which as we know, doesn`t seem to be easy. Tonight, rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his lovely wife, Dorothea.

Let me tell you - these two, they give love a good name. John and Dorothea are coming up on their 20th wedding anniversary, got married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Vegas and met in a history class when Jon was just 17. When SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s A.J. Hammer spoke with him, he had to ask, how do they make it work and defy the odds?

JON BON JOVI, ROCK STAR: I don`t know, other than, you know, it`s something you have to work on. I think that there`s a mutual respect. There`s also an independence and we`re not relying upon celebrity to fuel our next move.

You know, I mean, that`s just what I do for living. There`s not a platinum record hanging in my house. It`s just my job.

You don`t see my kids at premieres and getting in magazines and playing that whole game. It`s just - it`s a shallow pool to swim in. When it`s new, it`s fun for a lot of people. When you`ve been at it for this long, you just think, that`s cute but I have no interest in it.

A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: But one thing that you mentioned that I think applies to people famous or not, the independence thing. And particularly because so many couples live in a relationship where one spouse is, perhaps, out on the road quite a bit as a business traveler, whatever.

You sort of - you`ve spent a lot of time out on the road. And I`m sure, at the beginning, that was pretty daunting for your wife as you headed out.

BON JOVI: You know, you could sit her down some time and talk to her about. But it`s just always what I`ve done, and I`ve done it for a long, long time. So it is what it is. And, you know, to me, the other thing just doesn`t really have any appeal. It just - it never did, so fortunately for me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea have four kids - a daughter and three sons.

Well, it seems that Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer making their relationship work in a very different way. Jennifer a bit secretive about it, but John, pretty darn open. Their bedroom secrets, coming up next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

(CAPTION READS: Former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter tells "People" magazine that alcohol and drug abuse nearly killed him. "E! Online": "American Idol" winner Fantasia is going back to high school; she dropped out in 9th grade.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Hey, welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson.

Tonight, more of Jennifer Aniston opening up about turning 40 while John Mayer reveals Aniston`s bedroom secrets.

Now, Jennifer doesn`t really like to talk about her private life, especially who she`s dating. But in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres set to air Monday, Mayer wasn`t shy at all. Check out what he reveals about the lighting at Aniston`s house and what goes on in the dark.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN MAYER, MUSICIAN: There`s no normal thing in the Aniston house.

DEGENERES: No -

MAYER: I just have to say that there`s nothing - there`s not - you won`t find a light switch.

DEGENERES: No?

MAYER: The light switch is now antiquated. There is a six-button light panel that does everything.

DEGENERES: Yes.

MAYER: The top button is on. And the button right below that one seems to be like air horn. So in the middle of the night - I want a switch that glows orange.

DEGENERES: Hey, when you said in the middle of the night, do you sleep over?

MAYER: I do. Yes.

DEGENERES: Wow. You all have sleepovers. That`s cute.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: OK. This sounds like it`s a black-and-white issue. Jennifer and John are definitely dating, but when it comes to turning 40 for Aniston, there`s a touch of gray.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEGENERES: How do you feel about turning 40? Are you embracing it? Do you like it?

ANISTON: I do - you know, I have to say I really feel better than I have ever felt in my life.

DEGENERES: Yes.

ANISTON: I did have a moment, though, over the weekend. I had my first like, I don`t want to. I don`t want to.

DEGENERES: Yes.

ANISTON: I found a really long gray hair and it kind of flipped me out. No, it`s my first, but it`s just the fact it was so long -

DEGENERES: Yes.

ANISTON: That I was like, "Oh, that`s been there. How many others are there? And what does that mean?"

DEGENERES: Yes. Well, it means -

ANISTON: Well, I actually - it brought me to tears.

DEGENERES: Really?

ANISTON: Yes.

DEGENERES: You would look beautiful with any color hair.

ANISTON: Thank you.

DEGENERES: If your whole head was gray (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: She does look beautiful. And catch more of John Mayer`s interview on "Ellen" this Monday.

On Thursday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Michael Phelps Pot Scandal: Should he do an anti-drug public service announcement - a PSA?" Thirty-eight percent of you say yes; 62 percent of you say no.

Here are some of the E-mails we received. Nick from California doesn`t think Phelps should do a PSA. He writes, "What we need is harsh punishments for them (stars), not the slap on the wrists they get."

But Sandy from Arizona says, "There are so many other things that the law could do besides harass Phelps. If the PSA will get them off his back, then he should do it."

We appreciate your e-mails. Keep them coming. Thanks for watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. That`s the wrap. That is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.

And remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, that`s at 11:00 a.m. Eastern right here on HLN. Take care.

END