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Showbiz Tonight
Who`s the Daddy of Michael Jackson`s Children?; Paris Jackson`s Tribute and Custody; Was It Right to Let Paris Jackson Speak?; Brand-New Details on What Killed Michael Jackson; Mariah Apologizes for Her Singing
Aired July 08, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the mysterious two sides of Michael Jackson. The day after his daughter`s emotional goodbye.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PARIS KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DAUGHTER: Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Brand-new, disturbing details about Michael`s dark side. Startling new revelations about possible drug use. Plus, his longtime doctor`s explosive confessions about Michael`s addiction to plastic surgery. And is that doctor the real father of Michael`s two oldest children? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates the disturbing two sides of Michael Jackson.
Brand-new twists in the fight for Michael`s kids. Tonight will Paris Jackson`s tear-jerking goodbye to her dad affect the custody battle for Michael`s kids? Plus, the great debate - was it wrong to let Paris speak at Michael`s memorial?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
And tonight, the mysterious two sides of Michael Jackson. The day after the Michael Jackson memorial that captured the world`s imagination, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned of dramatic new developments today that will only make everyone even more conflicted about Michael, the man and his life.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the latest news breaking today, including the very first bombshell interview with Michael Jackson`s longtime doctor who many believe is the father of Jackson`s two older children. He finally speaks.
The results of breaking, disturbing news today about the condition of Michael Jackson`s body when he died, including needle marks all over his body.
And today, a great debate erupted over whether it was right to allow Michael`s young daughter to give that very public, heart-wrenching and tear-jerking goodbye at his funeral. And it is all making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
P. JACKSON: Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine.
HAMMER (voice-over): The entire country is talking about the heartbreaking tribute that Michael Jackson`s daughter, Paris, paid at his public memorial Tuesday.
P. JACKSON: And I just want to say I love him so much.
MARC MALKIN, "E! NEWS": I think what Paris Jackson did was, she did humanize her father.
HAMMER: Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, new disturbing details of Jackson`s life once again are front and center with fresh details about his possible drug use, new claims about his plastic surgery and even shocking new questions about the paternity of his adoring daughter.
DIANE SAWYER, ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": There was even one report that you were the biological father of the children. Do you know who the father is?
DR. ARNOLD KLEIN, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DERMATOLOGIST: Not to my knowledge.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, it`s the two sides of Michael Jackson - loving father and deeply troubled controversy magnet. "Good Morning America" aired an explosive interview with Jackson`s friend and dermatologist, Arnold Klein, who is linked to Jackson`s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe.
MALKIN: Dr. Klein and Debbie Rowe go back - way back. She worked in his office. That`s how Michael met Debbie. Michael and Debbie - they got married. They had two kids.
HAMMER: Days after Jackson`s death, "Us Magazine" published a jaw-dropping claim that Dr. Klein, and not Michael Jackson, really was the biological father of the two kids Debbie Rowe had with Jackson, 12-year-old Prince Michael and 11-year-old Paris, who spoke at the memorial. "Us Magazine" reported that Klein signed an agreement promising never to tell anyone.
KLEIN: All I can tell you is to the best of my knowledge, I`m not the father of these children.
HAMMER: On "Good Morning America," Dr. Klein refused to rule out the possibility that he is the father.
KLEIN: I`m telling you, if push comes to shove - you know, I can`t say anything about it. But to the best of my knowledge, I`m not the father of these children. I can`t answer it in any other way, because you know what? I don`t want to feed any of this insanity that`s going around.
HAMMER: He doesn`t want to feed the insanity? "E`s" Marc Malkin tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with his non-answer Dr. Klein isn`t exactly putting those questions to rest.
MALKIN: I found that answer bizarre and amazing because what he`s saying is, "I think there is the possibility."
HAMMER: Dr. Klein also says Jackson was obsessed with plastic surgery.
KLEIN: He felt he was a piece of art, that his face was a piece of art.
HAMMER: But as far as reports that Jackson was abusing powerful prescription drugs in his final days, Dr. Klein says he didn`t notice anything.
KLEIN: I didn`t see problems of slurred speech, shortened movements or anything like that.
HAMMER: But now, a shocking new revelation about Jackson and possible drug use.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have a gentleman here that needs help, and he`s not breathing.
HAMMER: Sources tell CNN that when Jackson collapsed at his mansion last month, his arms were riddled with marks, and his veins were collapsed, both signs of frequent intravenous drug use.
MALKIN: There are reports are there were sedatives found at his home. There`s definitely speculation that some of these drugs contributed to his death.
HAMMER: But Dr. Klein tells "Good Morning America" he didn`t give Jackson any illicit drugs, but he can`t speak for other doctors.
KLEIN: Here`s the problem with Michael - no matter what he wanted, someone would give it to him, because the very rich and the very poor and the very famous probably get the worst medical care.
HAMMER: And though the LAPD and DEA reportedly are looking to see if doctors illegally helped Jackson stack up on drugs, Klein tells "Good Morning America" he`s not under investigation.
KLEIN: I`ve not been examined by anyone, OK? I`ve not been contacted by the police in Los Angeles.
HAMMER: So, even as the world says goodbye to Michael Jackson and praises the good he did in life both professionally.
BERRY GORDY, FOUNDER, MOTOWN RECORDS: He is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.
HAMMER: . and personally.
P. JACKSON: Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine.
HAMMER: . there`s still no escaping the dark cloud that seemed to hang over Michael Jackson`s life.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: So, who was the real Michael Jackson? And can he still be a loving father and battle so many demons? Here to make sense of it all tonight in Hollywood is Pat Lalama, an investigative journalist. In New York, Carolina Bermudez, who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."
All right. So talking the two sides of Michael Jackson. And the big news today really plays into his mysterious side. Michael Jackson`s long- time doctor and friend speaking out for the first time about the reports that have long been floating around that he may be the father of Jackson`s two children. Watch again what he said on "Good Morning America."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KLEIN: All I can tell you is to the best of my knowledge, I`m not the father of these children. I`m telling you, if push comes to shove - you know, I can`t say anything about it. But to the best of my knowledge, I`m not the father of these children.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Pat Lalama, of course, he`s talking about the two oldest children of Michael Jackson that he had with Debbie Rowe. He uses the words "to the best of my knowledge." Are those ringing in your ears, too? Not really a denial.
PAT LALAMA, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: Of course they are. I think, for him to go on national television and play with the media - I mean, are you kidding? We just got into the ring with him and sopped it up because now there`s this big question mark. And I just hope that those children weren`t watching television this morning.
HAMMER: So, hold on a second, Pat. You think that was a denial?
LALAMA: No, no, no. What I`m saying is he`s leaving it open and he`s playing with the media by saying "to the best of my knowledge." He`s leaving it open for.
HAMMER: Yes. That`s a way of getting around the fact that he may have signed a document saying, "You can`t admit to it."
LALAMA: Absolutely, and it upsets me.
HAMMER: OK. All right. I just want to make sure I understood you.
LALAMA: There you go.
HAMMER: All right. Something else that`s got everybody talking about the two mysterious sides of Michael Jackson. On the one hand, there was Michael the mysterious father. And then, we heard this from his daughter, Paris, in her emotional and really heartfelt tribute to Michael`s memorial. Let`s watch that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. JACKSON: Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Carolina Bermudez, could it be that Paris`s words did more to improve Jackson`s tarnished image as a father than anything else ever could have?
CAROLINA BERMUDEZ, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Absolutely. I mean, this came straight from his daughter who lived every single day with him. This is exactly what she saw - a compassionate father, a loving father.
And despite everything we`ve been hearing about, you know, the possible drugs and the painkillers and this and that and the other things, it`s coming straight from one of his children that he was a loving and caring father. I don`t think that any kind of spin doctor could have done any more than she just did.
HAMMER: Well, there are really two mysterious sides to Michael Jackson, the father. Because what we basically knew about his parenting skills came from - and if we could put it up - this disturbing image, of course, of Jackson dangling his child - that`s Blanket there - from the railing of a hotel balcony back in 2002.
And then, the bizarre images of his children walking around constantly with their faces covered, wearing masks and costumes. But really, we knew little more. But now, after Paris reveals that deep love between Jackson and his children, Pat, does it kind of change the way you view Jackson`s mysterious and often bizarre parenting style?
LALAMA: You know, I`m a little bit torn, A.J. I have to tell you, on the one hand, children love their parents, sometimes no matter what. Anyone who`s covered family law or, I hate to say it, certain abuse cases, children will still defend their parents.
Now, having said that, there`s something in that statement that makes me believe these children may have had a decent father. For all the other nefarious, controversial aspects of his existence.
HAMMER: Yes.
LALAMA: . perhaps he was a doting, loving good father. We just don`t know. We don`t know.
HAMMER: But then it brings me to this. Here`s what I think a lot of people are struggling with. We can`t ignore the reports of Jackson`s alleged prescription drug abuse as CNN investigation has just revealed Jackson`s body had track marks. His veins had collapsed. There were dangerous drugs in his home.
Carolina, how do you make sense of the fact that he could have had an apparent addiction, and at the same time still had been this father Paris describes?
BERMUDEZ: Well, you know, I mean, I wasn`t there firsthand to see any of this, A.J. I think that what we`re seeing right now is a very troubled person who wanted to get back on top, who wanted to do things for his fans.
Despite that, he still had his children there. Any child that`s in a home with a parent that has a drug or alcohol addiction is going to feel the effects of that, naturally. But that doesn`t say he wasn`t a good father and that he didn`t love them.
HAMMER: True.
BERMUDEZ: That`s the one thing that I think that people need to understand.
HAMMER: Yes.
BERMUDEZ: . That he was still their dad.
HAMMER: I think you`re exactly right about that. Another big question tonight, how did the Michael Jackson memorial impact these kids? Was it cathartic and helpful or perhaps overwhelming and stressful?
Carolina and Pat, I`m going to come back to you in a bit. And there are more brand-new details about the investigation into what killed Michael Jackson. Tonight, disturbing information about the condition of Michael`s body. His skin, pale white. What does all this mean? Does it give us clues into what Michael died from?
We also have this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. JACKSON: Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Paris Jackson`s heart-wrenching tribute to her daddy brought tears to the eyes of people around the world. But could M.J.`s daughter`s speaking out about her loving father actually affect the custody battle for her and her brothers? Do her emotional words shut Debbie Rowe out?
And as genuine as Paris` words were, we have to ask tonight, was it OK for her to speak out? It`s the great debate.
And now, we`d like to hear from you for our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Michael Jackson`s Daughter: Was it OK to have her speak at his memorial?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or e-mail showbiztonight@cnn.com. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: 31 million U.S. viewers watched the Michael Jackson memorial. 800,000 copies of Michael Jackson`s albums were sold in the U.S. in the week after he died.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REV. AL SHARPTON, JACKSON FAMILY ADVISER: I want his three children to know, wasn`t nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with. But he dealt with it.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, was the Michael Jackson memorial the best thing that could have happened for his three kids while they grieve? Or did it totally stress them out?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, through the kids` eyes. Michael Jackson`s three children were, of course, right there front and center for their father`s epic memorial. Was it helpful and cathartic? Or was it overwhelming and scary?
Joining me tonight in New York, the one and only Dr. Judy Kuriansky who is a clinical psychologist.
As you heard, Dr. Judy, family adviser Al Sharpton said very pointedly to their kids that their father was not strange. They also heard several hours of eulogies celebrating their father as one of the greatest entertainers in the world. Was that helpful for them or was it overwhelming?
DR. JUDY KURIANSKY, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST: Both, A.J. From a psychological point of view, I think it was tremendously confusing to go from one extreme of emotion to the other.
From the extreme of seeing a casket of their father - and little Blanket, by the way, holding a Michael Jackson doll in his hands as an effigy of Daddy. And at the other end, this major circus - like a major event. I don`t think it`s going to sink in for them for quite a while to process that Daddy is really dead when they were watching him so much on the stage and everyone loving him.
But psychologically, it`s helpful to see all that love, that so many people said how much they love him. It wipes out a little bit of the pain but only a little.
HAMMER: And I can`t help but wonder if they actually knew that people thought their daddy was strange, as Sharpton pointed out. But that`s a whole other issue.
Michael Jackson`s memorial, of course, was the first time the world really got to see Jackson`s three little kids at length. And without all the weird masks they used to always have to wear, they seemed thoughtful, they seemed emotional and pretty much normal.
So Dr. Judy, as they have been protected from the spotlight really their entire lives, was it helpful or harmful for them to be out there in the public eye like this on such a difficult time?
KURIANSKY: I`m a little concerned about it. It is - from psychology, it`s helpful for kids to go to a funeral over the age of six, so that part is good.
However, they could end up being shocked by the fact that they have been so covered for so long. They were uncovered a little bit before his death. But now, there`s going to be potentially a little bit of wondering in their minds as children do, "Would Daddy have approved of this? He kept us covered and away from the spotlight so long."
However, I think they need to take a page from the way that Gwen Stefani treats her kid, Kingston, that he is out there and being socially accepted. That Jen and Ben have Violet being out there. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes having little Suri being shown to the public. So, I think those will be good role models for them.
HAMMER: Well, it will be very interesting to see moving forward if they`re seen out in public no longer wearing those masks and being as protected as they were when their dad was still around. Dr. Judy Kuriansky, thank you so much for being here. We appreciate your insight.
Well, we have been getting more calls into "Showbiz on Call" about the Michael Jackson memorial than any other event or topic. This is unbelievable. And the calls keep pouring in. We encourage you to call.
This is Julie calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Texas. Julie has a very special connection to Michael.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: From Dallas, Texas, originally from Gary, Indiana. And all I want to say is Michael, I love you. And you will always be in my heart. It`s like we grew up together. I`ll always remember you, baby.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you so much, Julie. We also heard from Ron calling into "Showbiz on Call" from West Virginia. And Ron really believes that Michael bridged the gaps between race, culture, gender - you name it.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I`m a 39-year-old white male. And I just know it doesn`t matter if you`re black or white. Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer to ever grace this earth with his presence. He will be sadly missed forever. And I feel like a part of my family has gone.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: And we appreciate your call, Ron. I really encourage you to call us at "Showbiz on Call." You can give us your thoughts about Michael Jackson, give us your thoughts on anything at all. That is why we keep the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines open all the time. Here`s the number - 1- 888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail and we`ll may play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are also now online. Just check them out on our homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
So many of our "Showbiz on Call" phone calls, our e-mails, Facebook comments are all about Paris Jackson and her emotional goodbye to her daddy. It brought tears to all of our eyes.
So tonight, we`re asking, did Paris`s words seal the deal in the custody battle over her and her brothers? If Debbie Rowe wants the kids, does she have no shot now?
And tonight as genuine as Paris`s words were at the memorial, was it OK to let her speak? The great debate is coming up.
So is this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A source involved with the investigation tells us Jackson had, quote, "numerous track marks" on his arms.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Brand-new disturbing details about the investigation into what killed Michael Jackson. Tonight, needle marks found on Michael`s body, his skin completely white. What does all this mean? What does it say about the possible use of drugs?
And is Paula Abdul coming back to "American Idol?" Is it going to happen? Paula, straight up, now tell me. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Saturday Night Live" skit, "MacGruber," may be made into a feature film. Cameron Diaz channels Madonna for new "V Magazine" spread.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Paula Abdul says she is bringing her sometimes loopy comments and always entertaining field clap back for the ninth season of "American Idol." Paula says she`s been invited back for as long as the show stays on the air.
Paula describes herself as the nurturing mom, Simon as the disapproving dad, and Randy as the cool brother. I don`t know if Paula left the fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, out on purpose. No comment from "American Idol."
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Here are some more stories that are making news right now.
Tonight, will Alec Baldwin run for office? Well, the "30 Rock" star tells "Playboy" magazine that he`s thinking about running for Congress in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut once his NBC sitcom is over in 2012.
Baldwin says, "Who thought Eliot Spitzer would go down the way he did? Sen. Hillary Clinton left to serve as secretary of state. Two of the biggest forces gone. People get sick, die. They`re offered lucrative deals and want to cash in and make money for their retirement. People misstep."
HAMMER: Well, we are still getting so many e-mails, so many comments on our Facebook page about the Michael Jackson memorial. I do want to share some with you right now. Shannon from Canada e-mailed us saying, "After watching the service, I realized it was Michael`s songs that got me through the hardest time in my life. I lost my Mom at age 15 to lung cancer in 1988. She was my best friend. His songs were spiritually healing."
Jacqueline from Florida adds, "I spoke at my father`s funeral. It just feels good to let people know how you feel."
Over to Facebook now. Jacqui O. says, "Paris Jackson reduced my eyes to a bawling cascade of tears when she professed her love for her Daddy. Thank you, Paris, and thank you, Michael, for raising such awesome children. Her moment might very well change my own life for the better."
And Suzanne M. writes, "The Michael Jackson memorial was one of the most touching, heartwarming, inspirational tributes I`ve ever seen. He was so misunderstood, but really all about love, peace and harmony. He made a place for himself in my life and heart forever."
You can write us, too. Our e-mail address is showbiztonight@cnn.com. And I would love it if you sign up for our Facebook page at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Here comes the SHOWBIZ lineup. This is more of what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. JACKSON: Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Paris Jackson`s emotional, tear-jerking words about her father. But was it wrong for Paris to speak out at Michael`s memorial? And will her speaking out affect the custody battle over her and her brothers?
Also tonight, brand-new details about the investigation into what killed Michael Jackson. Needle marks found all over his body.
And here`s a big question, why is Mariah Carey apologizing for her singing at Michael`s memorial? I thought she was pretty fantastic. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
It`s time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Bravo`s "Real Housewives of NYC" renewed for a third season. Comedy Central and WGN America to buy rights to "30 Rock," reruns to start airing in 2011.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. JACKSON: Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the great debate over Paris Jackson`s tearful tribute to her dad. Was it OK for Michael Jackson`s daughter to speak out at his memorial or was it just plain wrong?
The battle over Jackson`s kids. Will Paris Jackson`s emotional words spell trouble for Debbie Rowe in the fight for Michael Jackson`s kids?
And brand-new, dramatic details on the condition of Michael Jackson`s body when he died.
Plus, more stories breaking from the SHOWBIZ News Ticker.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
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.
Tonight, the power of Paris. Could Paris Jackson`s tear-jerking goodbye to her father, Michael, at his memorial actually influence any possible child custody battle? Well, it`s just one of the latest breaking developments SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is covering.
Brand-new tonight, Michael Jackson`s longtime friend and doctor speaks out today for the first time. He`s trying to set the record straight about those reports that he may have fathered two of Jackson`s kids. Is he opening up Pandora`s box for a future custody battle?
Also brand-new tonight, this just uncovered "Good Morning America" interview from 2003 with the biological mother of Jackson`s two oldest kids, Debbie Rowe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEBBIE ROWE, EX-WIFE OF MICHAEL JACKSON: These are the ultimate love children. You know what? If it hadn`t been for how much I love him, I would have never had children.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Big questions tonight on whether Rowe will fight for custody of her two children with Michael Jackson.
Joining me tonight from Hollywood - there she is - Pat Lalama, an investigative journalist. In New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell - you can see her every night of the week on "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" right here on HLN.
All right. Let`s begin with the single moment in Michael Jackson`s memorial at the Staples Center Tuesday that really surprised everybody who was watching. Of course, that was when Michael`s only daughter, Paris, took to the microphone to pay tribute to her dad. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. JACKSON: Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: This 11-year-old girl really defended Michael Jackson and who he was to her. Now, Michael, as we know, wanted his mom, Katherine, to be guardian of his three kids.
And right now, she does have temporary custody of them. Pat Lalama, out to you first. Do you think Paris` statement about her father could actually have any affect on the judge`s decision?
LALAMA: You know, I don`t think so. I think it was wonderful. I have no problem with Paris speaking. I think every child is different. If someone deems a child is capable emotionally of expressing herself on behalf of her father, so be it.
But when it comes to the court of law, particularly family court, it will be about the child`s best interest. I do feel that this child loves her father. And we don`t know. We weren`t in the house, we don`t know how he parented.
If she loves her father, that`s an important thing. But I don`t think it`s going to have an impact on what a family law court judge will decide in the end.
HAMMER: See, Jane, I am thinking that if she was able to speak so eloquently on stage under those circumstances - wow, if the judge asks her to speak in court or in chambers, she`s going to have a lot to say and say it well.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Absolutely, A.J. And I respectfully disagree with my colleague, Pat. I think this will have an impact because judges are not these deities that live in a vacuum. I think they`re people like everyone else.
And I think the judge who is going to be deciding this case is definitely aware of this videotape, if not having watched the entire memorial service. And it speaks volumes. It`s not just what she said. It`s the closeness of the family, how they huddled around her, how they were so protective, how she leaned her head on Janet Jackson.
LALAMA: Jane, Jane, that`s very important. But whether she loved her father doesn`t play into who`s going to have custody of his children.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I`m not talking about the Dad. I`m talking about her relationship with the Jackson clan, which is associated with Katherine. So, this whole family is a unit. And that`s going to be part of the decision.
And I think that the love there was palpable. And anybody who just totally ignores that I think is doing an injustice. Because remember, the criteria is what`s in the best interest of the kids.
LALAMA: I agree with you on that.
HAMMER: Hang on a second, Pat Lalama. Because I want to show you this. It was a brand-new interview with CNN`s Anderson Cooper where Jackson family friend and advisor Al Sharpton, who we know has been with the family since Michael Jackson died almost two weeks ago, he says the kids are comfortable with Katherine. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHARPTON: I visited the house the last several days with Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Jackson. They seem to be holding up well. The children seem to be comfortable at home. This is what they know. They`re there with their grandparents. They`re there in an environment they know, that their father trusted.
So, I`m sure they`re devastated. But I think they`re coping well because they`re in this kind of web of love with their grandparents, with their aunts and uncles. And I think they`ll be all right because they know better than anyone how to bring them through this environment that is bizarre to the average person but is their reality.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Pat, what about that - Sharpton making some great points? This was what Michael Jackson would have wanted.
LALAMA: I don`t disagree. There`s nothing like the family unit, flaws and all. We all have warts in our families. Let`s face it. But, yes, I do agree with Jane, going back to what she said a moment ago - the gathering, the support, the cousins, the aunt, the uncles, Katherine`s great matriarchal spirit within the Jackson family.
There`s nothing wrong with that. I was just saying, yes, the judge may consider it. But I don`t think it`s going to be the superseding factor in his or her decision.
HAMMER: Well, of course, Katherine Jackson may have to battle for custody of Michael`s two oldest kids with their biological mom, Debbie Rowe. But you know, we`ve all seen she hasn`t exactly had any kind of a relationship that we know of with her kids.
And ABC`s "Good Morning America" revealed this morning an interview it uncovered from back in 2003. Debbie Rowe says, in this interview, says that she never would have had kids if it wasn`t for Michael wanting to be a father. You`ve got to see this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROWE: These are the ultimate love children. You know, if it hadn`t been for how much I love him, I would have never had children. And people make remarks, "Oh, I can`t believe she left her children." Left them? I left my children? I did not leave my children. My children are with their father, where they`re supposed to be.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And Michael left clear instructions in his will of where he wanted his children to be. That`s with their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Jane, you hear Debbie`s comments about not really wanting to be a mom. And you hear Paris`s emotional statement about her Dad being the best daddy ever. And you think, how could a judge not grant Katherine permanent custody?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, I think, it all boils down to Debbie Rowe and what her conscience will tell her what to do. She`s deciding whether or not to seek custody. She can decide not to seek custody. I pray that she decides not to seek custody.
There was a shot that TMZ took of Debbie Rowe watching the memorial and weeping when Paris was speaking. For some bizarre reason, she was watching this memorial outdoors where this photograph could be taken.
HAMMER: Yes. How about that?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: So, maybe it`s getting to her. Maybe she`s starting to see, "Aha. My actions have repercussions." It`s not just about making a deal.
HAMMER: Well, then, of course, there`s this sidebar issue over whether Michael Jackson`s three kids are actually his biological children. Now, there`s been rampant speculation that Jackson`s longtime friend and dermatologist may have fathered his two oldest kids.
Well, in a brand-new interview seen this morning with "Good Morning America`s" Diane Sawyer, Dr. Arnold Klein answered the questions with a big old question mark. This is incredible.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KLEIN: All I can tell you is that to the best of my knowledge, I`m not the father of these children. But I`m telling you, if push comes to shove - you know, I can`t say anything about it, but to the best of my knowledge, I`m not the father of these children.
SAWYER: Best of your knowledge? That`s an intriguing phrase. Best of your knowledge.
KLEIN: I can`t answer it in any other way because, you know what? I don`t want to feed any of this insanity that`s going around.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. OK. To the best of his knowledge. Pat, not exactly a denial - and quickly, it doesn`t play into any court battles should there be one, does it?
LALAMA: Well, that was one big, fat hypocrisy - "I don`t want to play into any of this insanity. But to the best of my knowledge".
No, it doesn`t play into any court battle at all. And you know what? People talk about how they`re worried about the children until they have spoken of the event. This is more harmful, debating on camera who`s the daddy.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: I`m right there with you. We`re going to end it there, though. Pat Lalama, Jane Velez-Mitchell, thank you for being with us tonight. I appreciate it.
People still talking about Paris Jackson`s emotional tribute to her daddy, Michael Jackson. But tonight, that moment sparking an all-out debate. We`ve been talking about it. After all, Michael Jackson did shield his kids from the spotlight. So, was it OK to let Paris speak out on the worldwide stage or was it plain wrong? The fired-up debate is coming up.
And this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: A source involved with the investigation tells us Jackson has, quote, "numerous track marks on his arms."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the brand-new disturbing details on the condition of Michael Jackson`s body when he died. Were his arms really covered in needle marks? Is it true he had no hair left on his head? Well, I`ve got the startling details of a brand-new investigation you`ve got to hear.
And why Mariah Carey is apologizing for her performance at Jackson`s memorial? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: L.A. mayor asks Michael Jackson fans to help pay $4 million in funeral costs. Brand-new Britney Spears Candies ads revealed.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. JACKSON: Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It was the moment we will never forget. Michael Jackson`s 11- year-old daughter, Paris, showing her raw emotions at her father`s memorial. But was it OK to let her do that? We have the great debate in just a moment.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
First, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, bringing you brand-new and disturbing details on the condition of Michael Jackson`s body when he died. An explosive CNN investigation has uncovered revelations about Jackson`s possible drug use. Were his arms really covered in needle marks? Is it true he had no hair left on his head?
Here`s CNN`s Randi Kaye for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have a gentleman here that needs help, and he`s not breathing.
KAYE (voice-over): CNN has now learned disturbing new details about what precisely police investigators found when they answered the 911 call from Jackson`s house 12 days ago.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He`s not conscious, sir.
911 OPERATOR: OK.
KAYE (on camera): A source involved with the investigation tells us Jackson had, quote, "numerous track marks on his arms" and that those marks, quote, "could certainly be consistent with the regular IV use of a drug like Diprivan."
(voice-over): Diprivan is the powerful sedative commonly used in anesthesia in a hospital. A nurse who had worked for Jackson told CNN he had begged her for Diprivan a few months ago so he could sleep.
Our source cautioned investigators can`t say right now if a Diprivan IV drip caused the track marks on Jackson`s arms. Some of the marks, the source said, appeared fresh, others older.
In fact, some of the newest marks could have been caused when emergency medical personnel rushed into the house and used their own IVs in an effort to save him. The source would not confirm if Diprivan had been found with Jackson.
But he told us numerous bottles of prescription medication had been found in Jackson`s $100,000-a-month rented mansion. He described them as, quote, "dangerous drugs, similar to those found in a hospital setting." That`s as far as he would go.
(on camera): As for Jackson`s body, the source said he had never seen anything like it in decades of investigative work. He described it as, quote, "lily white from head to toe." Was it caused by the disease Jackson said he had? We don`t know.
(voice-over): Another source with knowledge of the case described Jackson`s body as having, quote, "paper white skin, as white as a white T- shirt." He also told me his scalp was bald, that the pop star had no hair. That may have been a result of injuries Jackson received when his hair caught fire while making his Pepsi ad years ago.
This source also said Jackson`s veins were, quote, "collapsed in both arms," suggesting frequent intravenous drug use. His final note, the body was emaciated, despite the vigor Jackson showed on stage during his final rehearsal just 36 hours earlier.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Huge contrast there. That was CNN`s Randi Kaye for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And these new revelations about Jackson come just the day after his emotional memorial and what everyone is still talking about, Jackson`s 11-year-old daughter Paris delivering that heart-wrenching goodbye to her daddy.
But today, a great debate surfaced. Was allowing Paris to reveal her pain before tens of millions of people around the world the wrong thing to do?
Joining me tonight in New York, clinical psychologist, Dr. Judy Kuriansky. Also tonight in New York is Carolina Bermudez who is the senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."
So, not only was this the first time that the world really got to see Michael Jackson`s three children, this was also the first time that we heard from one of them.
Dr. Judy, was there anything wrong with letting Paris get up there like that?
KURIANSKY: I don`t think so. I think this was brilliant. It was so psychologically healing for Paris Jackson herself and for the public who mourned and cried with her, and also for the family.
The only people I worry about in this scenario now, A.J., are the brothers because there could potentially, as the years go by, be some jealousy and competition that arises because she was the one to take the stage and to resurrect her dad`s positive view as a dad and to say how much she loved him.
HAMMER: Sure. Sure. And perhaps some guilt that they weren`t the ones who got the chance to do that. Well, the Rev. Al Sharpton is cheering Paris on. Now, Sharpton has been with the Jackson family since Michael`s death. And on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE," Sharpton was asked what he thought about Paris` touching goodbye to her father. And this is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHARPTON: That touched everyone. And I think you couldn`t script that. She`s not reading a prompter. This is a young lady - in fact, if you saw it. They had really said they wanted Janet Jackson to speak. And Janet kind of brought her forward and she spoke from the heart about her father. I think she made the whole world understand how human Michael Jackson was.
HAMMER: Yes. Carolina, this one to off to you. Wasn`t this a good thing? Because Michael`s daughter, Paris, really did seem to humanize her father in a way that he never could do while he was alive, it seems to me.
BERMUDEZ: She certainly did. And what a brave little girl. I mean, that was raw emotion. You can`t get much more real than that. And I think the Rev. Al Sharpton said it best when he was at the memorial service, when he said, "You know, your daddy isn`t strange. It`s strange what he`s had to go through."
Here`s a little girl who`s had to go through all of that with him. And she`s seen the adoration and she`s seen the pain that other people are going through. I think that in the end, as an adult, she can look back and say, "Wow. At least I got to say my piece. I least I got to tell people how much I really loved my Dad."
HAMMER: Well, a lot of people have commented on the maturity that Paris showed when she spoke about her father. Let`s take a look at this picture. It`s the children on stage at the memorial. And you see Paris there and her older brother, Prince Michael, standing around their younger brother, who`s just 7 years old, brother Blanket, in a very protective way.
Dr. Judy, does this picture really seem to you symbolic of the role that the older children are now taking on, almost as their brother`s guardian?
KURIANSKY: Thank goodness for that because I`ll tell you, I`m a little concerned about little Blanket. He had a very sad look on his face, which is understandable. But he was looking down. He was shy.
The other older children when they were singing "We are the World" went from the solemness (ph) to the joyfulness. And he was covering his face still like his dad used to cover his face. I`m very concerned about what is going to happen to him as he grows up and the confusion in his psychological mind. And it will be good that the older kids are looking after him.
HAMMER: Yes. But, Carolina, how terrific that we got to see this bond that clearly exists on such an organic level between these siblings?
BERMUDEZ: Well, this is exactly what Michael Jackson spoke about his own family. You know, when he was growing up, he`s always loved his brothers. He`s always loved his sisters. And he`s spoken about that. And I think that we can see what he learned as a young child. He passed that on to his children.
HAMMER: Yes.
BERMUDEZ: And you can see how strong.
KURIANSKY: Right.
BERMUDEZ: . and how they really support each other.
HAMMER: They clearly get it. Carolina Bermudez, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, thank you guys. I appreciate it.
All right. We have been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Michael Jackson`s Daughter: Was it OK to have her speak as his memorial?" Let us know what you think at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or e-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Well, I have to say, I thought all of the performers at Michael Jackson`s memorial really did a pretty remarkable job under what had to have been difficult circumstances.
So, I`ve got to ask, why is Mariah Carey actually apologizing for the way she sang? Well, coming up next, Mariah tells the world she is sorry for her performance. What the heck is that all about? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Former "House" and "Harold and Kumar" star Kal Penn starts job as White House liaison. The Sci Fi Channel has officially changed it`s name to "SyFy."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Thank you, Charles "Moonwalking" Wagman (ph). And welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
And tonight, Mariah Carey is actually apologizing for her performance at Michael Jackson`s memorial. Yes, you heard me right. I think this is unbelievable.
Now, Carey sang an emotional cover of the Jackson 5, "I`ll Be There," a song she herself took to number one. And if you watched, it was clear, like everyone else that her emotions were running high. Take a look.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: There`s nothing wrong as far as I can see. Now, Carey, obviously, had the tough job of being the first to perform at the memorial.
Well, this morning on the "Today" show, she admitted that it wasn`t her best performance, but she did try her hardest to get through the song.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIAH CAREY, SINGER: I feel a little bit like I let everybody down. But I really did try. It`s just - it was difficult. But you know what, I think it was a true and honest, emotional moment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Mariah, you`re insane. You didn`t let anybody down. Now, she apologized to her fans on her Twitter page. Here`s what she said there, "Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I`m sorry that I wasn`t able to pull it together and really do it right. But I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me. One thing I know is we will never really have to say goodbye to M.J. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people he inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts."
Mariah Carey, you did a great job. Let it go. It had to be really tough.
Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was this - "Michael Jackson Memorial: Is it a fitting farewell." I was really happy to see the results coming like this - 76 percent of you said yes. Only 24 percent of you said no.
A lot of positive e-mails coming in, too. L. from California: "I feel Michael would be proud of his family, friends and fans for honoring him in such a way. He`s smiling down on us."
And Tiena from Virginia writing, "After watching coverage of Michael Jackson and his memorial, I find myself with a new respect for him as a person."
Christina in New York, "We know him as show-stopping, but his family and friends clearly showed us the other side of Michael Jackson today. We are grateful."
Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Easter and Pacific and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern here on HLN.
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