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Showbiz Tonight
Mad Over Michael Jackson`s Movie; Dr. Arnold Klein`s Wild Claims; Andre Agassi Drug Shocker; Levi Johnston`s Bombshell Claims About Sarah Palin
Aired October 28, 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: Right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, mad over Michael`s movie. Tonight, the explosive new claims about Michael Jackson`s "This Is It" as the movie opens around the world.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL JACKSON, POP STAR: Let`s do it one more time.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the great debate about new claims the movie exploits Michael, that the movie should have included Jackson`s drug use. We have seen the movie and wait until you hear what we found out.
The Andre Agassi drug shocker. The tennis legend`s startling confessions about using crystal meth, about his marriage to Brooke Shields.
Plus, Levi Johnston`s claims that he had bombshell secrets about Sarah Palin. Levi`s ominous-sounding words on the "CBS Early Show."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEVI JOHNSTON, FATHER OF SARAH PALIN`S GRANDSON: I have things that would get her in trouble and could hurt her - will hurt her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: TV`s first, most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
And tonight, mad over Michael. The Michael Jackson documentary "This Is It" opened around the world today. And I have seen it, but I can also tell you that there are explosive new controversies tonight surrounding the movie. All of this made for big news breaking today.
All around the world today, people lined up to see the movie about the rehearsals for what was supposed to be Jackson`s big concert come back. But there were explosive accusations today that the movie exploits Michael and it covers up his addiction to drugs.
And on the same day the movie opened, Jackson`s former plastic surgeon makes the wild claims that he injected Michael with drugs 51 times in the last three months before he died.
With us now in New York, "People" magazine film critic Lea Rozen who was right there with me last night at the first screening of "This Is It." Also with us in New York, Carolina Bermudez, senior editor for "In Touch Weekly" who has also seen the film. And Megan Alexander who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was also right there at the star-studded big Hollywood premiere last night, everybody out celebrating Michael Jackson`s life and his talent. But there is a dark side here that`s getting a lot of attention. There are claims that the film exploits Michael`s legacy. It ignores the controversy over his addiction to drugs.
There`s even a Web site you can find today that protests the movie. Carolina, I know, as I mentioned, you were right there. You saw it. Do you buy the theory that this film exploits Michael?
CAROLINA BERMUDEZ, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Absolutely not. That`s not what this movie is about. This movie is a celebration of who Michael was, not only as an entertainer, but as a real person. You got to see that side of him that you never really got to see before.
And to be quite honest, it was a mesmerizing experience. I can only say that. Having, you know - I didn`t know if I was ever going to be able to see the show. But having seen the movie now, but I am so grateful that Kenny Ortega did what he did.
HAMMER: You know, a lot of people are right there on your side, Carolina, saying, "You know what? Back off if you`re criticizing this thing. It is an important movie." Now, Michael`s brother, Jermaine, all the Jackson brothers were right there at the Hollywood premiere of "This Is It." Jermaine tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT nothing but good will come out of this film. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JERMAINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S BROTHER: This is going to show the humane side to him and to show people what he was prepared to do. The world will learn that my brother is a human being and he`s a wonderful person. And they`re going to see that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I mean, I think, you know, despite the fact that it was just a rehearsal, we did get to see his humanity. As I mentioned, I saw the movie - look, as a base line, I think anything that is making money off of Michael Jackson now that he`s died theoretically, technically does exploit him.
But the truth is, this is a movie the fans are going to want to see. This is a movie people who were going to see those concerts deserve to see. And anybody who may have been wavering about how talented he was should go see this movie. Lea, let me ask you. Do you think this movie is at all exploitive to Jackson?
LEA ROZEN, FILM CRITIC, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Not hugely so in that it`s not an intimate up close and personal look at Michael Jackson, the man. It is Michael Jackson, the artist. The fact that they`ve got it in theaters so soon after his death is, indeed, a little exploitative. The fact that they`re going to make as much money as they can is - yes.
But is the film itself? No. Are they saying here, "Let us show you evidence of his drug use. Here let us show you"? Not at all. So it is - it`s really a look at Michael Jackson, the artist.
HAMMER: Yes. And that`s what happening also as we`re seeing some of the protests. Lea, you mentioned not mentioning the drug use. Some Jackson fans are protesting this film and this online movement with this Web site called "This Is Not It."
And one of the major beefs they have with the way Jackson is being portrayed is that they say this movie gives a distorted view of Jackson`s health in the last days of his life.
But you know, as far as I`m concerned, the whole point of this movie was to honor Michael Jackson, give us a glimpse of his artistry and his immense talent. It is not a documentary about the final days of his life.
Megan, let me ask you. Is there anything wrong with this film only wanting to show Michael in the best possible light?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": A.J., you said it. And you know what? That exploitative film - it will come. We all know that. Of the numerous reviews that I read, it was not an expose. It was not a documentary. It was, as you shared, a tribute to the life and legacy of Michael Jackson.
It is what the fans wanted. And from what I hear, it was almost two hours of all those incredible songs and dance moves that we love to see. And people got to see Michael Jackson perform one last time.
HAMMER: Yes. It was really enjoyable and wow, what a spectacular concert the "This Is It" show would have been. I mean, really - the effects and everything else that went into it, really mind blowing.
And some people, though, who were complaining about this went as far as to say as, "You know, parts of the film had a body double for Michael Jackson." Not as far as I could tell, but you know, who knows? Body double - you shouldn`t be able to tell.
At the premiere last night, Kenny Ortega - he`s the guy who directed it. He`s the choreographer for the movie, for the concert series. He told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that the idea of a body double - a bunch of bum.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KENNY ORTEGA, DIRECTOR, "THIS IS IT": Absolutely no body doubles. And it`s all Michael and it`s unguarded and raw and real and he is beautiful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. This body double thing is a pretty outrageous claim. But there are also complaints that the film should have shown the dancers` reaction to the news when they learned that Jackson died. Apparently, cameras were rolling.
Carolina, I think that would have been exploitive. What do you think? Did Kenny Ortega have any obligation to include the bad with the good?
BERMUDEZ: Not at all, I don`t think that would have made the movie any better. I think that was a personal thing that the cast had to go through themselves, having worked with Michael Jackson day after day. That was something that they needed to keep to themselves. That would have definitely gone down the route of exploitation. And I think that it was tasteful that he decided to leave that out.
HAMMER: I wasn`t even watching this thinking about the fact that Michael died to be perfectly honest with you. And what I did think of, though, was - I felt sadness for these dancers and this close-knit family that had formed, these people living out their dreams getting to work with Michael Jackson.
Some of Michael`s family members expressed concern over the fact that Michael would not have wanted his fans to see him rehearsing because that would have shown him as imperfect. He wanted, for one, them to see the finished, polished product.
Well, at the Hollywood premiere last night, Paula Abdul told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT his performance in "This Is It" was top notch. Here`s Paula.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAULA ABDUL, SINGER AND DANCER: It`s an important movie to see because even though Michael would never want anyone to see him halfway rehearsed. But he gave full out even during the rehearsals, every single one of them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And that are said, don`t be disillusioned if you`re going to see the film. Michael did hold back his voice to save it. It was raw rehearsal footage that you are seeing. And it was very unpolished at times because it was rehearsal footage. But again, that`s what I found fascinating about it.
Lea, what do you think? Michael`s performances in this - will it satisfy fans?
ROZEN: I think it will satisfy ardent fans. I think for those of us, and I`m including myself here, who wanted a look at the man behind the "Man in The Mirror," you are a little dissatisfied. He never lets his hair down literally. It`s in a ponytail.
But he never - you don`t really see him joking. You don`t see him talking about his children. You don`t get - you get a sense of Michael Jackson, the artist, less of the sense of Michael Jackson, the man.
HAMMER: Yes. You know, Carolina, I would like you to chime in on that, having seen the film because I did walk out wishing I had seen even more context. You know, we have seen very little behind-the-scenes footage of Michael since he died.
We saw some home video footage that had been shot. And we do see interaction with the dancers and the way he went through the creative process. But a little more context is pretty much the only thing I was hoping for here.
BERMUDEZ: That are would have been nice, definitely. I think that we saw Michael as the micromanager. He was so meticulous. He wanted - a perfectionist, definitely, by ever sense.
And it would have been nice to get that little insight into how Michael was as just a guy hanging out, you know, maybe messing up a rehearsal here and there. But no, this just shows you what type of a performer Michael Jackson was. And if you`ve ever questioned that he was one of the greatest performers who ever lived, this movie will prove it.
HAMMER: Yes. Lea, as I said right at the beginning, you know, for anybody who perhaps has wavered in their opinion of Michael throughout the years with all the drama that surrounded him, this will remind them that this is a great artist here.
ROZEN: Certainly, a hardworking one. You see him sweat. Oh, the one thing I think is open to criticism I was amused by - he goes on and on about his love for the environment and his fear for where the planet`s going. And yet, looking at the size of this production - I mean, these were huge productions. Huge -
HAMMER: A lot of carbon footprint going on there.
ROZEN: Exactly. I agree. Lea Rozen, Carolina Bermudez, Megan Alexander, thanks to all of you. Do not forget, you can read more on Michael`s new movie in the latest issue of "People" magazine on newsstands Friday.
And in just a few minutes, we will reveal to you the shocking claims by Michael`s dermatologist that he gave Michael 51 injections in the three months before he died. That is coming up.
Also, Andre Agassi`s shocking drug confessions. The tennis star is speaking out. This is unbelievable. He`s talking about using crystal meth and also revealing a lot about his marriage to Brooke Shields. Really shocking stuff here.
Plus, Levi Johnston says he`s got a lot of dirt left to dish about Sarah Palin. Is it pay back time for what Sarah has said about him?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you hurt by all of this?
JOHNSTON: I was, yes. Now, it`s just kind of like all right, well, now it`s my turn.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wait until you hear what Levi has to say about the kind of dirt he has on Sarah Palin. And sex and the series. A woman allegedly willing to trade sex for World Series tickets? Wow. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Bahamian lawyer apologizes for causing mistrial in John Travolta extortion case. The Jonas Brothers deny breakup rumors, despite Nick Jonas` new solo project.
HAMMER: You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Right now, I want you to keep on watching the bottom of your screen right there for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, it`s a SHOWBIZ special report, "Oh, So Fabulous," female stars who make over-40 look fabulous. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and "More" magazine have teamed up to bring you the incredible story of some of Hollywood`s biggest female stars who just seem to get better and better with age.
The women that we are about to reveal really prove that age - it ain`t nothing but a number. Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Your visa application is denied. You`re being deported.
SANDRA BULLOCK, ACTRESS: Deported?
BROOKE ANDERSON, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CO-HOST: Forty-five-year-old Sandra Bullock plays a woman desperate to get married in the romantic comedy, "The Proposal." But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you her body of work goes way beyond active.
BULLOCK: Hello.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Oh, my god!
BULLOCK: Why are you naked?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Why are you wet?
ANDERSON: And who can forget Halle Berry`s sexy turn as a Bond girl in "Die Another Day."
PIERCE BROSNAN, ACTOR: Magnificent view.
HALLE BERRY, ACTRESS: It is, isn`t it?
ANDERSON: It sure is. They are women over 40 in Hollywood and they really know how to pack a punch.
SUSAN SWIMMER, "MORE" MAGAZINE: They say 40 is the new 30. I don`t know. Maybe 40 is the new 20. Today, women in Hollywood - when you reach 40, you become the woman that you are. And I think that shows in their work.
ANDERSON: It sure does. Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and "More" magazine are teaming up to reveal top Hollywood women in film make over-40 look absolutely fabulous no matter what part they`re playing for the camera.
Say hello to 60-year-old Meryl Streep who plays the pompous fashion editor Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada."
MERYL STREEP, ACTRESS: You have no style or a sense of fashion.
ANN HATHAWAY, ACTRESS: That are depends on what you`re -
STREEP: No, no. That wasn`t a question.
ANDERSON: And there is no question Streep could easily pass for the real Julia Child in the movie "Julie and Julia."
STREEP: I`m Julia Child. Bon appetit.
ANDERSON: Streep is so good that actress Sigourney Weaver tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she thinks it`s Streep`s best work yet.
SIGOURNEY WEAVER, ACTRESS: I thought she was absolutely so flooded with life and light and just - I thought she was awesome.
ANDERSON: So do we, but she is not alone. Let`s hear applause for 51- year-old Michelle Pfeiffer, everybody`s favorite cat woman.
MICHELLE PFEIFFER, ACTRESS: It`s OK. I had to go home and feed my cat. Meow.
SWIMMER: I mean, she made black spandex look great.
ANDERSON: Pfeiffer looks great in real life too.
SWIMMER: She says she works at it and she says she works hard at the gym and she does it almost every single day.
ANDERSON: Working hard is just another day in the life of our next fabulous over 40 star, Cate Blanchett. The Oscar-winning actress has even played a man. She channeled singer Bob Dylan in the 2007 movie, "I`m Not There."
CATE BLANCHETT, ACTRESS: Here`s the great thing. I`m not the president. This story (INAUDIBLE).
ANDERSON: And Cate has proven time and time again that she is more than a pretty face. Remember when she starred in "Elizabeth" that same year?
SWIMMER: She shaved her eyebrows and shaved her hair back.
BLANCHETT: I, too, can command the wind, sir! I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare when you dare to try me!
ANDERSON: These daring women in film set the bar high and make over-40 look absolutely fabulous, giving women everywhere a reason to celebrate.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And they are certainly not the only fabulous female stars over 40 we are saluting tonight. Kim Basinger, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Marisa Tomei also made this incredible list.
But wait, there is more. We asked you on Facebook today who you think should be on the list. I`m going to read some of those comments in just a few minutes. Please, pick up a copy of this month`s "More" magazine. It`s on newsstands right now.
Well, everybody wants to be starting something on the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines. People calling in from all over the place. A lot of reaction to the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It" which, of course, just came out today.
We`ve got a call into "Showbiz on Call" for Deanna in Alabama. Now, Deanna says she thinks Michael`s father, Joe Jackson, should not profit from his son`s death.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: This is about Mr. Jackson receiving money from the film (INAUDIBLE) Michael Jackson. I don`t think it`s fair one bit. I think he should never get another penny. He ought to live on what he`s got and nothing else.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thanks for your call, Deanna. We also heard from Sharon calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Indiana. Now, Sharon says it`s fine for the Jackson family to be making money from this movie.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: Everyone else who is not a Jackson is getting paid off of Michael Jackson. Why shouldn`t the Jacksons get paid? I think the Jacksons should benefit from Michael`s death.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you, Sharon. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open all the time - 1-888-SBT BUZZ is the number. That`s 1-888-728-2899.
Well, Levi Johnston has plenty of dirt left to dish about Sarah Palin.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNSTON: I mean, I have things, you know, that would get her in trouble and could hurt her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. What are kind of secrets is, you know, Levi keeping about Sarah Palin? We want to know.
Also, Andre Agassi`s shocking drug confession. Wait until you hear what he has to say about how much crystal meth he used to do. And he has something to say about being married to Brooke Shields as well.
Plus, things get really dark on "The Late, Late Show" with Craig Ferguson. You`ve got to see this incredible moment when something totally unexpected happened right in the middle of Craig`s interview with a big, big star. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
It is time Now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Hulk Hogan returning to pro-wrestling, joining TNA wrestling. Adam Lambert releases cover art for new album, "For Your Entertainment."
HAMMER: You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. And right now, I want you to keep on watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ caught on tape. Now, last night on "The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson," Craig was interviewing Alicia Silverstone about her new diet book. Alicia is a vegan and suddenly, things really went to the dark side. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRAIG FERGUSON, HOST, "THE LATE, LATE SHOW": It must be awful for you to go after people eating meat.
ALICIA SILVERSTONE, ACTRESS: No, it`s fine. I am talking about flirting because I really want people to know that it`s not all or nothing. You can just take good steps to get there.
FERGUSON: All right. Well, we will. Oh, it`s getting close to Halloween. This is awesome. We`ve got (INAUDIBLE) here, everybody. Everybody, quietly. Keep going. Keep going what?
(LAUGHTER)
It took nearly five years to get Alicia to come here and then, she comes and the damn lights go out. You know what`s weird - it`s awesome. It`s kind of like one of these movies that make a million gazillion dollars now.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And so there was a power outage in the whole building. But of course, Craig handled it like a comedy pro. Did you notice the lights went out as soon as he closed her book?
Well, Patrick Swayze`s wife speaking out for the first time since his tragic death from pancreatic cancer six weeks ago. Lisa Niemi was married to Swayze for 34 years - wow. She says there`s a part of her that believes she will see him again.
She spoke at a grief conference in California and said that she is relying on close friends right now to get her through what is such a painful time.
Just a few minutes ago, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and "More" magazine teamed up to reveal to you the top 10 women in Hollywood to make over-40 look fabulous.
And on our Facebook page today, we asked you who you thought should be on this list. What a great response we got. Here are just a few of the comments we received today.
Elizabeth R. agrees with one of our choices writing, "Sandra Bullock because she looks so fresh and seems so youthful."
Brittany R. writes, "Jennifer Aniston is so pretty. Courtney Cox also. Older ladies, but wonderful."
I want to hear from you on Facebook. You can follow us on Twitter for breaking entertainment news alerts. Sign up for our Facebook and Twitter pages at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Andre Agassi`s shocking drug confession. The tennis star speaks out about using crystal meth. Also, Levi Johnston`s secrets about Sarah Palin.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNSTON: If she is going and say stuff to me about me, I`m going to leak some things on her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. Levi says he really has got the dirt on Sarah.
Plus, shocking claims today from Michael Jackson`s dermatologist about how many injections he gave Jackson in the months leading up to his death. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Melissa Joan Hart and snowboarder Louie Vito booted from "Dancing with the Stars." Corey Feldman`s wife files for divorce after seven years of marriage.
HAMMER: You`re watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Right now, I want you to keep on watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Andre Agassi`s agonizing confessions. Tonight, the former bad boy tennis star tells all about using crystal meth. Plus, Agassi`s never-before-heard revelations about his marriage to Brooke Shields.
Michael Jackson`s new doctor shocker. As Michael`s movie debuted today, his former doctor reveals the mind-blowing number of injections he gave M.J. just weeks before he died. Tonight, what the doctor wants and why.
And also, brand-new today, Levi Johnston`s explosive Sarah Palin claims.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNSTON: I mean, I have things that would get her in trouble and could hurt her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Seriously, Levi, are you really on a one-man mission to destroy your son`s grandmother?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s first most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
Tonight, Andre Agassi`s shocking confessions about using crystal meth while playing tennis, about his marriage to Brooke Shields. What we learned today about the tennis legend from the tennis legend is truly jaw- dropping.
Agassi has just written a no-holds-barred, tell-all book. And when I say tell-all, I do mean he tells all which made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): He was the bad boy of tennis. With his long hair and devil- may-care persona, Andre Agassi ruled the tennis courts and the airwaves in the `90s.
ANDRE AGASSI, TENNIS CHAMPION: That ought to wake up the country club.
HAMMER: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Andre Agassi is now revealing a shocking secret, that at the height of his fame, Andre Agassi used crystal meth.
DAVID CAPLAN, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Andre revealed in his book that he actually was a user of crystal meth. He was introduced to it, actually, by his assistant. And it affected his game.
The new issue of "People" magazine features excerpts from Agassi`s new autobiography, "Open," about his drug use which began in 1997. Agassi writes, quote, "I`ve never felt so alive, so hopeful and above all, I`ve never felt such energy. I don`t sleep for two days."
But Agassi says he got a huge scare when he failed a drug test. Faced with a suspension from tennis, Agassi now admits he lied his way out of the jam.
CAPLAN: He said he actually drank a soft drink from his former assistant who used to spike his own soda with crystal meth. Andre says he drank it and that`s why the test failed.
HAMMER: Agassi says that incident scared him away from drugs. He writes, quote, "I have never been so disgusted with myself. I tell my coach, `I`m done with drugs. I`ll never touch them again.`"
In his book, Agassi also dishes about his two-year marriage to actress, Brooke Shields.
CAPLAN: Andre admits that he had a bit of a jealous streak when it came to Brooke Shields.
HAMMER: He writes about a jealous fit he threw as he watched Brooke tape her 1996 guest appearance on "Friends."
BROOKE SHIELDS, ACTRESS: These are miracle, magical, life-giving hands. Oh, just to be near them, touch them and maybe even lick one.
CAPLAN: He got out of his chair. He was very angry. He pushed the door open ready to leave the set telling Brooke he wasn`t going to watch Brooke lick Matt LeBlanc`s hand.
HAMMER: Agassi is now married to double tennis great Steffi Graf. In his book, Agassi makes a more scandalous revelation. You remember the long hair he was known for back in his heyday? Let`s say it wasn`t all Agassi.
CAPLAN: One of the biggest revelations in this book is that Andre coughs up - wearing a hairpiece.
HAMMER: Still, even more than his hairpiece, it`s Agassi`s crystal meth admission that everyone is talking about.
AGASSI: Image is everything.
HAMMER: And if image really is everything, is Agassi`s image now in danger?
CAPLAN: Although Andre`s image may take a bit of a beating, he is really doing great work with children. He runs an organization that helps children who are victims of war and persecution. He launched a charter school in Las Vegas.
So all these great work that he`s been doing with his wife for kids is really going to help counter any negative image that comes as a result of these revelations of drug use.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: So is Agassi a rebel without a cause? Or are his shocking meth revelations an ace for his career?
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Hyla, who is an entertainment journalist with "5DollarPrep.com." Also tonight, in New York, Megan Alexander who is a correspondent with "Inside Edition."
A lot of people today having a really hard time wrapping their heads around Agassi`s shocking revelations, especially that he used crystal meth when he was a tennis superstar. People find it so hard to believe. Megan what were you thinking when you first heard this?
ALEXANDER: Yes, A.J. It was pretty shocking. I always have been a huge Andre Agassi fan. But I noticed in his article with "People" magazine, he said, "If you are going tell your story, you owe it to yourself to tell it honestly."
I have to admire him for his honesty here. And I wonder what incredible burden has now been lifted from his shoulders. Imagine keeping that dark secret, a secret from so many people for so long. It`s very interesting that he feels he needs to reveal it. And one has to admire him for telling the truth.
HAMMER: Yes. That`s a good point. And another point that Andre makes in that "People" magazine article is that - "Hey, the name of the book is `Open.` I don`t have a choice. I`ve got to be open about everything." And you`ve got to hear how Andre Agassi describes the first time he used crystal meth.
He writes in the book that his assistant named Slim, quote, "dumps a small pile of powder on the coffee table. He cuts it, I snort some. There is a moment of regret followed by vast sadness. Then comes a tidal wave of euphoria. I`ve never felt so alive, so hopeful and above all, I`ve never felt such energy."
Hyla, I mean, this is a guy known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. What do you think an admission like this now does to his legacy?
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, "5DOLLARPREP.COM": I don`t think it affects it at all. His image has been set in stone for a long time. I mean, here`s a guy who is in a sport that the average retirement age around 30 years old.
So everything that he accomplished and all the transformations he went through from being a bad boy into a good boy - that is his legacy now.
Him doing the crystal meth - that`s his bad boy days. I don`t think anyone`s going to judge him for that. I mean, he`s just being honest. And you know what? He`s probably beating someone to the chase - either this assistant or some tennis official ratting him out. It`s better to hear him do it in his own words on his terms.
HAMMER: Yes. I agree with you there. Let`s move on now to another story that is breaking today. On the very same day Michael Jackson`s new movie "This Is It" opened up worldwide, we learned that Jackson`s former dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein, has made incredible claims in a lawsuit against Jackson`s estate.
Documents were obtained by TMZ, and in those documents, the estate apparently owes him almost $50,000 for dermatology services. Those are the claims. He also claims that he performed 179 procedures on Jackson three months before he died.
The claim states Klein gave Jackson 51 injections of Demerol within three months of Michael`s death. Now, Megan, maybe Dr. Klein was up against a filing deadline here. He had to get it in.
But wow. You know, I thought, what a case of bad timing. Do you agree? It comes across as being at least pretty insensitive filing this claim just as this movie made to honor Jackson hits theaters.
ALEXANDER: I do agree, A.J. It seems to be very poor taste to file this on this particular day when we are celebrating what a great entertainer Michael Jackson was. But I guess it reminds us that so many people wanted a piece of Michael Jackson and still do.
So many people are looking for their way to cash in, even somebody like Dr. Klein who has spoken out on being a good friend of Michael`s for so many years. He`s still going after the money.
HAMMER: Yes. And the truth is, listen, if he was owed money by Jackson and his estate now has an obligation to pay that then he should perhaps see it through. I don`t know if you just dismiss a $50,000 claim, you know, simply because Michael died.
I`m not saying that, but just days after Jackson died, Dr. Klein was right there on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE." And talked about the drugs that he used when he treated Michael. You`ve got to watch what he says.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. ARNOLD KLEIN, MICHAEL JACKSON`S FORMER DERMATOLOGIST: I may have used some sedatives for, you know, when he had surgical procedures. Because don`t forget, he had a lot of - he had a burn, a severe burn when he was burned on the Pepsi commercial and a severe hair loss when he, you know, contracted lupus also.
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": What was the strongest medication you gave him?
KLEIN: I once - you know, I occasionally gave him Demerol to sedate him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: On occasion. And then, that claim saying 51 times right before he died. Dr. Klein went on "LARRY KING" saying, "Hey, I didn`t do anything wrong."
Hyla, what do you think? Filing this claim perhaps yet another way for Klein to say, "Hey, I`m good here. I didn`t do anything wrong. I have no problem talking about this stuff"?
HYLA: It`s like buying meat at the supermarket. There just so many people in line trying to cash in. At some point, it`s just kind of background noise. I mean, "This Is It" - that`s going to be the big headline. This is going to be secondary. I don`t think it`s really going to affect how people feel walking out of the theater. And that`s what`s most important this weekend.
HAMMER: All right. Hyla, Megan Alexander, thanks so much, guys. I appreciate it.
We have been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It is this - "Michael Jackson Movie: Will you go to see `This Is It`? Keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Tonight, and I know you`re excited about this. He`s back. Levi Johnston`s brand-new claims today that he has bombshell secrets about Sarah Palin. The father of Sarah Palin`s grandson says it may be payback time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you hurt by all of this?
JOHNSTON: I was, yes. Now, it`s just kind of like, "All right. Well, now it`s my turn.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. Seriously? It`s Levi`s seemingly unending vendetta against Sarah Palin. Plus, the stunning results of a new poll on how trustworthy Sarah really is.
Kate Gosselin`s new career move. Days after telling the world she wants to be a big-time movie star, is Kate about to make a stunning about- face and leave her life as a celebrity behind? Tonight, the news that could change Kate`s life forever.
Plus, sex and the series - the baseball World Series, that is. Wait until you hear the totally off-the-wall story about a woman accused of offering to trade sex for World Series tickets. Yes, you heard me - but wait until you hear all the racy details. 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: Patrick Swayze`s widow, Lisa Niemi, to talk about his death on "Oprah" Friday. Jennifer Lopez files legal papers to stop first hubby from making film about their lives.
HAMMER: You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Right now, you`ve got to keep on watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight, Levi`s Sarah secrets. The father of Sarah Palin`s grandson, Levi Johnston, made a brand-new bombshell claim today that he has some explosive secrets about Sarah. In a brand-new interview this morning, Levi made a stunning claim that he knows some things that could hurt Sarah Palin in a very big way.
Also breaking tonight, sex and the series. You know, some people will just do about anything to get tickets to the World Series between the Phillies and the Yankees. But this woman - she takes the top prize.
Forty-three-year-old Susan Finkelstein allegedly offered sex in exchange for tickets. Is this the dumbest move ever?
Joining me tonight in New York, Carolina Bermudez who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." Also in New York, it`s Steven Smith who is a music and pop culture expert.
Let`s begin with Levi Johnston`s brand-new bombshell interview today on the "CBS Early Show." I`ve got to tell you, I can`t believe this guy is even still out there talking about Sarah Palin.
In the brand-new interview, when Levi was asked exactly what I would have asked, why do you continue to slam Sarah? Well, Levi gave what I thought was a shocking answer. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNSTON: Sarah didn`t like me. I knew Todd didn`t like me. I mean, they were kind of betraying at the same time backstabbing me, you know, just putting on a front to me to make her look good at the convention and everything else. And so I really don`t care anymore.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you hurt by all of this?
JOHNSTON: I was, yes. Now it`s just kind of like, all right. Well, now it`s my turn.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: He`s just so captivating when he speaks, isn`t he? He really just sounds so bitter about the Palins. He claims he was used by them so they could put up a good front during the Republican National Convention while Bristol Palin was pregnant.
Carolina, do you buy the whole idea that the Palins used Levi?
BERMUDEZ: No. This guy is such a waste. He needs to stop talking. I don`t even think he has any bombshells. He can barely form a sentence, so I don`t think that the Palins are that afraid of what he has to say.
But like - come on. Look at the example that he is giving his son. He`s going to appear in "Playgirl." And now, he`s all bad-mouthing grandma. It`s like, get a life. Your 15 minutes are over. Be done with it.
HAMMER: Carolina, do you think I should do the rest of the show kind of talking like that.
BERMUDEZ: You seem to be monotone, A.J.
HAMMER: Steven, what do you think? Are people buying Levi`s story at all?
STEVEN SMITH, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE EXPERT: I love Levi. He is the new Kato Kaelin. I think Levi is awesome. And the best response ever is, "They started it. That`s awesome. She did it first and so now, it`s my turn."
HAMMER: Yes. I love that he is talking that way about a woman who may be running for president. OK. In the interview this morning, Levi also delivered an ominous threat. I actually heard the spooky music playing when he delivered this threat saying that he`s got even more beans to spill about Sarah. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNSTON: If she is going to go out and say stuff to me about me, I`m going to leak some things on her. That`s just how it is.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you going continue saying things? Could you say more than you haven`t said?
JOHNSTON: There are some things that I have that are huge. And I haven`t said them because I`m not going to hurt her that way.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So you draw the line somewhere?
JOHNSTON: Yes. I mean, I have things that would get her in trouble and could hurt her, will hurt her. But I`m not going to go that far. If I really wanted to hurt her, I could very easily, but I`m not going that far.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Things that could get her in trouble as far as what?
JOHNSTON: Just things she has done while she was governor.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That are illegal?
JOHNSTON: Yes. I`m just not going to take about them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Again, just so eloquent. I mean, talking about things that Sarah did as governor of Alaska he could hold over her head. Carolina, what do you think? Are you scared for Sarah? Do you think he really has the dirt on her or is this just more cashing in?
BERMUDEZ: No. He is just trying to keep the limelight on him for just as long as he can. But you know, I`m so disturbed by the fact that I think that he`s so hot, but he`s so dumb. I can`t stand the guy. If he would just close his mouth and, you know, pose for pictures, I would be perfectly fine with that.
HAMMER: Let me let you know, though, that all of this talking that he`s doing not affecting how people are thinking. Look at this brand-new poll that CNN did about Sarah Palin, asked if she`s honest and trustworthy. Fifty-five percent said yes; only 43 percent said no. So it doesn`t appear to be having an impact.
Let`s move on now to the brand-new story today about a woman who allegedly tried to sell her body for tickets to the World Series. This woman is named Susan Finkelstein, 43 years old, posted an ad on Craigslist titled, "Desperate Blond Needs WS Ticks."
The ad says, "Die-hard Phillies fan - gorgeous tall buxom blond - in desperate need of two World Series tickets. Price negotiable. I`m the creative type. Maybe we can help each other."
Well, a cop posing as a ticket-holder, called Finkelstein and said, "Hey, meet me in a bar." The woman allegedly told the cop she was willing to have sex in exchange for the tickets. The cop slapped the handcuffs on Finkelstein and yes, they arrested her. Steven, dumbest idea ever?
SMITH: I`m just glad her reign of terror is over. She`s been threatening people online to do things for tickets and I applaud the police for doing a massive sting operation. There were wiretaps, online conspiracies, and we`ve got her - Finkelstein has been caught. Yes, she`s pretty much A-Rod scholar.
HAMMER: Yes. Carolina, quickly. You pretty much agree this is a stupidest thing to do no matter how much you want to see a game?
BERMUDEZ: What a dumb ass. I`m sorry. Yes, I don`t care how big of a fan you are. You don`t go on Craigslist and solicit sex. Come on. No, she`s an idiot.
HAMMER: But what a great story. Carolina Bermudez, Steven Smith, thanks, guys.
As we move on tonight, it`s Kate Gosselin`s new career move. The reality star of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" just revealed that she`d love to be a movie star. But tonight, there`s news that Kate could actually be turning her back on Hollywood for good.
According to published reports, Kate has renewed her license to work as a registered nurse. That`s what Kate was doing before the eight kids, the show and of course, all the ensuing drama.
Well, by renewing her license, Kate could be in scrubs in no time and hey, possibly earn some money for her family if her reality show is cancelled.
Tonight, Michael Vick`s career is going the dogs. Actually, it turns out that that this is a pretty good thing. The superstar quarterback was fresh out of jail for running a cruel dog-fighting ring is now inspiring a new dog charity.
Now, you`re like me and you are not a big fan this guy, Michael Vick, this news will actually make you stand up and cheer. And wait until you hear the startling "Oprah" connection to all of this. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And this is the time we roll out the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" soundtrack number one on Billboard 200 album chart. Michael Jackson number three top-earning celebrity; designer Yves Saint Laurent tops list.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Right now, I want you to keep on watching right at the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Did you see this? This is amazing. More than a dozen chimps lined up to console each other at a west African animal sanctuary as they watched one of their own being buried. What is so amazing here - the chimps, as you see, arm-in-arm standing still, totally silent. And for chimps to do something like this is just about unheard of. You can see this incredible photo in the November issue of "National Geographic" magazine. It`s on sale right now.
Tonight, using Michael Vick to feed dogs. This is the unique new program that tackles the problem of feeding shelter dogs. And quarterback Michael Vick smack in the middle of it. Now, Vick, as you know, fresh out of jail for running a cruel dog fighting ring.
Well, now, an animal rescue group is hoping Vick`s misfortunes on the gridiron will score a big win for dozens of dogs.
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The original deal was this. Every time quarterback Michael Vick got tackled or sacked, five sacks of dog food would be donated. You remember Vick.
MICHAEL VICK, QUARTERBACK: I made a horrible mistake.
MOOS: He spent 18 months in jail for funding dog fights. Now, he is being used to inspire a dog food giveaway. You are looking at a truckload of dog food.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Four times - four times the food.
MOOS: Dale Smith, the founder of Main Line Animal Rescue outside Philadelphia took out this ad offering to donate sacks of dog food every time Vick got tackled in the Philadelphia-Washington game.
Vick ended up not playing much and only got tackled twice but Main Line Animal Rescue managed to collect four tons of food, including 100 bags donated by talk show host Rachael Ray. The food was handed out to shelters in the Washington D.C. area.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In southern states, massive rescue. And you know, obviously, they are huge. And they eat a lot of food. And this really helps out a lot.
MOOS (on camera): But taking out a newspaper ad is small potatoes. Main Line Animal Rescue is better known for putting up giant billboards like the one they put up in Chicago so Oprah would see it. Her own dog had died recently.
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": Just before Sophie (ph) passed away, I heard about this billboard. Actually, I saw it on my way to work that was put up right near Harpo Studios. It says, "Oprah, do a show on puppy mills."
MOOS (voice-over): She did the show.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Inside are rows of cramped wooden crates stuffed with dogs.
MOOS: Another Bill Smith billboards went up in Pennsylvania Dutch country, "Welcome to scenic Lancaster County, home to hundreds of puppy mills." But this time, they used Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Vick to attract attention to his cause.
The truck was like a soup kitchen. Who are the dog food distributors routing for?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Anybody but the Eagles.
MOOS: Back in the `80s, Sherri O`Neal says she was an Eagles cheerleader. But when asked for a cheer now.
SHERRI O`NEAL, FORMER EAGLES CHEERLEADER: Boo Vick.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is making me hungry.
MOOS: All those who wanted to feed Michael Vick to the dogs metaphorically got their wish. Bon appetit, Shiloh.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I love that story. That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And even though Vick was tackled two times during the game, the animal rescue group said it planned to make good on the pledge regardless if Vick got tackled at all.
Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
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