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Showbiz Tonight
Tiger Woods` Startling Confession; White House Party Crasher Revelations; "Family Ties" Shocker
Aired December 02, 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, CO-HOST: Right now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Tiger Woods` startling confession. Tonight, Tiger Woods` shocking statement today after a cocktail waitress releases a disturbing voice mail she says Tiger left for her. Tonight you will hear that voicemail.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger. I need you to do me a huge favor.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: But is Tiger really admitting he had an affair? And what about Tiger`s claim today that none of this is anybody`s business? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the fast-moving, late-breaking developments in the Tiger Woods cheating scandal.
Incredible revelations today about the alleged White House party crashers. Tonight, the brand-new E-mails just revealed. But do the E- mails prove they didn`t crash President Obama`s private party?
And a "Family Ties" shocker. Tonight, beloved `80s sitcom mom, Meredith Baxter, says she is a lesbian.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, Tiger`s confession.
HAMMER: Yes. Tiger is silent no more. Tiger Woods released a startling statement today about all those rumors that he has been cheating on his wife. And it happened after a shocking voicemail service today from a cocktail waitress who said she had a long affair with Tiger Woods.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the big news breaking all day long. Tiger Woods admitted today to what he called "transgression," saying he has let his family down and has not been what he called true to his values.
And yes, there is more. You`re going to hear what else Tiger confessed today. Tiger spoke out today after "Us Weekly" released a voicemail Tiger allegedly left for the woman who claimed they were having an affair.
And we`re going to play the voicemail for you. And after you hear the message, you may never think of Tiger Woods the same way again, which all had a lot of people debating this today - did Tiger just blow it? Did he totally mishandle his personal crisis that, of course, began with that late night bizarre car crash outside of his home?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood Carlos Diaz. He`s a correspondent for "Extra." Also Hollywood tonight, Pat Lalama, who is an investigative journalist.
Tiger Woods` explosive statement was really an amazing one-two punch today. First, of course, this morning we heard that voicemail which we`re going to play for you in just a moment.
And then, Tiger put up this long statement on his Web site. Brooke Anderson, I want to bring you back in here to tell us some of what Tiger posted. I thought this was astounding.
ANDERSON: It certainly was, A.J. Tiger began the statement addressing the fact that he let his family down. In the bombshell statement, he says, "I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family."
A.J., he`s admitting that he let his family down and regrets his transgressions. Now, that is a whopping confession in my opinion.
HAMMER: Yes. Let`s get Pat Lalama`s take. A lot of people do see it like Brooke, Pat, as a full-on confession. Is that how we should take it?
PAT LALAMA, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: Well, I don`t think he`s being very specific. You know why? Because we don`t know how many dalliances there have been. And either does he - doesn`t know how many are going to come out, so he can`t specify.
I don`t think it`s too little, too late. I think it`s all a bunch of baloney. I think he has been caught and that`s why he has to come forward and say what he is saying. I don`t think he is sorry. I don`t think you`d ever put your family in this kind of position if you had any kind of assault.
And yet, the problem is, I don`t think he is going to be ruined. I think we are a society of forgive and forget when you are a young, rich, handsome celebrity.
HAMMER: So, in other words, Pat, you don`t think it was a good idea if he did have an affair? That`s what reading from your (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
LALAMA: It`s the same old boring story, but unfortunately, it`s the society that allows it to keep happening.
HAMMER: Well, Tiger`s statement did come on the heels of this brand-new explosive voicemail message. "Us Weekly" posted the voicemail on their Web site. Now, the woman who claims she a long affair with Tiger Woods said that he left her this desperate voicemail and you`ll hear the desperation.
"Us Weekly" has it right on the cover. Her name is Jamie Grubbs. She is a 24-year-old cocktail waitress who also appeared in the VH1 reality show, "Tool Academy." Listen to this. It`s amazing.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger. I need to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you. So if you can please take your name off that. Just have it as a number on the voicemail. You got to do this for me. Huge. Quickly. Bye.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Huge indeed. Now, I need to point out SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has not independently confirmed that the male voice you heard there is Tiger Woods.
Carlos Diaz, my friend, coming on the heels of really that bizarre car accident and all that has happened since, are you with me? You know, we`ve said in the past, you and I, that he should have addressed this before. But really, now, he had no choice but to address this today.
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Well, the ironic thing is, you know, I do radio across the country every morning. And on Monday, it was all about what was Tiger doing, hitting that tree at 2:00 in the morning.
And then, on Tuesday, who is this Rachel. You could tell a girl. I don`t understand. But people were supporting Tiger on Monday and Tuesday. This morning - when that was played this morning on radio stations across the country, it was like a stunned silence from the radio host and each one was like "Oh, man. I think he did it."
You know, it was like all the supporters just went away with one voicemail. And Tiger, no coincidence, about an hour later, put out that press release.
HAMMER: Yes. Yes. That`s what it`s looking like right now. OK. So Pat Lalama, we are clear that you think the idea of him having an affair is obviously disgusting. But a lot of people today also saying how disgusting for this woman to release this voicemail. What do you think about that? Because I`m trying to understand what she had to gain by it and, wow, what she is in for now.
LALAMA: I know. What`s the point? And I`ve got to tell you, I will be the first to say that I am equally disgusted with each and everyone of the women who may have had an affair with him.
Where is there morality? They`re so insecure about who they are that it`s, "Oh, gee. A big celebrity thinks I`m cute. Therefore, I`m going to engage in this extramarital affair with him?"
These women should be ashamed of themselves. And I`m waiting for the other shoe to drop when and if his wife says, "All is forgiven. I think I`ll stay with the guy." And that just adds insult to injury to me. These women are equally culpable and the whole thing makes me sick. Can you tell?
HAMMER: And if you heard the word prenup mentioned at all in the last couple of days, guys. I mean, really. Now, let me tell you more about what happened with this car crash, because we have details in the brand-new police reports that were released by the Florida Highway Patrol just today.
We have brand-new pictures to show you of the crash. And I really find some of these details astounding. The report says Tiger was driving even more erratically than initially reported.
He also drove some distance before crashing, not one time, but three times in the course of the short amount of time. He drove over bushes, into some hedges. And of course, we know he hit a fire hydrant and ultimately that poor tree.
The accident causing $8,000 worth of damage to his Escalade. Carlos, this was obviously a lot worse than we were initially led to believe. What does that say to you?
DIAZ: Yes. I don`t want to make any kind of assumptions, but, I mean, you drive the road every day. It`s not like the fire hydrant jumped and said, "Hey, watch out." I mean, that thing is there every day.
You know it`s there, so why would you hit a bush, a fire hydrant and a tree? You know, the theory is that, of course, you know, his wife, Elin, was somehow involved in this. And I kind of, you know, said that`s not the case. But what other explanation is there?
HAMMER: Well, there has been a big "leave me alone" factor coming from a lot of Tiger`s defenders. And in this brand-new statement that he released today, he also addressed this tabloid scrutiny that he has been under since this car crash three times. Brooke, what do you say about the all of the scrutiny and how he feels about that?
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. He addressed the tabloids and all the speculations surrounding his wife, Elin, and her possible connection to his car crash.
Here is what he said, "Although I`m a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious."
"Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect. I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves."
"For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology."
You know, he`s apologizing, but he`s also saying that speculation over his wife being physically violent with him really got to him. And I can`t blame him on that point. Pat, should all that be between him and his wife? Because, personally, I honestly think he lost his privacy with his first so-called transgression. He`s made his bed. Now, he`s got to lie in it, so to speak.
LALAMA: I`m with you. And we know, though, that some of these stories can get blown out of proportion, some of them can be, in fact, utter falsehoods. And for that, you know, we, as the media, have to apologize for what we do in that regard.
However, privacy? You are probably the most famous athlete, one of the biggest celebrities on earth. You are walking up and down hotels with women. You`re sleeping with women and putting your family at risk and at stake? Privacy? Get out of my life.
HAMMER: If, in fact, all of that did happen. Pat Lalama, Carlos Diaz, thanks so much.
Now, don`t go anywhere, because coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the great Tiger debate. Did Tiger mishandle this whole mess from the very start? Is his image totally ruined? Did Tiger blow it? That is coming up.
ANDERSON: Now, tonight, a beloved `80s sitcom mom is not keeping her secret private anymore.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MEREDITH BAXTER, ACTRESS: To say that I am a lesbian and it was, later in life, a recognition of that fact.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Meredith Baxter, from one of my favorite shows of all time, "Family Ties," shocks the world and reveals she`s gay. Tonight, why Meredith is coming out now? Plus, the stunning reaction she`s getting.
Also, incredible new revelations today about the alleged White House party crashers. Tonight the brand-new E-mails just revealed. But do the E-mails prove they didn`t crash President Obama`s private party?
Also, I`m heating up the holidays and revealing what could be the sexiest Christmas windows ever.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What could be more Christmas than two beautiful women.
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): In bathrobes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In bathrobes.
MOOS (voice-over): Washing each other`s hair, jumping on the couch, kissing the mirror.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Two beautiful women and one big window. Almost no clothes and lots of people watching. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Susan Boyle`s album debuts at number one, her label says it`s bestselling album debut by a woman. It`s (almost) back! New season of "American Idol" premieres on January 12th.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAITLIN UPTON, FORMER MISS TEEN SOUTH CAROLINA: Some people out there in our nation don`t have maps - and I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and the Iraq and everywhere like such as.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, like such as. Pardon me for being insensitive, but one of my favorite moments ever right there. Former Miss Teen South Carolina, Caitlin Upton, competing in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant just stumbling when trying to answer the question, "Why do so many Americans have problems locating the U.S. on a map?"
Well, get this. There are reports that Caitlin will actually be on the new season of CBS` "Amazing Race," you know, where the show where contestants race around the world. I`m thinking Caitlin might want to invest in the GPS. Or maybe that`s just me.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson Hollywood. Tonight, did you see this? The sexiest windows ever.
ANDERSON: A.J., it is one of the biggest holiday traditions out there - decorated store windows. Well, I can tell you that if you head over to New York`s 5th Avenue today looking for some window-dressing, you will see plenty of window-undressing. Two women taking it off, stopping a whole lot of Christmas traffic. Mercy. Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MOOS (voice-over): The traditional Santa in the window is known for his red outfit. But changing outfits is what the women in this window are known for.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Unbelievable. They should do it on every corner.
MOOS: Here at the corner of 38th and 5th Avenue, they are changing their clothes at night. They`re changing their clothes during the day.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When we change, as soon as the shirt comes off, the crowd triples.
MOOS: They are the season`s hit holiday windows. Spectators are sparse at the department store windows across the street. But here, there is a constant crowd, mostly male, pressing up against the glass.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What could be more Christmas than two beautiful women -
MOOS (on camera): In bathrobes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In bathrobes.
MOOS (voice-over): Brushing each other`s hair, jumping on a couch, kissing the mirror, tossing their hair. They`re actually promoting the clothing line, XOXO. Upon just stepping at this window.
(on camera): I`m feeling very overdressed.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You are.
MOOS: Take it off.
(voice-over): They`re under instructions not to interact with the crowd.
HELENE TRAASAVIK, XOXO CHRISTMAS WINDOW MODEL: No, I don`t make eye contact, but I see them in the corner of my eyes. We can cheat by looking in the mirror.
MOOS: The show goes both ways, looking in and looking out.
NIKI HUEY, XOXO CHRISTMAS WINDOW MODEL: They write notes and press it up to the window.
MOOS (on camera): What kind of notes?
HUEY: I have yet to read it.
MOOS (voice-over): We`re pretty sure they are not like the letters to Santa in Macy`s windows. See how they preen. Santa doesn`t get requests like this.
(on camera): Put on the shoes?
(voice-over): Put on the shoes. That would be the high heels. And when Helena zipped up Niki, brakes squeezed.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They have this nice look like this that I`ve ever seen. I wish I had a pair.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it`s too much. It belongs inside a studio, not the storefront.
MOOS (voice-over): Some onlookers think the glass is one way.
CAROL POWLEY, XOXO PROJECT CREATIVE DIRECTOR: All these guys can`t conceptualize that the women are ignoring them. So it must be a special glass.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It looks like they can`t see from the other side.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tell her she dropped something.
MOOS (on camera): She dropped something.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When you bend over.
MOOS: Is that it? They want you to bend over? Really?
(voice-over): Don`t be naughty. It`s not nice. Here`s the season for windows at future holiday trains. One good caboose serves another.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And again, if you want to check this out, head over to the XOXO store at 38th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan. But hurry, the peep show is only scheduled to go through December 6th.
HAMMER: You see what you`re missing out by living there in Hollywood, Brooke. And I`ve got to tell you, a lot of people think that this Tiger Woods cheating scandal really has become a kind of a peep show. A lot of people think it`s a private matter between Tiger and his wife.
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. We are getting tons of calls into "Showbiz on Call" about this. Gayle from Louisiana thinks this should stay behind closed doors.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I think that Tiger Woods` mess should be left to him and his wife. I agree with Chris Rock. It was between him and his wife. And everybody should let them just handle it and keep out of their business.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Gayle.
HAMMER: We also heard from Quincy calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Tennessee who thinks that the whole Tiger mess is being blown out of proportion.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I believe that this Tiger Woods thing is a whole outrageous (INAUDIBLE). And I believe everybody is just trying to blow it up because Tiger Woods has never been in the spotlight before. And I think it`s really wrong.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thanks a lot, Quincy. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" to let us know what you think about Tiger Woods or anything else at all.
ANDERSON: The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. Give us a ring - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899.
HAMMER: And the whole Tiger Woods story just exploded today just as Tiger admitted to and apologized for what he calls transgressions. A 24-year-old cocktail waitress is out with a disturbing new voicemail she says Tiger left for her.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger. I need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. This is just unbelievable. Tonight, I`ve got to ask, is Tiger`s totally squeaky clean image ruined? And is this going to cost him big time?
Also, incredible new revelations today about the alleged White House party crashers. Tonight, the brand-new E-mails just revealed. But did these E-mails actually prove these guys didn`t crash President Obama`s private party?
Also this.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: The amazing Stevie Wonder right there and, as you see, breaking down in the middle of a song. We`re going to show you what happened and why Stevie just lost it. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Roman Polanski out of jail on bail Friday, will be placed under house arrest. "Big Brother 9" winner ordered to drug treatment center, he`s facing drug charges.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Wow. Remember that, when the guy threw his shoes at President Bush last December because he was upset with the Iraq War?
Well, the other shoe has dropped. The guy just got a taste of his own medicine, actually his own leather. The George Bush shoe-throwing guy, an Iraqi journalist, was speaking at a press conference in Paris when he nearly got whacked in the face by a shoe.
Now, he wasn`t hurt. He even joked that the other shoe-throwing guy stole his technique. Look at this. We`re going to put the Bush-throwing on one side, this new shoe attack on the other. You be the judge.
And by the way, this new shoe-throwing happened just as the Iraqi journalist was talking about the nine months he served in jail for attacking President Bush. How does old expression go, "If the shoe fits, throw it?"
ANDERSON: Something like that. Hey, A.J., British Prime Minster Gordon Brown really put his foot in his mouth today because he mixed up Reese Witherspoon and Renee Zellweger.
Reese was visiting parliament and Brown was asked to congratulate her for her work against domestic violence. Brown said he was, quote, "Grateful that Renee Witherspoon is leading the campaign." Oops.
Brown also said that he was moved by the way Witherspoon spoke at the funeral of director Anthony Minghella. Just one problem though - it was Renee Zellweger who spoke at the funeral.
Hey, Mr. Prime Minister, watch "Legally Blond" one too many times, huh? Kidding. I kid. I kid.
HAMMER: Yes. MI6 coming for you Brooke. There was definitely a big oops at White House talking about those alleged party crashers. Now, it`s still not perfectly clear whether they were invited or not.
But on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page, people are just fired up over these two. Gerald G. saying it`s not the Salahis who are to blame, "It`s not White House party crasher`s fault. Whoever let them in from the start should lose their job."
Pierre T. thinks that giving them a reality show is a terrible idea, "If they get a show it means everyone should be allowed to crash the White House and get shows. Set an example of these clowns and throw the book at them."
You can sign up to be a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fan. You can also follow us on Twitter. Go to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
ANDERSON: And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. The great Tiger Woods debate. His stunning apology today, the explosive new voicemail a cocktail waitress claims Tiger left for her. Is Tiger`s image ruined.
Also this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BAXTER: As you mentioned, to say that I am a lesbian and it was a later in life recognition of that fact.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Beloved "Family Ties" mom, Meredith Baxter, just revealing that she`s gay. Why is she coming out now?
Also, incredible new revelations today about the alleged White House party crashers. Tonight, the brand-new E-mails just revealed. But do the E-mails prove they didn`t crash President Obama`s private party. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: ABC`s Charles Gibson to retire from "World News Tonight" on December 18th. AMC theaters bans outside food; are they going to set up security checkpoints?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger. I need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Tiger Woods apologizes. After a revealing voice mail is released, Tiger admits transgressions in his marriage. Has his image been tarnished for good? Tonight, the great Tiger debate.
The White House party crashers. New E-mails just released today, but do they show that the reality show wannabes were actually invited to the state dinner? The late-breaking developments.
And a beloved TV mom, Meredith Baxter, from "Family Ties" admits that she is a lesbian. Tonight, why Meredith is coming out now after all these years and the stunning reaction she is getting.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: 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.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you tonight from Hollywood. And tonight, Tiger Woods` dramatic confession. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with continuing coverage of the bombshell new development today. Tiger telling his family and the world that he is sorry for his transgressions.
HAMMER: Now, Brooke, Tiger never says exactly what those transgressions were. But I can tell you this confession is definitely making for big news breaking today.
Tiger`s brand-new confession came just hours after a woman claiming to be his mistress released an incriminating voicemail allegedly from Tiger himself.
And Tiger may have apologized today, but has the world`s highest-paid athlete tarnished his pristine image as a golfing star and dedicated family man for good?
And tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is firing up a brand-new hot debate. Did golf`s billion dollar man wait too long to confess?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood is Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra." Also tonight, in Hollywood, Pat Lalama, who is an investigative journalist.
All right. Let`s start things out with Tiger Woods` dramatic statement. Brooke Anderson, I want you to tell us what he wrote about the so-called transgressions.
ANDERSON: A.J., here is what he said in the first part of his statement. The whole thing is really lengthy. He said this, quote, "I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family."
A.J., this is interesting because he says "transgression," but he does not say what specifically he is referring to, though to me, it`s pretty darn obvious.
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, obviously a lot of people jumping to the conclusion it has to do with an extramarital affair or affairs. Carlos Diaz, what do you think? Did Tiger put a lid on things with this statement? Or are things about to get a whole lot worse?
DIAZ: Now, he could have put a lid on things last Friday or Saturday when this story broke. It simmered for a little too long. And now, I think that Tiger was forced to come up with some kind of statement because - first, the voicemail came out with Tiger saying, "Hey, it`s Tiger."
Then, a few minutes later, 45 minutes to an hour later, that`s when, you know, his statement came out. So I think it`s too little, too late. He should have done what David Letterman did and kind of grabbed this by the reins early and gotten in front of the story.
HAMMER: Yes.
DIAZ: Is there more to come? Yes. There`s more to come.
HAMMER: Sure. And now, I need to point out we have not independently confirmed that the voice you hear that sounds like Tiger on that voicemail is, in fact, Tiger. But we have seen Tiger`s fans rallying behind him since the car crash happened last week.
There is also the nasty tabloid reports saying that he has been having problems in his marriage. Pat, do you agree that he should have said all of this a whole heck of a lot sooner and we wouldn`t be dealing with what we`re dealing with today?
LALAMA: I don`t think it really matters. I think there is so much interest in this case because he does have that, you know, boy-next-door sort of charming image. But it`s sort of like he is borrowing from the Kobe thing.
"Oh, I`m so sorry. I love my wife." You know, and to me, it`s so insincere. Was he thinking that three days before his wife gave birth when he was allegedly having a dalliance?
But you know what? The problem is this - as long as we are a society, where women are willing to sell their souls to be with a famous guy, wives who accept it, boys and the old boys` network who go, "Oh, dude, you are like so cool with all these chicks," and people willing to give people talk shows who do this kind of thing, then it`s never going to change.
If one more person says to me that men are wired differently, I`m going to puke.
HAMMER: Yes. I`ve got to tell you, it is never going to change, Pat, according to that Lalamanian theory (INAUDIBLE) there. All right. Let`s get to this voicemail -
LALAMA: What are you laughing about, Carlos?
DIAZ: I love you, Pat. You are the best. You are the best.
HAMMER: All right. Let`s play the voicemail posted on "UsMagazine.com" today. A 24-year-old cocktail waitress, Jamie Grubbs, claims Tiger called her in a panic. And you can hear it in the person`s voice thinking that his wife would find out that he`s having an affair with her. She provided the voicemail to "Us Weekly." You`ve got to hear this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger. I need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you. So If you can please take off your name off that. Just have it as a number on the voicemail. You got to do this for me. Huge. Quickly. Bye.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: What he`s looking for there is the number you have reached - I`ve got to say, it sure does sound like Tiger Woods. Again, we have not independently confirmed that it is, in fact, Tiger.
But here`s the thing. We are talking about the world`s most famous athlete right now. We are finding out today that this girl is a reality show leftover. She was on a show called VH1`s "Tool Academy."
Carlos, I feel like we have had this discussion before. Is this just the dumbest thing any celebrity could ever do if it is, in fact, him - leave a voicemail like this?
DIAZ: He did so many things wrong. First off, Tiger, you don`t say, "Hey, it`s me, Tiger," OK? You can say, "Hey, it`s me." Secondly, you don`t leave a voicemail with those specific instructions. You say, "Hey, it`s me. Call me. I`ve got to talk to you."
Thirdly, you don`t call from your phone. It`s called a prepaid cell phone, OK? And lastly, right when you hook up with her, you say, "Hey, do me a favor. Change your voicemail," like the day you hook up with her.
LALAMA: Carlos!
DIAZ: You don`t do it like 31 months in. Not that I have ever cheated on anybody.
LALAMA: Carlos, you know too many tricks.
DIAZ: Yes.
LALAMA: You know way too many tricks.
DIAZ: I`ve done a lot of research into this story, all right?
LALAMA: Right.
HAMMER: Let me bring Brooke Anderson back in here. Because, Brooke, we certainly have had this conversation when it comes to sex tapes that have mysteriously gotten out, saying, you know what? If you are in the public eye, you don`t put yourself on tape. And certainly this is, if it was Tiger, a dumb, dumb move.
ANDERSON: Oh, absolutely. Not only is he a dog, A.J., but, you know, he`s a dog who recently cheated on his wife, allegedly, his wife who recently birthed two of his children. But he`s also clearly not that smart.
In this voicemail if it is, indeed, him, it is the voice of a desperate man. He was nervous. He was scared. He did not want to get caught. And you know, to me, that makes it so much worse that he did not come clean. He was trying to hide it. It makes it so, so much worse.
HAMMER: To Pat`s point earlier that she thinks this is how men are wired. I just have a feeling, so many men are hearing this voicemail today saying, "Oh, that sounds kind of familiar. I know that feeling."
Now, Tiger obviously is one of the most lucrative pitchmen in sports. That`s really where he`s earned all of his money. Let me show you something that surfaced on the Internet today.
Spirit Airlines posted this ad online. Can we put this up, Charles? Look at this now. A tiger driving a car down the driveway into a fire hydrant to sell airline tickets. Pat, this is going to show that he is already becoming a big joke.
LALAMA: I look at it entirely differently. I look at it that this is now a society where this kind of behavior is rewarded, where it will get you a reality show where everyone says, "Oh, that`s just the way things are. Oh, men just cheat."
Well, let me just tell you something. A lot of women cheat, too. It`s up to the person to say no. And this ad makes me sick because it`s like saying, "It`s OK. We`re all going to have fun with it. And everything is going to be forgiven. And Tiger, you just go be who you are."
HAMMER: I don`t know, Pat. I see it more as they are sort of latching on to something that`s going on in pop culture right now. But Carlos, I mean, certainly, this is what`s going on in pop culture right now.
And certainly, I think we are all waiting to see what "Saturday Night Live" is going to do with something like this.
DIAZ: And Tiger better get used to this because he is the only athlete - Derek Jeter just won the sportsman of the year award from "SI," ok? If Derek Jeter goes to Boston, he is booed. He is hated in Boston, OK?
Tiger Woods is loved everywhere. So this is going to be a weird thing for him. Now, he`s going to have to eat some humble pie.
HAMMER: Yes.
DIAZ: And he`s going to have to take some ribbing which he has never taken before.
HAMMER: No, this is all new to him.
LALAMA: He will be forgiven.
HAMMER: Carlos Diaz, Pat Lalama, got to end it there. Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
OK. We have been asking to you vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It is this - "Tiger Woods Admits `Transgressions`: Does he deserve privacy?" Sound off at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: A TV mom shocker. The beloved mom from "Family Ties" says she is gay.
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BAXTER: As you know, to say that I am a lesbian and it was a later in life recognition of that fact.
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ANDERSON: Tonight, why Meredith Baxter says after all these years, she is finally ready to admit she is a lesbian. Why she is coming out now and the reaction she is getting.
Also, brand-new bombshells from the White House party crashers. There are E-mails just released today, but do they prove the reality show wannabes were invited? I`ve got the very latest.
Also this.
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ANDERSON: Stevie Wonder breaks down on stage. But what led to this emotional moment? We have the dramatic details. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Adam Lambert`s "For Your Entertainment" debuts at number three on Billboard charts. Oprah may bring back "Favorite Things" episode next year.
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ANDERSON: Welcome become to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, a shocking confession from "Family Ties" star Meredith Baxter who revealed today, in her own words, "I`m a lesbian mom."
The wholesome mother of Michael J. Fox in the classic `80s sitcom, "Family Ties" dropped a bombshell on television today, revealing she`s gay. Wait until you hear why the very private star decided to make this very public confession.
Also making big news tonight, new e-mails just revealed today could prove the reality show wannabe couple who crashed President Obama`s dinner at the White House were never invited.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Tanika Ray, who is an entertainment journalist. And in New York, Megan Alexander who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
Ladies, I want to begin with the Meredith Baxter shocker today. The former "Family Ties" star, 62 years old, been married three times, has five kids and says it was only seven years ago that she decided to live a gay lifestyle. But why? Watch what we heard her tell Matt Lauer this morning on the "Today" show.
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BAXTER: I`m a lesbian and it was a later-in-life recognition of that fact. Some people are saying, "Were you living a lie?" You know, the truth is, not at all. This has only been, like, the past seven years.
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ANDERSON: Tanika, over to you. I`m thinking that people are so shocked about this because of Meredith Baxter`s image as the "Family Ties" mom, not simply because she came out of the closet.
TANIKA RAY, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Yes, of course. I mean, it is an image that we`ve had. It has been long gone now. It`s like, what, 18 years since we have seen her as this image.
But people who remember her are like, "Oh, my gosh! How is that possible?" We all wanted her to be our mom really when it came down to it, her and Claire Huxtable. In that case, it`s shocking, but I commend her for being truthful to herself and being in her own space and doing it on her terms. It`s commendable.
ANDERSON: But speaking of that, here`s what a lot of people were wondering today - why did Baxter, who has lived a fairly private life, decide to reveal this now? Watch what she revealed.
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BAXTER: I have to admit to a certain level of anxiety. I`m a very private person. I`ve always lived a very private life. And to come out and disclose stuff is really antithetical to who I am. But the truth is I did not want some tabloid to take a story and make it up. So, I wanted it to be in my own words.
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ANDERSON: Now, the tabloid story Baxter is referring to is the "National Enquirer" article that said Baxter was on a cruise sponsored by a lesbian group. Megan, I really think it`s disgusting that she had to come out this way because a tabloid was outing her. Don`t you think it should be on her own terms?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Well, that`s the thing, Brooke. It really wasn`t on her own terms. She was forced to talk about it because she said she didn`t want somebody to reveal it.
I think it makes us all feel that this person wasn`t entitled to their privacy and decency. She may have never wanted to talk about it for a while, but she felt she needed to.
And I think under those circumstances, she handled herself well on the "Today" show. You could tell she was nervous. You know, it really bothered her. And like she said, it wasn`t her normal deal to be talking about it. So yes, I don`t think it`s fair that she was somewhat forced to talk about it.
RAY: That`s her world.
ANDERSON: She was a little bit uncomfortable. You could tell. But she did handle it well and she says she`s got the full support of her friends and family, which is great.
And we`ve got another big revelation tonight. Brand-new e-mails between the White House party crashers and a Pentagon official. The e- mails revealed today by NBC and the Associated Press show a Pentagon official left Michaele and Tareq Salahi a voicemail saying that - no, sorry. No dice. You didn`t make the guest list."
But look at what the Salahis` e-mailed the official - her name is Michelle Jones - after the party, "Hi, Michelle, you are an angel! My cell phone battery died early this evening so I just got your message now. But obviously, it worked out at the end. We ended up going to the gate to just check in case it got approved since we didn`t know and our name was indeed on the list. We can`t wait to see you and catch up and share memories of a true lifetime."
ANDERSON: Hold up here. Wait just a second. In the e-mails, they are acknowledging they went to the White House even though they never had gotten the formal invitation at that point. Tanika?
RAY: Yes.
ANDERSON: Could this be a smoking gun?
RAY: It`s hustler mentality at its finest. Here`s the thing. There`s either you`re really rich, famous and you have society who loves you and they hold you in high regard, or it`s perception.
And sometimes perception is reality. They definitely have learned how to work the system. And when you do that, there is a diplomacy on both sides. You say, "Oh, my god. Thank you so much," even though nobody really worked it out. And the person who really didn`t work it out goes, "Oh, you`re great. Great to see you. We`ll see you next time. Have a great time."
It`s just that`s the way it works. I live in L.A. Every party has people that try to hustle the front door and they get in. That doesn`t mean they were invited.
ANDERSON: There is a bit of delusion here. I think you`re right. But here is where it does get confusing. Take a look at what the Pentagon official, Michelle Jones, specifically e-mailed back.
"You are most welcome. I hear the smile in your E-mail. I am delighted you and Michaele had a wonderful time."
You do notice that she didn`t say, "I am glad I got you in."
RAY: Exactly.
ANDERSON: She`s acknowledging they got in. Maybe somebody else scored them the tickets. But Megan, you know, who was it? Maybe the scalper outside on the curb? Are you believing that these two got in legitimately?
ALEXANDER: Well, Brooke, what`s interesting is this shows us there was some communication at all that there might be a possibility that they would even get in and the fact that the White House press secretary or the social secretary normally is at the gate checking people`s tickets. They were not even there. The White House blew it on this one.
RAY: Yes, big time.
ANDERSON: They are planning to change that policy in the future and have someone at that gate to help the Secret Service. Tanika Ray, Megan Alexander, thanks, ladies.
HAMMER: Well, tonight Kate Hudson is saying sometimes a kiss is not really a kiss. In the January issue of "Harper`s Bazaar" magazine, Kate doesn`t exactly deny that she is dating New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.
But she says that sometimes things can get blown out of proportion. Specifically, she talks about a picture of the two of them kissing at the American Music Awards.
Kate says, "There`s a guy that`s shooting probably 60 frames a minute. That was a sideswipe on the cheek. That wasn`t even a kiss. I quickly kissed the cheek. And I remember one of the headlines the next day said, "Make Out Session." What is wrong with these people?"
For more with Kate Hudson, check out the January issue of "Harper`s Bazaar" magazine on newsstands, December 15th.
Tonight, Stevie Wonder gets choked up on stage. But what led to his emotional breakdown?
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Such a touching emotional moment. We`ve got more to show you from Stevie`s incredible performance. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom, and they are making news right now.
TEXT: CBS wins November TV sweeps, but Fox says it wins 18 to 49 age group. 20th anniversary episode of "The Simpsons" will air on January 10th.
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ANDERSON: Did you see this? Stevie Wonder breaks down in a middle of a performance on TV because of the death of his friend, Michael Jackson. Very emotional moment for Stevie Wonder who performed Jackson`s song, "The Way You Make Me Feel" along with John Legend at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary concert.
The concert aired on HBO and with everyone watching, Stevie had trouble getting through the song and got choked up about half way into it. Take a look.
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ANDERSON: Stevie and John were able to finish the song and they got a huge round of applause.
HAMMER: Tonight, "Playboy" model and former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Joanna Krupa poses for a new ad for PETA and it incites religious controversy.
Here`s the ad. Joanna naked, holding a cross, adorned with angel wings and a halo. Now, the ad comes from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and it tells people to be an angel for animals, always adopt, never buy. A good point.
There is at least one person who is not buying anything of this. Yes, it is the president of the Catholic League, Bill Donohue, who has this to say, "Pet stores don`t rip off Christian iconography and engage in cheap, irreligious scams. PETA is a fraud. It also has a long and disgraceful record of exploiting Christian and Jewish themes to hawk its ugly services."
ANDERSON: On Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Just moments ago, we got the final results - "White House Party Crashers: Should they get a reality show?" Results are pretty lopsided. Just three percent of you say yes; 97 percent say no.
Here are some of the E-mails we received. Darlene from New York writes, "The White House crashers should get fined, not rewarded for being obnoxious."
Barbara from Arizona, "They certainly do not deserve a reality show unless they do it from their jail cell. What they did was not cute, it is criminal."
HAMMER: Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Don`t forget you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN.
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