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Showbiz Tonight
Startling Reaction to Nick Hogan`s Jailhouse Tapes; Single Male versus Single Female; Will Smith Talks About Divorce; Is Oprah`s Empire Tottering?; An Interview with Kristin Davis
Aired May 29, 2008 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Startling new reaction to those shocking Hulk Hogan- Nick Hogan jailhouse tapes. And is this it? Has Oprah Winfrey finally gone too far? The blockbuster cold hard facts that might signal the decline of Oprah. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Clooney`s romance shocker. What really happened between George Clooney and the woman everyone thought was the love of his life. And how come for guys like Clooney, it`s now hot bachelor back on the market?
But for female stars like Jennifer Aniston, people say, "Poor sad woman! She should get some cats." Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, is there a ridiculous double standard in Hollywood?
Will Smith`s divorce blockbuster. You`ve got one of the most solid marriages in Hollywood. Will`s explosive words about splitting up that are leaving celebrity couples in shock.
Plus, a big day for Naomi Campbell. She finally finds out if she is going to be charged for flying off her rocker as she was getting ready to fly.
(MUSIC)
Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City. And tonight, there is absolute outrage that Hulk Hogan`s locked up teenaged son wants to do a reality show after he serves time for nearly killing his friend in a car accident. Wait until you hear how SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers reacted. The anger, it is unbelievable, and that is coming up.
But first, tonight, the Clooney factor. Tonight, the startling reports that the sexiest man alive has broken up with the woman everyone thought has finally tamed the world`s most eligible bachelor. But hang on just a second, because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the reported Clooney`s split has sparked a great debate. How come guys become eligible bachelors while many women are branded sad losers or unlucky in love? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is bringing you the story you won`t see anywhere else, the Clooney factor.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): They spent nearly a year lighting up red carpets and the gossip pages. But now, George Clooney and his girlfriend Sarah Larson are no more.
MIKE FLEEMAN, WEST COAST EDITOR, "PEOPLE.COM": Attention, ladies, George Clooney is back on the market.
JULIA ALISON, DATING COLUMNIST, "TIME OUT NEW YORK": George -
HAMMER: Julia Alison of "Time Out New York" tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that Clooney`s breakup can be seen as good news, to put it mildly.
ALISON: "Sex and the City," the movie is coming out. And George Clooney is single? Women in America cannot believe their good fortune.
HAMMER: The 47-year-old movie star and his 29-year-old former "Fear Factor" winner dated for nearly a year.
FLEEMAN: George and Sarah met in Vegas. She was a cocktail server at the whiskey bar.
ALISON: Sarah Larson was the first girl that George has introduced as his girlfriend in years. Everyone was saying perhaps Sarah Larson is the one.
HAMMER: And despite Clooney`s long time insistence he`d never get married.
CLOONEY: I`m not getting married. I`m not going to do it. Done it. Been there. Don`t feel like doing it again.
HAMMER: The Clooney-Larson engagement rumors went into overdrive this past March. Clooney shot them down right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
CLOONEY: I have a Blackberry in my room, it was buzzing. And I turned it on. And I - there were like 45 messages from people, that suddenly I realized someone had decided I was engaged. Oh, I`m engaged. How did that happen?
HAMMER: And now that he and Larson are no more, Clooney joins a long list of stars who have endured public relationships that end in public breakups. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is asking, are the headlines greeting Clooney`s breakup different from the headlines announcing the failed relationships of Hollywood`s female stars.
ALISON: There is a total double standard here. When Jennifer Aniston or Reese Witherspoon - when she breaks up, she is unlucky in love. She`s destined for a loveless life full of cats and Cheetos. Honestly, if a guy breaks up like George Clooney, it`s, "Oh, my god. Welcome to the bachelor life. Male Hollywood stars are looked upon as these virile, masculine things if they`re single. Women Hollywood stars are looked upon like they`re losers.
HAMMER: So it appears that the news that George Clooney is now single is calling attention to a possible double standard.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, reports of Clooney`s break up appeared on "People.com" and other outlets. As of our show time, Clooney`s representatives have not confirmed them. And I`ve got to tell you, the men and women at the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT morning meeting were basically at each other`s throats over this. Things were flying. Security had to be called. Is there a double standard? Let the great debate begin.
Joining me to night from Miami Steve Santagati of "AskSteveSantagati.com." In New York, clinical psychologist and author of "The Complete Idiot`s Guide to a Healthy Relationship," Dr. Judy Kuriansky.
Steve, I`m going to begin with you. Look at George Clooney, is he just the perfect an example of this double standard? I mean, look at the guy - he`s 47 years old. He`s cool. And hey, now he is single and ready for women again. Well, when Jennifer Aniston goes through a breakup, everybody is all saying "Poor Jen, she will never find love."
STEVE SANTAGATI, "ASKSTEVESANTAGATI.COM": Well, A.J., not all people know this, but long before Moses carved out the Ten Commandments, men got together and we carved out a long list of double standards. And thank goodness it`s still active today. All right, that`s -
HAMMER: Oh, all right. Let the e-mails start flowing.
SANTAGATI: Exactly. That`s the long answer. The short answer is this - there are not a million magazines out there on just the right tuxedo for the wedding. Women want to get married. Women have all this pressure from their peers in society to have a long term relationship. I`m called a stud if I`m single. A woman is called a tramp. It is not fair, but that`s how it goes.
HAMMER: Dr. Judy, does Steve have it right?
DR. JUDY KURIANSKY, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND AUTHOR: Well, I don`t know about the Ten Commandments part. But there is something to be said for indeed there being a gender bias and that has existed for a long time. There is one issue that is important here though, and that is, who is making the choice?
George Clooney comes across as the guy who is making the choice and dumping his girlfriend. So he gets to be the stud. Jennifer Aniston was dumped, rightly, sadly, and that ends up making us feel sympathetic and is she unlucky in love. So it`s also, besides the gender bias about who has got the upper hand? Who is the one saying "I don`t really care." That person ends up being the guy stud, and the woman, who is also a stud-ess.
HAMMER: Well, this happens everywhere.
KURIANSKY: Empowered. The empowered woman.
HAMMER: And this happens everywhere. We are talking about some pretty high-profile couples here ...
SANTAGATI: Right.
HAMMER: ... and stars here. You know, Jennifer Aniston is one of them, obviously. Now, Jessica Simpson, like Jennifer, had a high profile marriage and then a very public split. Both of their exes have since had success in love again - you know, Nick Lachey, formerly with Jessica Simpson, now with Vanessa Minnillo. Brad Pitt, of course, with Angelina Jolie.
So Steve, back to something you said about women always wanting to get married. It seems that the double standard has everything to do with the fact people feel worse for women who are divorced than men.
SANTAGATI: Right. Well, that is the common thread. But most of the pressure is coming from - it`s female-on-female crime if you will. But here`s the thing. You know, rock stars for example they have bevies of women at their feet. You know, celebrity women are really no different. What makes us think that the Cameron Diazes of the world and Jessica Simpsons of the world just don`t want to date like, guys.
Maybe they want to go out there and they`re dating really cute men, really good-looking guys. So who knows? You know, maybe they don`t want to get married. Maybe they`re not going to fall under those pressures because hey, they`re famous. They`re rich. They don`t need money. So they`re all set.
I think that the pressure comes from women on women. It`s look you say, you`ve got to have a relationship or you are not worthy. If a guy is not taking your hand in marriage, you are not worthy. Ladies, we think you are worthy whether you are single or not. It`s guys - we relish, and who wouldn`t - in the idea that we are a stud if we can come and go as we please.
HAMMER: OK. Women commiserating for women, Steve. Dr. Judy, do we ever really - I can`t think of an example where we hear men commiserating for men who have gotten - become single all of a sudden?
KURIANSKY: Well, I`ll tell you the truth is that the research shows that men suffer more than women do. They`re just more bravado about it. And they don`t have to - quote, your "women on women" as you, Steve - women have support systems.
SANTAGATI: Right. She`s right.
KURIANSKY: And the support system that we have as women is what makes us able to say, "We`re miserable about breaking up ... "
SANTAGATI: Right.
KURIANSKY: ... and all the women rally around. But stats show that men have more physical problems. They get more heart attacks. They get more stomach problems. They get all these physical things.
HAMMER: Yes, but they`re not commiserating, Judy.
KURIANSKY: Yes. But that`s the point.
HAMMER: They may internalize it. They may feel terribly about it.
KURIANSKY: Yes.
SANTAGATI: Right.
HAMMER: I don`t want to get so clinical here. But George Clooney, while he may personally suffer inside, nobody is saying poor George today. I don`t think.
KURIANSKY: That`s right, but he is suffering inside, and that is - And you`re right, A.J., it`s because what happened - Jessica Simpson came out in the magazines and said that she was hoping she was going to marry, you know, her football star.
KURIANSKY: Guys suffer in front of each other, but (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
KURIANSKY: And that was the big thing that she was publicly saying, "I`m in love. I want this man." And so, we`re swept into that whole route with her of, "I want the man. He is the one who is going to save my life and make my life beautiful." And George Clooney comes out and says the opposite, and so I`m saying that women bury themselves when they say how important that is.
SANTAGATI: I`m dizzy.
HAMMER: What`s wrong?
SANTAGATI: I said I`m dizzy. I have no idea where we even are right now. When Judy (UNINTELLIGIBLE) All right, look. The bottom line is this, guys don`t look to talk about their emotions and feelings especially if a woman dumps them and they`re hurt. On outside of that, like 50-50 as I`m sure as many women dump guys as guys dump women. The thing is it`s not masculine to get dumped and to cry and feel upset. But we do have problems in like - with heart attacks. Judy is right about that. Not heart attacks necessarily, but we suffer inside, but we don`t want to get it out.
HAMMER: Well, you are suffering from stress right now, Steve. I`m going to end it here.
(CROSS TALK)
But Steve, here`s how we can shift the balance. Steve, I want you to go out with your buddies drinking tonight and cry for George Clooney just a little bit.
SANTAGATI: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) rocks.
HAMMER: Steve Santagati and Dr. Judy Kuriansky, I thank you both.
All right, let`s move on now. I think Will Smith and Jada Pinkett- Smith are a Hollywood couple that a lot of stars can learn from. But get this, tonight, Will, talking about divorce. You have got to hear his explosive words, just leaving celebrity couples in shock. This is totally unbelievable.
And new right now, a big day for Naomi Campbell. She find out if she is going to be charged for flying off her rocker as she was getting ready to fly.
And I`ve got to tell you I still cannot believe what Sharon Stone said about China possibly deserving to get hit by that devastating earthquake. Well, tonight, Sharon is really paying a price for speaking out. That is next.
Also this -
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NICK BOLLEA, HULK HOGAN`S SON: Will you work on that reality deal?
HULK HOGAN, WRESTLER AND REALITY SHOW STAR: Yes.
N. BOLLEA: For me. Get that thing lined up so the minute I walk out of wherever I walk out of, it`s there boom.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. Every time I hear this Hulk Hogan-Nick Hogan jailhouse tapes, it just disgusts me. And it really disgusted SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers. We got flooded with your E-mails. Your fired up reactions are coming up.
But first, remember, you can watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT video any time you darn well please. We are posting new stuff just for you to check out all the time at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. And among the videos playing right now, my revealing one-on-one interviews with the leading ladies of the "Sex and the City" movie. We are coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NAOMI CAMPBELL, MODEL: Bono, not now, darling. I`m playing cricket. OK. Give it to me, mama.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, even when Naomi Campbell whipped out her cell phone on the season finale of "Ugly Betty" people headed for the hills and ran for cover.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is TV`s most provocative entertainment news show. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You may want to hide your cell phone. Notorious Blackberry throwing catwalker, Naomi Campbell, is in serious crisis. It is one of the two big stories that are new right now.
Naomi Campbell found out today she is facing six criminal charges including assault as a result of her alleged beating on British cops in London`s Heathrow Airport.
Also new right now, Sharon Stone saying, sorry. Stone has now apologized for basically saying China deserves to get that devastating earthquake that killed tens of thousand of people. Yes.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Howard Bragman, the founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations. In New York tonight, "VH1 News" host Janelle Snowden.
Howard, Janelle, let us begin with the notorious Naomi Campbell. Back in April, we all remember, she blew her stack in London`s Heathrow Airport after her luggage was lost. And then police say she basically let her infamous temper get the best of her. She came out swinging and spitting. Well, today, she was hit with criminal charges. She could face six months in jail.
Janelle, let me begin with you. Naomi, we all know, has been convicted before of attacking her housekeeper with a cell phone. Does Naomi just need to go into - I don`t know - some kind of temper tantrum rehab?
JANELLE SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": I don`t even think there`s a rehab that will allow her because the staff is probably afraid they`ll all be attacked. But I don`t know if that is the answer. But it`s like she will never learn. I mean she obviously has a problem and we probably shouldn`t make light about it because it really is serious. I mean you think after the first set of charges, she would have said, "OK. This is a wake-up call." But she hasn`t. I don`t know what it is going to take. Next thing I fear we`re going to hear she`s hit her mom or something.
HAMMER: Yes. We don`t want it to get to that level at all. But I just don`t understand what the deal is with this woman. I mean, Janelle, you say she`ll never learn.
Howard, maybe you could give me insight. You deal with famous people every day in your life. Does Naomi just think she is above it all and maybe she does need to get tossed in jail to wake up once and for all?
HOWARD BRAGMAN, FOUNDER, FIFTEEN MINUTES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Well, I think a lot of people would be happy if she was tossed in jail. But it`s ultimately what being a diva is about. You don`t think about how your consequences affect other people. It is how it inconveniences your life, and she`s an absolute diva, A.J. And I know if she went to jail, it would be about the food, how unfair it was. It wouldn`t be about any contrition for her acts.
And I don`t think she thinks like the rest of us perhaps do. And she needs to get a little compassion and a little empathy and realize that she made a mistake here. And whatever it takes to make her recognize this is probably a good thing.
HAMMER: Sounds like you`re saying a leopard can`t change its spots or diva for that matter.
All right. We need to move on to the next story that is new right now. It is still unbelievable. Sharon Stone, however, saying she`s really, really sorry for her shocking suggestion that China may have actually deserved the earthquake that`s now killed more than 65,000 people. She called the massive quake "karma for the bad things that the Chinese government has done to Tibet." Now, Sharon made the comments when she was at the Cannes Film Festival. Let`s watch that again.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHARON STONE, ACTRESS: I mean, just, you know, concerned about, oh, how should we deal with the Olympics because they`re not being nice the Dalai Lama who is a good friend of mine. And then all this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and I thought is that karma when you are not nice, that the bad things happen to you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, reaction was swift. The fashion house Christian Dior has pulled the plug on using Stone`s image in advertising, and in marketing and in commercials. Janelle, what do you think, even more fallout on the way?
SNOWDEN: I think unfortunately there probably - or fortunately, depending on which side you stand on, there probably will be. I think it was smart for Christian Dior to step up because they don`t want to lose all the Chinese business that I`m sure they value very much. So I think she was right to apologize. I think we`re going to see more apologies in the coming days and maybe she needs to go on - I don`t know - "The View" or something and explain where her head was when she said that with any explanation available.
HAMMER: And let me get to that apology because we were discussing earlier when the remarks were first made that yes, this is something that she does need to come out and take a stand on what she said in one way or the other.
She did apologize and released this to the Associated Press, quote, "Due to my inappropriate word and acts during the interview, I feel deeply sorry and sad about hurting the Chinese people. I am willing to take part in relief work of China`s earthquake and wholly devote myself to helping affected Chinese people."
Howard, given how outrageous her remarks were, do you think people will forgive and forget? Does she need to do more?
BRAGMAN: I think people are very compassionate and forgiving. And I think she is a real true humanitarian. She`s done great things for the AIDS community. And I think we will forgive her ultimately. But, you know, people on both sides of the political spectrum have to realize these are natural disasters. And any time you start blaming people and acts on different groups of people, it`s going to bite you in the butt. And everybody should learn from this.
HAMMER: Yes, Howard Bragman, I`m definitely right there with you on that. Howard Bragman, Janelle Snowden, I thank you both for being with us tonight.
You know, there aren`t many model Hollywood marriages. But I definitely think Will Smith and his wife Jada are definitely one of them. They seem to have a perfect marriage.
But tonight, I can tell you this - Will is talking divorce. Yes, you`ve got to hear his explosive words that are just rocking star couples everywhere.
And listen to this explosive news. Bill Murray`s wife is suing him for divorce. And the things she is alleging, they`re going to blow your mind. We`re talking drug and sex addiction, physical abuse, adultery and a bunch more. This thing just sounds like it may get really, really ugly. The details are coming up next. We`ve also got this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
N. BOLLEA: Will you work on that reality deal?
HOGAN: Yes.
N. BOLLEA: For me. Get that thing lined up so the minute I walk out of wherever I walk out of it there, boom.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: I am just so disappointed and shocked by Hulk Hogan`s family. What you just heard is just one part of the startling jailhouse confessions between Hulk and his son Nick who is serving time for nearly killing his friend in a car accident. I`ll tell you what, our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers so fired up about this, you`ve got to hear what they say. And that is coming up.
And we want to hear from you. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - you`ll definitely want to sound off on this - "`Sex and the City`: Are you excited to see it?" Please let us know. Go to the Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight; that`s where you vote. If you`ve got more to say, you can always send us an E-mail. We`re checking that E-mail box all the time. It`s showbiztonight@cnn.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Here now are some more stories that are new right now. Shocking allegations against Bill Murray by his wife. Jennifer Butler Murray is suing him for divorce. She says Bill is addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex, cheated on her and physically abused her.
Jennifer is also seeking a restraining order. There is no comment yet from Bill`s people. They have been married for 10 years.
Oh, my, I just can`t believe it. Ashley Simpson is pregnant. All right, not really a surprise there. There has been talk about this for months. But Jessica Simpson`s little sister and her brand new husband, "Fallout Boy" bassist Pete Wentz, have finally confirmed they are indeed expecting.
And if you are a Harry Potter fan, you`re going to be really happy about this. The author J.K. Rowling just banged out a new book. Now, I use the term book loosely. This is actually a card-sized, 800-word prequel. The original going up for sale at a charity auction in London in June on the 10th. But you`ll be able to buy copies in August.
I`ve got to say I was really surprised to hear about Bill Murray`s divorce. His wife`s allegations are just shocking. But you know, on appearances at least, they never really seemed to be in trouble. However, a Hollywood couple that does seem as solid as a rock, Will Smith and his lovely wife, Jada.
But tonight listen to this. Will is talking about divorce. You`ve got to stick around to hear his blockbuster words that are just leaving celebrity couples in shock.
And I`ve got to say I don`t think I have seen SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers so fired up about anything in a long time, just furious with Hulk Hogan and his son, over those shocking jail house phone calls. Nick talking about doing a reality show, while his best friend lies in a hospital. Your fired up comments are next.
And could it be possible? Could we actually have cold hard proof Oprah`s empire is in trouble? Did she go too far by supporting Obama? We are investigating this, coming up.
But first you can always stay on the most provocative entertainment news with our daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. Head on over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight, click on the "sign up for newsletter" link at the bottom of the page. We are coming right back.
(NEWS BREAK)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Will Smith on love and marriage and divorce. Tonight, Will`s explosive comments about divorce that have absolutely rocked Hollywood.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
N. BOLLEA: Will you work on that reality deal.
HOGAN: Yes.
N. BOLLEA: For me. Get that thing lined up so the minute I walk out of wherever I walk out of, it`s there, boom.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Absolute outrage over Hulk Hogan`s son recorded talking about getting a reality show when he gets out of jail. And he is there for the car crash that almost killed his friend. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the backlash and your fired up E-mails.
(MUSIC)
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. You`re watching TV`s most provocative entertainment news show.
Well, tonight, Will Smith, the world`s biggest movie star, is talking about divorce and now sending shock waves through Hollywood. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been married for over a decade. And now he says not only will divorce never, ever become an option for them, Will`s actually challenging other big stars to say the same to make sure their marriages don`t fall apart.
But is Will at all being realistic? With me tonight from Miami, Steve Santagati of AskSteveSantagati.com. And here in New York, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, clinical psychologist and author of "The Complete Idiot`s Guide to a Healthy Relationship."
All right. Steve and Judy, Will Smith shared his untraditional divorce theory with Ellen DeGeneres. Let us all watch exactly what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILL SMITH, ACTOR: Like, just divorce can`t be an option. Like it`s really that simple.
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": Yes.
SMITH: If you just remove the option, because if you have the option, one day, that person is going to make you want a divorce. You will absolutely get to the point that you`re done. And the only thing that keeps you continuing is that there is no other option.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: No other option. OK, Dr. Judy, I applaud Will, a noble idea to be sure. But is he at all even realistic, let alone, is his idea at all healthy?
KURIANSKY: I think it is healthy and all power to him if he can make it work because I definitely encourage people to make that commitment every day to marriage. So I disagree with Will in saying, the negative way, that divorce is not an option. I always encourage couples say that, "We are going to be married every day. We`re going to commit every day."
But for some couples, A.J., uh-uh. Divorce may be the right thing for them. I have seen those kind of couples. We have known about them in Hollywood, and they should not be together.
SANTAGATI: She is missing the point.
HAMMER: No. I want to know, Steve, how can you argue with that? I mean it does got to a point - you can`t say, no divorce.
SANTAGATI: She is completely missing the point. The point that Will Smith is making is that he has ethics and standards that he has - he`s got a military mentality about this. Divorce is not an option, and he is right. If you have other options, you think, "I don`t have to stay with her. I`m not that committed. I can always get divorced." Then chances are you might exercise that option. What he is saying is that he and Jada got together. He has been divorced he knows what the outcome is. He`s saying he and Jada had made a decision that they`re going to make it work by hell or high water, no matter what.
KURIANSKY: Wait a second, Steve. Are we changing roles here?
SANTAGATI: No, no. Judy -
KURIANSKY: Am I supposed - Wait, am I supposed to be giving you my PhD and you`re giving me your Bad Boy shirt.
SANTAGATI: I don`t want a PhD - You should have a "Bad boys finish first" t-shirt or bad girl, nonetheless.
But anyway, you guys, listen. In all seriousness, it`s like I still don`t believe in marriage. But I think that Will Smith is highly - he should be praised for this because he is one of the guys that is going to stick to it and help the other celebrities. Judy, you tell me, he can`t help anybody. They`re all lost.
HAMMER: Steve what happens, though, when marriage just becomes such hell. You can`t say, "Well, divorce is not an option I am going to live in hell."
SANTAGATI: That`s what earplugs are for.
HAMMER: Oh. Hey, listen -
KURIANSKY: Steve, the truth - the point is that really research shows - how do you like this, Steve - that if you stay together and you are both miserable and you`re making kids miserable and all they`re hearing is arguing and tension and they don`t see the kisses and the hugging and all the rest of it. Both people are better off ...
HAMMER: Yes.
KURIANSKY: ... mentally, emotionally, sexually and in every other way and so are the kids. So Steve, try to convince me otherwise.
HAMMER: All right. Well, hold on a second. Hold on. I have some further ammunition here.
SANTAGATI: All right. Go ahead.
HAMMER: And I`m not saying I am a big proponent of divorce. I just think that divorce is not an option theory. It may be a little mixed up in my mind. And it also got the ladies of "The View" all fired up, of course.
Now, Whoopi Goldberg who moderates the show, has been married three times. She says sometimes there has got to be an option. Watch Whoopi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": There are times when divorce is the better route for children. It`s the better route for the person. Because you know, divorce is not an option, unless something so heinous that you do. You lose your mind and you beat me up. You`re out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Dr. Judy, Whoopi is dead on, isn`t she?
KURIANSKY: And I would agree to that. I see lots of women who are with men who do not treat them well. And to that extent, I would say, "Look get your self-esteem up and get out." What do you think about that, Steve? I mean how can you argue with that?
SANTAGATI: I`m not - Well, Judy, obviously if it is an unhealthy relationship and it`s like one person is being abusive or some woman gains 400 pounds and the guy picks up a crack habit. Yes, divorce. But in the case of Will Smith and Jada, they`re both doing their job. There are going to be intrinsic bumps and hurdles in any relationship. And what he`s saying if I am understanding him correctly is that those little things don`t matter. They are going to move forward. They`re going to stay direct and stay on course regardless.
Now, if Jada becomes a problem, she starts trying to kill him at night with an ax, I think divorce probably is going to enter his mind. Otherwise -
HAMMER: Go ahead. Otherwise?
SANTAGATI: Otherwise he`s good. Good to go. I think that people should listen to him. But I think his ethics and his standards in the sense of will power is something he has grown up with. And frankly -
HAMMER: Pun intended. Will power. OK.
SANTAGATI: Exactly.
HAMMER: It`s a terrific aspiration to have.
SANTAGATI: Oh, my gosh. I didn`t think about it.
HAMMER: Well, of course not. Now, they`ve been married - Will and Jada, for ten years now and we applaud them for that. I have to point out, actually, Steve I believe you already pointed this out. They wouldn`t be married today had Will not divorced his first wife. Dr. Judy, it was an option for Will back then. What do you think changed for him?
KURIANSKY: Well, sometimes people are not meant to be together as happened with Will the first time around. He - yes, you and me, Steve. He did learn and so I say all power to him that way too. There are - they are, Will and Jada are a very great example. They are a shining example really for us. And for Hollywood couples and for everybody about how you make a commitment. I would take out a word though that he added in his sentence there. And that is, "We might as well try to be happy," is what Will Smith said. I take away - I want everybody to take away the word try. Because try to raise your right arm. You either do it or you don`t. And so, I say, Will, go on saying the same thing only just say, "We will be happy," not we`ll try to be happy.
HAMMER: Well, perhaps - and Steve you might agree with me, and then I got to go. Will and Jada should start a Hollywood couples boot camp. They can invite Tom and Katie ...
SANTAGATI: Why not?
HAMMER: ... and Posh and Becks and get everybody together and make this commitment.
KURIANSKY: I love it.
HAMMER: Take the word "divorce" out of the vocabulary.
SANTAGATI: It`s a good idea.
HAMMER: All right. We`ll leave it there. Steve Santagati, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, see you later.
Well for several years now here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, we have been fighting the fight for women everywhere. We have been demanding to know, why Hollywood creates ridiculous, unrealistic standards when it comes to beauty and age. And now, we are very proud to tell you, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has just received some major recognition for our efforts.
I was right there walking the red carpet on Wednesday night in New York City for the 33rd Annual American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Allen Awards. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT received a major award for highlighting women in Hollywood who are actually getting better with age, including reports on women who are 60 and still sexy, older women starring in primetime shows, stars in their 40s, chosen to beep the face of beauty campaigns. And also, exposing the double standard in Hollywood when it comes to women and age.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s brilliant executive producer Dave Levine was right there with me on the red carpet and he vowed to continue to fight the fight. Let`s watch Dave.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVE LEVINE, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: One of the messages that we are sending in our reports and that we are sending tonight is that SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is going to continue to fight the fight and we`re not giving up until Hollywood stops treating women unfairly. One of our reports - all of our reports have to do with being better with age and we believe women get better with age. It doesn`t matter whether you are fat or you`re thin or you`re young or you`re old. All women need to be treated properly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, said, Dave and looking sharp. Other Gracie Allen Award winners included colleagues at "CNN HEROES" for their all-star tribute special, and "CNN PRESENTS GOD WARRIORS." Our sincere congratulations to all of the winners at this big and terrific event, and our utmost thanks to you for watching.
Well I`ve got to tell you people are just going nuts over that taped jailhouse phone call where Hulk Hogan`s son talks about getting a reality show.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
N. BOLLEA: Will work on that reality deal?
HOGAN: Yes.
N. BOLLEA: For me. Get that thing lined up so the minute I walk out of wherever I walk out of it`s there, boom.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: That is just so hard to listen to. Nick almost killed his friend, and there he is, thinking about getting back on TV. I ask what you thought. And you responded big-time. That is coming up.
Also, could it be - is Oprah in trouble? You know the ratings for her talk show are down. Her "Big Give" show, not coming back. So I have to ask - what`s up with Oprah? Could it be the Obama factor? We`re investigating that, still to come.
And can you feel the excitement in the air? It is "Sex and the City" week here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And tonight, it is my one-on-one with the lovely Kristin Davis. Kristin really fired up about the paparazzi and the tabloids and how much things have changed since the show ended. She really opened up to me about what she thinks you should do to stop the insanity. That is just ahead in the interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
We`ve been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "`Sex and the City`: Are you excited to see it?" Please vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. You are watching TV`s most provocative entertainment news show. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, there is absolute outrage from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers that Hulk Hogan and his son Nick were making plans to do a reality show once Nick finishes serving time for a car crash that nearly killed his friend.
Joining me in Hollywood, the founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations, Howard Bragman. Also in Hollywood tonight, investigative journalist, Jane Velez Mitchell, who`s also the author of "Secrets Can Be Murder."
All right, guys. We first got wind of the possible reality show when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT obtained phone conversations that Hulk Hogan had with his son Nick from jail. You`ve got to listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
N. BOLLEA: Will you work on that reality deal?
HOGAN: Yes.
N. BOLLEA: For me. Get that thing lined up so the minute I walk out of wherever I walk out of it`s there, boom.
HOGAN: Can you do it while you`re on probation?
N. BOLLEA: Yes, of course. I want to do it where I`ll make the most money.
HOGAN: So dude, if we can get that pulled off, dude.
N. BOLLEA: Reality.
HOGAN: "The New Nick," we can call it "The New Nick" or something.
N. BOLLEA: "The New Nick."
HOGAN: Or something. We`ll have to come up with a good name. Think of a good name.
N. BOLLEA: I`ll be thinking of a good name.
HOGAN: The - the -
N. BOLLEA: It will be reality, how I`m getting back on my feet, and how I am recovering after this, celebrity out of jail.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: This is just stunning to me. So we had to ask SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers in our question of the day, "Hulk Hogan`s Son: Should Nick do a reality show after jail?" Look at this, a whopping 93 percent said no way. This is a terrible idea. Only seven percent of those who voted thought it was a good idea.
And I got to say, I can`t say I am really surprised at how one-sided the vote is. But Jane, I am more surprised that even seven percent said that he should do a reality show.
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: Well, I call that the seven percent silly factor. But good news is the vast majority, the overwhelming majority, of your viewers are sensible people and say no to a Nick reality show for very good reasons. It would be morally reprehensible. You heard it right there on the tape. They do it the second they got out of jail, while he is on probation. So obviously, the car crash that left his so- called good buddy so badly hurt would be a dominant plot line which would mean he would be profiting off the crime which is morally reprehensible. And there are some laws on the books against it. So they could face legal challenges. They`d probably get away with it, but what a horrible idea. And any network that gives him a show at this point, I think, would come under fire.
HAMMER: Howard Bragman, did the lopsidedness of this vote faze you at all?
BRAGMAN: No, it didn`t. And you know - but you also have to understand the world that Nick operates in. Do you think he sat in jail and said, "Well, when I get out, should I be a nuclear physicist or do a reality show?"
HAMMER: Yes.
BRAGMAN: How many options are available to this kid? But the line that chilled me was, "To show how I will get back on my feet." You know, the kid that was injured is never getting on his feet. He has to take a different route here. This is not going to work for him.
HAMMER: I have got to read a couple of the E-mails we got because we got an overwhelming number of those as well. Listen to this. One came in from Susie in Washington. She writes, "The Hogans lack empathy, support and common sense. Any money made from `real-ality` shows done by the Hogan family should go towards the injured boy`s medical expenses."
Sher from Minnesota felt differently. She has this to say, "I love the Hogans. If Nick wants a reality show, why not? Hollywood is giving everybody a show."
Jane, devil`s advocate here. Does she have any kind of a point? You have Dina Lohan and Denise Richards with their shows because they want to set the record straight about their lives. So why not Nick, I guess is what her point is.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, Nick has already set the record straight along with his parents in all those phone conversations that were tape recorded. And he has proven beyond a reasonable doubt he has no remorse, no empathy, no compassion, no sympathy and hasn`t learned a darn thing from this entire experience.
HAMMER: Yes.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: So that ship has sailed. What he should do when he gets out is to go into therapy and find out why he has no remorse and no compassion.
HAMMER: Yes, I think the phone conversations all the "real-ality" we need to ever hear about this. Howard Bragman, Jane Velez-Mitchell, thank you both.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Thanks.
HAMMER: Well, these days, it seems like there is plenty of outrage to go around. Even Oprah who has survived more than her share of crises may be in trouble. Some people were furious when she came out and supported Sen. Barack Obama for president. Now, her empire is showing cracks. Was the Obama endorsement just the straw that broke the camel`s back? Are we actually witnessing the fall of a media giant? Or is Oprah still as untouchable as ever? Here`s CNN entertainment correspondent Kareen Wynter for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": It`s a wonder I got a roof.
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Oprah Winfrey has a roof and a lot more. The media queen`s empire includes a talk show, satellite radio channel, magazine, Broadway musical, and production company. And "Forbes" magazine says she is worth some $1.5 billion.
But, all is not perfect in Oprah-land. Ratings for her show are down seven percent, marking the third consecutive year of decline. For much- hyped primetime reality show, "Oprah`s Big Give," lost a third of its viewers by the end of its eight week run.
ANDREW WALLENSTEIN, DEPUTY EDITOR, "THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER": Oprah is down seven percent this year in total viewers. But guess what? Just about everything in this syndication is down.
WYNTER: The television ratings aren`t the only problem. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, sales of Winfrey`s "O Magazine" have fallen by more than 240,000 copies in the last three years. Insiders say Winfrey`s latest move to the campaign trail could hurt business even more.
WINFREY: I`m voting for Barack Obama.
STEVEN ROSS, PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR: The moment you open your mouth and speak politically, you puncture the fantasy of a huge part of your audience. And those people may never forgive you again.
WYNTER: Professor Steven Ross is writing a book about politics in Hollywood.
ROSS: There are moments in everyone`s life when they say "You know what? This may be a risky business move but it is what I need to do as a citizen. I believe in this."
WYNTER: Oprah`s camp says those beliefs haven`t caused business to suffer. CBS executive, Robert Madden, oversees the syndication of Winfrey`s talk show.
He tells CNN, quote, "It has been the number one talk show 471 consecutive weeks. Obviously, if you are number one, you`re not in trouble."
And remember this media titan has more than $1 billion in the bank and popularity to spare.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: No kidding. That was Kareen Wynter for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Now, I want you to take a look at this. Tyra Banks on the cover of the upcoming issue of "New York Times" magazine with the names Martha and Oprah around her, definitely looks like somebody is trying to tell us that Tyra may be the one to take over both empires. So Friday, make sure you tune in to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We investigate, is Tyra the new Oprah? You definitely don`t want to miss this.
Well, it is "Sex and the City" week here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And tonight, it is my one-on-one with the fantastic Kristin Davis.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KRISTIN DAVIS, "SEX AND THE CITY" STAR: I think that the whole paparazzi growth has exploded in an insane way basically since end of the show.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I have got to tell you, Kristin Davis was really fired up about the paparazzi and the tabloids and she really opened up to me about what she thinks you should do to stop the insanity. She is right on the money. That is next in the interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVIS: She just got engaged and she has been going out with the man for 10 years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It`s here - "Sex and the City" finally opens in theaters on Friday. Even the guys at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT are excited.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s "Sex and the City" week rages on with the fired up Kristin Davis. Davis, of course, plays Charlotte York in the film. And when she sat down with me, she just let loose on the tabloids and all those gossip Web sites. But first, she talked about how rumors of feuding between her and her co-stars became so toxic that it was beyond repair.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIS: It was exhausting. It`s exhausting because you cannot correct it all. You can try. I mean we tried for 10 years to correct that. You understand 10 years, like you can`t, bang your head against a wall. We would go out in the beginning and try to fix it, and they don`t care. No one cares what we say. Do you know what I mean? It`s not going to sell magazines whatever it is. I don`t know. So after a while we were like -
HAMMER (on camera): And that`s just one side of it, Kristin. And then of course, there`s the paparazzi. There are a lot of people, and this is something, you know, we talk about a lot, who say, "You know what? It comes with the territory, the loss of privacy. It`s part of the deal. It is a hard line to walk."
DAVIS: It is so hard because we do need publicity. We totally understand that. We need to promote the movie that they paid millions and millions and millions of dollars to make. And we need our careers to go well. I mean it`s a very fine line.
I think the whole paparazzi world has exploded in an insane way. And one of the things that consumers need to do is think about what they`re supporting with their dollar and what they`re supporting when they go online. Because every time you click on a site, you are making that person money.
So if you go to a magazine stand and you see the tabloids and they have one person on all the tabloids but different headlines, you know how this happens, right?
HAMMER: Yes.
So and so is getting married. So and so are splitting up. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Pay attention to what turns out to be true. You know what I am saying. Like actually think about, well, OK. Some are lying. Some of them are making it up. Some of them maybe it is true. Whatever. Watch it, and then buy those ones. Because some of them are checking their sources. And some of them are making an effort. And some of them aren`t. I`m not going to name, names obviously.
Same with the Web sites. Like if you are clicking on there, you`re making them money. So if you are clicking on something mean or you`re clicking on something toxic or you`re clicking on lies, you are making those people money and those people are going to keep doing it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s "Sex and the City" week continues Friday, the big opening day. And on Friday, the lovely Kim Cattrall talks to me about dating a younger guy in the movie and in real life. That`s Friday on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. The latest from "CNN HEADLINE NEWS" coming up next.
END
