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Showbiz Tonight
Natasha Richardson Hospitalized; Judge Judy`s Ruling on Rihanna; AIG Rage; Brand-New War Against the Octomom; A-Rod in Love With Himself?
Aired March 17, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Making news right now, actress Natasha Richardson hospitalized after a skiing accident.
I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Judge Judy`s take-no-prisoners brand-new ruling on the Rihanna drama.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUDGE JUDITH SHEINDLIN, HOST, "JUDGE JUDY": Make no mistake. This is not a domestic violence situation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, why TV`s biggest judge says Chris Brown`s alleged beating of Rihanna is not domestic violence. And why Judge Judy agrees with Oprah about men who beat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEINDLIN: If you have done it once, you`ll do it again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Plus, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with explosive new information about whether Rihanna will testify if Chris Brown goes on trial.
The brand-new war against the Octomom. Tonight, the psychiatrist who asked officials to take the octuplets away does it again. Tonight, the doc is in right here in the headline-making interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Plus, is Alex Rodriguez totally in love with himself? Wait until you see the pictures we have got.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood. And in just a moment, the disturbing news about superstar actress Natasha Richardson`s frightening ski accident.
But first, Judge Judy`s controversial ruling on the Rihanna-Chris Brown drama and what TV`s biggest daytime judge is saying will startle you.
Get this, Judge Judy says Chris Brown`s alleged beating of his superstar girlfriend should not be classified as a case of domestic violence. But why would she say such a thing? And what else is Judge Judy revealing about the controversial case which has ignited coast-to-coast outrage? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the answers are making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON (voice-over): The Chris Brown and Rihanna case may be winding its way through the courts. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you there is already a ruling from perhaps the most popular judge in the country.
SHEINDLIN: That is the biggest crock of hogwash I ever heard.
ANDERSON: The no-nonsense Judge Judy is not mincing words when it comes to the country`s most talked about case of domestic violence, if you can call it that.
SHEINDLIN: This is not domestic violence.
ANDERSON: On "LARRY KING LIVE," Judge Judy, a.k.a. Judith Sheindlin, said that the Chris Brown-Rihanna situation is not a case of domestic violence after all, but of assault.
SHEINDLIN: These two people do not live together. They`re not married. They don`t have a child in common. They`re not related by blood. They live independently. And what it is, if it is anything, is an assault.
ANDERSON: Assault is what Chris Brown is charged with, along with making criminal threats. It all stems from an alleged February confrontation with Rihanna that, according to this picture from TMZ, left her battered and bruised.
SHEINDLIN: Does it surprise me that 50 percent, 52 percent of young kids who were questioned said she`d probably go to him. It doesn`t surprise me.
ANDERSON: On "LARRY KING," Judge Judy gave her opinion on the alleged assault.
SHEINDLIN: While not excusing this kind of assault, women know that women have the capacity, not of brawn, but they have the capacity in needling a guy to get him to react. I don`t know if that`s what happened here.
Certainly, the reaction did not equate to her action. Because I haven`t seen pictures of him bloodied and battered and bruised.
ANDERSON: And it turns out Judge Judy has something in common with another queen of daytime TV.
SHEINDLIN: When a person, like this guy, can take his hand and cause that kind of damage, he will do it again. Perhaps not to her, but to somebody else. If you have done it once, you`ll do it again.
ANDERSON: That`s almost exactly what Oprah Winfrey recently said about the Chris Brown case.
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": If a man hits you once, he will hit you again.
ANDERSON: Despite those disturbing warnings, Rihanna reportedly is back with Chris Brown. But Judge Judy says even if Rihanna doesn`t testify against her famous boyfriend, he wouldn`t be off the hook.
SHEINDLIN: You don`t necessarily need her testimony. The district attorney of the county is bringing this action. And you know, sometimes, you can even proceed with a case like this without a victim.
ANDERSON: TMZ reports that Rihanna`s attorney is actually working with Chris Brown`s lawyer to ask the judge to excuse Rihanna from testifying because of all of the reported leaks in the case.
DONALD ETRA, RIHANNA`S ATTORNEY: The facts in the case will come out over time.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT went straight to Rihanna`s attorney, Donald Etra, to find out if he is indeed working with Brown`s attorney to keep Rihanna off the stand. He tells us, quote, "I am not involved in any such attempt."
Rihanna`s attorney also tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, if Rihanna is required to testify, she will. And he repeated for us what we all overheard him tell Chris Brown in court.
ETRA: I think that Rihanna would like this over as quickly as possible.
ANDERSON: But enough from the lawyers. What about what the judge thinks?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Judge Judy is ready to rule.
ANDERSON: On "LARRY KING LIVE," Judge Judy was asked what she`d do if the Chris Brown case were in her courtroom and he were found guilty.
SHEINDLIN: I would certainly see to it that whatever sentence he got, that may be a 30-day plus five years probation. But I would certainly see to it that anger management classes were part of that.
ANDERSON: So Judge Judy has spoken. But we all know that unlike the cases in her TV courtroom.
SHEINDLIN: This case is dismissed.
ANDERSON: The Chris Brown-Rihanna case won`t be resolved so neatly.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: And now we want to hear from you. It is "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Question of the Day" - "Rihanna and Chris Brown: If he goes to trial, should she testify?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us - here is the address: showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Now, on to the Natasha Richardson accident. The actress and wife of actor Liam Neeson injured in a terrible skiing accident. It happened Monday at a ski resort in Quebec as Natasha was taking a lesson on a beginner slope with an experienced instructor. Natasha fell and but didn`t immediately show any visible signs of injury. But was later rushed to a hospital there and then transferred to a location in the United States.
Here`s what a spokesperson from the ski resort has to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ms. Richardson was taking a ski lesson in a beginner`s trail and she fell. So the ski instructor right away called ski patrol. They accompanied her to her hotel. In about an hour from the incident, she showed signs she wasn`t feeling well. So they called an ambulance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK, this really has been an unbelievable day of drama.
And with us in Hollywood is Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra." Also Paul Dergarabedian who`s a box office analyst with "Hollywood.com."
OK, guys, Natasha`s husband, Liam Neeson, who`s starring in the film "Taken," the biggest movie so far this year, reportedly rushed from the set of his movie he is now shooting in Toronto, Canada to be at her side.
Carlos, they are two of Hollywood`s biggest stars but tend to stay out of the spotlight, don`t they?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": For different reasons. You know, you have Natasha who grew up among royalty. Vanessa Redgrave is her mother. You know, she has so many relatives that are considered to be acting royalty all over the world. And so she has always been used to being in the spotlight. She started acting when she was four years old. So she has been around it.
Liam Neeson, on the other hand, you know, grew up as a truck driver. He was working in the mills in Ireland and this and that. So he`s one of those people who`s - as she describes the two of them, they`re chalk and cheese.
So, these are not two people who you are going to see at big parties or walking red carpets for premieres that they`re not a part of. So yes, they try to stay out of the spotlight and become normal parents to their two boys.
ANDERSON: Yes. Those boys, ages 12 and 13, a big priority for them. And following up what you were talking about Natasha hailing from an acting dynasty, she`s really a member of one of the most famous acting families in London, the Redgraves. Her mother, as Carlos said, Vanessa Redgrave, her father the late Tony Richardson.
And you know, they have been real forces in the industry. In fact, in the 2007 movie, "Evening," Richardson starred alongside her mother. I want you to watch what Natasha told CNN about working with mom for the first time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NATASHA RICHARDSON, ACTRESS: The first day I think I was a little, just a little self-conscious, you know, thinking always, is my mom going to think I`m all right? You know, but we got over that. And she is just so heartbreakingly vulnerable that she really isn`t intimidating.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Paul, Natasha and the Redgraves are really Hollywood royalty, aren`t they? They get a lot of respect from others in the industry.
PAUL DERGARABEDIAN, BOX OFFICE ANALYST, HOLLYWOOD.COM: They really do. And I think this is so tragic because right now, as you said earlier in the piece, you know, Liam Neeson`s movie "Taken" has just taken over the box office and continues to do well.
And for this to happen to Natasha right now, who by the way, is an accomplished chef from what I understand, was on "Top Chef" late last year and did a terrific job as a guest judge. It`s just really tragic.
So, you know, our thoughts are with the family. And you`re right, though. This is an acting dynasty, Hollywood royalty, and all of that.
ANDERSON: As you say, Natasha, very versatile. She has also starred on Broadway, won a Tony in `98 for "Cabaret." I want you to watch what she said when CNN asked her what was scarier to her at the time, taking her clothes off on stage or singing in front of hundreds of people. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDSON: Singing in public, for me, is worse than taking your clothes off. But I have to say, in the first couple of previews, and I was dancing very close to the front of the stage. And I suddenly looked down and thought, "My god, this man is seeing right between my legs."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Carlos, Natasha, known for her sense of humor. And she really is a beloved actress. People were shocked when they heard what happened today almost, as if their own friend or a family member had been hurt.
DIAZ: Yes, so many reasons why people are shocked today. Like you said, you know, she was beloved. She is beloved by so many people and so relatable because of the fact that she is so humble. Even though she grew up in such royalty as far as the acting community, she was always so humble about it.
And then the circumstances with her injury, how it happened, you know on a beginner`s slope. And it happened in a way that it could happen to any of us, you know. So it`s very relatable in that sense.
ANDERSON: Absolutely. And we wish the family well. Our thoughts are with everyone dealing with this situation. Carlos Diaz, Paul Dergarabedian, thank you both. We`ll leave it there.
Tonight, I can tell you there is a brand-new war against the Octomom. The doctor who asked officials to take the octuplets away is doing it again. She is filing another complaint.
Tonight, that doctor is right here in the headline-making interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. That`s coming up.
OK, I know New York Yankees star, Alex Rodriguez thinks he is a pretty good ball player, right? But does A-Rod think he is so amazing that he is totally in love with himself? You have got to see these pictures.
And we`ve also got this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): AIG bonuses?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s bull (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, there is plenty more where that came from. All-out outrage over AIG executives getting big, fat bonuses. People channeling their rage into some very, very funny stuff on TV, online - you don`t want to miss that. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: DJ AM suing Learjet and others for $20 million related to fatal Sept. 2008 plane crash. Modest Mouse to release music video directed by the late Heath Ledger.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL DOUGLAS, ACTOR: The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Michael Douglas in one of his most famous roles, a role he won an Oscar for, the corporate bad guy, Gordon Gekko in the 1987 movie, "Wall Street." And you know what? I think Gordon Gekko would be run out of town if he said that about greed today. Just look what is going on with companies like AIG.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson. Did you see this? Tonight, AIG anger. People are really fired up over executives at the insurance giant`s getting big, fat bonuses while the company is getting government bailout money.
So, online, on TV, people are letting off steam by going off on AIG. Here is CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MOOS (voice-over): If you`re thin-skinned and work for AIG, you might want to leave the room for a minute.
(on camera): We are doing word association today.
AIG bonuses.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think they suck.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Disgusting.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Undeserved.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Waste.
MOOS: AIG bonuses.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bull (EXPLETIVE DELETED). Do you want me to say something you can say on the air?
MOOS: No.
(voice-over): There was way more we couldn`t say online.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Paying off their (EXPLETIVE DELETED) million dollar plus (EXPLETIVE DELETED) bonuses to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) morons.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re pissed off.
MOOS: Burn in hell. Crash and burn. On Twitter, if Tweets could kill. One person mused about using a carrot peeler to flay the rats in charge at AIG, sort of makes an animated cartoon calling them Fat Cats seemed almost complimentary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And the time has come to take to the streets in the form of a mob, bearing torches and march upon these corporate palaces.
MOOS: Could be sniffed from cable news to "The View."
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": You cannot bend us over this way. You have got to talk to those people and say you are not going to give them all that money because they don`t deserve all of it because AIG is in the toilet!
MOOS: AIG rage is the new road rage. Even a buttoned-down Obama economic adviser took the verbal spanking over the top.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is almost like the guys should have gotten the Nobel Prize for evil.
MOOS: Talk about a bonus, you can always melt down the gold if the banks collapse. On the web, AIG commercials are coming in for scores.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Did you have a nightmare?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE CHILD ACTOR: No, I`m reading about this family`s financial future.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Buddy, we are with AIG.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE CHILD ACTOR: Oh.
MOOS: That now-less-than-reassuring thought got dubbed over in YouTube parody.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Buddy, we`ve got a federal government bailout.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE CHILD ACTOR: Oh.
MOOS: Greed is good these days - good to attack.
BILL MAHER, HOST, "REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER": If we kill two random rich, greedy pigs, I mean like kill, like blew them up at halftime at next year`s Super Bowl.
MOOS: The real killers are those now-ironic, old slogans.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: AIG, insurance, financial services and the freedom to dare.
MOOS: How dare you.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Dirty, dirty.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
OK, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been ringing off the hook with people calling in about the Octomom going to Disneyland. Hey, it is a small world for our "Showbiz on Call" operators with all that connecting, disconnecting all day long.
We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Shannan in Texas.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SHANNAN, CALLER, TEXAS: I think it is pretty pathetic she is out to Disneyland when, many other people that I know with children who work can`t even get to Disneyland. I think she needs to get a real job and get to work on taking care of those babies.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thanks, Shannan. We also heard from Graziani calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Florida.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
GRAZIANI, CALLER, FLORIDA: I am really upset about the Octomom because she is going to Disney World. My husband is in the Navy for 15 years. I have a 12-year-old and 7-year-old, and we can`t go to Disney World. And here she is - we`re doing everything we are supposed to do on our own. And here she is, just having a great time.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Graziani, thank you for that. Call us at "Showbiz on Call." Let us know what you think about this or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines, always open around-the- clock. Give us a ring - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are also now online on our homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Well, tonight, there is a brand-new war against the Octomom. And let me tell you - it is no Disneyland. The psychiatrist who asked officials to take the octuplets away is doing it again. She is filing another complaint. Tonight, that doctor is right here in the headline-making interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, coming up. And take a look at this -
Wow. It was all-out chaos at the "America`s Next Top Model" tryouts in New York. Tonight, some of the model-wannabes caught up in the frightening scene are speaking up. What caused the stampede?
And Patrick Swayze fights back against the tabloid reports he is near death with help from Whoopi Goldberg. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: National Association of Broadcasters to honor Mary Tyler Moore with a service award. St. Patrick`s Day episode of "The Simpsons" premieres in Ireland and U.K. today.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: OK, take a look at this. That is Amy Winehouse showing up to court in London today pleading not guilty to hitting a fan. Well, she definitely is guilty of dressing terribly. What is she wearing? This is court, not a club.
Winehouse was granted bail and has to come back to court in July. Hopefully, she will find something a little more appropriate to wear by then.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson. Tonight, Patrick Swayze is fighting back against all those tabloid reports that he is about to die with some help from his "Ghost" co-star, Whoopi Goldberg.
There have been stories that Patrick fighting pancreatic cancer is losing the battle. But on this morning`s "The View," Whoopi got a surprise call from Swayze who says he is not going anywhere.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": He is actually quite good. You know, he`s got the show on "The Beast" on A&E, I think, on Thursday nights. And, you know he`s working his tail off.
And you know he was - he`s sick. There is no getting around it. But like all of us, we all know at some point we are going to die. We don`t know when. We`re not absolutely sure when you`re going to go.
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": No, we are not.
GOLDBERG: But we don`t know what`s going to take us.
BEHAR: I don`t approve of that. I don`t know if I mentioned this.
GOLDBERG: Yes, you have.
BEHAR: I do not approve of it.
GOLDBERG: I think you should say some more about that. Because I know you and death have a very rough relationship.
BEHAR: I`m not ready. I`m like Jennifer Holiday. I`m telling you I am not going. I`m not going.
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": You`re not commit.
GOLDBERG: It is really, you know - but as it turns out, you know, there is no expiration date on his ass. He doesn`t know when he is going and so he is just going forward. He has gone back into training for "The Beast." Because, you know, this show he is running and jumping and rolling and doing all kinds of things.
BEHAR: Exactly.
GOLDBERG: It`s crazy. He is in very, very good spirits. You know, he`s in the middle of writing a book with Lisa, which is kind of great. He has got all this land where he is right now. And he has been doing new growth, not prophecy, but making sure that all of the new growth that needs to happen on his property is happening.
And again, the training is what got me because this show - I don`t know if you have seen it. You know, he is no joke. And he says, and I don`t know if he is teasing, he says he shaved his head.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I think Patrick would look good bald. By the way, you heard Whoopi mentioned Lisa - that`s Swayze`s wife. They have been married for more than 30 years.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ Lineup." Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
A brand-new war against the Octomom. The psychiatrist who asked officials to take the octuplets away is doing it again.
Is Alex Rodriguez totally in love with himself? You have got to see these A-Rod pictures.
And is Rihanna really going to remake Whitney Houston`s "The Bodyguard?"
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Transformers 3" scheduled to be released in theaters on 7/1/11. "Borat" star Sacha Baron Cohen tricks Alabama National Guard into letting him train with them.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, a brand-new war against the Octomom. As she gets ready for her babies to leave the hospital, a psychiatrist wages a new battle to get her kids taken away. Tonight, she is right here in the headline-making interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Is A-Rod in a brand-new love affair? With himself? Wait until you see this.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
ANDERSON: Hello, again. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, a new war on the Octomom. Right now, in the interview you will see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, we have got the psychiatrist who is firing up a brand-new war against the Octomom.
Just as two of Nadya Suleman`s octuplets are ready to come home, the psychiatrist who once filed a complaint against the Octomom is at it again.
Dr. Carol Lieberman says Suleman`s kids are in psychological and physical danger under Suleman`s care and that any help she is getting now is just a temporary band-aid to a much bigger problem - her addiction to fame.
Joining me right now in Hollywood is Dr. Carol Lieberman.
Dr. Carol Lieberman, all right. How did we get here? Everybody, let`s roll out the SHOWBIZ Newsline. February 12, Dr. Lieberman, you file a 24-point complaint with Child Protective Services against the Octomom saying basically she is an unfit mother. March 10, Octomom accepts up to a year of baby aid from Angels in Waiting.
On the same day, word comes that Octomom bought a $500,000 home. And now, Dr. Lieberman you file a follow-up complaint. Doc, why again?
DR. CAROL LIEBERMAN, PSYCHIATRIST: Well, because they didn`t listen to me enough in the first place. I mean, actually, that isn`t - I do think that they did listen. And I do think that they have been paying more attention than they would have had I not filed the complaint.
But everyone seems to be lulled right now into this false sense of security that Angels in Waiting are going to be taking care of everything.
And even they have said, that they are really only going to be able to help while the donations hold out, while the money is still there. And at $135,000 a month, you know, how long is that going to be? Certainly not going to be until they`re 18.
ANDERSON: Well, let`s talk about what you say in your complaint about the organization Angels in Waiting. And they have offered to help Nadya Suleman care for all of her children.
You write, quote, "Angels in Waiting" has only committed to be caretakers until the donations hold out. And at $135,000 per month, this will not last long enough to assure the psychological and physical health of the preemies nor her other children."
OK. Dr. Lieberman, a lot of people were glad that Angels in Waiting was stepping in to help out. But you basically call it just a band-aid and an enabler.
LIEBERMAN: Yes.
ANDERSON: Is that not a little harsh?
LIEBERMAN: Well, you know, I think, everyone is sort of sitting back not really telling it like it is. And somebody has got to step in there and do something. What really needs to happen, and I have been saying this from the beginning, is that Nadya needs to give these children up - these babies up for adoption.
And the problem is that she is not doing that. Because on the one hand, she still isn`t totally realizing exactly what this is. She has been admitting this all along that it is not going to be - even when they come home she is not going to realize.
So you know, it is taking a long time for her to get in touch with reality. The second thing is that these octuplets are her claim to fame. She doesn`t want to get rid of them or give them to loving homes because then the spotlight is going to go away.
ANDERSON: Yes. You basically say in your complaints that she is an unstable person, incapable of caring for her children. And also, you say that that frantic 911 call she made in October when she thought that she had lost her son is further evidence that she is an unfit mother. Let`s take a listen to that call.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOTHER: Oh, god. Oh, god. I`m going to kill myself. Oh, god. I want to kill myself. Oh, god. I`m going to kill myself. Oh, god. I`m going to kill myself. I`m going to kill myself.
911 OPERATOR: OK. Don`t say that in front of your other child, OK? Keep yourself under control for your other child. He doesn`t need to hear that, OK?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Dr. Lieberman, in your new complaint, you call this a brief psychotic episode, and quote, "a narcissist preoccupation with herself." Is that fair?
LIEBERMAN: Look, I haven`t examined her face to face, although actually about 10 days ago, I sent her a basket of goodies, some cuddly toys for her six children and a letter to her and another letter to her mother offering confidential and complimentary crisis counseling to try to get her in touch with her own motivations for having these children so that she could, in fact, give these children up for adoption.
Yes, you know, of course I can`t make a diagnosis, formal diagnosis. I`m just basing it on the media.
ANDERSON: What you have observed?
LIEBERMAN: Exactly.
ANDERSON: Well, we do have to end it there. But maybe she will take you up on your offer at some point.
LIEBERMAN: I hope so.
ANDERSON: Dr. Carol Lieberman. Thank you so much. We appreciate your time.
LIEBERMAN: Thank you.
ANDERSON: So is Dr. Lieberman right? Is it just a matter of time before Octomom`s luck runs out.
Joining me tonight for a fired-up debate in New York, Cooper Lawrence, who is a psychologist and author of this book "The Cult of Celebrity." Also joining me tonight in Chicago, is Attorney Tamara Holder.
OK. I do want to begin with Dr. Lieberman`s complaint that Angels in Waiting is a temporary band-aid, that after a short time, Octomom`s luck will run out and that she will be in trouble. Cooper, do you agree?
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGIST: Well, I don`t know enough about Angels in Waiting. I mean, from what Dr. Lieberman says, I guess, yes. But that`s not the issue. The issue is that they`re about to give eight children to a woman who is mentally unstable and mentally unfit. No matter how much money we give her, what is going on inside of her is still not being fixed.
ANDERSON: Well, you know, Dr. Lieberman`s complaint also claims that the help from Angels in Waiting is enabling the Octomom`s addiction to fame and being a, quote, "media starlet." Tamara, does that make sense to you?
TAMARA HOLDER, ATTORNEY: No, it doesn`t make sense. I mean, first of all, with all due respect, this doctor is a self-proclaimed media psychiatrist. And she talks about a temporary band-aid. How about the temporary band-aid of sending the kids` toys in the mail? I mean, I just - it doesn`t make sense.
Look, these kids haven`t been released from the hospital. Give this mother a chance whether you think she is addicted to fame, or drugs, or anything. I mean, I am not saying she is addicted to drugs.
LAWRENCE: But you can`t give the woman a chance. It`s not about giving her a chance, Tamara.
HOLDER: Giver a chance.
LAWRENCE: A chance to what?
HOLDER: Yes, it`s about giving her a chance.
LAWRENCE: A chance to screw up these children`s lives? That`s the idea. Whether you feel - how do you feel about Dr. Lieberman, I understand. But the idea that psychiatrists and psychologists, even Dr. Phil, all over the country are saying, "Don`t give this woman a chance. Go in and help those children before they have the opportunity to be emotionally neglected."
ANDERSON: But Cooper, do you think she should take as far as ...
HOLDER: Well, that`s for the court to decide.
ANDERSON: Dr. Lieberman said to give up the children for adoption?
LAWRENCE: I`m sorry. What did you say?
HOLDER: OK. Well, that`s the court - the court is.
ANDERSON: Go ahead, Tamara.
HOLDER: Look, the court is supposed to decide the best interest of the children. Not Dr. Phil, not Dr. Lieberman. Not the psychiatrists that want to come out on TV and give their opinions. If there is something that is a problem here and we have, you know - the children are at risk, then, the courts must decide that.
DCFS will get involved. And it`s not just a letter from the, you know, a psychiatrist. It is an evaluation. These kids have not even been released from the hospital yet. Let them go home, and let`s see what this mother is capable of doing. Maybe she can take care of these kids.
ANDERSON: Well, speaking of them being released from the hospital, in brand-new developments today, the Octomom is speaking out after the hospital did not release at least two of her babies to go home.
In a new interview with "Radar Online," Suleman explains what happened. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SULEMAN: They were going to have them come home late at night tonight which is the house. Actually, I was talking to them. There was a new (UNINTELLIGIBLE) system had to be placed, in place - and put in place. And then they have to now check for a leak, just in case. I want the gas company to come and check for a leak. And they get all the CO2 monitors throughout the house.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. So it doesn`t sound like a big delay. But Cooper, do you think the hospital has any additional concerns besides the condition of the home?
LAWRENCE: I think everybody should have concerns. Because instead of being home preparing for her children, she was out in Disneyland having a good time. It`s just bizarre behavior from somebody who`s trying to fight for these children. The two things don`t go together.
ANDERSON: Well, and speaking of Disneyland, she did spend quality time with her older children at the amusement park over the weekend. That did, though, get people really fired up flooding the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines. Cynthia is furious over Octomom`s perks.
Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CYNTHIA, CALLER: Octomom is getting exactly what she wanted - every penny - everything, designer bedrooms. What`s wrong with going to Sears and doing our bedrooms. Dr. Phil just handed over everything on a silver platter. It`s absolutely ridiculous. People just go and make babies and expect the rest of the world to pay for them. I can`t believe it.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK, now Cynthia, not the only one outraged about all of this. Octomom`s in Disneyland. Octomom reportedly buying expensive cosmetics at Mac and all the while asking for help, asking for donations. Tamara, isn`t the sympathy for Octomom and 14 children going to run out at some point?
HOLDER: Oh, I don`t know if it is going to run out. But look, I am in court every day where I see children and parents who are struggling. And you know, maybe she bought too much make-up at Mac, maybe she took her kids to Disneyland. But at the same time, you have to give this mother the ability to care for them. And the fact that they`re making sure that.
(CROSSTALK)
LAWRENCE: You don`t see them as 14 children. That`s the concern here. Not that she has two or three kids. Two, three, let them go home and see how it goes. But 14 children and one unprepared mother, that`s why people are (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to this.
HOLDER: So you are the one to decide how many children is enough? I mean.
(CROSSTALK)
LAWRENCE: Yes. When she asked me to pay for it, when she asks for donations out of my pocket, I have the right to tell her what I think about her. Yes. She`s asking me for money.
ANDERSON: And we will end it right there. You know, we will continue this discussion, I`m sure, later on. Cooper Lawrence, Tamara Holder, thank you both for your opinions. We do appreciate it.
And for complete coverage of all the Octomom drama, you can head to our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, a model melee. Auditions for "America`s Next Top Model" turned ugly. And you`re not going to believe what caused this wannabe-model stampede. The latest, next.
Also, A-Rod`s new love affair. Is Alex Rodriguez really in love with himself? You have got to see this.
And is Rihanna really planning on doing a remake of Whitney Houston`s movie "The Bodyguard. The SHOWBIZ Truth Squad is on the case. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Tonight on the SHOWBIZ Baby Watch: Carson Daly and girlfriend welcome son: Jackson James. Jenna Jameson gives birth to twin boys ("UsMagazine.com").
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Tonight, it`s a stampede - a supermodel stampede, that is. Tonight, we are hearing from the models caught in the chaos for the auditions for "America`s Next Top Model."
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, from a model stampede to what may be A-Rod`s intense new love affair with himself. You have got to check out these big stories making news right now.
Imagine getting caught in the chaos that erupted on the streets of New York as thousands of model wannabes lined up for "America`s Next Top Model" and broke into a violent stampede. Tonight, you will hear from the model wannabes.
Also tonight, new pictures of Yankees star, Alex Rodriguez smooching himself? Yes. It`s just one of a few photos in this month`s "Details" magazine making people wonder what is up with A-Rod.
Joining me in New York, Katrina Szish who is a celebrity journalist. Also tonight in New York, Janell Snowden who is a host for "VH1 News."
Katrina, Janell, we start with the supermodel stampede. Tyra Banks spoke out for the first time saying the trials for "America`s Next Top Model" will resume. Now, it is still not clear what set off the stampede.
But there are reports that a smoking car triggered rumors of a bomb. It is easy to joke about this. But judging from the video, this was really quite a scary situation wasn`t it, Katrina?
KATRINA SZISH, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: Brooke, this was a terrifying situation, not knowing that it was auditions for "America`s Next Top Model." Just watching that scene was terrifying. It sort of reminded me - brought back horrible memories of what happened to the man at Wal-Mart over the holidays when a crowd stampeded into a Wal-Mart store.
And so considering what could have happened here and luckily didn`t, it definitely is not a laughing matter.
ANDERSON: No. It is a miracle that more people weren`t hurt and weren`t hurt seriously.
SZISH: Yes.
ANDERSON: And it turns out that "America`s Next Top Model" really wasn`t expecting the thousands upon thousands of people who turned out for the auditions.
And this morning, on the "Today" show, some of the models said it was an absolutely terrifying experience. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: People were screaming all different sorts of things such as, "Bomb! It`s going to explode.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Were you scared? What was going through your mind?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was completely scared. I honestly thought I just had to run. Because people were screaming, "Run! It`s going to explode!" I just like - really, just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Yikes. Janell, six people were injured. Three people arrested. Should Tyra Banks and "America`s Next Top Model" be worried maybe that they`re going to get their pants sued off?
JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": Trust me, I`m sure that these thoughts are going through their minds. And if they hadn`t already, they will after this segment. I mean, I think what you said - I think what you said is really true., that it`s miraculous that not more people were hurt.
I mean, the scene looks so terrifying. I can`t imagine - whoever started that alleged rumor that there was a bomb really should be put to shame. I mean, that is just not something you want to do in a crowded situation.
But if there can be light made of the situation, given that more people were not injured, I say all they had to do was send Miss Jay out there, with two snaps, honey, order would have been restored.
ANDERSON: You are right about that. Why didn`t I think about that?
All right. I want to move now to A-Rod. Alex Rodriguez`s apparent love affair with himself. Yes. Everybody is talking about these brand-new photos in the upcoming issue of "Details" magazine. Check out the cover of "The New York Post" today. The photo of the Yankee slugger and Madonna pal A-Rod kissing himself in the mirror with the title "I heart you so much."
The caption reads, "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the vainest slugger of them all?" Katrina, fair criticism or was A-Rod just having a little bit of fun?
SZISH: Oh, A-Rod was just having a little bit of fun and so was "Details" magazine. Of course, Brooke, I worked in the publishing industry for 10 years. And let me tell you, when there is a story like this, when you can get a celebrity to play along and do photos that you know will drive people to the newsstands, you`re going to want to play it up. And so A-Rod was having good fun.
ANDERSON: But don`t you think they`re a little bit awkward? To me, they look kind of ridiculous. I am embarrassed for him.
SZISH: Maybe a little bit. But he was still having fun. I don`t really believe he was taking himself that seriously or if he was, it is funny.
ANDERSON: It is funny. I`ll agree with you there. Janell, looking at these photos, they are definitely raising a few eyebrows. I mean, kissing a mirror, gazing at his reflection in most of the photographs, doing leg lifts on an old mattress. What do you think A-Rod is trying to convey?
SNOWDEN: I think that he is doing exactly what he wanted us to do which is start some conversation. I mean it is bad enough that the poor guy`s wife left him and that he has just been hit with the steroid accusations or admissions rather. And now he has Madonna, his rumored flame who has gone off with a 22-year-old. I think he said, you know, "Hey, what about me?"
ANDERSON: I do wonder though if he regrets this.
SZISH: Well, can`t be with the one you love, love the one you are with.
ANDERSON: Exactly. It could have been the one that convinced him to do this. Maybe he thought it would be artistic. I don`t know.
But A-Rod`s photos are not the only ones getting some serious attention. Take a look at Zac Efron - yes, that Zac Efron, star of the squeaky-clean "High School Musical" movies. He poses for the brand-new upcoming "Interview" magazine and it is racy, racy, racy. One photo even includes him making out with a naked woman. Janell, are you buying the grown-up Efron photos? Or does he just need to cool it a bit?
SNOWDEN: I`m sorry that I didn`t get the memo. What happened to poor Vanessa Hudgens, his long time girlfriend? She`s got to be looking at these photos going, "Excuse me?" I mean, this is just obligatory "I`m of age now. Everybody needs to take me seriously as a grown man" kind of thing. You know, all celebrities, once they reach 21, do it. But I`m over it.
ANDERSON: Yes, people are just trying to grow up too fast, it seems. Katrina Szish, Janell Snowden, good to see you. Thank you both.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ Truth Squad." Tonight, is Rihanna really planning to do a remake of the Whitney Houston-Kevin Costner movie, "The Body Guard?"
There were reports that Rihanna was in New York having meetings about doing a new version of the film. So the SHOWBIZ Truth Squad is setting the record straight. Rihanna`s rep tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the story is absolutely not true - a total fabrication.
Another major star does have a new movie coming out - Jennifer Aniston. And next, I`ve got your very first look at Jen`s new movie, "Management." This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Bob Dylan`s new album out in April; it`s his 46th release. Weinstein Co. acquires rights for "Nowhere Boy," film on John Lennon`s childhood.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ First Look." Tonight, Jennifer Aniston in "Management." Jen plays a woman whose chance meeting with a man leads to him following her across the country. Here is your first look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JENNIFER ANISTON, ACTRESS: Who is it?
STEVE ZAHN, ACTOR: Champagne.
ANISTON: Why?
ZAHN: You like being open and free? Here`s to people being happy. You have a great butt.
ANISTON: Do you do this a lot, Mike?
ZAHN: Very rarely.
ANISTON: Does it ever work?
ZAHN: Never.
ANISTON: You can touch my breasts.
ZAHN: Very warm. Sue, hi.
ANISTON: What are you doing here?
ZAHN: I thought I`m just going to go for it.
ANISTON: With me?
ZAHN: Yes.
ANISTON: What?
ZAHN: It was a far-flung notion.
ANISTON: It`s a stupid notion.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: He`s logical in the most (UNINTELLIGIBLE) kind of way.
ANISTON: You shouldn`t smoke.
ZAHN: I`m done, forever. I`m serious.
ANISTON: Hey! You don`t have to do that.
ZAHN: I know. But I am. I`m done.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: What would make me happy is for you to find something for yourself.
ZAHN: I`m here to see Sue, please.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: She moved to Washington. This girl that I`m in love with moved here to be with her ex-boyfriend.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Is his name like, Jango?
ZAHN: Yes, I think it is.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I totally heard of this Dude, Mike.
WOODY HARRELSON, ACTOR: How do you like (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
ZAHN: It`s really good.
HARRELSON: If you had better chicken than that, you would have to be a rooster.
ANISTON: This isn`t going to work. I can`t move to live in your parents` motel.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I think I`ve got an idea for how you can get your girl back.
ZAHN: I love you, Sue.
ANISTON: I need a certain kind of love.
ZAHN: Like what?
ANISTON: The kind that`s not like an unguided missile.
(SCREAMING)
BRISTOL: It`s me, Mike! My god.
ANISTON: What are you doing? That just looks like you`re kissing him. Why did you come out here?
BRISTOL: Because I love you.
ANISTON: I think I`m going to go to sleep.
BRISTOL: Do you want me to touch your butt, first?
ANISTON: I only do that when I`m traveling.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: "Management" will be in theaters May 15. And that is a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Remember, 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. Take care.
END
