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Showbiz Tonight
Re-enactment of the Alleged Chris Brown-Rihanna Incident; Defending Chris Brown; Michelle Obama`s Star-Studded Tour; Octomom`s Confessions; Why TomKat and Brangelina Should Thank the Octomom
Aired March 20, 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: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the shocking Rihanna re-enactment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He began applying pressure to her carotid arteries as she began to lose consciousness.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Huge controversy over an explosive, disturbing new video re- enacting Chris Brown`s alleged attack. What`s the real message behind it? And does it ago too far?
Plus, defending Chris Brown. Tonight, the unbelievable brand-new details of women standing behind Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna.
The octomom`s confessions. Tonight, octuplet mom, Nadya Suleman, caught on tape, revealing why she was lying to herself, but should be feel sorry for her?
Plus, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Tonight, why these superstars should be saying "thank you, thank you, thank you" to the octomom.
And the "SHOWBIZ Obama Watch." Michelle Obama`s star-studded tour. Plus, her brand-new childhood confessions.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hi, there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood. And tonight, Rihanna re-enactment controversy. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the explosive brand-new ad, dramatizing Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna.
The ad is a public service announcement against dating violence taken right from detective notes in the case. But does it go too far? We`ve got to warn you, you may find the clips too disturbing to watch. This Rihanna re-enactment is making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She turned to face him and he punched her.
ANDERSON (voice over): It`s an image so disturbing you hope it`s not real.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He put her in a headlock with his right arm. He held her close and bit her left ear.
ANDERSON: But it is real, sort of. Two actors in this new online PSA re-enact the alleged fight between singing superstars Chris Brown and Rihanna. A fight that left Rihanna bruised, and Chris Brown charged with two felonies.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He looked at her and stated, "I`m going to beat the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) out of you when we get home." He resumed punching her. She bent over at the waist in an attempt to protect her face and head from the barrage of punches.
He looked at her and stated, "You just did the stupidest thing ever. Now, I`m really going to kill you."
ANDERSON: The narration follows almost word for word the affidavit the LAPD filed in the case. That affidavit details the alleged abuse Rihanna reportedly suffered as she and Chris Brown drove home from a party, February 8th.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She picked up his cell phone and read a text message from a woman he had a previous relationship with. A verbal argument ensued. He reached over to her to open the car door and attempted to force her out. When he could not, he shoved her head against the passenger window of the vehicle, causing a circular contusion.
She turned to face him and he punched her. He stopped the vehicle. She turned off the car, removed the key from the ignition and sat on it. He began applying pressure to her carotid arteries as she began to lose consciousness. She attempted to gouge his eyes but he bit her fingers and released her.
She brought her knees to her chest and placed her feet against his body, pushing him away. He continued to punch her legs and feet. She began screaming for help. He exited the vehicle and walked away.
ARIA FINGER, "DOSOMETHING.ORG": We want to make sure that teens across the country know that dating abuse is never OK.
ANDERSON: Aria Finger is with "DoSomething.org," the teen organization that produced the video. She tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the group used casually dressed white actors in the video to shift the conversation away from the glamorous couple.
FINGER: This PSA is not about Chris Brown and Rihanna. This PSA is about dating violence. We wanted to show people this horrific incident and use that as a platform to get everyone across America talking about this issue, because it is an issue that affects people every day.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, this video comes as more and more teens are expressing a casual attitude towards the Chris Brown- Rihanna case and towards dating violence in general.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I kind of think she deserved it.
ANDERSON: On an "Oprah Winfrey Show" about domestic violence, one teen blamed Rihanna for the incident.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s not right what he did to her, but she got back with him. So it just shows that she kind of feels guilty about something.
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGIST: Research is showing that the younger population is more prone to violence, more aggressive, than the population before them, the generation before them.
ANDERSON: Developmental psychologist and "Cult of Celebrity" author, Cooper Lawrence, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, she thinks re-enactments like these -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now, I`m really going to kill you.
ANDERSON: Are more effective messages for young people than traditional PSAs.
LAWRENCE: I hope it opens up their eyes and they realize that this doesn`t happen all the time. And if it is happening to you, it is unacceptable and you should do something about it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: So, what`s the real message behind this disturbing new ad? And does it go too far?
Joining me tonight in New York, Lisa Bloom, who is an anchor for the legal network, "In Session." And in Hollywood, Tanika Ray, who is a correspondent for "Extra." Lisa, Tanika, I appreciate you both being here. And I want to take a look at a specific scene in this PSA that really truly shocked me. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She turned off the car, removed the key from the ignition, and sat on it. He began applying pressure to her carotid arteries as she began to lose consciousness. She attempted to gouge his eyes, but he bit her fingers and released her. She brought her knees to her chest and placed her feet against his body, pushing him away. He continued to punch her legs and feet.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: He continued to punch her legs and feet. As we mentioned, these details are from an official police document. But, Tanika, does it reach a whole other level when you and I, when we are not just reading it from the document, but we`re seeing these alleged details brought to life?
TANIKA RAY, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Absolutely. It reaches a whole other level. But I think it`s a level we had to go to. That is my position on it. Look, kids are taking a casual look at this. And when you take a casual look and you don`t think it is as serious as it is, then you could fall victim to the same thing.
And I love that "DoSomething.org" is doing something about this instead of just, you know, making it in the public eye in the media as if it is just like, "Oh, it happened. But it`s fine because she went back."
You guys heard earlier on your show that one girl said, "Well, she went back to him so she must feel guilty for something." And that is not really the message here. What I love about their message is they didn`t over-dramatize it. They didn`t sort of like put their own spin on it. They gave exactly what the details were in the police report. And put the truth out there.
Reality check is going to save people from being abused over and over and over. So I think it was a good thing.
ANDERSON: Yes. And this organization is trying to address that casual attitude that we are seeing so often. Lisa, what do you think though? Do you think it goes too far at times?
LISA BLOOM, ANCHOR, "IN SESSION": No, absolutely not. They hew very carefully to that sworn police affidavit and that comes from Rihanna`s own story that Chris Brown has never publicly denied.
Look, if a picture is worth a thousand words, this video is worth a million words. When you actually see, dramatized what allegedly happened, I think that is a very powerful message. And I salute "DoSomething.org" for trying to do something about this important issue.
ANDERSON: Yes. And maybe people are so desensitized. Maybe we are all so desensitized that it takes seeing the visuals, seeing the video to truly grasp the gravity of a situation like this.
You know, the details in the affidavit really do paint a horrific picture of what allegedly went on inside that car. I want to take another look at another scene in this ad that really brought that horror to life.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He reached over to her to open the car door and attempted to force her out. When he could not, he shoved her head against the passenger window of the vehicle, causing a circular contusion. She turned to face him and he punched her. He looked at her and stated, "I`m going to beat the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) out of you when we get home."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. It really is unconscionable what allegedly took place. This PSA online right now. Any teenager, any parent can see it. Tanika do you think this will put more pressure maybe on Rihanna and Chris Brown to speak publicly about what really took place?
RAY: I mean, I`m so shocked they haven`t spoken publicly yet. And I`m hoping as more time goes on, they will speak out publicly. Because I think kids more than ever - and that`s where my attention is going. Kids really need to hear from Chris and Rihanna what went down, if they`re sorry, if they`re not, what steps they`re going to take to prevent this in the future, for this to go away.
And I don`t think it is going to go away any time soon. I think that they need to be responsible for what happened. And instead of just, you know, jet skiing in Miami and going to clubs, they really need to address this to the public.
ANDERSON: I agree. Yes, they both have very young, impressionable fans. So speak out. Clarify some things. And you know, I would have to imagine that attorneys for Chris Brown, not too happy that the organization behind the ad "DoSomething.org" created it based on allegations in an affidavit.
After all, Chris Brown hasn`t been found guilty of any crime. Lisa, could something like this affect the outcome of the case?
BLOOM: Well, it could if people watch it and they`re affected by it. But again, it only comes from the police affidavit. I think this is so important, Brooke, because -people use words like domestic violence. And it`s so vague it`s almost meaningless.
When I talk about this case, I always say he is accused of punching her in the face over and over again. He`s accused of choking her to the point where she almost lost consciousness.
That`s what Chris Brown is accused of in that affidavit. That`s what is dramatized on this video. That`s what I think is hard to defend for teenagers or anybody when they`re looking at this situation.
ANDERSON: Yes, it was allegedly, relentless, horrific violence. Well, maybe this PSA will be an effective tool in the fight against abuse. Lisa Bloom, Tanika Ray, thank you both.
And hey, look for Lisa Bloom, Saturday on the CBS "Early Show.
And now, we want to hear from you. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Chris Brown Assault Charges: Are you surprised people are defending him?" Vote CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Tonight, I`ve got the explosive, brand-new details of women defending Chris Brown. The unbelievable details of women standing behind Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna. Why they say Rihanna may be partly to blame for what allegedly happened to her. And why they say Brown shouldn`t be punished. Coming up.
Also, the octomom`s confessions. Tonight, octuplet mom, Nadya Suleman caught on tape revealing why she was lying to herself.
Plus, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Tonight, why these superstars should be saying "thank you, thank you, thank you," to the octomom.
And this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHELLE OBAMA, UNITED STATES FIRST LADY: I remember there were kids around my neighborhood who would say, "Oh, you talk funny. You talk like a white girl." I heard that growing up my whole life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: First Lady Michelle Obama`s brand-new shocking childhood confession on her star-studded school tour. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Prince will make history by playing three venues in one night on March 28th. "Grey`s Anatomy" star T.R. Knight involved in car crash, no major injuries.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Big stars come out to remember Natasha Richardson on Broadway. Natasha`s husband, Liam Neeson, mother Vanessa Redgrave and sister Joely Richardson, comforted by some of Hollywood`s biggest names - Laura Linney, Ron Rifkin, Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband, Matthew Broderick.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson. Broadway paid tribute to Natasha Richardson by dimming the marquee light for one minute on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. - that`s traditional starting time for the shows.
In addition to her film work, Richardson was a great Broadway actress. She won a Tony Award for her 1998 role in a revival of "Cabaret." Richardson died Wednesday after suffering a head injury skiing in Quebec. Her family held a private wake today in New York.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ Obama Watch." Tonight, superstar, Michelle Obama reveals new shocking childhood confessions.
Alicia Keyes and Sheryl Crow joined the first lady as they visited high school students in the D.C. area. Students were able to ask Michelle whatever they wanted. And they got some surprising answers. Here is CNN`s Joe Johns for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: If you want a snapshot of how different the White House is these days, take a look at this picture. First Lady Michelle Obama and a cast of amazing American women, musicians Alicia Keys and Sheryl Crow, Phylicia Rashad of the "Cosby Show," and her sister, Debbie Allen from "Fame," Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, preparing to fan out around the Washington area as part of National Women`s History Month.
For her part, the first lady popped in almost unannounced at Anacostia High School, well-known here as a pretty tough school in a tough part of town.
MICHELLE OBAMA, UNITED STATES FIRST LADY: Are you all excited?
STUDENTS: Yes.
M. OBAMA: So do I need to introduce myself?
STUDENTS: Yes.
M. OBAMA: OK. Well, my name is Michelle Obama. And I am the first lady of the United States of America.
JOHNS: The formality of the self introduction was of course a joke which became clear as this decidedly informal conversation continued.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What do you guys do for fun?
M. OBAMA: What do we do for fun?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As a family?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: With your kids?
M. OBAMA: Fun is different when you have kids. It`s all kid stuff. I haven`t been to a grown-up movie in I don`t know how long.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do your own make-up every day?
M. OBAMA: I didn`t today because it was special. But most of the time I do. When I do something special, I have somebody do my make-up. But I do my make-up on my own.
This is just a little jacket. Jacket and pants. Nothing special.
JOHNS: Some of the questions were what you would expect.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Does anybody (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
M. OBAMA: Well, you know, as normal as it can be living in the White House with Secret Service.
JOHNS: She was surprisingly candid at times. She talked about her experiences going to school.
M. OBAMA: I wanted an A, you know. I wanted to be smart. I wanted to be the person who had the right answer. And I didn`t care whether it was cool, because I remember there were kids around my neighborhood who would say you talk funny. You talk like a white girl. I heard that growing up my whole life. I was like, I don`t even know what that means, but you know what I am still getting my A`s.
JOHNS: On peer pressure -
M. OBAMA: You don`t worry what anybody else thinks about you. You don`t worry about the teacher that you think isn`t treating you fairly or what your friends are saying, you know. All that matters is where you are and where you want to be.
JOHNS: And even a nudge about postponing parenthood.
M. OBAMA: I don`t understand why kids want to rush and have kids and get married.
JOHNS: Then as if things had not gotten personal enough, the cameras were ushered out, leaving the kids to some more private time with Michelle Obama.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Joe Johns for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And we have been getting so many heartfelt calls into the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines, so many of you calling with words of support for Natasha Richardson`s family. We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Amanda in Tennessee.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
AMANDA, CALLER FROM TENNESSEE: I think it is so sad and I`m so sorry for her family and friends that knew and loved her so much. I understand what her family is going through because I lost my mother and grandmother in an automobile accident. I was the only survivor. And I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I truly, truly hope the best for them.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Amanda. We heard from Virginia, calling into "Showbiz on Call" from California.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
VIRGINIA, CALLER FROM CALIFORNIA: I am shocked and so saddened by Natasha Richardson`s death. Such a graceful woman. You know, it shows us how life is so short and so fleeting and that we all take life for granted sometimes.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Great point. Thank you, Virginia. We also got this emotional call in to "Showbiz on Call" from Crystal in Ohio.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CRYSTAL, CALLER FROM OHIO: I would just like to give my prayers and my heart out to the family, and God bless them. And I hope that they can get through this tragedy and be able to get along with their lives. And bless them all. And I love Natasha. God bless you all.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Crystal. You can continue to call us at "Showbiz on Call" with your thoughts about Natasha Richardson`s tragic death or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines always open - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are now online, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Well, you have got to hear these brand-new octomom confessions. Coming up tonight, octuplet mom Nadya Suleman caught on tape revealing why she was lying to herself.
Plus, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Tonight, why these superstars should be saying "thank you" - yes, I mean it - "thank you" to the octomom. Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He began applying pressure to her carotid arteries and she began to lose consciousness. She attempted to gouge his eyes, but he bit her fingers and released her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: This brand-new video re-enactment of Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna is causing all kinds of controversy. Does it go too far?
Plus, the new details of women standing behind Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna. Why they say Rihanna may have deserved what allegedly happened to her.
And making Whoopi really mad tonight. Whoopi Goldberg - who`s she`s calling both the B-word and the A-word? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Jennifer Aniston narrating children`s book with her dad, will be out April 1st. Stars of CW`s "Gossip Girl" pose for revealing photos in "Rolling Stone" magazine.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson.
Tonight, Making Whoopi really mad. Whoopi Goldberg is lashing out at "TV Guide" with the A-word and B-word. Watch Whoopi go off on "The View" this morning when she got dissed about her wardrobe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": So I have a little bone to pick with "TV Guide" magazine. Particularly a woman Ingela Ratlege(ph). They put together a little thing, you know, of how they would dress me up if they wanted to. You know, how they would make me look like everybody else on the street.
So let me put it this way, because Ingela is the first person to deal with. She writes, "Your co-host, Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd manage to be appropriate, presentable, on trend every day while you come to work looking like you are ready to make a run to Costco."
(BOOING)
It`s all right. "We wish we could say your style offenses are limited to your day job."
OK. Ingela, you are an anonymous (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
Let me explain to you. My style, who I am, is not about my clothing. If I came in a burlap bag, I would still be Whoopi Goldberg. And I`ve always been me so you can kiss my (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
To the young lady, Stacy London - hold up. To the lady, Stacy London who wrote, "Everything she wears is so oversized and casual. It`s at odds with the environment, distracting and it`s hard to take her seriously."
Tracy - honey, Stacy, whatever your name is - I don`t need you to take me seriously. I am myself. I have always been myself. And you don`t judge me by what I wear. You judge me by what I say. Everybody take a good time and enjoy "The View."
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
ANDERSON: Good for Whoopi. You know, if people want to go after her or any of "The View" co-hosts for what they say, fine. But for their clothes, come on.
All right. Now, the showbiz lineup. Here is what is coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. The controversy over the shocking new video re-enacting Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna. Plus, how women are actually defending him.
Octuplet mom, Nadya Suleman caught on tape revealing why she was lying to herself. Plus, TomKat and Brangelina - tonight, why they should be saying "thank you" to the octomom.
And Oprah`s big surprise for Ellen DeGeneres. Why even CNN`s own Anderson Cooper is involved. And this is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: "Live with Regis and Kelly" will return to New Orleans for four shows in April. NBC launching a cappella singing competition series called "The Sing Off.")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He began applying pressure to her carotid arteries as she began to lose consciousness. She attempted to gouge his eyes, but he bit her fingers and released her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the controversy over the shocking new video re-enacting Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna. And defending Chris Brown, the unbelievable details of women standing behind him.
The octomom`s confessions. Tonight, octuplet mom Nadya Suleman caught on tape revealing why she was lying to herself.
Plus Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Tonight, why the superstars should be saying "thank you" to the octomom.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
Tonight, dramatic new developments in the alleged Chris Brown- Rihanna domestic violence case are making news right now. You will not want to miss this dramatic PSA by "DoSomething.org" that re-creates Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna.
Does America need to see this? "DoSomething.org" created this PSA re-creating each disturbing detail of Brown`s alleged assault on Rihanna. Parents, be advised this is graphic material.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She picked up his cell phone and read a text message from a woman he had a previous relationship with. A verbal argument ensued. He reached over to her to open the car door and attempted to force out. When he could not, he shoved her head against the passenger window of the vehicle, causing a circular contusion.
She turned to face him. He punched her. He looked at her and said, "I`m going to beat the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) out of you when we get home. You`ve wait and see." She picked up her and made a phone call, "I`m on my way home. Make sure the cops are there when I get there."
He looked at her and stated, "You just did the stupidest thing ever. Now, I am really going to kill you." He resumed punching her. She bent over at the waist in an attempt to protect her face and head from the barrage of punches. He snatched the phone out of her hand and threw it.
He put her in a headlock with his right arm. He held her close and bit her left ear. He stopped the vehicle. She turned off the car, removed the key from the ignition and sat on it. He began applying pressure to her carotid arteries as she began to lose consciousness.
She attempted to gouge her eyes, but he bit her fingers and released her. She brought her knees to her chest and placed her feet against his body, pushing him away. He continued to punch her legs and feet. She began screaming for help. He exited the vehicle and walked away.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Question - does this ad go too far? Will it change the minds of Brown`s fans? And does the growing sympathy mean Brown stands a chance at a big comeback?
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Mark Sawyer who is the director of UCLA Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Politics. And tonight, in New York, Attorney Tamara Holder.
Mark, Tamara, that PSA we just saw is using Chris Brown`s alleged attack on Rihanna to try and get teens to stand up against domestic and dating abuse. The voice you heard in the PSA was a man reading the official detective`s affidavit in the Brown case. Verbatim - really. Mark Sawyer, is this PSA necessary? Or do you think it is a bit over the top?
MARK SAWYER, DIRECTOR, UCLA CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF RACE, ETHNICITY AND POLITICS: Brooke, the violence in that PSA is shocking and outrageous, but it is necessary. We don`t take domestic violence seriously as a culture. We take it seriously legally, but we teach girls to, you know, forgive and forget and let the guys back in and, you know, buy his records again.
And we need to take a stand. And I think the PSA goes right there to show the violence of the behavior.
ANDERSON: So maybe we do need to see the visuals. We do need to see it this way in order for it to really sink in, possibly. Tamara, do you think the PSA will actually reach and impact the kind of young women we just heard about, the ones who are sympathetic to Chris Brown?
TAMARA HOLDER, ATTORNEY: I couldn`t disagree more with this PSA. You know, people see this violence in their homes every single day. And nine out of 10 cases aren`t even prosecuted. We don`t need to watch a PSA to see violence.
The problem is, what do we do about it? Not watching it on the TV. Not video games that portray violence. Not PSAs. What are we doing to fix it? Why are people being violent in our country? And how do we solve it? Not showing people beating each other up.
ANDERSON: Yes. Well, you know, I just really don`t get how some people are being sympathetic toward Chris Brown. According to the allegations, he allegedly gave Rihanna a relentless beat down. And to that end, there haven`t been many celebrities, particularly in the music industry, who have come out condemning Brown for his alleged attack on Rihanna.
P. Diddy has come under fire for what he told Ellen DeGeneres about the incident. Watch what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
P. DIDDY, RAP ARTIST: I don`t think that it`s right for anybody to hit anybody at the end of the day. You know? I don`t think it`s right - you know, I think that we all have to be honest with ourselves as adults. And people that have been in relationships - you know, we know sometimes those relationships get ugly.
You know, and sometimes it doesn`t come out into the forefront the way this one has come out. And so a lot of stones being thrown, and we don`t know exactly what`s going on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Mark sawyer, is P. Diddy sending the wrong message here?
SAWYER: He`s definitely sending the wrong message. And I think it reflects something - even something Tamara said, which is, we try and push domestic violence into the private sphere. Try and take it as something at home. Keep it out of sight.
But we need to see it. We need to see the violence. And we need to see what is going on. Girls need to understand what is happening and see how ugly it is. And when you see it - and boys need to see it as well, and see it in all its ugliness and what that kind of behavior looks like.
We can`t hide this, and P. Diddy wants it to go away and makes excuses about, "We don`t know what happened," and you know, "How do we know?" And, "This is just coming to light." Yes, this is just coming to light, but happens all too often.
ANDERSON: You are right about that and you cannot hide it. You cannot bury it. And Tamara, when you combine that with the fact that so many young women are still big fans of Brown, is it possible the tide could be turning for his career?
HOLDER: No, I don`t think so. I mean, look, this article, with all due respect, comes from a reputable author. But at the same time, it interviews a few girls. We have a large number of men and women and kids who believe that abuse is wrong, but we don`t know how to solve the problem.
And P. Diddy was not at all taking sides. He was saying it is none of our business. Let`s step back and let`s find out what the real reason ...
ANDERSON: What really happened.
HOLDER: ... what`s the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of the violence. He wasn`t picking a side and he wasn`t trying to sweep anything under the rug.
ANDERSON: And granted, you know, Chris Brown certainly has not been convicted of anything. So, we will leave it there for now. Mark Sawyer, Tamara Holder, I appreciate your insight. Thank you so much for being here.
HOLDER: Thank you.
SAWYER: Thanks, Brooke.
ANDERSON: Also new tonight. Why is Chris Brown getting so much sympathy? A brand-new article in the "New York Times" reveals teenage girls who say Rihanna is as much to blame for the alleged attack as Chris Brown. Is that fair?
Joining me tonight from New York is the writer of that article, Jan Hoffman, who is a reporter for the "New York Times." Jan, great to have you with us.
JAN HOFFMAN, REPORTER, "NEW YORK TIMES": Thank you very much for having me.
ANDERSON: All right. You wrote a very compelling article in yesterday`s "New York Times" with some very provocative quotes from teenage girls who say that Rihanna and Chris Brown both share the blame for the alleged beating. I am flabbergasted by this, Jan. What did they tell you?
HOFFMAN: The girls bent over backwards to try to explain his violence. They could not believe that Sweet Chris Breezy - which is his nickname - they kept telling me how squeaky clean he was that he could do this to someone.
Therefore, because they have no way of understanding violence that extraordinary, they had to find some sort of logical explanation as if there is a logical explanation for violence.
ANDERSON: They don`t know who he is, though, at heart, allegedly.
HOFFMAN: In their fantasy life, because he does exist as a poster on their bedroom walls, he does exist. And someone whom they fantasize about when they go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning could not possibly have done it. Therefore, it had to be her fault.
ANDERSON: They feel like they know him in a certain way. You interviewed two ninth-grade girls who told you that at first, they thought Rihanna was lying about the alleged attack. One student said, quote, "She probably made him mad for him to react like that."
Jan, I was pretty shocked to read that. Based on what you found though, should we be?
HOFFMAN: I guess I`m more upset that people are shocked at the girls` reaction than that they look at themselves and say, "What is our responsibility in creating a generation of girls who think this way?" Because the truth is that there is only beginning research on the prevalence of teen dating violence.
This happens a lot to the girls themselves. And we need to take some responsibility for their attitudes and their behavior. We need to be teaching them better. This is a reality in their daily lives.
ANDERSON: Jan Hoffman, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it.
HOFFMAN: Thank you.
ANDERSON: Tonight, octuplet mom Nadya Suleman`s caught-on-tape confessions. What is she saying right now about being a mom of 14? Does she have regrets? And should we feel sorry for her?
Plus why Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are among the big stars who should give a shout-out to the octomom.
Ellen`s big Oprah shocker. Tonight, we`ll tell you how Ellen got the shock of her life from Oprah Winfrey and how CNN`s own Anderson Cooper got involved too.
Plus Lindsay, homeless? Lindsay Lohan reveals why she can relate to millions of out-of-work Americans. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Judi Dench sprains ankle outside London theater where she was performing. "American Idol" producers face suit alleging they overworked former employees.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOTHER: I was shocked. I really didn`t think there would be anybody, just a few people in front of the house. But this was beyond anything I expected; they were completely swarming the car.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The octomom talking about the frenzy that swarmed her as she brought home the first of her eight newborns. Does she have some regrets about her new-found fame?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, octomom confessions. Is the octomom finally admitting she can`t handle the spotlight? Octo-drama making news now.
In a brand-new interview the octomom admits she has been lying to herself about the octo-fame game. Did she know the octuplets would lead to paparazzi pandemonium? And what would the octomom have done for octo-cash if she didn`t have Dr. Phil? Her answer will leave you breathless.
Joining me in New York, Lisa Bloom, who is an anchor for the legal network "In Session." With me in Hollywood, Tanika Ray, who is a correspondent with "Extra."
Lisa, Tanika, we all saw it. It was absolute chaos the night octomom brought home the first two octuplets. Nadya Suleman claims she never expected all this attention over her babies.
But in a brand-new interview with "Radar Online" posted today, she admits she wasn`t completely in the dark. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
N. SULEMAN: It is a defense mechanism. I am using denial. I am denying it and I keep telling my head and rationalizing over and over. Next week, it`s going to die down. Next week after that, it`s going to die down. It`s going to go away.
It`s eventually going to be to the point where we can leave and have privacy and no one follow us. And I just was joking. I was kidding myself, lying to myself, when I was like, it`s not going to be that bad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The octomom says she keeps hoping things will die down. But, she is still doing interviews on camera. So Lisa, do you buy her argument?
BLOOM: I don`t get this. I mean, she`s got eight little kids at home now under the age of seven. And she takes the time to get all prettified for the camera and then she ruminates about herself and her thoughts, "Am I in denial or not?"
I mean anybody who has got more than one little kid at home, I think knows that you don`t have time for anything, much less stewing in your own juices about what`s going on in your own head. I mean, doesn`t she have bottles to warm up, babies to talk to, kids to put to sleep, kids to read to, kids to take to school? I mean, I don`t get what is going on in her world.
ANDERSON: I don`t either. Diapers to change. Well, where does she find the time? Tanika, when you listen to her speak, does it sound to you like Nadya Suleman ...
RAY: Like she is crazy?
ANDERSON: ... has some regrets about all of this?
RAY: No. OK, Lisa, both of us want to scream right now. She didn`t expect the attention but she hired a publicist before we even knew who octomom was. Yes. Now, she is in denial? Well, the reason she is in denial now she has gone through her third publicist. They all leave her because they think she is crazy.
The third publicist is probably telling her, "You`re not going to get any more money unless you play the sympathy card." And she`s doing it great. I just want her to go away and stop going and buying $1,000 worth of make-up to get prepared for interviews on camera and expecting things to go away.
You know, she has got to pay her dues as far as her contract is, for all that money she is making for that new house. She`s got to go on camera, so that`s part of her new job now.
ANDERSON: Yes, and you know, a lot of people are infuriated about this whole situation.
RAY: It`s crazy.
ANDERSON: And octomom says that she doesn`t want all the attention. But thanks to the spotlight, you know, she has gotten help from Dr. Phil, Angels in Waiting and the public. But I`ve got to show you what she told "Radar Online" about what she would have done if she had not gotten any of this support. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
N. SULEMAN: Had I not been offered a couple of little opportunities to, you know, secure some resources for them, I wouldn`t have been able - I would be forced. I would have been forced to probably - to get assistance until I was completed with school.
And again, I would be forced to work I don`t know how many hours a day to support them as a counselor.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So in terms of assistance, can you be more specific?
N. SULEMAN: Oh, assistance. Government assistance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, government assistance. Lisa, are people going to watch this and just throwing things at the television?
BLOOM: Yes, and I`m going to be first line. I would have been forced. Exactly who forced her to have eight babies when she already had six at home? Who forced - and now, after they`re all born, now she says, "You know what? I would have to work a lot of hours in a day to support that many kids."
Wow, what a revelation that she now comes to. You know, it would be pretty hard to support a whole bunch of kids when I am unemployed, I have no education, and my mother doesn`t support me. Wow, wow, she`s really starting to see the light.
ANDERSON: Yes, like why didn`t she think of any of this in the first place? I do want to take a look again at the absolute insanity that took place the night the first two octuplets came home. Total chaos. It kind of reminds me of the kind of attention that Brangelina and TomKat`s kids used to get.
But now, it is Shiloh who? Suri who? Tanika, do you think that Brangelina and TomKat are maybe saying, "Thank you, octomom, for taking the spotlight off our kids"?
RAY: I`ve got to tell you, I don`t even think they know who octomom is. They have their lives going on. They`re going on saving the world. They`re like, "The cameras aren`t here. Thank you. I don`t know who is responsible, but it`s all good."
I`m sure they`re not thinking very great thoughts about octomom. You know, Brad and Angelina Jolie can pay for their kids, they don`t even have half as many.
ANDERSON: That`s true.
RAY: So I do think that it`s good that the cameras are off of them. Let them go live their lives and let their kids grow up in a little bit of normalcy. But hopefully, this octomom thing will be over next week. I, too, am right there with you, Nadya. Let this be over next week. We agree.
ANDERSON: Let this be over. Lisa, what are you thoughts? Do you think some of the celebrities are - you know, while I`m sure they are concerned about the welfare of the octuplets, do you think there is a little bit of relief on their part the attention is off them?
BLOOM: Well, sure. And look, the celebrities can afford security, and octomom can`t. And I do have sympathy for the octomom or for celebrities when paparazzi get out of control and are flashing all those lights in the eyes of little babies ...
ANDERSON: Yes.
BLOOM: ... and blocking people with kids, you know, who are trying to walk down the street. That`s dangerous. So that`s something they all have in common.
ANDERSON: It can be a very unsafe situation. Lisa Bloom, Tanika Ray, great to see you. Thanks. We appreciate it.
BLOOM: Thanks.
RAY: Great to see you.
BLOOM: Look for Lisa, Saturday morning - I want to mention it again - on THE CBS "Early Show."
It is time now for "Making It Work." Now, this is where we find out how stars make their relationships work in Hollywood.
Tonight, Clive Owen. Owen is married to actress Sarah Jane Fenton and they have two daughters. Onscreen, Owen and Julia Roberts are heating things up in their new film "Duplicity." But off screen, they`re just a couple of parents.
Roberts brings her three young children on location but Owen`s kids are older and he can`t do that. He said that makes it tougher to be a devoted dad. But Owen has come up with a formula for making it work.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLIVE OWEN, ACTOR: I find it gets harder to leave them here as they got older. I think, earlier on, the sense of time was all over the place that you can sort of - you know. But as they get older, they kind of realize you`re actually going away for a certain period of time and it gets very tough.
I`ve just decided, the thing to do is if you go off and do a movie and you have to leave home, you make sure that you have considerable down time and hang at home for a little while immediately after it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And you can check out Clive Owen and Julia Roberts in "Duplicity" in theaters now.
Ellen`s big Oprah shocker. Tonight, we`ll tell you how Ellen got the shock of her life from Oprah Winfrey, live on Ellen`s show. And you`ve got to hear how CNN`s own Anderson Cooper is involved in the whole thing. Ellen and Oprah and Anderson, oh my! This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Dane Cook`s half brother faces charges of stealing millions from the comedian. Singer Mary J. Blige and actress Taraji P. Henson sign on for Tyler Perry movie.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, Lindsay Lohan is scared about paying for her house. In a blockbuster interview with "Nylon" magazine, Lindsay reveals that like so many people now, she, too, is out of work. And that`s got her really worried.
Lindsay says, "It is scary when you realize, "Oh, my god. I`m not working and have a house to pay for now."
Tonight, Ellen DeGeneres has a job but she wants a new gig, too. Ellen is on an all-out crusade to be on the cover of Oprah Winfrey`s magazine.
This month she shares the cover of "O" with First Lady Michelle Obama. Now, Ellen wants her turn. Ellen has waged a major campaign with everything from mock covers of "O" to enlisting the help of CNN`s own Anderson Cooper.
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ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "360": Well, first of all, I think you need like a tag line, like on the cover of "O," it`s always, you know, "Live your best life!" - exclamation mark. So I think you need something with an exclamation mark.
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ANDERSON: Now, we don`t know if Anderson`s advice worked out. But Oprah did pay a surprise visit to Ellen`s show on Friday. So will she or won`t she grant Ellen`s wish? Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": I am really flattered that you want to be on the cover. This is so strange to me because I`ve seen you on every cover. The other day at night, I went to the gym. Honest to goodness, I thought somebody was playing a joke, because I heard and saw that you were doing this on your show.
And then I walked into the gym and there were like three covers of you on various magazines. When I first heard about this, I thought it was such a fantastic idea. I was only sorry that I did not think of it myself. So I am calling to officially invite you on the cover.
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": Are you serious?
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: No word yet on when Ellen and Oprah will share the cover of "O."
On Thursday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Octomom: Is she addicted to fame?" Ninety-four percent of you say yes; six percent say no.
Here are the E-mails. Kuljeet, from California, writes, "I don`t think she is addicted to fame as much as the media is addicted to her."
Pat from Winnipeg, Canada, "If Nadya needs all this help, why is she out in the spotlight every day drawing attention to herself? I think she is very selfish and using her children to get the attention she craves."
That`s 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.
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