Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Bristol Palin`s Anti-Teen Pregnancy Media Blitz; Judging Miss California; Jon Gosselin Speaks Out About Alleged Affair; Arnold Schwarzenegger on Legalizing Marijuana
Aired May 06, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Bristol Palin`s brand-new teen pregnancy media blitz. Tonight, Sarah Palin`s daughter hits "Today," "GMA," speaking out against teen sex and teen pregnancy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRISTOL PALIN, SARAH PALIN`S DAUGHTER: They`re not thinking about the future. And they`re not thinking before they act.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: But with a nasty feud with her ex over her baby, is this such a good idea? And could this hurt Sarah Palin`s future?
Judging Miss California. Tonight, what one of the Miss USA judges now says about the Miss Cali seminude photo scandal. The judge is right here in the headline-making interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Plus, has Miss California speaking out against gay marriage already ruined her career?
And the "Jon and Kate Plus 8" other woman scandal. Tonight, Jon is speaking out about new allegations that he is cheating on his wife.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
Tonight, Palin`s new star. Move over, Sarah. There`s a new Palin in town. The Alaska governor`s teen daughter Bristol is now starring in her own brand-new controversial media blitz. And it`s all about preventing teen pregnancy. Bristol Palin is easily one of the most famous unwed teen moms in the country. And now, she`s everywhere with a new message for teens - don`t have sex. But is this such a good idea? And could Bristol actually hurt Sarah Palin`s future star power? The Bristol Palin media blitz is making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): And now we bring you the new Palin campaign. But it`s not this Palin. It`s this one.
B. PALIN: I`m saying that there`s one way to prevent it and that`s not having sex.
HAMMER: Eighteen-year-old Bristol Palin, daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, is everywhere. From TV.
B. PALIN: Regardless of what I did personally, I just think that abstinence is the only way you can effectively - 100 percent foolproof way to prevent pregnancy.
HAMMER: To town hall meetings on a campaign to prevent teen pregnancies by encouraging teens not to have sex.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Bristol Palin has now become a teen ambassador for the Candie`s Foundation by saying that abstinence is the best policy and don`t have sex or else you`ll turn out like her.
HAMMER: As part of her new gig, Palin hit the morning shows, bringing in a new pro-abstinence message to "Good Morning America".
B. PALIN: This is the choice that`s going to prevent teen pregnancy and prevent a lot of heartache.
HAMMER: And singing a similar tune on the "Today" show along with her father, Todd Palin, and her baby Tripp.
B. PALIN: Regardless of what I did or anything like that, I think that abstinence is the only 100 percent fool-proof way of preventing teen pregnancy.
HAMMER: Bristol sounded a whole lot different that she did back in February when she scoffed at abstinence on Fox News.
B. PALIN: Everyone should be abstinent, but it`s not realistic.
HAMMER: She was asked about the apparent turnaround on "Good Morning America."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You used to say that it`s not realistic.
B. PALIN: I think that quote was definitely taken out of context. But I do think it`s realistic. It`s definitely the harder choice, but it`s the safest choice.
HAMMER: And even as Bristol was backing abstinence on "Good Morning America" and "Today," her ex-boyfriend and her baby`s father, Levi Johnston went on CBS` "The Early Show" to rebut her abstinence campaign.
LEVI JOHNSTON, BRISTOL PALIN`S EX-BOYFRIEND: I think just telling young kids you can`t have sex is not going to work. It`s not realistic.
HAMMER: It`s not the first time Bristol`s ex has disagreed with the Palins on TV.
SERAFIN: He was going on these TV shows saying that he wasn`t allowed to see the baby. Then it`s Sarah Palin who`s shooting back, putting out statement about Levi saying that he was looking for publicity. It did get pretty nasty for a while.
HAMMER: Both Bristol and Levi now say they have buried the hatchet. But what hasn`t been buried is the big question. Is this famous teen mom the right person to teach abstinence? She says yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You say, "Don`t do it. Don`t have the sex," but you did. So how do you put those two together?
B. PALIN: I`m not quite sure. I just want to go out there and just promote abstinence and just say this is the safest choice.
HAMMER: But others are speculating that maybe her mom might be behind it. Sarah Palin has said in the past she`d love for her daughter to join the fight against teen pregnancy.
GOV. SARAH PALIN (R), ALASKA: Bristol has an opportunity, at this point, also to reach out to other young American women and let them know that these are absolutely less than ideal circumstances that she or any other unwed teenage mother are in.
HAMMER: And now that Bristol has done that, some are asking, is Bristol`s new campaign a way to make people think less about Palin family drama, and more about the Palin family values? Especially if Sarah is planning to run for president in 2012.
SERAFIN: Is Bristol`s entree into this world preaching abstinence something that maybe came to because of her mom, because she wanted to help her mom get back to that wholesome image?
HAMMER: Either way, Bristol Palin is learning that being a Palin in any sort of campaign will invite all kinds of controversy.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Bristol Palin is the Candie`s Foundation new teen ambassador. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned that she was paid for her work to fight teen pregnancy. But is she the right messenger? And will it backfire on the Palins? Well, coming up, we have got a fired-up debate. A panel is talking about this new Palin campaign. You will not want to miss it.
Tonight, judging Miss California - a SHOWBIZ exclusive. A judge from the 2009 Miss USA pageant right here, and she is speaking out about the Miss California topless photo controversy.
And now, there`s brand-new outrage over the scandal. Could more photos be released? Miss California may swear there`s only one racy photo out there. But tonight, more photos have allegedly surfaced, and the Miss California pageant people are floored.
Also, Miss California claims she was only 17 when that racy topless photo was taken. But was Miss California perfectly legal when that photo was snapped?
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, one of the Miss USA judges who judged Miss California at the pageant, Claudia Jordan. And tonight in New York, it`s Midwin Charles, an attorney for the law firm Midwin Charles and Associates.
OK. So Miss California, Carrie Prejean, could really be caught in a big-time fib here. She claims there`s only one racy photo out there. But new tonight, apparently other topless photos may have surfaced of her.
And in a brand-new shocking development, the Miss California-USA pageant director tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT they are not so sure that they believe Miss California`s claims anymore.
Let me tell you what he`s saying, quote, "I`m absolutely stunned this completely changes things for us. Yesterday, we thought she had explained things accurately. We need to revisit this issue with her."
Claudia, let me begin with you because you were one of Miss California`s judges on that fateful night when, of course, she first made that controversial comment answering the question about gay marriage.
And now, you see this photo scandal cropping up. Does this mean Miss California is in deep trouble, do you think?
CLAUDIA JORDAN, JUDGE, MISS USA 2009: Well, she did sign a contract, and the contract is binding. And it does specifically state, "Have you ever taken seminude or nude photographs?" And this is something that could, you know, show that she`s in breach of contract. So it`s something that she could be in hot water over.
HAMMER: Let me get your take on that, Midwin. Because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did obtain the contract that Carrie Prejean signed. In it, she did say, as Claudia just mentioned, that she has never posed for seminude or nude photos and never will. Being the A-list lawyer that you are, Midwin, what did you think? Is it cut-and-dry that these racy that these photos may very well cost her the crown?
MIDWIN CHARLES, ATTORNEY, MIDWIN CHARLES AND ASSOCIATES: I love the fact you guys got the contract. Fabulous.
HAMMER: Yes. We get to the bottom of everything.
CHARLES: But yes, it is clear-cut. I mean, she signed the contract. She clearly read it. She was in complete understanding of what the terms were and what the conditions were. And so for her to not give full disclosure with respect to whether or not she took those photographs, it`s clear.
And A.J., I don`t know if you are old enough to remember this, but in the early `80s when Vanessa Williams got into trouble and lost her crown because photographs had surfaced of her taking pictures for "Penthouse" or "Playboy," I believe, and her crown was taken and given to Suzette Charles.
So this isn`t something that is uncommon. I think people are aware of it. And it`s clearly cut and dry.
HAMMER: Yes.
CHARLES: If she`s in breach of contract, she`s done.
HAMMER: Yes, I`ve read about that Vanessa Williams thing. I was in preschool at the time. So thank you for the compliment.
You know, the big question and part of the controversy has been the truth about what age she was when the pictures were taken. And we`re not going to show you the photo in question because Miss California says she was just 17 when the photo was taken, meaning that she was under age at the time.
But Claudia, let me ask you. You`ve seen the photo. You`ve also seen Miss California up close and personal in her bikini. Do you believe she was really 17 when the photo was taken? Or is it possible it was taken more recently as far as you can tell?
JORDAN: Unless she`s 17 right now, I think the pictures were taken a little bit more recently than that. I was at the pageant when she actually won Miss California. So I think this is - I mean, I don`t want to be quick to assume or judge myself.
But a lot of times when celebrities get caught out there or people get caught out there with pictures in compromising positions, a great thing to say is, "They were taken when I was 17," or "I was underage," because then we have to snap those off the television. We can`t see them anymore.
HAMMER: Right.
JORDAN: So I find it hard to believe. And what are you doing at 17 years old if the Bible is something that you are so - it`s a big part of your life. What were you doing taking seminude pictures like that? Even as a teenager.
HAMMER: Yes. And she has claimed, to be fair to her if it`s even true she was 17 at the time, that, oh, she was just getting into things. And you know, you`re young and naive at that time and you`re likely to do things that you shouldn`t do.
JORDAN: Well, you know, and to be fair, you know, Carrie is a young woman. And if there is any time to make mistakes and mess up, it is when you`re young and that`s understandable.
And that`s totally fine, but you also cannot have it both ways. If you want to be this representative for being conservative and in morals and morality, you kind of have to think about that before you go on this crusade and think about what may be in your own closet.
HAMMER: Yes.
JORDAN: I mean, she`s a human being. She`s young. People make mistakes. But then, therefore, don`t be on this high horse.
HAMMER: Yes.
JORDAN: I know there`s certain things I could never speak about because.
HAMMER: Exactly, and you keep that in check. And I think the truth is the photos may very well change moral conservatives feel about her being the face of their movement.
Claudia Jordan and Midwin Charles, I do have to end it there. I thank you both.
All right. I`ve got to tell you, this whole "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" affair scandal - it is just heating up. The married star of one of the most popular reality TV families is photographed with someone who is not his wife. Well, tonight, Jon is speaking out about the brand-new allegations that he`s having an affair. It`s an explosive story. And it is coming up.
Also, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger`s stunning new comments about legalizing marijuana. We`re going to show you the startling video that may reveal why he feels the way he does about pot.
And tonight, the brand-new controversy over whether or not you should stand up or stay seated when President Obama comes into the room.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: People in the room naturally had this impulse to say, "Whoa, wait a second." They weren`t expecting this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You may want to sit down for this or you can stand up if you want. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Susan Boyle makes the list of top five most watched viral videos. Michelle Obama calls "Sesame Street" appearance best first lady perk, so far.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I`m going to have just your basic cheddar cheeseburger, medium well. I just want mustard. No ketchup. No, no, we`ve got to pay for it. See all these people? They`ll write about how we were freeloaders.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Hey, when you just got to have a burger, you`ve got to go get one, right? Even if you`re the president of the United States.
Did you see this? President Obama and Vice President Biden making a surprise lunch stop at Ray`s Hill Burger in Arlington, Virginia. It just happens to be a short drive from the White House. And yes, as you just heard, the burgers were not on the house.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. So, after the president and V.P. got their burgers, they took a seat and enjoyed them.
Well, tonight, there`s actually a brand-new controversy over whether or not the White House press corps are staying in their seats when President Obama enters the room.
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the stand-up, sit- down controversy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): To stand or not to stand. It was more than some on the right could stand to watch. White House reporters staying seated for President Bush.
GEORGE W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I`m sorry. I keep screwing this thing up.
MOOS: Yet jumping to their feet for President Obama. The video put together by a writer for the Web site "Politico" is ricocheting around the Web.
B. OBAMA: I`m sorry. I keep screwing this thing up.
MOOS: Leading to comments like, "What a bunch of bootlickers. I`m surprised they didn`t kneel and kiss his feet." "The press corps jumped to their feet like contestants whose names are called on `The Price Is Right.`"
BOB BARKER, HOST, "THE PRICE IS RIGHT": Come on down!
BARKER: That`s you from the back row on the left-hand side. Here he comes.
MOOS: But wait a minute. Reporters automatically stand.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president of the United States.
MOOS: When the president is introduced at big East Room press conferences.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president of the United States.
MOOS: But at smaller briefing room pressers, the norm is to stay put because the setting is less formal. And if reporters stand, they block the cameras in back shooting the president walking in. But what happened the other day.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey.
MOOS: Is that President Obama showed up out of the blue for the first time in the briefing room interrupting his press secretary?
ED HENRY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: So I think people in the room naturally had this impulse to say, "Whoa, wait a second." They weren`t expecting this.
MOOS: Watch the surprise on the Fox News correspondent`s face when in mid- question, he sees the president.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE FOX NEWS CORRESPONDENT: It`s the first time I.
B. OBAMA: Hey. I`m sorry I keep screwing this thing up.
MOOS: Pops up like all the rest of them - what do they call them, bootlickers? President Bush`s arrival, on the other hand, was expected.
(on camera): No, no, no. Don`t get up. Just stay put on the couch. Don`t stand up just because I made an entrance.
(voice-over): Some on the right say the fact that reporters impulsively jump to their feet proves they love President Obama. But they have risen for President Bush in the briefing room.
BUSH: Thank you.
MOOS: For instance, at his final press conference. But, in general, this is not the place to.
TAMMY WYNETTE, SINGER (singing): Stand by your man.
B. OBAMA: Please, everybody, have a seat.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, the "Showbiz on Call" phone operators have been on their feet all day answering tons of your calls on the Miss California seminude photo controversy.
We`ve got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Tiffany in Arkansas. Tiffany says, hello, can you say pageant double standard?
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I do not believe that she should be fired for having partially nude photos when they have them parade around in skimpy bathing suits which show just as much.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: A lot of people are saying that. Thank you, Tiffany. We also heard from Deb calling into "Showbiz on Call" from Arizona who thinks picture or no picture, Miss California lied.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: She should be fired as Miss America. It is a breach of contract. It doesn`t matter who said what. It`s a breach of contract. She lied.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: And to be clear, she`s Miss California, not Miss America. But we do appreciate your call, Deb. Remember you can call us at "Showbiz on Call." Let us know what you think about this or anything else.
The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines, open all the time for you at 1-888- SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. We`d love for you to leave us a voicemail so we can play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and post them, too. You calls to "Showbiz on Call" online on our homepage at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
I`ve got to tell you. A lot of people think what Sarah Palin`s daughter is doing, speaking out, trying to reduce teen pregnancy is a good thing. I, for one, think it`s a pretty risky deal.
Tonight, Bristol Palin, an unwed teenage mom is going on an all-out media blitz saying teens should say no to sex. But is it such a good idea? Could this brand-new media tour backfire and hurt Sarah Palin`s future? It`s a fired-up debate and it is coming up.
Jack Bauer goes ballistic for Brooke. Get this, did "24`s" Kiefer Sutherland head-butt a guy to protect Brooke Shields? I`m talking about real-life story here. This is not something on television, OK?
Plus, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger`s stunning new comments about legalizing marijuana. You stay right where you are because we are going to show you this startling video that may reveal why he feels the way he does about pot.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Kylie Minogue announces first-ever North American tour. CBS may revive classic shows "Let`s Make a Deal" and "The Dating Game."
HAMMER: Now, a SHOWBIZ birthday shout-out. George Clooney is turning 48 today. Here now a birthday shout-out from a whole bunch of fans from Philly.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: George, we have a message for you from Philadelphia. The LaSalle college high school moms want to say happy birthday! George, we love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(AUDIO GAP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Many felt panic over H1N1.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You see it on the big screen. It`s amplified in your head. So when you`re at the airport, you see a bunch of people in masks. All of a sudden, you`re like going straight to that movie that you saw two weeks ago.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Where does the script end and reality begin when it comes to this outbreak?
DR. JIM SEARS, "THE DOCTORS": When this first started, you know, it kind of seemed like a movie. You know, the officials were coming on TV and suddenly schools are shutting down and we`ve seen it just turned out to be a mild illness. Most people are recovering from it, no problem. And it is spreading. It`s not spreading like wildfire, though.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Dr. Jim Sears from TV`s "The Doctors" says H1N1.
(AUDIO GAP)
HAMMER: Will she be the right person for the job? And will Bristol`s tour hurt her mom Sarah Palin`s future?
"Jon and Kate Plus Eight" plus affair? The reality TV couple is speaking out together for the first time about all the shocking rumors. Is there really another woman?
Arnold Schwarzenegger`s stunning new comments about legalizing marijuana and the startling video that may reveal why he feels the way he does about pot.
Plus, more stories breaking from "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
Tonight, spotlight Palin. Sarah Palin`s 18-year-old daughter is speaking out today to prevent teen pregnancy. Just five months after giving birth to her baby son, Bristol Palin is now on an all-out media blitz speaking out against teen pregnancy.
But is it a bad idea? And talk about bad timing. Bristol`s ex Levi Johnston also speaking out again. So is Bristol`s media tour just adding fuel to the Palin family feud?
HAMMER: And I have to ask, is all this teen pregnancy talk going to backfire in a big way on Sarah Palin`s political star power?
Joining me tonight in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL." You can catch that beautiful show every night, 7:00 p.m., right here on HLN.
Also tonight in New York, Midwin Charles, an attorney for Midwin Charles and Associates in New York. OK. So Sarah Palin`s daughter, Bristol showed up on practically every morning show today speaking out against teen pregnancy. This morning, on the "Today" show, she said - abstinence, it`s the only way. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. PALIN: If you`re going to have sex, I think you should have safe sex. And regardless of what I did or anything like that, I think that abstinence is the only 100 percent fool-proof way of preventing teen pregnancy.
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: But it puts you in the position a little bit of saying to other teenagers, "Do as I say, not as I do."
B. PALIN: Yes, exactly. Learn from my example.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. So a lot of people would say that the message that Bristol is putting out there is a good message. But, Jane, I`m starting with you. Is she taking a big risk here by being the face of this cause?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": Those kooky Palins. My head is spinning, frankly. We now live officially in an upside down world. What`s next? Amy Winehouse is going to become the national spokesman for the sobriety-only society?
I mean, this girl, bless her heart, is the living, breathing embodiment of why abstinence-only does not work, why we have a teen pregnancy crisis in this country with 750,000 American teens getting pregnant every single year.
And, yet, she has the audacity and the gall to say, "I couldn`t do it, but I think that`s the way you should do it and that`s the only way you should do it." It doesn`t work. That`s why we`ve got a problem.
HAMMER: Yes. But some people do say, Jane, and, obviously, the people putting it out there are thinking, you know, as Matt Lauer says, "Don`t do as I do. Do as I say."
And let me ask you this, Midwin. For you, is Bristol Palin and her family now trotting out Bristol`s baby - I mean, they were all appearing together. Is that really going to.
(AUDIO GAP)
CHARLES: It`s not easy. It`s not cute. And it`s not fun. It`s a ton of work. And I think she actually serves as the best person to talk about this issue.
HAMMER: All right.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: The problem is she`s not also advocating use safe sex and she is saying abstinence-only works. And it doesn`t. And she`s proof of that.
HAMMER: Yes. She is saying it is the only way. But let me move on from that now to the timing of all of this. Because, really, it`s not lost on any of us that Bristol`s big media blitz is happening right on the heels of another big media tour by her ex and the father of her baby.
So while Bristol was stopping by the "Today" show and "Good Morning America" today, there was Levi Johnston, the ex, showing up on the CBS "Early Show" to talk about Bristol`s message of abstinence and what he thinks. Listen to what he had to say about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ, CO-ANCHOR, "THE EARLY SHOW": Do you agree with her encouraging abstinence?
LEVI JOHNSTON, FATHER OF BRISTOL PALIN`S CHILD: You know, I do. But at the same time, you know, abstinence is a great idea. But I also think you need to enforce, you know, condoms and birth control and other things like that to have safe sex. I don`t think just telling young kids you can`t have sex is just - it`s not going to work. It`s not realistic.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: He really needs to get his own show. So Bristol now saying one thing, Levi saying another. He admits abstinence - no, it`s not realistic. So Jane, I`m thinking you`re more on his side. Levi has been out there, as we know, for weeks doing TV interviews.
Is Bristol`s media blitz really a case of bad timing? Or do you think stepping back from the issue for a moment, Jane, that speaking out now is exactly the right thing for her to do?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I think it`s a case of perfect timing because in a sense he`s a BS buster and he`s really saying - telling it like it is. And I really admire this young man to have the courage. He was thrown in the middle of the national spotlight. He didn`t really ask for any of this. He was just a teen doing what teens do.
And he`s very articulate and he`s shown a lot of courage to stand up to some pretty powerful people and tell the truth, namely, that Sarah Palin had to know that he and Bristol were having sex.
HAMMER: All right. I`ve got to get to this point, because as we know, her mom, Sarah Palin, is the most buzzed about conservative voice in the Republican Party right now. So Midwin, could Bristol`s new media blitz in the face of this big family feud that has been going on actually damage Sarah Palin`s political future? Do you think?
CHARLES: Not necessarily. I mean, I think it bodes well for Sarah to point out the fact that, you know, she has a young daughter who is out there and articulate and discussing what her daily life is like as a teen mom, and also toeing that party line of abstinence.
As Jane said, and I agree with you, Jane, it makes no sense. It`s clearly ridiculous. But she`s sticking with the party line. And her timing right now is excellent because what she`s trying to do is shut down Levi Johnston and all these interviews.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: But this is the problem.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: I`ve got to jump, Jane, because we have to end it there. But I do appreciate you both chiming in. Jane Velez-Mitchell, Midwin Charles, thanks, guys.
All right. So we move now from drama in one of the highest profile political families to the drama in one of the highest profile families on TV, the "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" alleged affair shocker.
Reality TV stars Jon and Kate Gosselin lashing out about all of the reports. The brand-new interview. Is the beloved TV family falling apart?
Also tonight, the alleged Kiefer Sutherland street fight that could land him back in jail. Was the "24" star actually channeling his kick-butt alter ego to protect none other than Brooke Shields?
And California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger`s shocking comments about legalizing pot. Tonight, we`re revealing the startling video that shows why he may feel the way he does. But will the tape come back to haunt him? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: NBC to air special on Farrah Fawcett`s cancer battle next week. HBO to produce drama about post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JON GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON AND KATE PLUS EIGHT": It`s tough for me. I can`t be Jon. I have to be "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" which is a real hard thing for me. I still haven`t come into grips with it. Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Jon Gosselin who stars in the reality show, "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" is fighting back over reports that he cheated. And tonight, we`re asking if Jon and Kate should take their eight kids out of the limelight and just cool it with their reality show.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, the "Jon and Kate" controversy. The stars of the TLC reality show "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" are striking back at reports that Jon cheated.
In a brand-new bombshell interview, the couple speaking out about new allegations against Jon that he cheated on Kate with this woman, 23-year- old Deanna Hummel.
But there`s more. Let`s go to the SHOWBIZ news line. On Monday, May 4th, the alleged other woman comes forward to set the record straight that her relationship with the married father of eight is platonic. On Tuesday, May 5th, in another bombshell report, Deanna`s brother reportedly tells "Us Weekly" that Jon has been cheating.
Well, today, both sides are firing back. Jon and Kate Gosselin are striking back together and the alleged other woman is shooting down her own brother`s accusations against her.
Joining me tonight in New York, Ben Widdicombe who is a celebrity editor for StyleList.com. From Hollywood tonight, Tanika Ray, who is a correspondent for "Extra."
Let me flash you back to when all this started. It was when Jon was photographed getting into a car with this woman - let`s put that up - Deanna Hummel. And that led to reports that Jon was cheating on his wife, Kate.
And now the husband and wife are teaming up to strike back. They both spoke out to "Entertainment Weekly." And in a brand-new statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Jon Gosselin saying, quote, "These allegations are false and just plain hurtful. As I adjust to the attention that comes from being in the public eye, I need to be more careful and aware of who I am associated with and where I am spending my time. But the bottom line is, I did not cheat on Kate."
Well, Jon`s wife Kate is telling "Entertainment Weekly" this, quote, "It is disturbing and unfortunate that these tabloids have gone as far as they have to try and bring us down. Jon`s poor judgment and irresponsible behavior has also, without a doubt, caused some added tension and stress between the two of us."
All right. So they may be trying to show a united front here by striking out at the same time. But, Ben, to you first. I`m not getting the impression that anything is OK right now with this couple. Or am I missing something?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY EDITOR, STYLELIST.COM: Well, maybe they ought to think about having another couple of kids to see if they can get their relationship back on track, see if that will help.
I mean, their marriage clearly is at a breaking point. I don`t think it was fair to conclude that because Jon was seen in a car with a woman that he was necessarily having an affair with her.
But there is some very detailed allegations made against her by her own brother in this week`s "Us" magazine. So, I think that is going to be the real test of fire that this marriage may or may not survive.
HAMMER: Yes. And I do want to get to those allegations by the brother in just a moment. But first, Tanika, you hear what they said in their interviews. And it really shows how strained their marriage is right now, doesn`t it?
TANIKA RAY, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Yes. You know, I watch this show a lot. I think they are just such a gorgeous example of a mother and a father that take care of a slew of kids. So I`m a little heartbroken by this story.
But I`ve got to tell you, I`ve always wondered the way Kate talks to Jon on the show - how does he deal with that? A man is a man and his ego is at stake here. So we kind of have seen it brewing over the years watching the show. And regardless of whether or not he was cheating on his wife or not, what was he doing in a car with this woman late at night?
HAMMER: Yes.
RAY: He`s got eight children. He may not have cheated on her, but what about the intent? That`s the thing that`s questionable.
HAMMER: Well, that`s the point. And then also just the bad decision- making as he has copped to. And we`ve been hearing from so many of our viewers that, yes, she doesn`t really treat him al that well. So if he did cheat, nobody would really be surprised.
It seems to me, though, that they really didn`t have a choice. But to speak out after really a brand-new shocking report in "Us Weekly" that Ben mentioned the alleged other woman`s brother coming forward with a brand-new version of the story.
RAY: Yes.
HAMMER: ... telling the magazine that Jon was having an affair. This is the brother of the alleged other woman speaking out, saying he was having an affair with his sister.
For this part, the sister, Deanna, tells "People" in another brand-new interview, quote, "My brother is making this all up. He has no credibility. I can`t even stomach the lies he`s saying about me."
Now this is the second time that she`s denying an affair ever happened. But, Ben, do you see an end to this drama coming any time soon? I don`t think that`s going to put a stop to this.
WIDDICOMBE: Well, of course, there`s a risk that it might have a very unhappy ending to this drama. And having seen the show, I shudder to think what Kate is capable of doing to keep her husband on the reservation. I mean, the words "Lorena Bobbitt" have crossed my mind, I have to admit.
But you know, as a long-time gossip reporter, I`m a little bit skeptical of Jon`s accounting of his own behavior. I think he`s kind of letting himself off the hook. And I think that unfortunately, it could end very badly for them.
HAMMER: Yes. The Lorena Bobbitt move - there`s your reality TV there.
RAY: Wow.
HAMMER: The new season, speaking of which, you know, I don`t know if we`re going to see that on the new season of "Jon and Kate Plus Eight." But it kicks off - it`s their fifth season - May 25th. But beyond that, they have renewed the show. This thing is scheduled to keep going.
So Tanika, what do you think? Do the Gosselins possibly need to, you know, take a break from the reality show, just focus on the family, which you say they do well?
RAY: Well, there`s a couple of things here. First, they can`t take a break because it`s their only source of income. Now, I was surprised because this little TLC show that could, I thought, was exempt from this sort of salacious spin.
But you`ll never know. Don`t forget that this is the way a lot of people promote shows like "The Simple Life" with Paris and Nicole. All the drama happened right before the premiere of that. Donald Trump uses a little drama to promote his show.
This could be just TLC`s way of getting on board and trying to promote the fifth season and making sure that they get more people to watch their channel. You`ll never know. That`s just (INAUDIBLE).
HAMMER: Yes. Crazier things have been done and it`s not that they may have staged an alleged affair. But at least, the fact that no one is backing away from talking about it, you may be exactly right. Tanika Ray, Ben Widdicombe, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
Well, we`ve been asking you to vote in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. What do you think? "Jon and Kate Cheating Controversy: Should they end their reality show for the sake of their family?" Here`s where you vote - CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Tonight, it is the shocking alleged street fight that sounds just like a scene out of "24." But it could actually land Kiefer Sutherland back in jail.
Here`s how it all reportedly went down according to the "New York Daily News." Kiefer was talking to Brooke Shields after the glamorous Costume Institute gala in New York City. A designer friend of Brooke butted into the conversation. And after a few heated words, the "24" star got all Jack Bauer on the guy and allegedly head-butted him, reportedly busting the guy`s nose.
And poor Brooke reportedly got shoved around in the melee, but she wasn`t hurt. Now, this might not sound like all that much. But do remember, Kiefer is already on probation after spending 48 days in jail for DUI.
So if he`s arrested, Kiefer could wind up back in the slammer for violating probation. We did reach out to Kiefer for comment and did not hear back as of show time.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger`s shocking comments about legalizing pot. Tonight, we are revealing the startling video that shows why he may feel the way he does. Will the tape come back to haunt him?
Now more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom that are new right now. Fans of the "X-Men" movie franchise rejoice. Another spin-off is heading to the big screen. Ryan Reynolds is set to star as the wisecracking superhero Dead Pool. There is also a Wolverine sequel in the works as "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" continues to slash the competition at the box office.
And Jennifer Garner, who knows her way around an action film or two, is using her powers for good. Garner`s calling on Washington to spend an additional $2 billion for early childhood education programs. Garner`s an ambassador for the group Save the Children. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight, as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reignites the debate over legalizing marijuana, a pro-pot group is stoking the fire with a shocking new ad.
The Republican says it`s high time to debate legalizing and taxing marijuana, something that could make big money for his cash-strapped state. Schwarzenegger points to European countries like his native Austria, which is rolling back some pot laws.
And now, a brand-new mock ad digs into Schwarzenegger`s past to possibly show why he feels the way he does. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA: My candidacy is all about big change in Sacramento. And the people have a right to know what that means for them.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
SCHWARZENEGGER: Yes. I would just like to get to know you. Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s fantastic. That video is from Schwarzenegger`s classic 1977 movie "Pumping Iron," and he admits to smoking pot in his past. Medical marijuana already legal in California.
And now we move from the governator to first lady Michelle Obama. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there in New York City as Mrs. Obama gave the opening remarks at the "Time 100" gala.
The event honored "Time" magazine`s 100 most influential people, and the stars were out in full force. And even though she is married to the leader of the free world, well, that didn`t stop event`s host Jimmy Fallon from getting some laughs at Michelle`s expense. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY FALLON, HOST, "TIME 100 GALA": They just announced there will be a new comic book featuring Michelle Obama. This is true. You hear about this? In it, she`ll play a superhero who fights her arch-enemy, Sleeves.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The first lady totally captivated the audience when she spoke, which included, by the way, close friend Oprah Winfrey. Michelle Obama talked about the importance of public service, and she spoke about the impact it`s had on her life.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHELLE OBAMA, UNITED STATES FIRST LADY: I stand here today because people showed me love. They pushed me. They believed in me. I stand here today because of scholarships and grants and experiences that gave me opportunities that I was afraid to dream of. I never imagined that, as a result of all that support, that I`d be in a position to be a role model for girls around the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: During her speech, Michelle Obama mentioned the Obama administration. She still gets a kick out of that saying, quote, "I still like hearing that."
And I appreciate your watching. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern here on HLN.
END
