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Showbiz Tonight
Michael Jackson`s Will Released; Who`s the Daddy of Michael`s Kids?; The Similarity Between Two Kings; Michael Jackson as a Father; Farrah Fawcett Feud
Aired July 01, 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 - breaking now, Michael Jackson`s will released. Tonight, the big bombshell - his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, cut out. Diana Ross named as the potential guardian of his children. Brand-new revelations about how much Michael Jackson was worth. Plus, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates, is there really a second mysterious Michael Jackson will out there?
Who`s the daddy? Is Michael Jackson really the father of his kids? Tonight, new shocking allegations that Michael is not the biological daddy of any of his three children. So who is? And will this lead to a dramatic custody showdown?
The two kings tonight, the stunning similarities between Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Two superstars, two shocking deaths.
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.
And tonight, could Diana Ross become the mother of Michael Jackson`s children? That is just one of the absolute bombshells that came out today as Michael Jackson`s will was finally made public.
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT got a copy of the will. Wait until you hear what else is in it. Nothing for the mother of his children. Dramatic revelations about how much Michael Jackson was worth. And those are just some of the Michael Jackson will bombshells that are making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Up until now, Michael Jackson`s will has been the stuff of mystery.
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "AC 360": We frankly don`t know at this hour whether or not he had a will. If he didn`t have a will, what does that mean?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: As far she knew, Michael Jackson had no will.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have not seen a will at this time.
HAMMER: Now, the mystery is over. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has obtained a copy of Michael Jackson`s will, filed today in L.A. court. And it is an explosive read, with the late music superstar appointing another music superstar as the back-up guardian of his kids.
MIKE WALTERS, TMZ: He wanted Diana Ross to get his minor children which is totally shocking.
HAMMER: As expected, Jackson`s will, written way back in 2002, makes clear he wants his mother, Katherine, to take care of his three children, 12- year-old Prince Michael, 11-year-old Paris and 7-year-old Prince Michael II.
Katherine was granted temporary guardianship of the kids just days after Michael Jackson died suddenly last week. But in his will, Jackson declare that if his mom is unable to take care of his kids, quote, "I nominate Diana Ross as guardian."
WALTERS: Michael Jackson and Diana Ross were very, very close throughout his young music career.
HAMMER: TMZ`s Mike Walters tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Jackson had a long history with Ross whom he knew when they were both Motown superstars.
WALTERS: Michael didn`t have very many people around him for a long time, including some of his family members that he trusted. And he trusted her.
HAMMER: Michael Jackson`s will also brings up another Jackson mystery - how much is the King of Pop worth?
WALTER: It specifically mentions that Michael`s assets are worth more than $500 million.
HAMMER: Those assets are believed to include his share of the Neverland Ranch, plus his share of Sony/ATV`s Music Publishing catalogue, which includes artists from The Beatles to Lady Gaga. The will gives Jackson`s entire estate to a family trust and who did Jackson leave out of his will?
WALTERS: His father, Joe Jackson, and Debbie Rowe, the mother of his children - they are out.
HAMMER: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you this will may not be the final word on Jackson`s affairs. Remember, it was written way back in 2002 before Jackson`s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his two older children, won some parental rights. Now that Jackson`s gone, no one knows if she plans to exercise those rights.
WALTERS: She has not claimed custody. She has not taken any steps to get custody.
HAMMER: Plus, all the debts and lawsuits Jackson ran up in recent years likely put a serious dent in the $500 million-plus estate Jackson said he had at the time the will was drawn up. And about that will, no one can say for sure if this is the only one out there.
BURT LEVITCH, JACKSON FAMILY ESTATE AND TRUST LAWYER: This is an interesting cast of characters. And as has been said, Michael`s business affairs were often in transition. And I would not be shocked to learn that there`s another document out there. It`s not something we`re anticipating, but it could happen.
HAMMER: So far from settling things, Michael Jackson`s will is merely the opening bell in the possible upcoming fight over what the King of Pop left behind.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Well, there are certainly so many remarkable things that could just start to unfold because of this will.
Joining me tonight in New York is Jean Casarez. Jean is a legal correspondent for the legal network, "In Session." Also in New York tonight, David Caplan, who is a senior editor of "People" magazine, who of course has been following this story very closely.
I do want to begin with perhaps the biggest bombshell of them all, Michael Jackson naming Diana Ross as the back-up guardian to his three kids just in case his mother wasn`t alive or unable to be guardian when he died.
David Caplan, this is so Michael Jackson, it seems. Help us understand what this is all about.
DAVID CAPLAN, SENIOR EDITOR, "PEOPLE": It`s very, very Michael Jackson. I think it shouldn`t be that surprising because, you know, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross - they got each other. They come from a similar world. They`re Hollywood. They`re music royalty.
And Michael Jackson - he always enjoyed sort of these really strong connections and bonds with these very sort of iconic, diva-like singers whether or not it was a Diana Ross or a Cher or even a Madonna.
So Diana Ross - he particularly had a great connection with. She`s a little bit - yes, she`s, you know, 15 years or so younger than Katherine Jackson. So there`s a little bit more there. And you know, he just thought that she would be a great sort of role model and a mother figure for their kids.
And again, you know, I think when they`re a little bit older if she doesn`t take care of them, she`ll be able to really teach them more about the world he comes from.
HAMMER: And David, you would have to believe, although we have not heard as of show time from Diana Ross - you have to believe she was aware that she was named in Michael Jackson`s will.
CAPLAN: You know, it`s an excellent point. We haven`t really heard anything yet from her. Presumably, she did know if they were that close and it wasn`t as big a surprise that she`s finding out now.
HAMMER: Yes. That would be a pretty huge surprise, if you ask me. Michael`s will does clearly state that is his mother, Katherine, should be the guardian of his children.
Jean Casarez, as I understand it, those are only Michael`s wishes, but really not the definitive word on who gets custody. Do I have that right?
JEAN CASAREZ, LEGAL CORRESPONDENT, "IN SESSION": No, that is correct. It is in the best interest of the child. We keep hearing that over and over again. Remember, this is a court of equity - family court. They want what is fair, what is just. But they`re going to look to this will because that is the document that shows the intent of Michael Jackson.
HAMMER: Yes. This is what he wanted and we also learned a bit about what he didn`t want. His ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who`s also the mother of his two oldest children, was left out of Jackson`s will. In really no uncertain terms, the language is very clear. Let me read, quote, "I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Rowe Jackson."
Now, David, we have hundreds of millions of dollars potentially at stake here. Can you see Debbie Rowe fighting for this?
CAPLAN: Oh, absolutely. I mean, because, again, her lawyer last week - amidst reports saying that she didn`t have any right to the kids, the attorney, you know, came out and said, "Wait a second. She absolutely does."
So you know, she would definitely want a piece of what she deserves is hers. And if she fights for custody and she gets something, she would definitely want a piece of the pie, so to speak.
HAMMER: To add to the mystery here, there are suggestions that there`s actually a second will out there somewhere. I want you to listen to what Jackson family attorney Londell McMillan said today on CNN`s "American Morning." Let`s roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LONDELL MCMILLAN, JACKSON FAMILY ATTORNEY: We did receive a will. We`re reviewing it in due course, as well as looking to make sure that there are no other wills or other documents that may reflect Mr. Jackson`s intentions with respect to how he chooses to leave his estate.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And this is not uncommon at all. There probably were wills before and may very well have been subsequent wills to this one drawn up in 2002. But this was the one that was filed today.
Jean Casarez, off to you. What if a second will does, in fact, turn up? Does it make it that much more complicated?
CASAREZ: Well, it sure does. It definitely does. You`ve got to look to see how that was drawn up, who that was drawn up by. And then you have to determine what is the real intent, because that`s the whole focus of this. And there are bogus wills that could turn up. And that`s where a probate court is going to have a difficult examination to do.
HAMMER: Let`s hope if anything does turn up, it`s legitimate, though. Because can you just see the circus of people starting to fabricate wills and write up things and submit to it the court? We don`t need that kind of a mess.
And let`s keep in mind the will, as I mentioned, drawn up back in 2002, and it says that Michael Jackson`s estate, at that time, was worth more than $500 million. And it was to be left to the Jackson family trust. Nobody really knows what that is.
But David Caplan, we all know his fortunes have declined dramatically since then. Nonetheless, can you still see a bruising battle ahead?
CAPLAN: Oh, absolutely. I mean, that $500 million really is primarily non-cash, liquid assets like music catalogues and so forth. So definitely, you know, $500 million is still $500 million. And even if it`s significantly less because he was in a lot of debt, it`s still going to be definitely a small fortune that`s worth fighting for.
HAMMER: Well, and to that point - Jean Casarez, help me out with this - you know, we`re talking about holdings within his estate as David mentioned, the music catalogue. These are things that stand to subsequently profit greatly as the years roll on. So that really is another reason for contention in this.
CASAREZ: Oh, no question. And I also found within the document that actually John Branca, who helped write up the trust, actually allowed Michael Jackson to gain control of his own master recordings. That`s huge, A.J.
HAMMER: Oh, yes.
CASAREZ: That`s huge right there. A record company doesn`t control them and own them. Michael Jackson does.
HAMMER: Jean Casarez, David Caplan, thank you both. Now over to you. Here`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Michael Jackson: Do you think his death was suspicious?" Please let us know at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight, or E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Well, there was certainly a lot of suspicion tonight surrounding Michael Jackson`s kids. Tonight, who`s the daddy? Is Michael Jackson really their father? There are new shocking allegations that Michael is not the biological daddy of any of his three children. So if he`s not, who is? And will this lead to a dramatic custody showdown?
Also tonight, the two kings - the stunning similarities between Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Two superstars, two shocking deaths.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN O`NEAL, RYAN O`NEAL`S SON: I represent the truth, and God forbid the truth come out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Drama at Farrah Fawcett`s funeral. Tonight, the explosive new allegations by Ryan O`Neal`s son that his father was exploiting Farrah as she was dying. And did Ryan really love her?
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Zsa Zsa Gabor, 92, is home after spending six days in the hospital with flu-like symptoms. California school officials punished for allowing students to pose with Bruno in "GQ.")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Another Hollywood death to tell you about. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned late today that actor Karl Malden has died. Malden won an Oscar for best supporting actor in 1951 for the classic, "A Streetcar Named Desire." He was also the star of the `70s TV series, "The Streets of San Francisco." And you probably also remember him from those American Express commercials, "Don`t leave home without it." Karl Malden was 97.
HAMMER: And there`s an interesting Michael Jackson-Karl Malden connection. They were both born in Gary, Indiana.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight, the two kings - Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Two superstars, two shocking deaths, two eerily similar stories and, of course, they even share a family connection.
But will Michael and Elvis share the same legacy? Here`s Kyra Phillips with the two kings for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You can`t help but wonder if we`ve been watching history repeat itself all this time. From humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Gary, Indiana, to iconic mega stardom.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
PHILLIPS: Moves and music to scream for, to cry for. The powerful reaction of fans around the world made it clear. These guys were not your average pop stars. They were game-changers.
The King of Rock `N Roll, the King of Pop. One goes into movies; the other makes thrilling music videos. One becomes a sad, unrecognizable caricature of his former self. The other comes to look like a totally different person. His appearance and a litany of personal dramas upstage his career.
One isolates himself at Graceland, prescription pills and a questionable doctor in the mix, tabloid fodder. The other becomes an isolated mystery at Neverland, even moving overseas, then coming back to California. Prescription pills and a doctor who`s being asked a lot of questions in the mix. Tabloid fodder.
One makes a comeback -
(MUSIC PLAYING)
PHILLIPS: But can`t sustain it. Another is on the verge of one, but doesn`t live to make it. One dies at 42, the other at 50. Screams from the glory years become tears, tribute, grief you can see and hear.
Families left behind to deal with complex estates and children. And the tangible link that Elvis and Michael share, Lisa Marie. One king`s daughter, the other king`s one-time wife.
Death made a lot of people forget what Elvis became - a sad fallen icon transformed into a cultural touchstone who found even more riches and relevance in death.
The legends lasted longer than the living legends ever did. Don`t believe it? Go to Graceland on August 16th. Will Michael Jackson`s legend find the same kind of redemption in death? Is this how our children and grandkids will know him? Perhaps the show isn`t over yet.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Kyra Phillips for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And by the way, music seller HMB says in the week after his death, Michael has outsold both Elvis and John Lennon in the weeks after their deaths.
All right. So what do you think? On Tuesday, we asked you to vote on your SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was this - "Who was the greatest entertainer of all time, Elvis, The Beatles or Michael?" And we got a huge response. And you think Michael is the best of all time followed, as you see, by Elvis and The Beatles.
A lot of E-mails came in on this, too. We heard from Janice in California. Janice thinks, "There is only one entertainer that will live forever as the number one legend in this world, and that is Elvis Presley. Long live the King of Rock `N Roll. "
But Sherwin from Florida says, "No entertainer in the history of the business was a better showman that Mike. His performances were monumental."
You got that right. We`ve also been getting a ton of calls coming into "Showbiz on Call" on this. Here`s Deborah from Louisiana who says Michael is the king of kings.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
DEBORAH, CALLER FROM LOUISIANA: I truly believe that he is the greatest of all time. There is no comparison to Elvis or The Beatles because he really made a difference in every race with his music. And with that being said, I miss him and we love him and he will be greatly missed.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you so much, Deborah. We also heard from Pam calling into "Showbiz on Call" from Texas. Pam says that The Beatles and Elvis made Michael possible.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
PAM, CALLER FROM TEXAS: The whole debate about who`s the better artist. It`s really sort of ridiculous because while they`re all great artists in their own time, Michael wouldn`t have been where he was if The Beatles and Elvis hadn`t paved the way.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, excellent point. Thanks a lot, Pam. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this. Let us know what you think about anything. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. This is the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. We`ll play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are also now online. Check out our homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
More brand-new, burning Michael Jackson questions tonight like, who`s the daddy? Is Michael Jackson really the father of his kids? Does it sound strange? Well, tonight, there are new shocking allegations that Michael is not the biological daddy of any of his three children. So who is and will this lead to a dramatic custody showdown?
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHERILYN LEE, MICHAEL JACKSON`S FORMER NURSE: He asked me - he said, "Can you find me a doctor? I don`t care how much money they want. I don`t care what it is they want. I want this drug."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Startling brand-new allegations from a woman who says she was Michael Jackson`s nurse. Tonight, she says Michael pleaded for drug, drugs that are so dangerous they could have killed him.
And I know Simon Cowell`s a rich guy. But he could become $140 million richer which would buy a lot of those black t-shirts he wears.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Hilary Duff to join the cast of the CW`s "Gossip Girl," will play a movie star. Madonna is out with a new Louis Vuitton ad campaign for fall/winter 2009.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Chris Brown, one of the singers on this brand-new song about Michael Jackson called "Better on the Other Side." Tonight, I`ve got your first look at the video.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Well, this song didn`t take long to come along and it`s sure to get a lot of buzz. Some top talent involved here. You`ve got Chris Brown. You`ve got rapper The Game, Sean Diddy Combs, Usher, Maria Winans(ph), Boyz II Men. It`s called "Better on the Other Side." It is a tribute to Michael Jackson. And here now is your first look.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
On our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page, we asked, whose death is having a bigger impact on you, Michael Jackson`s or Princess Diana`s?
Let me read a couple of entries here. Suzanne A. saying, "I believe Michael Jackson`s death is bigger because it affects several generations of people. My children and grandchildren know who he is and love his music."
Marcia A. adds, "For me, it`s Michael`s death for two reasons. First, I grew up to his music and second, I felt as if I was an active part of his passing."
But for her, Faye H. says it`s Lady Di, "Princess Diana had the larger impact. She was a beautiful person that spent time on charity work. When I heard of her untimely death, I decided to make life-altering decisions that improved my life."
And Diane P. says, "Michael and Diana had an equal impact. I think that the difference is that Princess Diana had a grace and charm about her. Michael`s eccentricities made him a bit of an oddity in the world. I say it`s a draw."
Please do remember to sign up for the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page. You can do that by going to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ lineup. This is what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Brand-new, shocking allegations about Michael Jackson`s kids. Is Michael really the biological father of Prince, Paris and Blanket?
Also, the inside story of the kids` lives, a brand-new interview reveals just what kind of dad Michael Jackson was.
And a Farrah feud - drama at Farrah Fawcett`s funeral caught on tape. Tonight, why Ryan O`Neal`s estranged son says his dad was exploiting Farrah in her final days. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Judge rules that Yoko Ono be given 10 hours of rare footage of John Lennon. "Sopranos" star Drea de Matteo joins the cast of ABC`s "Desperate Housewives.")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, who`s the daddy of Michael Jackson`s kids? Brand-new, shocking claims that Michael Jackson isn`t the biological father of his three children. So if he`s not, who is?
And dramatic, eye-opening new details of what Michael Jackson was like as a father.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE: He asked me, he said, "Can you find me a doctor? I don`t care how much money they want. I don`t care what it is they want. I want this drug."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: What really killed Michael Jackson? Brand-new claims about a powerful drug that may have killed the King of Pop.
And the new Farrah family feud. Did Ryan O`Neal really block his own son from Farrah Fawcett`s funeral?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
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, the brand-new, burning Michael Jackson questions. As the world mourns the tragic and mysterious death of Michael Jackson, well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is digging to get to the bottom of the brand-new mystery that surfaced just today.
Tonight, Michael Jackson`s will finally surfaces. It talks about the kids. It talks about how much money he has. And it even mentions Diana Ross.
And what really killed Michael Jackson? With all the speculation of drug use, tonight, a brand-new explosive claim from his former nurse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE: The reason I decided to step out, because there were so many indications showing that he was on drugs. And you know, I didn`t feel that was the case.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: But can she be believed? Does her story line up? Joining me tonight in New York is Jean Casarez, who is a legal correspondent for "In Session." Also tonight, in New York, David Caplan, who is a senior editor for "People" magazine.
So today, we gain brand-new insight into really the mysterious life and relationships of Michael Jackson coming from his 7-year-old will which was written back in 2002 and it surfaced just today. It was filed in court. And the big news here, Jackson left everything to a family trust.
Jean, the burning question here is, what the heck does that mean?
CASAREZ: What that means is that within the trust, it shows who will get what. And I think another big point of this will is that he specifically excludes all heirs that are not mentioned in the trust to receive something and specifically excludes his ex-wife. And I think this is so important because it shows the intent of Michael Jackson.
HAMMER: And with this trust being a separate document, that can keep the who-gets-what aspects of it completely private, can`t it?
CASAREZ: It can. You are always able to contest a will and people may come out and do that. But it shows the intent of the testator and he also gives control of the trust to the trustee who we`ve heard John Branca and John McLain.
HAMMER: Got it. The next burning question here, does his estate even have any assets to give? You know, the speculation that Jackson was more than $400 million in debt when he died.
But his will says, quote, "The petitioners are not certain of the value of the estate. Petitioners believe that the value of the estate exceeds $500 million."
Now, again, this was written all the way back in 2002. David Caplan, off to you. It really doesn`t give us a better understanding of how much Jackson was truly worth when he died, does it?
CAPLAN: Absolutely not because so much had happened. Since then, he got a lot more into debt. And again, not everything is really detailed as to what that $500 million includes. We know it includes music catalogues and some other, quote, "entities." But again, it`s still not very clear.
HAMMER: Well, one big burning question that a lot of people have, who would Michael have wanted to have custody of his three kids?
Jackson addresses that straightforward in this will that was made public today. He says, quote, "If any of my children are minors at the time of my death, I nominate my mother, Katherine Jackson, as guardian of the persons and estate of such minor children. If Katherine Jackson fails to survive me, or is unable or unwilling to act as guardian, I nominate Diana Ross as guardian."
David, I want to go back to you on this, fascinating to think that Michael Jackson trusted Diana Ross enough to leave custody of his children to her. I know they`ve known each other for a long time, but was the relationship really that close?
CAPLAN: It was pretty close. And especially for a Hollywood friendship, it was the real deal. You know, in Hollywood, it`s not always that common. But again, you know, Diana Ross is 65 as well. So it`s interesting that a lot of the people - you know, the mom and Diana Ross are a little bit older than you`d expect.
But they did have this close bond. And you know, the kids really are going to be rock royalty. So at least with Diana Ross, they`ll sort of, you know, appreciate the world in which they`re living. And at least, she can sort of instill a little bit of what Michael Jackson would have.
HAMMER: Jean, Jackson`s mother, Katherine, has already filed petitions for custody of his three kids. So now that the will has surfaced, is it really a sure thing that she actually will get permanent custody of his kids?
CASAREZ: No. Because under the law, on the birth certificate of the children, as the mother, I believe, you have Debbie Rowe. Now, I know there are a lot of questions as to whether she`s the natural mother. But it is her name on the birth certificate.
She did not give up her parental rights. So I think under the law, she can have a claim for custody. This will, though, would be taken into consideration by a judge.
HAMMER: Yes. Certainly, because the decision - a lot of people, I think, are confused by this - is not made by Michael Jackson. It ultimately is made by the court system in terms of who ultimately does get custody.
So in terms of how his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, is going to factor into all this, really, a big burning question here, she is, as we`ve been talking about, the mother of two of Jackson`s three children.
And so far, there`s been radio silence from her camp over whether she`ll actually make a claim here or make a fight for custody. But get this, today we learned that Jackson completely cut her out of the will. Jean mentioned it a moment ago. Here`s what the wording says precisely, "I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson."
David, does that surprise you at all? Because it does seem to me - I think they have whatever arrangement they had. And that was it and they both knew it and that was that.
CAPLAN: Yes, I agree. This was an arrangement where essentially Michael really cut her out of it. I think it was a business-like agreement. So it wasn`t that surprising to see in the will that she was cut out like that. I just didn`t find it surprising at all.
HAMMER: Jean, if Rowe does decide to take a stab at the Jackson pie here, does she even have a shot at any of it?
CASAREZ: Oh, I think she does. The judge will look at everything. But it`s interesting, the petition for guardianship from Katherine Jackson specifically states that there was no relationship between Debbie Rowe and the children. That`s a fact in that petition.
HAMMER: Other explosive developments today. Following Jackson`s mysterious death, also in a brand-new interview, a nurse practitioner who used to treat Jackson came forward to reveal that Jackson contacted her just a few weeks ago saying he was suffering from insomnia and asked her to help him get a dangerous drug that`s used only by trained anesthesiologist. This is crazy. Watch this.
LEE: He asked me - he said, "Can you find me a doctor? I don`t care how much money they want. I don`t care what it is they want. I want this drug. I want this medication." He didn`t say "drug." He said, "I want this medication to sleep."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, it sounds like Michael Jackson was desperate to get some rest, to get some sleep. But David, does this really provide any solid insight into what may have caused his death?
CAPLAN: It doesn`t provide any solid insight because, you know, people haven`t confirmed, for example, the claims made by this person either. And again, it`s not clear what specifically may have killed him at that exact moment.
HAMMER: Yes. Yes, I think, you know, again, it`s all down to the toxicology. And that`s why a lot of people will come forward, a lot of things will be said and certainly there will continue to be lots and lots of speculation.
Another burning question on this matter is why come forward now so many days after Jackson`s death? Watch what she had to say about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE: The reason I decided to step out, because there were so many indications showing that he was on drugs. And you know, I didn`t feel that was the case.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So this woman says Jackson was desperate to get his hands on a dangerous, dangerous drug to help him sleep. But she also says that she doesn`t believe he was doing drugs on any kind of a regular basis. Jean, could any of this actually play out in court?
CASAREZ: Oh, I think it could. Now, let me tell you. She also says in her interview that she consulted doctors because she wanted to learn about this drug. And they said someone had to be monitored as they slept when they`re in the ICU on the drug.
Well, reports are saying that the doctor that was at the house was watching Michael Jackson as he slept, that there were some allegations he was there at that house for that purpose. Look at that, put that together and you see a similarly situated situation possibly.
HAMMER: All right. Jean Casarez, David Caplan, thank you for helping us get to the bottom of some of these burning questions. There will be many more.
Well, Michael Jackson was certainly one of the greatest cultural icons of all time. But it`s easy to forget that he was also a father to three young kids.
Tonight, brand-new reports claim Jackson isn`t the biological father of his kids. But if he`s not the daddy, well, then, who is?
And dramatic, eye-opening details about what the King of Pop was like as a father.
We have also got this -
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G. O`NEAL: I represent the truth and God forbid the truth come out.
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HAMMER: The new Farrah Fawcett family feud. Ryan O`Neal`s son, Griffin, says he was locked out of Farrah`s funeral. Tonight, Griffin`s shocking new claim that his father was using Farrah for her money.
And will Simon Cowell become the $144 million man? You`ve got to hear this brand-new deal that`s reportedly in the works. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: More people watched "Jon & Kate Plus 8" than BET Awards last week. Dolly Parton writes her first children`s book, "I am a rainbow.")
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HAMMER: Michael Jackson`s music is just exploding on the charts. Even in death, Jackson is breaking new records. Tonight, nine out of the top 10 billboard top pop catalogue albums belong to Jackson. Take a look how all this shakes out.
At number one, Jackson`s "Number Ones." "The Essential Michael Jackson" comes in second. Number three is "Thriller." "Off the Wall" is in at number four. The Jackson 5 sneaks in with "The Ultimate Collection" at number five. Then Jackson`s "Bad," "Dangerous," "Greatest Hits: History Volume 1," and "The Ultimate Collection Box Set" round out the top nine. There is still no doubt that he is still the King of Pop.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, who`s the daddy? Big questions tonight about who is the biological father of two of Michael Jackson`s kids?
Take a good look at this man, because there are reports out there he just may be the biological father of Jackson`s two oldest kids. He`s Dr. Arnold Kline. He`s a Los Angeles dermatologist who treated Jackson for years, also a reported longtime of Michael.
The good doctor also happens to be the former boss of Debbie Rowe, who is Jackson`s ex-wife and the biological mom of his two oldest kids.
Also, brand-new tonight, the inside story of Jackson`s family life. A brand-new interview today with one of the kids` godfathers sheds a fascinating light on what kind of father Michael was.
Joining me tonight from Hollywood is Ken Baker, who is the executive news editor for "E!" In New York is Ben Widdicombe who is the celebrity editor for "StyleList.com."
And I would like to begin with these reports today that Michael Jackson may not be the biological father of his two oldest kids, 12-year-old Prince and 11-year-old Paris. "Us Weekly" reporting that Michael Jackson`s long-time dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Kline, is the kids` biological father.
Ken, Michael Jackson seemed to dot every "I" and cross every "T" in his life. Don`t you think that if Dr. Kline is, indeed, the biological father, this is something that would never officially be confirmed?
KEN BAKER, EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR, "E!": Yes. Well, it does that, it probably would never be officially confirmed unless there`s, you know, different court documents that come out through the investigation of his death in a criminal probe.
And a lot of people are saying that Arnold Kline may be interviewed because he knew Michael and they`re interviewing all the doctors who knew Michael at that time. Now, we don`t know who did what wrong or anything like that. But what is clear is that Arnold Kline was very close to Michael Jackson and that anything is definitely possible in Michael Jackson`s life.
Now, we found out, actually, that Arnold Kline - he would have Michael and the kids over to his house a lot. And he was very dedicated and a very close friend of Michael`s. Michael was reportedly going over to Arnold Kline`s office twice a week in the last couple of months for his death. So we wouldn`t be surprised if it was the case.
But then again, we shouldn`t expect any sort of confirmation to happen. This has been a tabloid rumor, by the way, for years.
HAMMER: Yes, I remember.
BAKER: You just look at the kids, and you look and you say, they don`t really look like Michael.
HAMMER: I remember.
BAKER: This is a rumor that`s been around for a while.
HAMMER: A long time. With these new reports about Jackson not being the biological father, also questions of whether or not he`s the legal father. Well, in a brand-new interview on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE", the lawyer for Michael`s mother, Katherine Jackson, says, "You know what? None of it really matters." Watch this.
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LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": It doesn`t matter if John Jones fathered those children.
DIANE GOODMAN, LAWYER FOR KATHERINE JACKSON: Correct.
KING: In court, Michael Jackson is the father of the children ...
GOODMAN: Correct.
KING: ... and Debbie Rowe is the mother?
GOODMAN: Correct.
KING: So that`s extraneous?
GOODMAN: Right. In parentage law, if someone donates their genetic material to someone else to create children, they give up their parental rights as part of donating their genetic material and they`re out of it. So I don`t know whether that happened here.
But in general, you have no parental rights when you donate your genetic material to a doctor. Then your parental rights are terminated thereafter under California law.
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HAMMER: Yes. It seems pretty cut-and-dry to me. Ben, if this doctor is the biological father, would there really be any benefit to him coming forward? It seems to me, it would only - sort of, hurtful to the kids.
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY EDITOR, "STYLELIST.COM": Well, unfortunately, A.J., I think that the hurt has been done to the kids because where - until very recently, they had a man they thought was their father. Now, there`s only a question mark.
And it`s possible that those three children or the two will question - will grow up in the bosom of the Jackson family and that that will be their identity.
I suspect it`s more likely that as hit young adulthood, they`re going have questions like, "Who am I?" and "Where did I come from?" They might be curious themselves to know who their biological father was. So I think there will be questions.
HAMMER: There are so many questions that the kids obviously have. We have so many questions about the kids. And now, we`re getting some pretty incredible insight into Michael`s life with his kids.
In a brand-new interview this morning on the "Today" show, Al Malnik spoke out. Now, Al is Prince Michael II`s godfather. He shared a story about Michael and his kids staying with him for a vacation. This is fascinating. Watch.
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AL MALNIK, PRINCE MICHAEL II`S GODFATHER: Not only well-adjusted, but great story. You know, I asked him - I said to my staff that, you have a lot of extra work with the kids staying here. Do we need some extra work efforts on your part?
They said there isn`t any extra effort. Michael`s kids clean their rooms. They make up their beds, polish the mirrors and they take care of everything. And he said, "That`s the way I bring up my kids and that`s exactly what they did." Each and every morning, Michael`s children - their first chores before breakfast were to clean their rooms.
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HAMMER: Wow. I mean, these are the kids of the man who was the biggest pop star in the world. Michael`s life with them was always portrayed as this kind of bizarre and mysterious life. Ken, it seems that that was actually far from the truth, based on at least that story.
BAKER: Well, I mean, with all due respect to Al Malnik, I`m sure he`s telling the truth. But we shouldn`t be deceived into thinking that these kids were living some sort of "Leave It to Beaver" lifestyle.
HAMMER: Yes. I don`t think that`s what was happening either.
BAKER: Well, we know they lived very isolated lives. You know, they were bandied about in public with veils over their heads. And you know, I mean, they did not have a normal life.
In fact, I was just at the press conference the other day that Joe Jackson gave with Rev. Al Sharpton. And in that, Joe Jackson said that the kids are happy because they`re around other kids their age, which they`re not used to.
So to me, he was indicating some sort of confirmation what we always assumed, which were the kids were very isolated, didn`t have a lot of friends. We certainly never saw them with any friends their age.
But you know, that`s not to take anything from Michael. I think he did care about them and love them. But I don`t think they had a normal lifestyle. It`s good to know they were clean and congenial kids. But they weren`t growing up in a normal lifestyle.
HAMMER: Well, relatively speaking, no. That would be a mistake. Ken Baker, Ben Widdicombe, thank you both. You catch Michael Jackson on "E! Entertainment" special on "E!" tonight.
Well, tonight, is "American Idol" paying Simon Cowell over $100 million to stay on the show. Well, according to a brand-new report, yes. London newspaper, "The Guardian" says that Cowell is being offered $144 million a year by Fox and to stay on "American Idol."
Last year, Cowell reportedly made a cool $36 million from the show. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reached out to Simon, but he did not respond in time for our report. Cowell`s contract with "Idol" reportedly expires next May.
Tonight, an explosive family feud erupts at Farrah Fawcett`s funeral.
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G. O`NEAL: I represent the truth, and God forbid the truth come out.
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HAMMER: A brand-new show down between Ryan O`Neal and his son, Griffin. Why Griffin is calling his own father a dark man for staying with Farrah. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Annette Bening and Julianne Moore to play lesbian couple in new film, "The Kids Are All Right." Liza Minnelli and Delta Burke to play dueling sisters in new Lifetime dramedy.)
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HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight, an explosive family feud just as Farrah Fawcett is laid to rest.
Tuesday, friends and family gathered at a church in Los Angeles to say their final farewells to Farrah Fawcett. Farrah`s longtime companion, Ryan O`Neal, served as a pallbearer. And their son Redmond was temporarily freed from jail to attend his mother`s funeral.
But outside the church, Griffin O`Neal, Ryan`s other son with actress Joanna Cook, was apparently barred from the ceremony. And in an explosive interview, an angry Griffin tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Ryan O`Neal was taking Farrah for all she had. Watch this.
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G. O`NEAL: I think he`s afraid of me because I know the truth about what happened in the end in the later days of, you know, when Red - before he went to jail. I knew that he insisted that Red stay with him.
And what that ended up - what ended up happening there was Red stayed loaded and they both went to jail for drug possession. And you know, that stuff, we know. But I know a lot more than that.
And it was sad because my dad thought there was a big payday coming, really, and it`s that shallow. Ryan wasn`t in it for the right reasons. He`s a dark man., and he needs to - he needs to be put in his place. I`m a little mad at him.
And the reason I`m not in there is because I represent the truth, and God forbid the truth come out.
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HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did reach out to Ryan O`Neal for comment. But as of show time, we did not hear back from him.
Well, Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Who was the greatest entertainer of all time?" Most of you said, Michael Jackson, 38 percent. That`s followed by Elvis, 34 percent, and The Beatles at 28 percent.
Here are some of the fired up E-mails that we got. We heard from Marjorie in Alabama who writes, "When all is said and done, Elvis changed it all. As John Lennon said, `Before Elvis, there was nothing.`"
But Crystal from Florida writes, "MJ is the best entertainer of all the three because he crossed over all races, genders and cultures."
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fans also weighing in. Let me read a couple. Kim M. saying this, "It`s really hard to choose between the greats like The Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson. I would say Michael Jackson. He inspired the world through his music and broke racial barriers."
Remember, you can become a fan of our Facebook page by going to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. 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.
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