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Showbiz Tonight
Video of Michael Jackson`s Hair on Fire Released; Tough, Brand-New Questions About Michael Jackson`s Children; The Gender Gap in the Jon and Kate Debate
Aired July 16, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASHLEIGH BANFIELD, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the explosive brand-new mysteries over the just-revealed video of Michael Jackson`s hair catching fire.
Tonight, the disturbing new questions, why has the video been hidden for 25 years? Where did it come from? Was that the moment that changed Jackson`s life forever? And would Michael have gotten more sympathy had the video been seen sooner?
Tonight, brand-new questions, tough ones, about Michael Jackson`s kids. Are they being raised the way Michael wanted? What do the kids really know about their mother, Debbie Rowe? And how much money are they worth? Plus, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, should Michael`s sister, Janet Jackson, get the kids and raise them?
And the great Jon and Kate plus date debate. The coast-to-coast gender gap over Jon`s 22-year-old new girlfriend. Why are men and women so divided over what Jon is doing?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello, everyone. I`m Ashleigh Banfield in New York. A.J. Hammer has the night off tonight.
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing disturbing brand-new mysteries over the just revealed video of Michael Jackson`s hair catching fire. And we have got to warn you that the video is graphic. It`s disturbing.
The never-before-seen video just obtained exclusively by "Us Weekly" is the first time anyone has seen that terrible moment 25 years ago when Jackson was overwhelmed by flames while filming a Pepsi commercial.
And today, the video created one incredible question after another. The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom was busy all day digging deep for the answers because let there be no doubt, the brand-new video is definitely making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It`s the most horrifying look we`ve had of Michael Jackson. "Us Weekly`s" brand-new video of Michael Jackson`s hair catching fire when fireworks went off prematurely during the filming of 1984 Pepsi commercial. It has the whole world in shock -
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": We should warn you that it`s very hard to look at.
BANFIELD: Including the hosts of "The View."
GOLDBERG: Prepare yourself.
(CROSS TALK)
Yes, he doesn`t know it.
BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Michael doesn`t know that he`s on fire.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my god.
BANFIELD: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, while undeniably disturbing, this never-before-seen video unearths a lot of disturbing questions like, where did it come from? Why is it being released now after all this time?
And the most disturbing question of all, are we now seeing the very beginning of Jackson`s downward spiral, a spiral that ended in his tragic death?
On HLN`s "Prime News" with Mike Galanos, "Us Weekly`s" Lindsay Powers repeatedly refused to say where the magazine got the shocking video.
MIKE GALANOS, HOST, "PRIME NEWS": You can`t tell me anything - someone came to you with it, how you guys obtained this - anything at all?
POWERS: You know, it`s just company policy not to reveal the exact - you know, the exact way that we get all of our news.
BANFIELD: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, from the moment the accident occurred, insiders not only knew it was all caught on tape, they reportedly pored over the footage to see what went wrong.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: After a second or two, he felt the intense onset of pain and fell to the ground.
BANFIELD: In fact, as Jackson recovered from his injuries, he actually asked for the tapes of the mishap to be released so that his fans could see the accident for themselves. That didn`t happen, and all fans got to see was this photo.
So, why are we finally getting a look at this footage now, 25 years later? Appearing on HLN prime news, "Us Weekly`s" Lindsay Powers wasn`t saying much about the timing.
GALANOS: When did you, guys, obtain this, Lindsay?
POWERS: You know, we - as I said, a good journalist never reveals too many sources of the reporting. But we obtained it recently.
BANFIELD: As the world gets a look at this video, investigators in L.A. are looking into whether Jackson`s death is linked to the prescription painkillers and sedatives he struggled with during his life. It`s a struggle that apparently began with this Pepsi accident.
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Did he have hair?
DR. ARNOLD KLEIN, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DERMATOLOGIST: He had lost a great deal of it.
BANFIELD: Recently on "LARRY KING LIVE," Jackson`s dermatologist, Arnold Klein, talked in excruciating detail about the years of pain Jackson suffered as a result of the Pepsi accident. The pop star never grew back the hair that as we see in the new video was singed off during the accident.
In 1993, Jackson admitted to an addiction to painkillers, an addiction he linked to that awful night in 1984.
MICHAEL JACKSON, POP STAR: This medication was initially prescribed to soothe the excruciating pain that I was suffering after recent reconstructive surgery on my scalp.
BANFIELD: Soon after Michael`s death, his brother, Jermaine, told the "Today" show that the family had heard Jackson`s drug issues started with that Pepsi commercial.
JERMAINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S BROTHER: I heard things about the prescriptions drugs when he had the Pepsi burn.
BANFIELD: The finished Pepsi commercial aired on TV for the first time during the Grammy Awards on February 28th, 1984, just a month after the accident. Michael Jackson won a record eight Grammys that night.
Now, as we see the accident in horrifying detail for the first time, it all seems sadly ironic that a moment so linked to the King of Pop`s greatest triumph could also mark his downfall.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
So, while that disturbing video raises all of these brand-new questions, just how difficult will it be to get all of the answers now that Michael Jackson is dead?
With me tonight in New York is Midwin Charles, attorney with the law firm, Midwin Charles and Associates. Also in New York, Jean Casarez, who is a legal correspondent for "In Session."
All right, you two. After I got over the shock of seeing this video just released, the next thing I thought was, how in the world did this tape, which was obtained by "Us Weekly," just surface now? It`s 25 years since this accident. Jean, should we be at all surprised by the timing of this release or could there be more here?
JEAN CASAREZ, LEGAL CORRESPONDENT, "IN SESSION": It`s very suspicious - very suspicious. Somebody has held this for 25 years. And in the report you just ran, Ashleigh, it said that Michael Jackson had wanted it to be released to show the fans. Somebody refused to do that for some reason.
Our common sense has to tell us, Ashleigh, that money was involved. That tape was sold by someone, probably a huge sum, to now be released. Are his children seeing it for the first time now, too? And actually, it`s so hard to look at.
BANFIELD: I hope they`re not. I hope they`re not. You know, up until now, we basically have seen nothing but a photo like this one of the accident. And I really don`t think people had any idea just how serious this was. There were even people spoofing this accident but Michael was really badly burned. Midwin, does the way this tape just happened pop up make you suspicious that there`s more to this revelation that meets the eye?
MIDWIN CHARLES, ATTORNEY, MIDWIN CHARLES AND ASSOCIATES: It does make me suspicious. Like you said, the timing of it is absolutely ridiculous. But I suspect, Ashleigh, we`re going to see a whole bunch of video, photographs - all kinds of things that will now surface now that Michael Jackson is dead.
BANFIELD: Yes, perhaps the value just skyrocketing. Michael Jackson admitted that the horrible accident did leave him to getting an addiction to painkillers. And almost 10 years later Michael released a videotaped statement revealing the details of his struggle. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL JACKSON: As you may already know, after my tour ended, I remained out of the country undergoing treatment for a dependency on pain medication. This medication was initially prescribed to soothe the excruciating pain that I was suffering after recent reconstructive surgery on my scalp.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: Oh, wow. That was just 10 years after the accident, so clearly, it had a huge and lasting impact on Michael`s life. Jean, I`m wondering, a lot of people say that the accident was the turning point that triggered Michael going downhill. What do you think?
BANFIELD: I think that beyond anything, it sort of allows us to understand a little bit where he may have come from. Now, there is a death investigation, possible homicide investigation into his death. I don`t think this would have any relevance to his death. But at least, it helps us understand maybe where he came from.
BANFIELD: All right. Well, let me ask this - what if this video - what if this video had been made public soon after the accident, like 25 years ago? Midwin, do you think this might have changed the way people saw Michael, maybe just perhaps, just perhaps, they would have been less likely to tease him, relentlessly, to criticize him after all of these years, to spoof the fact that he suffered these kind of injuries?
CHARLES: Well, yes. I mean, anyone looking at this tape can see that it`s horrific and that he suffered greatly. And it would have certainly garnered a lot more sympathy. People would have relaxed a little bit before they passed judgment on him.
You`re right. I do remember a whole bunch of spoofs and comments that were made about this accident. Some even speculated that perhaps it didn`t even really happen, that Michael was seeking attention and publicity. So you`re right. Had it been released at the time clearly, clearly he would have been understood a bit more.
BANFIELD: Jean, 10 seconds - newfound sympathies?
CASAREZ: Oh, I definitely think so. And if he wanted it released 25 years ago, who stopped it?
BANFIELD: Amazing. Jean Casarez, Midwin Charles, thank you both.
I have got to say that it is really sad to see what happened in that video from Michael`s past. Perhaps, even more tragic, maybe the future of Jackson`s children without their daddy.
Tonight, brand-new controversial questions about the future of Jackson`s kids. Are they being raised the way Michael wanted? How much money could these kids actually be worth? And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask the question, should Michael`s famous sister, Aunt Janet, step in and raise Michael`s kids?
BANFIELD: Plus, the great Jon and Kate date debate. I`ve got to tell you, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers are completely outraged over John Gosselin`s choice to date a 22-year-old woman. But why are men seemingly less outraged about it than women? Huh? What`s Jon doing here?
And also, I`ve got this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When President Obama threw out the first pitch the other night, he already had one strike against him. Critics summed it up in two words - mom jeans.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: Uh-oh. Did President Obama commit a major fashion faux pas? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Tonight a special Emmy edition of the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT news ticker. Throughout the show we`re going to be showing you who made the cut for this year`s Emmy Awards. Here`s are just a few of the nominees announced today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The nominations in the comedy series category are, "Entourage," "Family Guy," "Flight of the Conchords," "How I Met Your Mother," "The Office," "30 Rock," and "Weeds."
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: He loves slow.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I did it because I don`t want her to be my girlfriend, which I don`t because I don`t want anybody to be my girlfriend.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You really like being single?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BANFIELD: President Barack Obama throwing out the first pitch at the all- star game in St. Louis on Tuesday. But take a really close look at this video.
OK. I`m going to say it. There is something very wrong with this picture, folks. Is the leader of the free world guilty of a crime of fashion?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Ashleigh Banfield, in for A.J. Hammer.
Tonight, President Obama in mom jeans? When the leader of the free world throws out the first pitch at a baseball game, there may be some playful ribbing about his windup or maybe some critique of his speed.
But President Obama really got thrown a curveball because people are criticizing his pants. I`m not kidding. Was the president really wearing the dreaded mom jeans?
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When President Obama threw out the first pitch the other night, he already had one strike against him.
ROBERT VERDE, CELEBRITY STYLIST: They`re way too short.
MOOS: Not his pitch.
VERDE: And these look frumpy.
MOOS: Not his windup.
VERDE: And look like he`s got two big tree trunk legs.
MOOS: Critics summed it up in two words - mom jeans, a sweet pair of mom jeans. Nice mom jeans, Obama. OK. So a couple of blogs called them dad jeans - for he most part.
VERDE: They`re mom jeans - yes, for sure.
MOOS: Kind of high-waist jeans mocked on "Saturday Night Live" -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Introducing mom jeans. She`ll love the nine-inch difference, casual front pleats. Give her something that says, "I`m not a woman anymore. I`m a mom."
MOOS: Mom jeans even have a song dedicated to them.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
The attack on the president`s jeans brought out defenders. "Love it, perfect. He is adorable. They`re pants. Who cares?" "The Huffington Post" did a poll of its generally Obama-friendly readers who voted overwhelmingly for, "He looks super-cool." But don`t tell that to a celebrity stylist.
VERDE: They`re terrible. There`s nothing modern about them.
MOOS: Robert Verde is a huge Obama fan.
(on camera): But this isn`t the first time that President Obama has been accused of wearing the dreaded mom jeans.
(voice-over): There was a time back during the campaign when he went bike riding in a helmet and jeans. Some speculated that he was trying to look nerdy to combat the charge of elitism. The last time we heard such a chorus of mom jeans mockery, it was directed at Jessica Simpson.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jessica Simpson and her mom jeans. Mom jeans controversy exploded.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Serious pair of mom jeans.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jessica, you look great wearing those mom jean pants.
MOOS: Somehow we doubt the president regrets not wearing designer jeans.
BROOKE SHIELDS, ACTRESS AND MODEL: You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.
MOOS: Well, let`s keep between what comes between the president and his mom jeans a safe secret.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BANFIELD: And that was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
All right. People are absolutely up in arms over "Jon & Kate Plus 8`s" Jon Gosselin trotting out that 22-year-old girlfriend in front of the whole world. Calls are pouring in to the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines. We got a call in to the "Showbiz on Call" from Adrianne who says what Jon is doing is nothing new.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: My comment on Jon Gosselin is men cheat. It`s happened throughout the ages. And why is he so special that he gets publicity for cheating? I think that the publicity should be for the benefit of the children. That should focus on the children and leave his sex life out. Because, frankly, who cares?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BANFIELD: Thank you, Adrianne. And we also heard from Hannah calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Arkansas who says Jon should be able to date.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I`m calling about Jon and Kate. I think Jon - he has a right to move on with his life and date other people. I think Kate was very intimidating to him. And I think that he has a right to move on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: All right. Thank you, Hannah. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that`s on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. You can call us at 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. And we`ll play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are also online now on our homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
You know, I think a lot of people are worried about Jon and Kate`s kids. But what is going on with Michael Jackson`s three children? They`ve lost their only parent. So now what?
Tonight, controversial questions about the future of Jackson`s kids. Are they being raised the way Michael wanted. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, should Michael`s famous sister, Janet, step in and take control of those kids?
And the great Jon and Kate dating debate. Jon Gosselin is getting absolutely skewered by SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers for trotting out a 22-year- old girlfriend. But do men feel differently than women about his choice? It is the great gender divide over Jon`s new life.
And a man gets killed at the site of Madonna`s concert tour in France. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
We continue now with a special edition of the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." Here are more of the 2009 Emmy Award nominees announced today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The nominees for lead actor in a drama series are Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"; Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"; Hugh Laurie, "House"; Gabriel Byrne in "Treatment"; John Hamm, "Mad Men"; and Simon Baker, "The Mentalist."
HUGH LAURIE, ACTOR: Got to be sleep apnea. After a good night`s sleep, I still feel exhausted. Lack of delta sleep can lead to hallucinations.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Do you have any other neurological symptoms?
LAURIE: I don`t think so.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Aphasia?
LAURIE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Memory loss?
LAURIE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Irritability?
LAURIE: Yes, that one.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Don`t deflect. He cares about you.
LAURIE: He shouldn`t be practicing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Just once, (INAUDIBLE).
DANIEL RADCLIFFE, ACTOR (as Harry Potter): Really?
EMMA WATSON, ACTRESS (as Hermoine Granger): Hey, she takes interest in you because she thinks you`re the chosen one.
RADCLIFFE: But I am the chosen one. OK, sorry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" -it is already casting a spell at the box office, earning an estimated $58.4 million in, get this, one day. I did say it, one day. But is the sixth "Harry Potter" the best ever? Or is Harry losing his magic touch with the muggles?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, everyone. I`m Ashleigh Banfield, in for A.J. Hammer. Tonight "Harry Potter" mania again. If the first five "Potter" films didn`t mesmerize you, the sixth, "Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince," just might.
Just think, if "The Half-Blood Prince" earned almost $60 million in one day, imagine what it could do in an entire weekend? Is this just "Potter" magic?
Joining me tonight is - from New York her "Picks and Pans" is famous. She`s "People" magazine`s film critic, Leah Rozen. Hello, Leah.
LEAH ROZEN, FILM CRITIC, "PEOPLE MAGAZINE": Hello, Ashleigh.
BANFIELD: Almost $60 million in one day. I`m guessing this "Potter" really doesn`t disappoint.
ROZEN: It doesn`t disappoint especially for "Harry Potter" fans. In some ways, this is a transitional film. You sort of have to say - the things that happen in this film have to happen to get to the next one. There are going to be two more "Potter" films, a seventh and eighth, which they`re making out of the seventh and final book.
BANFIELD: This one`s pg. Did your nephew love it? I know you love to talk about your nephew, Gowan(ph).
ROZEN: I have a 9-year-old nephew and he announced it wasn`t scary enough. That may have just been bravado on his part. What I like about the film, though, the older the kids are getting, they`re clearly - they now can act. Hormones are a-hopping on screen. And sort of the older they get, the more emotionally complex the plots get.
BANFIELD: Yes.
ROZEN: So, it no longer has to rely on all those special effects and flying dragons and that kind of thing. We really care about story.
BANFIELD: And you know what? The longer it ends up in the theaters, the more big money it`s going to cash in on. Leah Rozen, thanks.
ROZEN: You`re welcome.
BANFIELD: For more "Picks and Pans," make sure you pick up a copy of "People" magazine. It is on the newsstands on Friday.
And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
The great Jon and Kate debate - the dating debate. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers have spoken out and they are outraged. But why is there a gender divide over Jon`s new 22-year-old date?
And the controversial question surrounding Michael Jackson`s kids. Are they being raised the way Michael would have wanted them to? And should his famous sister Janet step in and raise the kids?
Plus, what may be the remarkable long-lost song of Michael Jackson. It`s never heard been before and we have it. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And we continue now with a special edition of the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." Here are more of the 2009 Emmy nominees announced just today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nomination for lead actress in a drama series are: Sally Field, "Brothers and Sisters"; Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"; Glenn Close, "Damages"; Mariska Hargitay, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"; Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"; and Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KYRA SEDGWICK, ACTRESS: Now, I have a lot of questions about what happened here and I don`t need this crap trying to bully me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BANFIELD: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, breaking Michael Jackson developments over the controversy over his kids. Should Janet Jackson raise Prince, Paris and Blanket? Plus, what are these kids potentially worth?
Tonight, the great Jon and Kate debate. It`s the fired-up coast-to- coast smackdown over whether or not Jon should be stepping out with his new 22-year-old lady love.
A man is killed on Madonna`s concert stage in France. What went wrong and what is Madonna saying about it?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Ashleigh Banfield, in for A.J. Hammer.
Tonight, brand-new developments - controversies over Michael Jackson`s three kids. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT bringing you the developments breaking today about how the kids` lives have been since their father`s death.
Breaking tonight, the Debbie Rowe mystery. What exactly do these kids know about her? Do Paris and Prince know that she`s their biological mother? Do they even know she exists?
And then, there`s the Janet Jackson factor. Ever since Michael`s daughter`s Paris cried on Aunt Janet`s shoulder at her father`s memorial service, the blogosphere has been flooded with fans asking if she should raise Michael`s three kids.
Also tonight, Michael`s money. Brand-new questions about how rich these three kids could become or how their financial future might just be in ruins.
Joining me tonight in New York, Midwin Charles, who is an attorney with Midwin Charles and Associates. And from New York, Jean Casarez, who is legal correspondent for "In Session" and my esteemed colleague.
Let`s begin with the still-breaking developments, the controversy over Debbie Rowe, the mystery. Do Michael`s two older kids have any idea that she`s their mother?
Caroline Graham who interviewed La Toya Jackson for "The Daily Mail" told CNN`s Larry King that La Toya did not like Debbie Rowe and that La Toya claims the kids don`t even know that Debbie is their biological mother. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAROLINE GRAHAM, CORRESPONDENT, "THE DAILY MAIL": La Toya was quite scathing about Debbie. The ones you.
LARRY KING, CNN HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Scathing?
GRAHAM: Scathing. She told me that those children do not know that Debbie Rowe is their biological mother which I was shocked by. So, everybody knew that but those children. They`ve met Debbie Rowe on a couple of occasions. But at Debbie`s request, they were never introduced as, "This is your mom." It was always, "This is Debbie."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: Wow. Jean, we know Michael kept those kids secluded. But really, all they have to do is turn on their TV or Google their own names and they`ll find out everything. So, isn`t it a bit of a stretch to suggest that they haven`t already done that? They`re 12 and 11.
CASAREZ: That`s true. We don`t know what their environment is like, though. You know, one thing I really took note of at the memorial when Al Sharpton was speaking and he addressed the children and said, "There was nothing strange about your daddy. What was strange was what he had to go through."
You saw them stand up, especially Paris, and just start to clap. They know some things, Ashleigh. They have to through watching that. But what they know about Debbie Rowe and the situation, I think only the family knows.
BANFIELD: Well, Midwin, do you think it sounds farfetched to you to suggest that these kids don`t know Debbie Rowe is their own mother?
CHARLES: Well, I think in this day and age, with where we are with electronics and Internet and blogging, it`s virtually impossible for them to not know. Granted, as Jean said, we don`t know what kind of environment they`re in. But it`s almost impossible for them not to know.
BANFIELD: Yes, especially if they have friends, right? You can keep the computers from them but not from friends.
CHARLES: And family and cousins.
BANFIELD: And family and cousins, too. Right. You`re right. I want to move on to the next big controversy that`s been exploding all day on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page. Should Janet Jackson raise Michael`s kids instead of Michael`s 79-year-old mother?
The interest in Janet seemed to be sparked by that heartbreaking moment during the memorial for Jackson when his only daughter, 11-year-old Paris, talked about her daddy. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PARIS KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DAUGHTER: I just want to say.
JANET JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S SISTER: Speak up, sweetheart. Speak up.
P. JACKSON: Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just want to say I love him so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: On our Facebook page, Zory F. writes, "I think Janet should raise M.J.`s kids. They are the only family that kids know. And they look comfortable with her. But I think Joe Jackson should stay away from the kids."
Jean, the kids certainly did look comfortable on the stage, at least with Janet. Does it make any sense?
CASAREZ: They did. But legally, his 2002 will said that he wanted the person to raise his children, the woman that had raised him, and that was his mother. Secondary to that, he put Diana Ross. He freely and willingly could have put Janet Jackson. He did not. I don`t think that necessarily means he wouldn`t want her to be a part of his life(sic), but the will, I think, directs legally at this point.
BANFIELD: Well, the Janet debate also caught the attention of Elisa P. who writes on our Facebook wall, "As much as I would want Janet to raise the kids, it wasn`t in Michael`s will," just as Jean said, "So it most likely was not what he wanted. I think Katherine would be the best choice, and they would still see Aunt Janet and the other brothers and sisters."
So Midwin, Michael wanted his mom, Katherine, to raise the kids. Do you think they`re better off with her or with Janet?
CHARLES: Well, it`s difficult to say. I mean, one of the things that we have to remember here is that Katherine is an older woman. She`s her late 70s. So in that respect, Janet, perhaps, might be the person to step in.
Nonetheless, this is a family and it doesn`t mean that Janet won`t have an important role in their lives. She`s going to see the kids. She`s probably going to baby-sit. They`re going to visit her. So her not being an official guardian doesn`t mean she won`t play a huge role their lives.
So the next big controversy over Michael`s kids involves what else, money. How much could these kids eventually be worth? "Wall Street Journal" is reporting that Jackson was $500 million in debt, but his 50 percent ownership of the Beatles catalog can worth somewhere between - ready - $500 million and $1 billion.
And since his death we should point out 2.3 million Jackson albums have been sold. So Jean, do you think it`s a given that these kids are going to become very, very rich?
CASAREZ: Oh, definitely. I mean, there`s so many money figures going around now. But the "Los Angeles Times" reported that his assets outweighed his debts at the time of death by about $200 million.
If you take that figure and you divide it with what we believe the trust document says, 40 percent to the children, 40 percent to Katherine, 20 percent to charities, that would mean the children, $80 million at the time of death; Katherine, $80 million at the time of death; the charities, $20 million.
BANFIELD: Yes. And let`s all remember that the big spender is no longer spending that money either. So Midwin, do you think that the judge in the case is going to take into account how much the kids could be worth and then be very, very choosy in who has a say in their lives?
CHARLES: Not necessarily. I mean, typically what a judge would do in a case like this is look at what is in the best interest of the children.
The fact that they have a relationship with Katherine, the fact that Michael Jackson specifically said that he wanted her to raise them, I think, will weigh heavily in his decision in deciding who gets to be with the kids.
BANFIELD: OK. So quick recap all of this - the mystery over whether the kids know who their mother is, uncertainty about who`s going to raise these kids, the battle over the money. Jean, do you think in the end these kids are going to be OK?
CASAREZ: I think they`re going to be fine. I really do. A judge will determine what`s in their best interest.
BANFIELD: Midwin, what do you think?
CHARLES: Same thing. The judge will determine what`s in their best interest. And let`s not forget - they`re 11 and 12. They will get to have a say as to who they think they should be with as well.
BANFIELD: OK. Here`s what I`m going to add to that - I just hope they don`t have to stand up in a court of law ...
CHARLES: I`ll say, too.
BANFIELD: ... and say that in front of everybody. I hope they can do this all outside of family court, because there`s really just nothing worse. Midwin Charles, Jean Casarez, like I knew you would be, you were terrific. Thank you, ladies.
All right. Folks want to weigh in here. We want to know what you think. We`re asking you to vote on our question of the day and here it is - "Janet Jackson: Should she raise Michael Jackson`s kids?" Keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Well, some other kids, eight kids to be exact, are at the center of an all-new, fired-up, coast-to-coast Jon and Kate debate. Men and women are taking sides. Maybe it has become a war right where you are in your own living room, the battle over whether or not Jon Gosselin should or shouldn`t be stepping out with his new 22-year-old gal pal.
A shocking death in connection with Madonna`s concert tour. A man killed on stage in France. What happened? What went wrong?
And what appears to be the lost Michael Jackson song. The remarkable previously unreleased song that has just now surfaced. And we`ve got it and you`ve got to hear it. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
We continue now with a special edition of the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." Here are more of the 2009 Emmy nominees announced today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The nominees for lead actress in a comedy series are: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "The New Adventures of Old Christine"; Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who"; Sarah Silverman, "Sarah Silverman Program"; Tina Fey "30 Rock"; Toni Collette, "United States of Tara"; and Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TINA FEY, ACTRESS: I eat emotionally. And one time, at summer camp, I kissed a girl on a dare, but then, she drowned. And here comes more stuff. I hate my feet. And once, I had a sex dream about Nate Berkus, but halfway through, he turned into Dr. Oz. Does that ever happen to you? Oh, a hug.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BANFIELD: Tragedy in France, where Madonna was set to take the stage. A man is killed after the stage suddenly collapses as the crews were setting it up for Madonna`s show. Now, Madonna was not at the arena where she was set to perform her "Sticky and Sweet" tour starting on Sunday. The five planned shows have now been scrapped.
And Madonna released this emotional statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "I am devastated to have just received this tragic news. My prayers go out to those who were injured and to their families."
Welcome back, everyone, to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Ashleigh Banfield, in for A.J. Hammer.
Tonight, the great Jon and Kate date debate, the men versus the women. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has been bringing you the revealing story of Jon`s 22-year- old girlfriend who is the daughter of his wife`s plastic surgeon.
Pictures of them in the French Riviera have been everywhere including the cover the brand-new "People" magazine about to hit newsstands. Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal that men and women everywhere are divided over whether Jon is doing the wrong thing.
Joining me tonight in New York, Cooper Lawrence, psychologist and author of the fine book, "The Cult of Celebrity." And in Hollywood tonight is Steve Santagati, who is the inspiration for Gerard Butler`s character in the upcoming movie, "The Ugly Truth." Steve is also the CEO of Bad Boys Finish First.
OK. Cooper, as we have asked before, is there anything wrong with that, with this whole notion of Jon flaunting his girlfriend so publicly just weeks after he and Kate filed for divorce? Is there anything wrong?
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGIST: Well, I think women think there`s something wrong with it because it reflects all their fears, like we`re also afraid that our husbands are going to leave us for the younger, hotter woman that we can`t do anything about it.
In this particular situation, I think he was treated horribly for a long time by Kate. And I`ve got to say I`m like, "Good for him."
BANFIELD: So, Steve, how do you fall into the great divide?
STEVE SANTAGATI, CEO, BAD BOYS FINISH FIRST: Well, you know, Kate should not have her hair that short. Everybody knows that men like long hair and it serves her right.
Actually, you know what, Ashleigh, in seriousness, I think women should pay attention to this because I think a lot of times, they pick these guys. And they`re so caught up in their desire to have a family and have, you know, kids that they don`t pay attention. I bet you there was something about Jon that Kate should have paid attention to from the get- go.
Now, having said that, I think Jon is, you know what, tough. I could have had a decision to have kids. I didn`t. But now, he`s got a responsibility as a father. I think that what`s bothering women is what Coop said, and I don`t like to agree with her. It`s because she`s younger.
BANFIELD: Oh, you know, sometimes, it`s hard to spot those things you`re talking about. You know, we asked in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Jon Gosselin`s 22-year-old girlfriend: Is it too soon for him to be dating?" 76 percent said, yes, it`s too soon for Jon to be dating, while only 24 percent said it`s not too soon to date.
And I can tell you that from the response we`re getting online and in to "Showbiz on Call" lines that women are absolutely overwhelmingly thinking that Jon is wrong for trotting out his new girlfriend. And many men are more like, "So what? Who cares?" That`s my really lousy Joy Behar.
So - but what do you think, Cooper? Why does this great divide?
LAWRENCE: Well, I think, you know, women are thinking about the children. And this is the role model that he`s sending children, "Women are disposable. When you`re done with one, you pick up another. You pick up a younger model."
I mean, he`s got so many little boys who look up to him. And he doesn`t seem to really be caring about the kids. So I think the women are also stepping out because they`re also seeing him running around, being really immature. And hello, you`re a dad. What`s going on?
BANFIELD: Not just a dad.
LAWRENCE: Yes.
BANFIELD: The dad of eight, big difference.
LAWRENCE: A dad times eight - exactly.
BANFIELD: We`ve got a call in to the "Showbiz on Call" lines from Kayla in Kentucky. She thinks that Jon is doing the wrong thing. Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I think it`s awful how he is leaving his wife and all his kids for other women and stuff. And I just think that isn`t a very good thing for everybody to look at.
And I think that he just has a lot of things he needs to think about and stop having all these girlfriends. And he needs to be a better role model for his kids.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BANFIELD: Well, thank you for that, Kayla. But a fellow named Mica E- mailed us from Iowa saying this, and I`m going to quote him, "I`m glad to see Jon Gosselin `happy.` He has to be `happy` to not be scrutinized and ridiculed by Kate for each and every breath that he takes. I do not think it`s too soon for him to be dating. It`s over between him and Kate. So why not move on and be happy? I wish him all the happiness and all the best."
Steve, does Mica bring up a good point? As long as Jon is happy, there`s no reason for him not date.
SANTAGATI: Yes, I think we`re all forgetting from the outside. And the ugly truth is that he`s a guy first, number one. And number two, we don`t know how bad the relationship was and for how long.
So maybe it seems early to us. But this has been going on for a long time. So now, he`s finally breaking out and going public with his decision. You know, he does have errands and stuff. I`m sure the fame of the show got to him a little bit. I`m sure there`s more women coming after him than ever before, so temptation is greater. I mean, he`s not Brad Pitt. But, you know, hello. I think -
LAWRENCE: I think I see it.
BANFIELD: Who is?
SANTAGATI: Oh, no, he`s not, Coop and Ashleigh. You know my point is like, it`s not too early. It`s like, if life is happening right now, he`s got to go out and do what he`s going to do.
BANFIELD: OK. I know this isn`t over. Cooper Lawrence, Steve Santagati, thanks, you two.
Tonight, could this be the long lost Michael Jackson song? A remarkable previously unreleased song by the King of Pop appears to have just surfaced.
TMZ obtained the audio of the song "A Place with no Name" exactly three weeks to the day of Michael`s death. Listen to this.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
And if you thought that the song sounds familiar, you are on track. Because TMZ says the band America gave Michael permission to do the song despite the stunning similarity to America`s 1971 hit, "A Horse with no Name."
Now, America`s current manager was once Michael`s manager. And he tells us that he knew that Michael had requested permission to use the song and he saw the request for the lyric change and he believes it is Michael. Sony ATV owns the rights and as of show time, no confirmation from them.
Plus, another M.J. mystery tonight. Did Paul McCartney influence Michael Jackson`s controversial decision to buy the Beatles music catalog? Sir Paul`s brand-new revelations about the deal that changed their relationship forever and why it may have been because of a suggestion by Paul himself.
We continue now with a special edition of the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." Here are more of the 2009 Emmy nominees announced today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For lead actor in a comedy series the nominees are: Jermaine Clement, "Flight of the Conchords"; Tony Shalhoub, "Monk"; Steve Carell "The Office"; Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"; Charlie Sheen, "2 1/2 Men"; and Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang".
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
STEVE CARRELL, ACTOR: Ohm, everybody sit on the floor. You need to sound like me. Ohm, my god, if you`re wearing a dress, please keep your knees together, nobody wants to see that, ohm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: And time now for "Making It Work" where we find out how stars make their relationships work. And tonight, David Beckham. The world`s most famous soccer star is back home in L.A. after spending six months playing for an Italian team. But even when he`s thousands of miles away, David says he makes it work by making special time for his wife Victoria, a.k.a. Posh Spice
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID BECKHAM, SOCCER STAR: If you`re lucky enough to have children which we`ve got - three beautiful boys. You know, your priority is them. But you know, you also have to make time for each other because it`s so important that you spend as much time together and -
MATT LAUER, HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: This from a guy who just spent six month away from his wife.
BANFIELD: But in David`s defense, he just got a tattoo of ten roses to mark his 10-year wedding anniversary. Hey, I think that probably makes it work, too. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
BANFIELD: Whoa. Look at that crowd. Paul McCartney rocking New York in the middle of rush hour, too, performing the Beatles classic "Get Back" on the top of "The Ed Sullivan Theater" marquee.
And by the way, take a look at this. It`s the same theater where John, Paul, George and Ringo set off the British invasion 45 years ago, and it was the Ed Sullivan Theater.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, everyone. Tonight, for the first time on TV, we are hearing how Paul McCartney may have influenced Michael Jackson to buy the Beatles music catalog. The dynamic music legends teamed up in 1983 for the hit song, "Say, Say, Say," but their relationship fell apart two years later when Michael bought the Beatles catalog for nearly $50 million.
Sir Paul now reveals on "The Late Show with David Letterman" that it may have been because of a simple suggestion by Paul himself.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL MCCARTNEY, MUSICIAN: He was talking to me and asking my business advice. And one of the things I said to him was, "Think about getting into music publishing." And then, he looked at me and kind of like - I thought he was joking when he said, "I`m going to get yours." So, you know, I kind of thought, "Oh, you!"
(LAUGHTER)
But it turned out to be true. And I did talk to him about it but he kind of blanked me on it. He kept saying that`s just business, Paul, you know. So, yes, it is and waited for a reply.
But we never kind of got to it and I thought, so we kind of drifted apart. It was no big bust-up. We kind of drifted apart after that. He`s a lovely man, massively talented and we miss him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BANFIELD: Paul shot down rumors that Michael left him the catalog in his will. But what is true is that the 250 songs are estimated to be worth up to $1 billion dollars.
On Wednesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Jon Gosselin`s 22-year-old girlfriend: Is it too soon for him to be dating?" 76 percent of you said yes; 24 percent of you say no.
And here are some of the e-mails that we got. Tracey from Arizona writes, "I am totally with Jon. Kate treated him like a child. She is evil. I think he should get his own show and call it `Jon Minus Kate is Great.`"
And Chris from Texas writes this: "Jon Gosselin should not date this soon. He`s still legally married to Kate and it is not fair to the children.
That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, everyone. I`m Ashleigh Banfield, in for A.J. Hammer. Thanks for watching.
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