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Showbiz Tonight
Chris Brown`s First Interview Since His Arrest; DJ AM`s Shocking Death; Kelly Preston Says It`s Too Soon to Talk About Jett; Joe Jackson`s New War; Carrie Prejean Headed to Court
Aired August 31, 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, Chris Brown`s brand-new first explosive TV interview since his arrest for beating Rihanna. His stunning reaction to the attack.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS BROWN, SINGER: I`m in shock because that`s not who I am as a person.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Brown`s unbelievable revelations that he doesn`t even remember beating Rihanna. Will his emotional words help or hurt his damaged image? Tonight, Chris Brown speaks out about beating Rihanna.
The shocking and sudden death of DJ AM, the celebrity DJ who survived a deadly plane crash found dead in his own bed. Were drugs involved? And grief-stricken celebrities from coast to coast speak out about the sudden loss of their beloved friend.
John Travolta`s wife Kelly Preston`s emotional words about why it is still too soon to talk about the sudden death of their son.
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.
Chris Brown said he doesn`t remember the night he beat up his former girlfriend, Rihanna.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Do you remember doing this?
BROWN: No.
KING: You don`t remember doing it?
BROWN: I don`t - it`s crazy. I`m like, wow.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. I`m like wow. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the first look at Chris Brown`s very first TV interview since he was arrested for the attack. We have more of Brown`s brand-new and very controversial comments to CNN`s Larry King. But will Brown`s words help or hurt his already severely damaged reputation?
Also making big news right now, the tragic death of a DJ. The biggest stars in Hollywood are reeling over the shocking death of celebrity DJ Adam Goldstein, also known as DJ AM. Goldstein found dead in this New York City apartment late Friday.
He was once engaged to Nicole Richie. He survived a headline-making plane crash. He just wrapped a brand-new MTV show all about battling drug addiction. Wait until you hear his chilling words about how the show affected his own battle with drugs. So, what went tragically wrong?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood is Carlos Diaz who is a correspondent for "Extra." In New York is Jami Floyd, an "In Session" anchor.
And I want to begin with the brand-new exclusive TV interview with Chris Brown. This is his first since he was arrested for beating Rihanna to a pulp. CNN`s Larry King sat down with Brown and his mother just days after a judge sentenced Chris to that hard labor and the five years of probation for the attack.
And in this never-before-seen interview, Larry King asked Brown if he remembers beating Rihanna that night and what he thought about the police reports that detailed just how brutally he beat her. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KING: When you hear about all the things that the police and the reports say you did, how do you react to that?
BROWN: I just look at it and like, wow, I`m in shock. Because, first of all, that`s not who I am as a person and that`s not who I promise I won`t be. So, I just - when I look at the police reports or hear about the police reports, I don`t know what to think. I just don`t know what to think. It`s just like, wow.
KING: Do you remember doing it?
BROWN: No.
KING: You don`t remember doing it?
BROWN: I don`t - it`s like it`s crazy to me. I`m like, wow.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: He says he doesn`t remember beating her to a bloody pulp. Carlos, talk about a non-answer. What do you make of that?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": You know, I don`t know if he should be talking. I mean, you don`t remember her because you wrote a song about it. How did you write the song? And you apologized for it. What are you apologizing for if you don`t remember it?
And that`s the thing. It`s like - I think it`s a cop out. I think it`s his way of saying, "I don`t remember it so don`t ask me any more questions about it. You want specifics? I don`t remember the specifics so you can`t really talk to me about it."
HAMMER: Yes.
DIAZ: So, I think it`s a total cop out. I think he needs to be quiet. And I don`t know if we`re ever going to really forgive Chris Brown. I really don`t know if America will ever forgive him.
HAMMER: Well, if he`s not taking ownership of what he did, I don`t think so either. Jami, any insight as to what`s going on with this?
JAMI FLOYD, ANCHOR, "IN SESSION": I completely agree with Carlos. He should not be talking. This is the time to lay low for a long time. If he wants to focus on his art and his music and be public in that way, fine. But go on - with all do respect to Larry, it`s a good get. Congratulations, you got Chris Brown to talk to you.
But if I`m his lawyer and if I`m his mama, I`m telling him to shut up ...
HAMMER: Yes.
FLOYD: ... go back to Virginia. Don`t be talking. You`re not going to say anything that`s going to convince the public. You`ve got a few people who are on your side who want to see you straighten up and fly right. Let`s just see you do it. Put your money where your mouth is.
And I do believe that maybe he doesn`t remember what happened, because I think when they go into this white rage, they don`t remember these. Batterers don`t remember. But if he says, "This is not who I am," who you are is what you do. This is what you were.
HAMMER: Yes.
FLOYD: And now, you need to become someone else.
HAMMER: And we`ve heard about that in terms of blacking out from an experience like that.
FLOYD: Yes.
HAMMER: But his lawyer and his mother, who you mentioned, Jami - they`re sitting right there during that interview. And Chris`s mom is speaking out about her son saying that she was shocked when she first heard the news about Chris` attack on Rihanna. Charles, roll that clip.
KING: What did he say to you, Joyce, when this happened the first time the first time you spoke to your son?
JOYCE HAWKINS, CHRIS BROWN`S MOTHER: He came and he actually spoke to me about what happened. And I was totally shocked, totally upset about the whole situation. I know that Chris has never, ever been a violent person ever. I mean, throughout entire time through high school or anything, I have never been called or anything.
KING: Never?
HAWKINS: Never.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. His mother says he was never a violent person. But Chris Brown has talked about growing up in a house where he saw his mother being abused. Carlos, let me ask you this. Does it make sense that she was surprised by the fact that her son was violent given the childhood and what he grew up with?
DIAZ: It makes sense she would say that now, you know, because she is on the machine wanting to save her son`s career. I mean, see, that`s the thing. We are talking about a career here, because if we are talking about a life and wanting to save, you know, his life as far as being a person, he wouldn`t go on "LARRY KING."
He is trying to save his career. And you know what? There a lot of artists out there for people to listen to. And maybe, we`ve kind of moved beyond Chris Brown and maybe we don`t even want to hear what he has to say.
HAMMER: Well, he`s also speaking out to "People" magazine in a brand-new interview. I want to read a bit of that where he just says he still loves Rihanna. He says, "I never fell out of love with her. That just wouldn`t go away." That doesn`t really surprise me. Jami, but do you think - I mean, it sounds pretty clear here that, speaking out, he`s doing a lot more harm than good. Do you agree?
FLOYD: Yes. There is a problem there, too. You`ve got five years. He needs to stay away from the woman ...
HAMMER: Yes.
FLOYD: ... he says he`s still in love with. His mom is in touch with her which is a problem. If he goes anywhere near her, within 10 yards of this woman he says he`s still in love with, then, he is in violation and that sentence comes crashing down on his head.
I`m with Carlos. He needs to - forget the career. Get your life - Chris, listen to me, man. Get your back in order. And then, maybe the career will follow. But if prison comes down on your head, there is not going to be any career.
DIAZ: No. Yes.
HAMMER: Well, let me read real quickly what some people are saying on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page, because it has been flooded, so many messages coming in about this.
We heard from Melissa N. saying, "How does one forget beating up someone? That statement ruins any sort of forgiveness I might have felt towards him."
Katelyn writing, "It`s too late for Chris Brown and reputation to be saved. By saying that he doesn`t remember beating up his former girlfriend not only makes him look like a complete fool. It also gives a whole other meaning to the word `pathetic.` Better luck next time, Chris."
Again, we are only hearing a bit of this interview, but you know, wow.
DIAZ: Yes.
HAMMER: Just not what I hoped he would have said. Let`s move on now, because we have some brand-new shocking news to talk about tonight. Thirty-six-year-old celebrity DJ, DJ AM found dead in his New York City apartment late Friday. Some startling details emerging about the circumstances surrounding his death.
I want to give you some context here. DJ AM was Nicole Richie`s former fiance. He also famously dated Mandy Moore. He also made major headlines after surviving a deadly plane crash less than a year ago.
Police sources telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT drug paraphernalia found at the scene of his death. Hollywood reacting immediately to the news. We heard from Mandy Moore releasing this statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "I am absolutely heartbroken. For those of us lucky enough to have known him, Adam radiated a contagious exuberance for life and also personified the very definition of a true friend. To say that he will be missed beyond words is an understatement. My heart goes out to his loved ones."
Carlos, let me go right to you here because you have some real history with this guy.
DIAZ: Yes.
HAMMER: In fact, I know he was the first guy you ever interviewed when you got to "Extra" years ago. He was just revered in Hollywood, not just for the work, but for the kind of guy he was.
DIAZ: Yes. What startled me was, you know, I talked to a lot of radio stations every morning. The radio stations I talked with in the Midwest where they said well, this guy - he`s just known because he dated Nicole Richie. That is not the case.
If you`re on either coast, you`d know DJ AM. And I`m going to use this term in all honesty - he was an artist. He really was an artist. The things he did with music was true art.
And you know what? He was a great guy, soft spoken but very confident in his abilities as an artist, as a DJ. And you know, it`s a sad thing because he truly is, and I mean this, because I talked to him on dozens of occasions. We hung out. We hung out in LAX nightclub in Las Vegas.
He is a great person. He will be missed. But this is another indication - get off the drugs, OK?
HAMMER: Yes.
DIAZ: Because the drugs - drugs are taking too many people away from us. And if you do drugs, you will pay the price.
HAMMER: I`ve got something I have to play for you. DJ AM was working on an MTV show about drug addiction that had been scheduled to debut in October. Now, the Associated Press interviewed DJ AM about the show. Adam explained what it was like holding drug paraphernalia in his hands and staging interventions with addicts for the show. Now, keep in mind that 11 years ago, he himself was an addict.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ADAM GOLDSTEIN, "DJ AM": I am a recovering drug addict. And I`m around - you know, when I see it in their room and the paraphernalia and the whole lifestyle and everything, I still, 11 years later, have that little thing in my head that starts thinking, "Oh, where is that. I wonder what that is."
And I look at it this way and I have to, you know, constantly, you know, remind myself why I`m here and remember what it was like. And there`s no better way to remember what it was like when I was at my bottom than to see someone at their bottom.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The toxicology reports pending here. Obviously, it`s a wait and see, but wow, what a tragic and unfortunate loss here. Carlos Diaz, Jami Floyd, thank you guys so much.
And you definitely do not want to miss the rest of Larry King`s exclusive interview with Chris Brown which airs Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern on CNN.
Well, tonight, the very first Jackson family member reacts to Michael Jackson`s death being ruled a homicide. In a brand-new interview, Jackson`s father, Joe, is speaking out for the first time about the ruling and why he wants justice.
And what did he know about Michael`s drug use? Who does he think killed his son? Tonight, Joe Jackson`s brand-new war.
And it is the most anticipated come back in years. Whitney Houston`s brand-new album just out today. But I am wondering, can she shake her famous demons? The drug use. Her rollercoaster relationship with Bobby Brown. Her divorce. Can Whitney be the queen of the night once again?
And former Miss California and anti-gay marriage beauty queen Carrie Prejean in a hot legal mess? We will tell you why. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Former first daughter Jenna Bush to become "Today" correspondent. Madonna toured Jerusalem`s holy sights: her first concerts there in 16 years.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Did you see this? Nearly 13,000 Michael Jackson fans in Mexico City sporting fedoras and white gloves as they tried to break the Guinness World Record for the most people dancing to "Thriller" at one time. Now, Guinness certify whether or not the group did beat it - the record that is.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, the brand-new Jon and Kate battle. In two explosive new interviews, we see sides of Jon and Kate Gosselin we never thought possible. They are soft. They are remorseful, but are they full of baloney? I`m just saying.
Could this be part of a big publicity battle to gain the public sympathy? Whose side are you on?
Joining me tonight in New York, Lisa Bernhard who is an entertainment journalist. And tonight, in Hollywood is Ken Baker who is the executive news editor for "E!"
This is a battle of the Gosselins this week. Both Kate and Jon giving candid, brand-new emotional interviews to "People" magazine. But we`re hearing both of them say things that, well, quite frankly, I never thought we`d hear.
Let`s face it - a lot of people didn`t think that Jon Gosselin had an emotional bone in his body until he told "People" this. Listen, "I`ll always love Kate. I went through a bunch of pictures today, and it`s sad to see something that was good turn bad. But we moved in two directions. We know that."
All right, Ken. Help me out here. Is it me or doesn`t this seem like, you know, something totally out of character from what we have come to expect from Jon. Do you think he is getting coached on what to say so maybe he`ll be more relatable, more sympathetic?
KEN BAKER, EXECUTIVE NEWS DIRECTOR, "E!": There`s obviously a lot of coaching going on. I mean, we just saw him in Vegas this weekend. He was hosting a party at Wet Republic, which is basically a singles bar next to a pool in Las Vegas.
But he was really well-behaved. He brought his mom as his date. I`m sure if he had his druthers a month ago, he would have brought probably a gaggle of blondes with him ...
HAMMER: Yes.
BAKER: ... in bikinis, and would be sipping margaritas.
HAMMER: Yes.
BAKER: But you know what? For a while, what`s interesting here is - for a while there, for the first couple of months, it was sort of like Ali- Frazier or a Tyson-Holyfield. We`ve got Jon. He`s knocking out Kate. Kate is knocking him out and there was a fight. And people are taking sides. But now, they`re both sort of seem to be calming down. It`s not just Jon.
HAMMER: I wonder what took them so long. Maybe watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - I`m not exactly sure. And Jon, by the way - Jon`s not the only one who is saying things to "People" magazine that seem totally out of character.
I want to read to you from Kate`s brand-new interview in "People" where she says, "I watched these old episodes of our show and see these glimpses of the old Jon. And it`s like, `Who is that person?` Call me crazy, but deep down, I still have this hope that one morning, the phone will ring and it will be him, back to normal just saying -" and this is my favorite part - "Hey, how are you or even OK, that was really weird. Aliens overtook me, but now I`m back."
Lisa, is that remorse I`m actually starting to hear in Kate`s voice? Certainly a far cry from that hard line, hard edge, no regret, divorce-was- inevitable Kate from the past.
LISA BERNHARD, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Absolutely. Remember just a couple of weeks ago, when Regis interviewed her and he said, "I think you guys will get back together" and she bristled? I mean, you can watch her spine go up as if to say, "Absolutely no way."
But you know what? They did invest. I can`t believe I`m going to get sappy and emotional and sentimental about this. But they actually did invest 10 years in this marriage. It seems like he`s had a little bit an early mid-life crisis. So, he is out there, running around with these other women.
HAMMER: Yes.
FLOYD: But they did build something. I mean, I think you do go through stages of certain emotion and they are going back. I mean, is he really in love with this 22-year-old? No. I mean, come on. No. So, I think that they did have something.
They have been through a lot. And at a certain point, you`re going to go back to that and you`re going to reconnect to that. And I can`t believe I`m sounding sappy about this.
HAMMER: No, no, no. But you know, you make a good point. It`s perfectly nice and it`s good that we`re hearing that there is a human side to it. And Ken, are you with me that maintaining this civil tone really is the smartest thing for both of them right now, for the sake of the kids, certainly.
BAKER: I think, clearly, from I have been told, what they are trying to do is just try not to make it so personal and not to attack each other. Because the kids, we have learned, do watch television. They perhaps even watch shows like this. So, they are being very considerate of the children at this time. And really, at the end of the day, that`s going to make them both more sympathetic to the public. But they`re just taking care of their kids.
HAMMER: And of course, they do want their show to be well-loved and to get big ratings. Lisa Bernhard, Ken Baker, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
Well, as we move on now, I`ve got to say there`s been this fascinating mixed reaction to the Chris Brown song, "Changed Man" that I played for you, especially after he was sentenced for beating Rihanna. A lot of people are calling in, very passionate into "Showbiz on Call". We`re hearing coast to coast what people think.
And we`ve got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Tiffany in Texas. Tiffany thinks that Chris is sending a clear message through this song.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I actually think that the song is his way of apologizing and letting everyone know that he is remorseful and sorry for what he has done. I think that everybody is making such a big deal out of it. There are plenty of people who have fights, you know, within the relationships and it`s not as heavily publicized.
I understand that he`s a celebrity, but first and foremost, he`s a human being. People make mistakes. And Rihanna wanted the restraining order lifted. So, if she didn`t still care about Chris and hadn`t forgiven him, then I don`t believe that she would have wanted the restraining order lifted.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. We do appreciate hearing your side of it, Tiffany. You can call at "Showbiz on Call" to let us know what you think about this or anything else. Here is the number - the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines open all the time at 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail so we can play your call right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
I`ve got to tell you, Michael Jackson`s father, Joe, has been saying all along he believes foul play was involved with Michael`s death. Well, now, that Michael`s death has officially been ruled a homicide, Joe Jackson wants somebody to go down for his son`s death, but who? And what did he know about Michael`s drug use?
Also, the absolutely shocking and sudden death of DJ AM. He was found dead in his bed. How could this have happened, especially after he survived a deadly plane crash a year ago? Were there drugs involved? Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is bringing you the latest developments inside the death of DJ AM.
And John Travolta`s wife, Kelly Preston - she is speaking out about why it is just too soon to talk about the sudden death of their son. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "Showbiz News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Jason Mraz`s "I`m Yours" makes history with 71-week run on Billboard Hot 100. Sylvester Stallone will star in and direct another "Rambo" film.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer with some more stories that are new right now. Tonight, a big time Emmy curse has been broken. "The View" had become, well, the Susan Lucci of daytime talk shows, basically.
"The View" co-hosts lost every Emmy they were up for on their 11 years on the air. But Sunday night, they finally broke the curse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And the Emmy goes to - oh, "The View."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, congratulations, ladies. But one problem - they finally won. But they weren`t there to get their Emmy. Are you kidding me? Former "View" co-host Meredith Vieira also won an Emmy for best daytime game show host for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" And Rachel Ray won for best entertainment talk show. She broke the three-year winning streak by Ellen DeGeneres. Congratulations to all the winners.
Well, tonight, it is a grand slam for Bon Jovi, Bon Jovi teaming up again with the TBS Network for their exclusive post-season major league baseball coverage with a brand-new music video. This is called "We Weren`t Born to Follow." And it features some unbelievable baseball moments. We have got your first look.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Good to have the boys of Bon Jovi back. The entire video is going to be seen on 15,000 movie screens over the weekend and in the exclusive coverage of post-season baseball on TBS.
Well, there is a heated debate firing up on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page over Chris Brown saying he doesn`t remember beating up Rihanna.
We heard from Gloria A. Now, Gloria thinks it`s because he is too busy thinking of himself, writing, "What a crock! He is in love with himself and his career. He shows no remorse to my mind`s eye. Having his mother there is a nice touch, but no sale."
But this is an interesting one from Aisha P. She says that people should lay off Chris and take a closer look at Rihanna writing, "Rihanna has said nothing or done nothing but play the victim. She definitely left Chris out to dry. We all still don`t know what really happened. And I think Rihanna needs to take responsibility for her role. At least Chris has tried."
All right. Remember, you can sign up for our Facebook and Twitter pages at our homepage which is CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, it`s the SHOWBIZ lineup - this is what is coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Joe Jackson`s new war. Michael Jackson`s father speaking out for the first time since Michael Jackson`s death was ruled a homicide. Who does he think killed Michael?
The sudden and tragic death of a celebrity DJ. DJ AM found dead in his apartment. But how could this have happened? Were there drugs involved?
Plus, the anti-gay marriage beauty queen headed to court. We`ll tell you why. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Katherine Heigl hosts baby shower for "Grey`s Anatomy" co-star Ellen Pompeo. Police review death of Rolling Stones` Brian Jones 40 years after his death.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Joe Jackson`s brand-new war. Michael Jackson`s father speaks out for the first time since Michael Jackson`s death was ruled a homicide and he says somebody needs to pay. Did Papa Joe know about Michael`s drug use? The explosive new interview.
The shocking death of celebrity DJ Adam Goldstein, known as DJ Am. He battled drug addiction, was working on an MTV show about his sobriety, survived a horrific plane crash - now, he is gone. Tonight, the inside story of DJ AM`s shocking death.
Whitney is back. Whitney Houston`s new album out today. But after all she has been through, can she really make a come back? And is she ready? The fired-up debate.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." TV`s most provocative news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night.
Tonight, the death of a DJ. The biggest stars in Hollywood are reeling over the shocking news that celebrity DJ Adam Goldstein, also known as DJ AM, died suddenly. Goldstein was found dead in his New York City apartment late Friday.
He was once engaged to Nicole Richie. Later, he survived a headline- making plane crash. He also battled and seemingly beat drug addiction. And it is this tragic back story that has so many of his peers just shaking their heads in disbelief.
How can he cheat death and still die so young? How could he overcome drug addiction only to have drugs shadow his passing? There is no doubt these big questions surrounding DJ AM`s death are making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): He may not have been a major household name, but tonight, the sudden tragic death of Adam Goldstein, also known as DJ AM, has all of Hollywood in shock.
ALICIA QUARLES, ASSOCIATED PRESS: Hollywood basically just took a moment of silence for DJ AM.
HAMMER: Since the 36-year-old DJ was found dead in his New York City apartment late Friday, star after devastated star is now mourning the loss of DJ AM who became known for spinning at the swankiest Hollywood parties and dating starlets like Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.
QUARLES: He was one degree of separation from some of the biggest names in the industry.
HAMMER: Now, stars are taking to Twitter to share grief. John Mayer writes, quote, "In complete shock." Lindsay Lohan writes, quote, "I can`t believe this." And Ryan Seacrest writes, quote, "So, sad to hear about Adam. A very kind and generous guy."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This night is really hard for the three of us up here on stage.
HAMMER: The rock band Blink 182 took time out from their show Saturday to salute Goldstein. Goldstein and the drummer Travis Barker were the only two survivors of a fiery plane crash last year.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was an innovator, and he was a genius and he loved music more than any other person on the planet. And above all, he was an amazing friend.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you DJ AM`s death is tinged with one sad irony after another.
QUARLES: This is the guy, by all accounts, thought had beaten drug addiction. Almost a year ago to the day, DJ AM cheats death in this terrible plane crash only to die later under really mysterious circumstances. Nobody thought it would end like this.
HAMMER: New York City police tell SHOWBIZ TONIGHT they found drug paraphernalia near DJ AM`s body.
QUARLES: He was addicted to crack cocaine and to ecstasy. But he had really gotten his life together.
GOLDSTEIN: I`m in Hartford, Connecticut. And I`m going to go with Gina, who is a heroin addict.
HAMMER: Next month, MTV was set to debut Goldstein`s new reality show called "Gone Too Far" where he helps young drug abusers.
GOLDSTEIN: For $2.35, I got myself some ghetto grape soda and a crack pipe.
HAMMER: In what was to be one of his final interviews, Goldstein told the Associated Press that doing the show was difficult for him.
GOLDSTEIN: Honestly, it`s terrifying. I am a recovering drug addict. And I`m around - you know, when I see it and have to, you know, constantly remind myself why I`m here and remember what it was like.
HAMMER: But along with his drug addiction, DJ AM spent his final days struggling with another trauma.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We got a couple of people in the roadway involved in a crash.
HAMMER: Last September, a private jet he and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker after a gig crashed and burst into flames during a boarding take off in South Carolina. Four people were killed. Goldstein and Barker survived. But Goldstein suffered critical burns.
Psychologist Cooper Lawrence tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT such trauma can be catastrophic for a recovering addict.
LAWRENCE: Just one major event in an addict`s life can send them back to addiction.
HAMMER: In his interview with the Associated Press, Goldstein said he had not fully recovered from his near-death experience.
GOLDSTEIN: I get why they call it post-trauma, because it`s, you know, it was very tough. And I have really bad days, and I have OK days.
HAMMER: And now, DJ AM`s struggles have come to an abrupt and mysterious end. An autopsy on the body was inconclusive. Toxicology results won`t be available for a few weeks. So, for now, everyone is left to mourn a young man who had survived so much -
GOLDSTEIN: It`s strange, you know. But I mean, I`m blessed. I`m alive. I`m here.
HAMMER: Only to die so senselessly.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MTV tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT it now has no comment on whether it will air DJ AM`s reality show.
All right. Tonight, Joe Jackson`s new war. Michael Jackson`s father speaking out for the first time since the coroner ruled Michael Jackson`s death a homicide. Joe is mad about not knowing about Michael`s drug use. And he wants to make sure that everyone who was involved in Jackson`s death is brought to justice.
Joining me tonight from Hollywood is Carlos Diaz who is a correspondent for "Extra." Joining me tonight in New York, Jami Floyd, who is an "In Session" anchor.
So, this morning in the "Today" show, Joe Jackson reacted very strongly to the coroner`s latest findings that his son Michael`s death was, in fact, a homicide. He said justice must be served. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S FATHER: There was foul play done. That`s what it tells me. And in order to be investigated to see what is really behind all of this. There is not just Dr. Conrad Murray.
JEFF ROSSEN, NBC CORRESPONDENT: Do you want someone to pay?
JACKSON: Well, someone should pay. Not just someone, but all of them should pay, that`s involved.
ROSSEN: All the doctors?
JACKSON: I didn`t say doctors. Everybody else that is involved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. So, it sounds pretty clear Joe wants to see a lot of people go down for his son`s death, not just the doctors that we have been hearing so much about in the investigation.
Jami, let me start with you. Do you think Joe is going to get his wish and get it soon?
FLOYD: Well, first of all, he used the word "murder." I just have to clear this up because everyone is throwing around the word "murder." There wasn`t necessarily a murder committed here.
I know we are all very upset that Michael Jackson is dead. I know they now labeled it a homicide, but a homicide is not necessarily a murder. That`s number one. Number two, there is a whole lot of culpability to go around and that includes Michael Jackson himself, sorry to say.
And it includes anyone who played a role in his very sad, lonely long life of drug addiction. And that may even go back to his childhood, A.J., which was a lonely life started long ago on the stage.
So, you know, I think Joe needs to be very, very careful and I say this with all due respect for a man who has - you know, who really deserves a lot of credit for the Jackson Five and Michael Jackson`s tremendous success.
But he, too, may have had a role to play in what happened to Michael Jackson over the years. I mean I`m just tremendously saddened and angry about what happened to Michael Jackson over the years. And it`s just very dangerous to start throwing around blame beyond the one doctor who we know was treating Michael Jackson.
HAMMER: No, I agree with you and I appreciate your perspective there, Jami. And look, we have seen it in the path, Joe not known for choosing his words very carefully. I mean, let`s be honest about that.
FLOYD: He speaks his own language - this Joe Jackson. It`s a known (INAUDIBLE).
HAMMER: The Los Angeles County coroner`s office did announce Friday that Michael`s death was caused primarily by propofol and another sedative. Even though this has been the speculation all along, the news that Michael was taking these drugs - it came as a shock to Joe. Watch what he told the "Today" show this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROSSEN: Are you angry?
JACKSON: No, I`m not angry. I`m mad.
ROSSEN: What are you mad about?
JACKSON: I`m mad because I didn`t know all this was going on. That`s what I`m mad about.
ROSSEN: You didn`t know Michael had a problem with these medications?
JACKSON: I didn`t know he was taking that type of medication.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Now, he sounds very sincere, but I`ve got to tell you, I find that hard to believe that Joe was so clueless about his son`s problems, considering that Michael`s siblings have tried to stage an intervention and all that had been going on with Michael throughout the years.
Carlos, does this not really speak volumes to the relationship that Michael had, or really, didn`t have with his father?
DIAZ: Yes. Yes, it speaks volumes about the nonexistent relationship. But I find it ironic that Joe Jackson would use the term "I`m mad" about not knowing something about his son. Wouldn`t you be sad about that? Wouldn`t you be sad that you weren`t part of your son`s life more?
You know, it just amazes me that - I mean, his words are so prophetic about his relationship with Michael. He gets mad. He doesn`t get sad. He gets mad. And that`s why he and Michael didn`t have a relationship because he was mad about not knowing something, not sad about it.
HAMMER: Yes, Jami, really back to the language of Joe Jackson there, no?
FLOYD: Yes. And you know, I have to say about the propofol, I think we are all kind of shocked about that.
HAMMER: Yes.
FLOYD: I mean, it`s just the most bizarre thing that someone would use this to sleep. Now, I know we`ve heard - some medical professionals say that they have heard of this kind of thing. But for most of us, even people close to the Jacksons, this part of it has been bizarre.
HAMMER: Shocking and, again, not really all that surprising now knowing what we know. Carlos Diaz, Jami Floyd, thanks so much, guys.`
As we move on tonight, Whitney Houston is back, a brand-new album out today. She`s doing an all-out blitz to prove it. But can Whitney really come back to superstardom? And after all she`s been through, is she ready? We`ve got your fired-up debate.
Does Paula Abdul have any regrets about leaving "American Idol?" And is there anything that the show can do at all to get her back? Well, for the first time, Paula is answering these dramatic questions. Wait until you hear her answers.
Also, the controversial former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean is going to court. You remember her, of course - the anti-gay marriage answer to the interview question, the semi-nude photos. Well, tonight, we`re going to tell you why she is suing over what she says is the real reason she lost her crown. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Renee Zellweger reportedly OK after car crash in Beverly Hills. Miley Cyrus, Tom Cruise, Halle Berry join "The Jay Leno Show" during the first week.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Hey, did you see this? It is a record-breaking dare devil tightrope walk. Freddie Nock of Switzerland walked more than 1,000 yards along a cable car line to the top of Germany`s highest mountain.
Now, he tried it first on Saturday. He had to give up because of bad weather. But then, on Sunday, he made it all the way up. I think that is so amazing. Wow.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, the Travolta family heartache. John Travolta`s wife, Kelly Preston, was all set to open up for the very first time about her son`s death nine months ago. But now, she says it is too soon.
Sixteen-year-old Jett Travolta tragically died suddenly in January on a family vacation in the Bahamas. Tonight, brand-new details about Kelly Preston`s emotional change of heart about sharing her personal grief with the world.
Plus, here`s Whitney tonight - Whitney Houston`s return to the limelight with an all-out media blitz. Her album landed in stores today, a day earlier than planned. Get ready for Whitney, in her own words in a brand-new interview and a highly-anticipated performance set to be in New York City. But is it all enough to rocket her back to superstardom?
With me in New York is Lisa Bernhard. She is an entertainment journalist. Also in Hollywood tonight is Ken Baker, an executive news editor for "E!"
And let us begin with Kelly Preston. The story still makes me so sad. She was all set to break her silence over the death of her son after months of privately grieving. She was all set to appear with the likes of Maria Shriver and Elizabeth Edwards. They were doing a special panel together about grief and resilience next month.
Well, tonight, Kelly explaining to "People" magazine her sudden decision to back out of this conference. She says, "It is with my sincere apologies that I must pull out from speaking at the conference. I am sorry, but I truly believed I could do it. Otherwise, I never would have said that I could, but I am still deeply in the process of healing and it`s just too soon."
This really is the first time we`re hearing anything at all from Kelly or John Travolta for that matter about the loss of their son. Lisa, this really gives us even just a small glimpse into the incredible pain they are both still feeling, doesn`t it?
BERNHARD: Absolutely, A.J. You know, this is one of those unfortunate situations that is an equalizer for people. There is no amount of money or fame that can cushion the blow to losing a child. I mean, clearly, her instinct was to get out there and speak about it and perhaps help others.
Elizabeth Edwards also lost a child. She`s had a little bit more distance from it. She`s had a little bit more time to heal. I think this will just take time. It hasn`t even been a year yet for Kelly Preston and John Travolta.
HAMMER: Yes. I`ve got to say I really thought it was so brave of her to even first agree to doing the panel, thinking she would be up for it. But Ken, it really is even brave for her to say, "Hey, you know what? It`s just too soon. I`m not ready."
BAKER: Yes. In a way, it`s almost great news. Because what we are seeing is a celebrity who is actually taking care of themselves in a healthful manner. This isn`t something we are used to seeing.
You know, the normal thing is to pop on to Barbara Walters or something, you know, a month after the death and sort of, you know, publicly just pour out emotions. And clearly, she`s just still grieving and going through that process. And it`s a time that, you know, even as someone in the media - please, take it, Kelly.
She is a very thoughtful woman. She`s been very outspoken on numerous causes. And she, I think, really is stepping back, pulling back, and John is doing the same thing. John - he dropped out of a promotion for his new movie, "The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three." He hasn`t been out there publicly at all. These are very public people, historically. They clearly are grieving. And it`s really good, at least, that right now, they are getting that space.
HAMMER: Yes. What are do you think about that, Lisa? You know, certainly, they have no obligation to ever speak out publicly. I agree with Ken. I think that they are going about it the right way. And look, it`s whatever way works for them. But do you think, as public people, we will see them speaking out at some point about this perhaps as part of their healing process?
BERNHARD: I think so, because I think going back to - her instinct was to do the panel. So, clearly, I mean, that`s where her head and heart were, that she wanted to talk about it, that she perhaps wanted to help other people out there who have been through similar situations.
And that`s where celebrities can really be effective and use their celebrity to reach out to people to help them feel better, to identify on a very personal level, to let people know we are all in this together.
HAMMER: Yes. And we continue to wish them all the best and all the strength that they need.
All right. Let`s move now on to Whitney Houston, back in a major way after her own personal drama, an ugly split from Bobby Brown and that widely-reported battle with drugs.
And now, for the very first time, Whitney revealing a little about her controversial past. Listen to what she is telling "Ebony" magazine in a brand-new interview, "I shed a lot of stuff, a lot of unnecessary weight in my last three or four years. I left a lot of old luggage behind. And when I did, the blessings just started pouring on me and the light in my spirit started to lift again."
And I, for one, am happy that Whitney feels like she is getting her life back in order. But Ken, I have to ask, is she really ready, do you think, to jump right back into that superstar status? It was a huge career. Is she prepared for that?
BAKER: Well, the thing that I thought, when I first saw that quote, was she referred to what appeared to be Bobby Brown as old baggage.
HAMMER: Yes. Yes.
BAKER: I don`t know what he thinks about that. But honestly, you know, that is a really good move that she did break up with him. That was a very toxic relationship she had with him. And also, she may have been referring somewhat obliquely to, you know, perhaps substance abuse issues.
We don`t know, really, but she did clearly have a lot of issues she was dealing with. Is she ready? Well, look, A.J., she is 46 years old. If she`s not ready now, she`s never going to be ready.
HAMMER: Yes. It`s going to be really interesting to see how the album does. She has a big performance for "Good Morning America" this week. And she, I think, is going to have to knock that out of the park. Lisa Bernhard, Ken Baker, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
All right. Let me see what you think. Here`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Whitney Houston`s New Album: Will her comeback work?" Let us know what you think at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Or E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
So, Carrie Prejean lost her crown as Miss California USA in that whole big mess of a controversy. But she`s going to hold court once again in an actual courtroom this time. Prejean, suing pageant officials and including Shanna Moakler, accusing them of taking her tiara because of her religious beliefs.
Now, the official word from the Miss California USA people was that Carrie was fired for missing appearances. She`s the one who, of course, spoke out against gay marriage during the interview portion of the pageant and then told the "Today" show that she would rather be biblically correct than politically correct. And then, there was the added controversy after a bunch of seminude photos of her showed up online.
Well, in this lawsuit, Prejean accuses pageant officials of religious discrimination, defamation, emotional distress and some other things. Donald Trump owns the organization, but he is not named in the lawsuit.
Paula Abdul is speaking out. Is there anything that "American Idol" could do now that would make her come back to them? And does she have any regrets about leaving the show? For the first time, Paula answering these blockbuster questions. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Disney announces it is buying Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion. Carrie Underwood donates $120,000 worth of musical instruments to her high school.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Nice shot, Anthony. Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I am A.J. Hammer.
And tonight, Paula Abdul breaks her silence about leaving "American Idol," whether she has any regrets and whether it was all about money.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): In her first interview since her shocking announcement that she was leaving the show, Paula sat down with "TV Guide" magazine. The very first burning question is something everybody`s been wondering - does she have any regrets about leaving "Idol?"
Well, here`s how Paula sees it, quote, "You know, to say `no regrets` isn`t easy. I feel like I have been such a big, huge part of the success of the show from day one. I loved being able to be artist`s artist; being there from my point of view of knowing what it feels like to be vulnerable and to be out there wanting to achieve the most magical moment in a minute and 30 seconds."
PAULA ABDUL, JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": I know with every fiber of my being you are going to be iconic. Yes, you are.
HAMMER: Paula said she will tune in to "American Idol" as much as she can and that she and Simon stay in touch. "TV Guide" also asked if there was anything the show could do to get her back. Her response, quote, "I don`t think I can answer that right now." Interesting.
As for whether the whole thing broke down because of money, Paula said, quote, "I stand on principle where many people stand on money. I am a hard working artist. I have lasted in this business for 23 years and you can`t do that unless you are good at what you do. I believe in myself. And you have to have your own self respect. And sometimes, decisions are very difficult to make. But I`ve always believed that at the core, I am a survivor. There is not one thing I have done that I really set my mind to that I`ve failed at."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And Paula has something new that she has set her mind to. She says that someday, she would love to have her own talk show. I think that is a great idea. As for the immediate future, Paula has "Divas" right now. She has done a guest starring role on Lifetime`s comedy series, "Drop Dead Diva," playing, what else, a judge.
And she is hosting VH1`s "Divas" concert on September 17th. For more with Paula, go to "TVGuideMagazine.com" or pick up a copy of "TV Guide" magazine on newsstands Thursday.
So, last week, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Chris Brown Says that He`s Changed: Do you believe him?" Doesn`t look like it. Eleven percent of you said yes; 89 percent of you said no.
Some of the E-mails we got including one from Jean in Louisiana, "He said he was sorry and that`s that. Let`s just move on and support him in his career."
We`re not hearing a lot of that. We hearing more like this from Leslie in Florida who writes, I`m not so convinced that Chris Brown has changed. Abuse is real, and the abusers often ask for forgiveness."
Well, that is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. 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, we`re on at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. That happens to be right here on HLN.
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