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Showbiz Tonight
The Jaycee Dugard Miracle; Explosive New Accusations Against Jon and Kate; Nasty New Jessica Simpson Weight Slam; Ralph Lauren Model Fired for Being Too Big?; Blackface Outrage
Aired October 14, 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, CO-HOST: Right now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the Jaycee Dugard miracle. Tonight, the very first picture and look at the woman who was kidnapped as a child and allegedly sexually abused for 18 years.
Revealed today, for the very first time, how Jaycee is recovering from her unimaginable nightmare. And the remarkable picture of her today that is almost too hard to believe.
Explosive new accusations about Jon and Kate`s kids. Tonight, why a big star is attacking Jon and Kate`s handling of their eight kids and using the explosive word "abuse." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT uncovers the shocking new clues today about the future of "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
The nasty new Jessica Simpson weight slam. The disgusting new video making fun of Jessica for her weight.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I still can`t believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson, even after she blew up bigger than Flozell Adams.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, and it`s sponsored by Burger King. Are you kidding me?
TV`s first most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson Hollywood.
And tonight, a picture and story so remarkable, it almost defies description. Today, for the very first time since Jaycee Dugard was rescued, the world got to see what she looks like 18 years after she was kidnapped and allegedly held as a virtual sex slave.
"People" magazine today revealed the amazing picture of Jaycee and the almost indescribable story of how she is recovering from her nightmare reunited with the mother she was taken from.
And let me tell you that without a doubt, this is one story and picture that made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It`s the first photo of Jaycee Dugard we have seen since her miraculous rescue. The smiling young woman on the cover of the new "People" magazine shows no indication of the unthinkable ordeal she endured.
DAVID CAPLAN, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: She looks amazing in these photos. She looks full of life. She looks happy.
ANDERSON: What a turnaround for a woman who went through so much, kidnapped at age 11, outside of her California home in 1991, in a case featured on "America`s Most Wanted."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have you seen Jaycee Lee Dugard?
ANDERSON: Held captive and raped over 18 years during which she had two daughters. And in a miraculous break, she and her daughters were freed. Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Jaycee and her reunited family are telling the world how they`re putting their lives back together after their long ordeal.
CAPLAN: They are inseparable. They`re spending, you know, almost every minute together, talking and laughing and doing activities together.
ANDERSON: "People" magazine`s David Caplan tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Dugard, who is now 29, and her daughters, 15-year-old Angel and 11-year-old Starlet, are now living with Jaycee`s mother in seclusion, somewhere in northern California.
CAPLAN: Jaycee`s stepmom tells "People" that right now, the healing process is going to be a lot quicker and easier for them if they stay away from outsiders.
ANDERSON: As part of that seclusion, Jaycee was not interviewed for the "People" article. But in a statement to "People," she says, quote, "I`m so happy to be back with my family. Nothing is more important than the unconditional love and support I have from them."
ERIKA SCHULTE, DUGARD FAMILY SPOKESPERSON: This (UNINTELLIGIBLE) with the family is going very, very well.
ANDERSON: This morning on NBC`s "Today" show, a family spokesperson said even though they are staying private, Jaycee`s family feels it`s time for the world to see how they are doing.
SCHULTE: This is her way of thanking everyone for the support and really letting them know that she is doing OK.
ANDERSON: After she was kidnapped in front of her own home back in 1991, Jaycee`s desperate mother pleaded for the kidnapper to return her baby.
TERRY PROBYN, MOTHER OF JAYCEE DUGARD: It`s time she comes home to her family.
ANDERSON: Authorities say Jaycee was held captive in these tents behind the home of her alleged kidnapper, Phillip Garrido and his wife, Nancy. Garrido allegedly raped Jaycee and fathered her two girls who lived with Jaycee in the hidden backyard camp.
And they`d probably still be there if it weren`t for two heroes who now are also telling their story.
ALLISON JACOBS, HER TIP LED TO JAYCEE DUGARD`S RESCUE: The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up.
ANDERSON: These University of California at Berkeley police workers tell "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that when Garrido brought his daughters to the campus, something just didn`t seem right.
LISA CAMPBELL, HER TIP LED TO JAYCEE DUGARD`S RESCUE: They were pretty girls, but they weren`t animated. They weren`t interactive. It was a nonverbal communication. It was just as though they were props.
ANDERSON: The women contacted the authorities and soon after, Jaycee and her daughters were free. Now, Garrido and his wife have pleaded not guilty to kidnapping Jaycee. A family friend tells the "Today" show Jaycee is cooperating with prosecutors.
SCHULTE: She well aware that for that prosecution to move forward, she needs to cooperate and she is fully prepared to do that.
ANDERSON: And "People`s" David Caplan tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT both Jaycee and her daughters are in therapy.
CAPLAN: Part of the therapy, I think, is horseback riding which is really helping Jaycee and her daughters get over the emotional turmoil.
ANDERSON: As for Jaycee`s daughters who had never been to school before, family members say they are coming along well in their studies. And as for Jaycee, she is not dwelling on the past.
CAPLAN: Right now, Jaycee`s priority is really looking towards the future and deciding what`s next in really starting this new life with her daughters and with her family.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: The new issue of "People" hits newsstands on Friday.
HAMMER: Tonight, there is brand-new Jon and Kate money madness. Jon Gosselin just had to be scrambling today to try to figure out how the heck he is going to come up with $180,000 and it made for big news breaking. That is just how much a judge has just ordered Jon to put back into a joint account that he shares with Kate. So Jon, show us the money.
And the startling results of a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll that came in today. We asked whether Kate should pay Jon spousal support and not the other way around.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Judge Alex Ferrer from the TV show "Judge Alex." And in New York, Suzanne Rozdeba who is a senior editor for "Star" magazine.
So as of today, and I`m watching the calendar, Jon Gosselin now has 12 days left to return the $180,000 he took from a joint bank account or face contempt charges.
Judge Alex, I begin with you, my friend. If you were the judge sitting in that chair, based on what we know, would you have ordered Jon to do exactly the same thing?
JUDGE ALEX FERRER, HOST, "JUDGE ALEX": Absolutely. You can`t resort to self-help and take money out of the account, especially when there is an order saying that no significant amount of money should be removed without the consent of the other party.
You know, people do this all the time in divorces. And they don`t think ahead. The judge is going to look at that very unfavorably when making a decision on how property is going to get split.
So if you take out $100,000 that doesn`t belong to you, expect that that much or more is going to be extracted from your half of the proceeds when everything is settled up.
HAMMER: And I just have the feeling Jon is not holding on to that in a high-yield CD somewhere. I`m just saying. Now, today, for the very first time, Jon tried to explain why he thought it was OK to take the money out of their joint account.
In a brand-new interview, this is what he said, "Well, it was just after arbitration. We weren`t supposed to take money out of the restricted account and we both did. I was found in contempt for doing so and I didn`t realize I was just like taking my paycheck out."
OK here. On the one hand, he`s acknowledging he wasn`t supposed to take the money out, but in the exact same breath, he`s saying, "I didn`t realize I was just like taking my paycheck out." Suzanne, help me make sense of that.
SUZANNE ROZDEBA, SENIOR EDITOR, "STAR" MAGAZINE: I am on team Kate here, OK? Jon knew very well that he couldn`t take that money out and you know what? Jon`s got some cash stashed aside. You know, he is working on a reality show. He`s got other things in the mix. He`d better put that money back.
HAMMER: Now, part of this legal battle may have Kate saying that she`s going to demand that Jon pay her temporary spousal support. So what we did here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is we turned the tables.
Here`s what we asked in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Jon and Kate Money Battle: Should Kate pay Jon spousal support. And look at these results that came in today, 33 percent said yes. A whole lot more - 67 percent said no - no way Kate should pay Jon any spousal support.
Now, let me ask you this, Judge Alex. From your experience, if Jon decided to push it, do you think there is any way he could make an argument that Kate should be the one forced to pay him spousal support?
FERRER: Well, sure. I mean, it`s not a popularity contest. If it was, he`d be losing hands down.
HAMMER: You think?
FERRER: But it`s really based on need and ability to pay. You know, if a judge determines that alimony is appropriate in this case, regardless of whether it`s for the wife or for the husband, the judge is going to look at whether or not there is a need for alimony or whether there is an ability to pay.
And based on that, if she has the ability to pay and he has the need, it certainly could go that way.
HAMMER: Yes. Because, again, from everything we see, she was the one still with the money rolling in. Him, well, not so much. And if there was any doubt that "Jon & Kate Plus 8," the TV show is on its last legs, I want you to take a look at this promo that TLC is running today. Let`s roll that, Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Next Monday, on an all new "Jon & Kate Plus 8" - separate lives.
KATE GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": Girls, are you ready? Because I`m not.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The separate adventures.
JON GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": We`re going to do destructive man stuff.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With only a limited number of episodes left, Jon and Kate spend some quality time with those who matter most.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You heard it right there in the big voice over. Only a limited number of episodes remaining. Suzanne, we do know that TLC is taking Jon`s name off the show, but should we be reading into that, that whole show is toast because it sounded all doom and gloom to me.
ROZDEBA: Absolutely. I think that there really are only a couple of episodes left. Because who wants to watch a show about boring old Kate with the kids? It was so much fascinating when you`ve got the drama of her divorce with Jon and, you know, with all his little relationships on the side.
She`s got a cooking show with Paula Dean in the works. You know, it`s her own TV show. This is only going to last so much longer.
HAMMER: Yes. It will be interesting to see exactly how much longer, indeed. Suzanne Rozdeba, Judge Alex, I appreciate you both being with us tonight.
All right. Brooke Anderson, let me bring you back in here because I haven`t had the opportunity to say this yet, but I am so happy to have you back. You have no idea.
Now, I realize you were out being a great mom to your beautiful daughter, Kate Victoria. There is a rumor on the street today that you brought along some baby pictures to show us.
ANDERSON: Yes, I did, A.J. Let`s take a look. Here she is.
HAMMER: Aww. Look at that. She`s beautiful. Nice.
ANDERSON: Thank you so much. And you know, I`ve got a lot more pictures I`m going to share with everybody tonight in just a bit. I cannot wait.
And we`ve also got this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And I still can`t believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson even after she blew up bigger Flozell Adams.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, this is so terrible. Tonight, another Jessica Simpson slam, a new video dissing her weight. And it`s sponsored by Burger King. Seriously?
And we`ve also got this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go, ready to drench the kids. Look. Part of the hill bus stop. Coming up.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That`s not funny.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go. Yes! That was brilliant!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The outrage over the couple who splashed kids at a bus stop on purpose. But were the kids in on it? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: A & E says Michael Jackson`s kids will not be part of a new reality show. Former Bahamian senator denies trying to extort $25 million from John Travolta.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson.
HAMMER: And Brooke, I`ve got to say it again. Welcome back. We missed you.
ANDERSON: Thank you.
HAMMER: So happy that you`re here. All right. Did you see this? Tonight, the splash shocker. Now, this is something that happens all the time here in New York City when it`s raining. You are walking on the sidewalk and all of a sudden, a cabbie comes along and whoosh! It goes through a puddle and it drenches you.
It is pretty annoying when that happens. Well, tonight, a guy who did this to a bunch of kids on purpose has created a controversy splashed across headlines everywhere. But I`m sorry to put a damper on this story. Were the kids actually in on this?
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): You know how kids like to play in puddles? Well, driving through puddles has left a 29-year-old British motorist in a legal muddle.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That`s just mean.
MOOS: Kerry Collard and her boyfriend, seen here on her Facebook page, were in their car. She was driving and he was in the passenger seat providing colorful commentary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go, ready to drench the kids. Part of the hill bus stop, coming up.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That`s not funny.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go. Here we go.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, goodness.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go. The puddle is upon the hill.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Juvenile.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Coming up. Kids upon the hill.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That`s not very nice.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come on. Come on. Yes! Yes! That was brilliant! Awesome!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hope they got their thrill, a frivolous thrill.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Rude and dumb.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dumb is what I agree with.
MOOS: The couple`s problem started when they put the video on YouTube and several people complained to police. The driver explained that the kids had called out to them, asking to be splashed. But the couple made this their second pass.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Coming up, kids, at the top of the hill.
MOOS: The driver told the local paper, "The Plymouth Herald" if the kids weren`t saying, "Splash me, splash me, I certainly wouldn`t have done it. I`m not a serial splasher."
The slow motion, the kids seem to have their backs to the road as if expecting to be doused.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My kids would love it. The wetter the better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I would do the same.
MOOS: You would do the same? I mean, you`d splash the kids?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, why not?
MOOS: Why not? Police say that driving from standing water could have caused the driver to lose control. They forwarded Kerry Collard`s file to a prosecutor.
(on camera): In Britain, there is a law for driving without reasonable consideration and splashing is considered inconsiderate. There`s a fine of up to $1,500.
(voice-over): There are accidental splashings and deliberately mean ones.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Get him. Get him.
MOOS: This one really caused a splash.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Were these kids dirty or what? And did they need a bath?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come on. Come on. Yes! That was brilliant! Awesome.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was evil. Anyone got an umbrella? Poncho? Anything? That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
OK. Brooke, I can tell you the "Showbiz on Call" operators have really missed you. In fact, they tell me if you ever need a baby-sitter, they will put these calls on hold and help you out.
ANDERSON: You know, that`s good to hear, A.J. I`m sure my husband would like a date night at some point in the next five years.
All right. Let`s go to those phones. Lots of calls into "Showbiz on Call" about Dave Letterman sleeping with his former intern and Jimmy Kimmel dating a staffer. So is it ever OK to date your boss? Elaine from Arizona doesn`t think so.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: No, never. There`s never a good time for that. I understand that people are meeting at work. But there is a power differential and that does not make the consent to be mutual. It`s not an equal relationship.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you so much, Elaine. But Gina from Oklahoma thinks it`s no big deal.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I don`t understand why two consenting adults should be the business of any newsmaker. Neither party has filed suit or argued with one another. It`s only been brought to our attention through another person.
And I don`t understand. Consenting adults should be allowed to do what they want to do. Since when is it everybody`s business what goes on in private?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: We appreciate your call, Gina. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" to sound off on this or anything else at all. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Just leave us a voicemail so we could play your call here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
There is a big old bag of brand-new Jon and Kate news today. And oh yes, it`s shocking. One big star is attacking their handling of their kids and even using the word "abuse." A pretty harsh word to use.
Also this startling news - it`s Jessica Simpson being slammed.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tony, is Jessica around? We could use a defensive tackle.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That are is just wrong. A brand-new video making fun of Jessica for her weight. And get this - this video is sponsored by Burger King. Are you kidding me?
Also a baby dancing to Beyonce. That should be enough to keep you watching, right?
(MUSIC)
All right. There is much more to see of this. We`ve got the new, amazing, warm and fuzzy story of how this cute dancing to "Single Ladies" baby became one of the most popular videos ever. 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: Michael Buble tops Billboard 200 album chart with his new release, "Crazy Love." New 4-CD box set in honor of Elvis Presley`s 75th birthday due out December 8th.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY FALLON, HOST, "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON": Hey there America, let`s make this clear. Miley might be gone, but I`m still here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Hey, did you see this? That`s Jimmy Fallon as Miley Cyrus`s dad, Billy Ray, in a brand-new hilarious spoof of Miley`s bizarre "say good-bye to Twitter" rap video. A.J., that`s some pretty Fallon there.
HAMMER: Yes, I love that, Brooke. This whole Miley Cyrus Twitter thing is really so bizarre. You know, first, Miley who had so many followers on Twitter - she shocked everybody by saying she was dumping her page.
People were outraged as she was abandoning them on Twitter. And things got even more bizarre when Miley made this rap video about shutting down her Twitter account.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MILEY CYRUS, SINGER: Yes the rumors are true, I deleted my Twitter. Can you believe it I got to 2 million. But I said adios -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Well, Jimmy Fallon said, "I`ll see one weird Miley video and raise you an even more outrageous video of Miley`s dad, Billy Ray, trying to get Miley`s fans to follow him on Twitter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FALLON: I will say how good my hair looked on "Dancing with the Stars, bro. I traded in my mullet for a Steven Cojocaru. I may be one here, that doesn`t make me bitter. My career is in the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) and I ain`t no Twitter quitter. I`m still here. Yes, you know where to find me. You should follow me if you used to follow Miley. I`m still here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That`s pretty good. All right. Well, now that I`m back, I`m really looking forward to being a part of our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page. I just checked our Facebook wall.
And right now, one of the hottest topics on there - why are people still being so cruel to Jessica Simpson about her dog which was taken by a coyote?
Joan B. writes, "Anyone that is making fun of her about losing her pet has obviously never had a dog that they really loved."
Aliaa A. adds, "It`s just because it`s Jessica Simpson. She is an easy target for cruel remarks and for being labeled stupid or naive. I can bet the reaction to the whole story would have been different if it was someone else`s dog."
All right. I want to hear from you on Facebook and also follow us on Twitter for breaking entertainment news alerts. Sign up for Facebook and Twitter pages at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
HAMMER: And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - this is what is coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
The disgusting new Jessica Simpson weight slam.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, Tony, is Jessica around? We could use a defensive tackle!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: This is hideous. And get this, this new video sponsored by Burger King. Really?
And model madness. The model whose retouched scary skinny photo sparked by worldwide outrage said today, she was fired for being too fat.
And outrage over one of the biggest fashion magazines in the world putting a model in blackface. Is blackface ever OK? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Live tour featuring cast of Fox`s "Glee" is in the works. "Dancing with the Stars" to honor Michael Jackson with a ballroom dance tribute.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Man, I still can`t believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson even after she blew bigger than Flozell Adams.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the brand-new Jessica Simpson weight slam. Today, an outrageous new video makes fun of Jessica`s weight and it`s sponsored by Burger King.
Model madness. The model Photoshopped to look freakishly thin in a Ralph Lauren ad says today she got the boot for being too fat. Are you kidding me?
Fury over one of the biggest fashion magazines putting a model in blackface and calling it fashion. Is blackface ever OK?
And explosive new Jon and Kate accusations today. Why a big star is attacking Jon and Kate`s handling of their eight kids and using the explosive word, "abuse."
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s first, most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
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.
ANDERSON: Hi there. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood.
And tonight, the Simpson weight slam. There is an absolutely disgusting new video making the rounds today that is making fun of Jessica Simpson`s weight. The outrage is just bubbling over tonight after somebody at Fox thought it would be funny to make fun of Jessica Simpson`s weight in a skit during Fox`s NFL Sunday. And get this - it was sponsored by Burger King.
And talk about offensive - remember the Ralph Lauren model whose retouched, scary-skinny photo sparked worldwide outrage? Well, in a brand- new interview today, she claims she was fired for being too fat. Yes, A.J., too fat at 5`10", 120 pounds. Are you kidding me?
HAMMER: Yes, that`s just nuts.
HAMMER: With me tonight from Hollywood, Tanika Ray, who is an entertainment journalist. In New York is Megan Alexander who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
Let us begin with this Jessica Simpson video. It aired during the NFL pregame show on Fox this past Sunday. And it made fun of Jessica`s weight and her former boyfriend, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Cowboys lost the game. But with everything going on in Dallas, you`d better believe they are as focused as ever in that locker room.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Man, I still can`t believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson even after she blew up bigger than Flozell Adams. Hey!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Unlike Tony, at least Jessica comes up big when it counts. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) put down the ball and the kicker will do the rest.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No problem, coach.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Guys, I`m standing right here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sorry, Tony.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, Tony. Is Jessica around? We could use a defensive tackle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Don`t you have better things to do right now like coaching?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, there`s way of making it through the season anyway.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jessica?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sorry, boys. I only lose weight for winners.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. I mean, obviously, I think this is reprehensible. Jessica has long been an easy target. But to make fun of her or make fun of anybody because of their weight to me is hideous. Tanika, what do you think? Is this just inexcusable?
TANIKA RAY, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Inexcusable. It`s a foul. It`s penalty. It`s out of bounds and I`m sure Jessica Simpson has a very particular hand gesture in response to this.
It is disgusting. And what I don`t understand is that usually when something airs on television, it has to go through a lot of different approval ratings, like this person has approve it, the top of the - the head of the network has to approve it.
They got through all of these people and what in the world did they think was OK about making fun of a woman who is normal size? Hello. She is gorgeous.
HAMMER: Yes. Making fun of somebody`s weight and it`s sponsored by Burger King. That`s insane to me.
RAY: Yes.
HAMMER: So you would think that Burger king must have seen this beforehand. But Burger King told us today they didn`t have anything to do with the creation of this - what I think is an awful skit, telling us, "Burger King Corp has a longstanding relationship with Fox Sports as well as extensive media partnership with the network. This specific content for the sketch involving Jessica Simpson was not developed or aired by BKC or any of its agencies."
Now, here`s what Fox tells us today. "Burger King Corp did not have any editorial input into the creation of the animation that ran last Sunday. And no one from Burger King Corp approved it before it aired. Upon reflection, our poor attempt at humor was insensitive and we deeply apologize to anyone who might have been offended."
I`m happy they said that part. But Megan, off to you. Apology accepted?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": You know, A.J., the response to this is very interesting and something really to watch. Do you know that girls between the ages of 10 and 13 - 50 percent of them think that they are too fat? And it`s because they see things like this.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: It`s unbelievable to me there was nothing else that this skit could have joked about. They had no other material than to make fun of somebody for being overweight, who is a beautiful, healthy girl, by the way.
But when people see that, they need to know it is deeply hurtful. This has really become a health issue. And so I`m glad to see these responses. There needs to be more, though.
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, here we are in 2009. I really was hoping we were passed up like this. During one particular part of the skit, Fox fired a direct shot at Jessica`s weight. Let me show you this again because it makes an important point. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Man, I still can`t believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson, even after she blew up bigger Flozell Adams. Hey!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Let me point out here. Flozell Adams - he is an offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. You know how much he weighs? 338 pounds.
Tanika, any excuse for even in a joke comparing Jessica Simpson to a 338 pound football player?
RAY: No. I get it. They were trying to make the point. But here`s what`s ridiculous and here`s what every little girl needs to listen to if they want to be a star like here, because that`s what all these girls want to be now - is famous.
When you project yourself out there to the universe as a skinny, kind of a dumb blond, then that is fodder for jokes. And it`s unfortunate that that`s what Jessica represents to this country.
When she became famous, more famous than she ever was before, it was based on, "Is it chicken or tuna?" And she was the dumb blond girl and she was half naked in the Jack in the Box commercial - whatever it was - washing a car.
That is what she put out there and that`s really all people think of her as. So it`s kind of like up for grabs.
HAMMER: Yes. I guess so, but I really still think that when we heard the general apology that we need to hear a very specific apology. Brooke, are you with me? Fox, Burger King, whoever, needs to apologize directly to her?
ANDERSON: Absolutely. A simple personal apology sometimes goes a really long way, A.J. And I agree with Tanika, she does open herself up to criticism. And at the same time, she deserves an apology. Also, though, what`s done is done. So maybe, A.J., this will serve as a lesson to all the men who were involved in this ad to be a little more sensitive.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: You don`t think women got together to do this story?
ANDERSON: No, I don`t think so.
HAMMER: All right. Enough of this. Let`s hope they do the right thing. I do want to move on to this model madness story. In a brand-new interview on the "Today" show, the Ralph Lauren model whose scary-skinny image in a Ralph Lauren ad sparked a ton of controversy is now saying she was fired for being too fat at 5`10" and 120 pounds. You have got to hear what she told the "Today" show`s Ann Curry this morning. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FILIPPA HAMILTON, MODEL: They said I couldn`t fit in their clothes anymore.
ANN CURRY, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: They said that to you?
HAMILTON: Yes. Not to me, directly, but to my agency. Yes.
CURRY: Oh. So could you fit into the clothes anymore?
HAMILTON: I could fit into the clothes, yes.
CURRY: So you didn`t understand this.
HAMILTON: No.
CURRY: So you`re saying the clear impression was given to you is that they fired you, you said, because you were too large?
HAMILTON: Because I was too large, yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: She was too large. Again, 5`10" and 120 pounds. Megan, is that just insane?
ALEXANDER: A.J., it is. I had the opportunity to actually interview Filippa today. And let me tell you I am so proud of this young lady for speaking out. And I hope the fashion industry is listening.
They talk a lot about this but it`s time to take action. It`s time for the fashion industry to truly incorporate models in all shapes and sizes into their campaigns.
My hat goes off to "Glamour" magazine which has tried to do a bit of this with plus-size models. But could you imagine that if truly the fashion industry incorporated more plus-sized models into their campaigns, America could embrace it?
And again, it`s a health issue. I really believe lives are at stake here - 50 percent of women in this country said they have some type of eating disorder. They need to realize they could be saving lives.
HAMMER: Well, I`ve got to tell you, that`s been the call we`ve been making for some time and it seems to have been falling on deaf ears. I do want to point out that a spokesperson for Ralph Lauren told us today they let her go because of what they called her inability to meet obligations under her contract. I don`t know if I`m buying it. Tanika Ray, Megan Alexander, thank you very much.
Now, late today, we did hear from Jessica Simpson`s rep who told us she is not commenting on the Fox video controversy and maybe that`s really the best thing for her to do.
Brooke Anderson, I cannot tell you how happy I am to have you back from maternity leave. In fact, the entire staff - we`re all very happy you are back. We missed you very, very much.
ANDERSON: Oh, that`s very sweet. Thank you, A.J. You know, I missed everybody, too. And I did not come back empty-handed. I`ve got a new photo album of my beautiful little Kate. There she is. I cannot wait to share these new pictures tonight.
And Kate is my little superstar, but there is another baby that is stealing hearts everywhere.
(MUSIC)
Tonight, we`ve got the real story behind the heartwarming video of a baby dancing to Beyonce`s "Single Ladies."
We`ve also got the new outrage over a model posing in blackface.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t think anybody, in this day and age, slathers black paint on a white face and expects everybody to just be OK with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, fury over one of the biggest fashion magazines in the world, putting a model in blackface. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Singer Leona Lewis "shaken" after being hit by a man at a London book signing. Megan Fox named the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani underwear.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, what about the kids? Are Jon and Kate so caught up in their own divorce and the drama is actually abusive to their kids?
In a brand-new interview, a big celebrity is saying that Jon and Kate are not only exploiting their kids, but they`re abusing them by keeping them in the spotlight. But is that out of line or does it totally make sense?
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Judge Alex Ferrer from the TV show "Judge Alex." And tonight in New York, Cooper Lawrence who is a psychologist and author of the book, "Cult of Celebrity." Judge Alex, Cooper, it`s been a while, so let`s get right to it.
The explosive new comments today come from Star Jones. And she says that Jon and Kate`s drama and divorce antics are abusive to their eight kids. She said, quote - listen to this, "I feel it is getting to the level of abuse. At this point, when your parents are going through a very public divorce, the entire world is looking at you. You can`t have a birthday party or a soccer game or even go to the bathroom without someone making a judgment. That`s abuse."
Now, Cooper, as a mother now myself, I have to say I really agree with Star. I feel for these kids. Maybe I wouldn`t call it abuse, but it borders on neglect. What do you think? Is the level of scrutiny these kids are dealing with actually a form of abuse like Star says?
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGIST AND AUTHOR: I think the term "abuse" - you know, it`s such a general term where we think of somebody who`s being physically abused. We don`t think about neglect and emotional abuse.
And these two people are so focused on themselves they haven`t made any inclination to seem like they are even caring about these children. They are not staying out of the public eye. They`re not protecting the children.
They seem to be using them, the children, against each other like parent do in divorce. And I`ve got to tell you, years from now, when these kids turn up with depressive disorders and anxiety disorders because of this sort of emotional abuse we can say "abuse." Yes, I agree.
ANDERSON: I certainly hope that doesn`t happen. But it does bring up that concern. And listen to what Star went on to say, "At some point they`ve got to think about the best interest of the child. At some point, they need to stop exploiting their own children. Let them be kids again. Kids need to be protected. You should be looking for a courtroom and not a camera."
I think this is a really fair comment. Get over yourself, focus on the kids. Judge Alex, what do you think? If Jon and Kate walked into your court, how would you counsel them about how they are dealing with their kids in this whole drama?
FERRER: Well, first of all, it`s not unique at all. I mean, we see this in every divorce case and not just celebrity cases. But I would tell them -
ANDERSON: It`s sad.
FERRER: It is very sad. But I`d tell them that what they are sowing now, they`re going to reap later. Those kids are going to learn to relate to people in their lives, boyfriends and girlfriends, later on, the way they see mom and dad relating each other.
So if that`s the way they want their kids to grow up, treating their boyfriends and girlfriends that way or letting themselves be treated that way, that`s going to be their legacy. Then they can keep that going and then sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
ANDERSON: It`s unfortunate. Well, you`d better believe our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page blowing up over this. Angie R. writes on our wall, "It`s abuse for sure. I think it has come to emotional abuse. Their parents are not setting good examples. Their lives used to be so good about a year ago. There`s been way too much stardom for Jon and Kate, especially Kate. She is only in it for the money and not her children like she says. The poor kids are the pawns."
Cooper, is it fair to say Jon and Kate are treating their kids like pawns? What do you say?
LAWRENCE: Oh, of course they are. And I love how Judge Alex said it when he said they reap what they sow. I mean, these are two people who are complete media whores. And they will go on any show at any time to talk about anything.
And then, they don`t talk about their children. So it`s about them and other one and the money. And you watch them on the show and you see how selfish they both seem. And I think they are reaping what they sow. I think they do have children who are going to end up in trouble because they are making it about them and they`re not making it about their children.
ANDERSON: Yes, rethink their actions. Stop being so self-centered and focus on those eight little human beings who need your love and care.
Judge Alex Ferrer, Cooper Lawrence, we will leave it there. Thanks, guys.
HAMMER: Tonight, is blackface ever OK? This is a question that`s sparking major debate today as French "Vogue" features a Dutch model in a fashion spread in blackface and body paint.
Now, blackface has a long and painful history here in this country, but not overseas. And this controversy comes on the heels of Harry Connick Jr.`s uproar over a blackface performance in Australia.
So is the French "Vogue" fashion spread high fashion? Or is it just highly offensive?
Here`s what CNN`s Jason Carroll found out for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The imagery, an embarrassing chapter in American entertainment. Blackface.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Mother of mine -
CARROLL: Popularized decades ago in minstrel shows and movies like 1927`s "The Jazz Singer," but not a relic of the past. Pictures from French "Vogue`s" latest edition showing a white Dutch model in blackface and body paint, wearing ethnic-inspired clothes. Editors may say it`s high fashion, but it was something far more offensive to most of those we showed it to.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t think anybody, in this day and age, slathers black paint on a white face and expects, you know, everybody to just be OK with it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They think they are pushing the envelope. But really, they`re just being offensive.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s clearly for fashion and not made for any political purpose.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think there a lot of beautiful black women who could have probably played that role.
CARROLL: French "Vogue" did not return our calls for comment. Critics say, without context, readers are left to assume the worst.
CHARLTON MCILWAIN: What you see is another white performer being dressed up in blackface for the amusement or the profit of whites.
CARROLL: The issue coming a week after a popular Australian talent show ran into trouble for this. American judge Harry Connick, Jr. criticized the group`s depiction of the Jackson 5. The show`s host later apologized.
HARRY CONNICK, JR., ACTOR: You know, we spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like that, we take it really to heart.
CARROLL: Outside the United States, it`s not just Australia where blackface is still entertainment. In Japan, a popular soul group called Gosperats sells out shows.
In Mexico, an offensive-looking comic book character ended up one of the country`s national stamps in 2005. Despite criticism from the White House, the stamp was never pulled.
MICHAELA ANGELA DAVIS, CONTRIBUTOR, BET: We have come a long way, baby. Baby, we have a long way to come from and we still have a long way to go in terms of our global image.
CARROLL: Pop culture experts say other countries may not have experienced civil rights movements and national conversations about race the way America has and therefore may not have same sensitivity. So it may be a while before blackface finally fades from the limelight.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Jason Carroll for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And just today, Harry Connick, Jr. said he felt he did the right thing by expressing outrage over that shocking Jackson 5 black bit. Connick says that he walked off the show because he thought it was the right thing to do.
ANDERSON: Tonight, the story behind the "Single Baby" sensation, the video of the baby dancing to Beyonce`s "Single Ladies" that has become a blockbuster hit.
(MUSIC)
Tonight, we`ve got the real story behind the adorable video that`s got people everywhere shaking their thing. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Former wrestler and famed manager Capt. Lou Albano dead at 76. Al Martino who played Johnny Fontaine in "The Godfather" has died at 82.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Did you see this? Of course you have because this little bundle of energy has become an Internet superstar. Believe it or not, this video of little Ava dancing to Beyonce`s "Single Ladies" has gotten more than 400,000 hits on YouTube.
Tonight, it is the story behind this single baby`s singular sensation. Tonight, for the very first time, little Ava`s mom reveals how this heartwarming dance video came to be.
Now Kyle and Ginger Cunningham take all kinds of videos of their four kids, mostly birthdays and dance recitals. They put them up on YouTube so the family members all over the country can share in on the fun.
So when Ava`s parents saw her bopping away one day to "Single Ladies," they ran for the camera. This was the result, a viral video hit that had everyone grinning from ear to ear and had us all wondering how she learned those moves. Well, her mom says, Ava just does what comes naturally.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GINGER CUNNINGHAM, AVA`S MOTHER: Whatever she feels, she dances to it and sings it. And so this is one of many for her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, she is so cute. Well, I have to point out, we`ve got a cute new addition to the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT family. She is not dancing yet that I know of, but she is quickly becoming a big time star.
Brooke Anderson, your adorable baby girl, Kate. Tonight, she`s a proud mama. I believe you`re going to share some pictures with us? I`m hoping. Oh, look at that.
ANDERSON: Look at that baby.
HAMMER: She is so sweet. How is the whole motherhood thing going? You have been off long enough, so I think you`ve gotten a handle on it.
ANDERSON: Oh, there is that jab. You know, it is wonderful, A.J., truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and probably will ever happen to me.
And I have to say that she is kind of shaking her shoulders and moving her head around when she gets excited. So she`s got moves, could be a dancer soon like little Ava. Should I add Beyonce to her lullaby mix? What do you think?
HAMMER: Yes. I think that`s a good idea. I`m always curious when a baby so young - what`s her favorite thing to do right now? Is she mugging for the video camera like her mom?
ANDERSON: She is. She smiles all the time, A.J. The child just grins incessantly. She laughs now, rolls over. Just pure joy, a pure delight. And do you see the monkey? Do you recognize the monkey in one of the pictures?
HAMMER: I know that monkey.
ANDERSON: Yes. You gave that to her. Such a sweet gift. And we named the monkey, A.J. She`s got to cuddle with that, A.J.
HAMMER: OK.
ANDERSON: OK. And you know, I could talk about her forever but I know we have to move on. We asked you on Tuesday, you guys at home, to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Just moments ago we got the final results - "Jon and Kate Money Battle: Should Kate pay Jon for spousal support?" Thirty-three percent say yes; 67 percent no.
E-mails - Deb from Arizona, "Jon decided to leave his family and live in N.Y. with his girlfriend. There is no way she should pay for his playboy lifestyle. Let him fend for himself."
Turza from Oklahoma, "Jon, go get a real life with a real job! You just cut off your nose to spite your face. Now, you might actually have to work!"
HAMMER: Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. So good to have you back, Brooke.
ANDERSON: Thank you, A.J. This was fun. Let`s do it again tomorrow. All right. I am Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN.
END
