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Showbiz Tonight
Nancy Kerrigan`s Nightmare; Denise Richards` Tell-All to Oprah; Ellen-Simon War Breaks Out; Octomom Slim-Down Advice
Aired January 26, 2010 - 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: Big news, breaking right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Nancy Kerrigan`s nightmare. Tonight, the father of the Olympic skating star, dead. Her brother, arrested. Nancy, devastated. Will her brother be charged with killing their father? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with today`s late- breaking developments.
Denise Richards` incredible tell-all today to Oprah. Denise tells Oprah`s startling secrets including disturbing claims about her explosive marriage to Charlie Sheen. And Charlie`s surprise call to Denise on Christmas from jail, after allegedly attacking his wife.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DENISE RICHARDS, ACTRESS: I actually got a call on Christmas - a collect call from Charlie. I thought it was odd he was calling collect.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: A brand-new Ellen, Simon war breaks out. Today`s unbelievable story of what happened on Ellen`s first day on "American Idol." Did Simon diss Ellen big-time?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
And tonight, Nancy`s nightmare. Tonight, drama, mystery and a family shattered. Former Olympic skating champion, Nancy Kerrigan devastated today. Her father dead. Her brother arrested for attacking their father.
Today an outpouring of sympathy for Nancy, even from Tonya Harding who was once linked to a vicious attack on her former skating rival. This is just a terrible tragedy with developments coming into the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom all day long, and it made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): It`s another sad chapter in ice skater Nancy Kerrigan`s life of triumph and tragedy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ms. Kerrigan is extremely distraught over the death of his father.
HAMMER: NANCY`S brother, Mark, in jail and her father, Dan, who rushed to Nancy`s side after that infamous attack against her before the `94 Olympics is dead, after an alleged fight with Mark.
KRISTI YAMAGUCHI, FIGURE SKATER: Just a heavy heart for Nancy. I`ve known her family since I was about 13 or 14.
HAMMER: This morning, on the "Today" show, another former skating superstar, Kristi Yamaguchi, sent her condolences to her longtime friend and paid tribute to Nancy`s father.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
YAMAGUCHI: Nancy`s father, Dan, was always right there beside her, one of her biggest supports, obviously - Brenda, her mom and dad.
HAMMER: It all happened early Sunday morning. Authorities found 70 year old Daniel Kerrigan unconscious on the floor of his Massachusetts home. Police say, earlier, he fought with his 45-year-old son, Mark, an unemployed ex-con with a history of domestic violence arrests.
DAVID CAPLAN, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: According to the police report, Nancy`s dad and brother were having a fight at their home in Massachusetts over using the phone in the house.
HAMMER: Daniel Kerrigan was later pronounced dead.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mark Kerrigan.
HAMMER: Yesterday, his son Mark cried softly when he appeared in court for his arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to assault and battery.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He denies responsibility for this.
CAPLAN: Nancy Kerrigan`s mom saying fight did not directly kill her husband and that, in fact, he may have died of a heart attack.
NANCY KERRIGAN, OLYMPIC SKATER: If I`ve learned anything about getting stronger...
HAMMER: At the height of Kerrigan`s fame in the `90s, her father was one of her biggest supporters. She needed that support when she unwittingly became part of one of the most outlandish sports` scandals ever.
In 1994, a month before that year`s winter Olympics, Kerrigan was clubbed in the leg by an attacker linked to her ice skating rival, Tonya Harding. Later, Nancy`s father, Dan, lashed out at his daughter`s attackers.
DANIEL KERRIGAN, NANCY KERRIGAN`S FATHER: There`s some people in this world that just don`t use their head.
HAMMER: At the time, Nancy`s brother, Mark, also rallied to her side.
MARK KERRIGAN, NANCY KERRIGAN`S BROTHER: Hopefully, she`ll skate and I get to watch it.
HAMMER: Nancy inspired the nation with her miraculous recovery. A month after the attack she went on to the Olympics and won the silver medal. On "Good Morning America" last February, Nancy Kerrigan thanked her parents.
N. KERRIGAN: I`m really lucky for the influence my parents have on me to be able to, you know, I guess, deal with such a thing.
HAMMER: Now, Kerrigan`s father is dead. Her brother is accused of attacking him. Kristi Yamaguchi tells the "Today" show the entire ice skating community is reaching out to Kerrigan.
YAMAGUCHI: I sent her a message just expressing my sorrow and support to her. And you know, she sent a message back saying she definitely appreciates the support she`s been getting.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, you won`t believe who else is reaching out to Nancy Kerrigan. Today, a representative for Tonya Harding, who was convicted in relation to that 1994 attack on Kerrigan, sent a statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
It says, quote, "Tonya extends her deepest sympathy and condolences to Nancy and her family."
CAPLAN: Nancy Kerrigan is probably accepting Tonya Harding well- wishes but she probably doesn`t really need them right now.
HAMMER: "People.com`s" David Caplan tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT this is yet another time when Nancy Kerrigan will have to go through an unthinkable ordeal while the entire world watches.
CAPLAN: Nancy Kerrigan is no stranger to drama. So now, with the death of her dad, this is yet one more drama that she has to publicly live out.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Right now, the exact cause of Daniel Kerrigan`s death is unknown. The medical examiner is expected to release its report in a couple weeks.
As we move on tonight, there`s another story making big news. Heidi Montag is being called a hero. Heidi, a hero? Really? Those are two words I never thought I`d hear in the same sentence.
Well, just today, the plastic surgeon who performed the reality TV star`s 10 procedures is saying that Heidi is actually sending a good message to women everywhere. I say, are you kidding me?
Another story breaking today, a war could be breaking out on the set of "American Idol." A brand-new report says Ellen is already fed up with Simon Cowell, even calling Simon a prima donna.
Joining me tonight in New York, Cooper Lawrence who is a psychologist and author of "The Cult of Celebrity." Also in New York, Noelle Nikpour, who is a columnist for the "South Florida Sun Sentinel."
So today, for the very first time, we`re hearing these reports of tension building on the set of "American Idol." Now, according to the entertainment Web site "Deadline Hollywood," Ellen`s first day on "Idol" - not an easy one.
Simon apparently showed up an hour and a half late for the show`s taping and then made Ellen angry because she went out of her way to rearrange her talk-show schedule to accommodate "Idol`s" schedule.
Cooper, if I`m Ellen, all excited, a bit nervous about my first day on this highly anticipated new gig, I`m thinking, "What the heck have a gotten myself into to?"
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGIST AND AUTHOR: Of course, you think he meant it. It`s such a power play, too. It`s such a - "I`m the star. You`re not. You`re going to sit there and wait for me. And while I`m out there, you`re going to be sitting here thinking about me and talking about me and wondering where I am."
And it really is such a power play on the part of Simon to say to her, "You`re not the star." I`m the star.
HAMMER: And it`s so silly, especially given the fact it`s Simon`s last season. Just come in. Do your job. You know, say your nasty things and get the heck out of there.
Well, on her talk show recently, Ellen talked about her first day on the set of "Idol." Take a look at what she said about it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": It`s an amazing time. It`s hard. It`s hard, because now I have to be the person instead of at home - it`s easy at home to go whatever your opinions are. But to be right there in front of them and have tell someone they`re not going any further. And some contestants are good but they`re not great. I`m all for being honest but eliminating people is tough.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. So when she was talking about it, according to Ellen her biggest problem was having to be critical of the new contestants. But you look at today`s new report and it really gives us a whole different picture.
Off to you Noelle, as nice as it would be for Ellen and Simon to get along and make all nicey-nice, I`ve got to believe even this kind of publicity is good for the show, don`t you think?
NOELLE NIKPOUR, COLUMNIST, "SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL": Well, yes. And it`s even proven. Just look at Conan and Leno. I mean, that makes for really good TV. But you know, Ellen needs to realize that she`s entered into "American Idol" territory and that`s Simon Cowell`s territory.
And you know, people love Simon Cowell. I don`t think that she`s used to an audience such as this. You know what I mean?
HAMMER: I hate to be crass here, but it`s almost like he`s a dog and he peed on the judges` table.
NIKPOUR: He absolutely did. That`s exactly what he did.
HAMMER: Sorry I had to say this.
LAWRENCE: My territory...
HAMMER: I want to move on to another big story happening today. Heidi, the hero? Yes, Heidi Montag`s plastic surgeon. Dr. Frank Ryan, sat down with "Radar Online." And he praised Heidi about being open about her 10 plastic surgeries. Watch what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. FRANK RYAN, HEIDI MONTAG`S PLASTIC SURGEON: I, frankly, think Heidi is brave. She`s a hero for talking about this. And frankly, a little bit, I am, too, because I knew this would sort of happen. But I told Heidi at the beginning, "If you`re going to have people cover this, then you can say whatever you want."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You just got to be kidding me. This guy is actually calling Heidi and himself heroes for talking about the fact that at the age of 23, she proudly had 10 procedures in one day.
Cooper, by the fact that you`re laughing here, it`s not just me that thinks this is nuts.
LAWRENCE: I think a hero is somebody who saves a drowning child or a firefighter or somebody in Iraq. I don`t think of Heidi getting surgery as being heroic in any way, shape or form.
It`s another indication of how Hollywood congratulates itself. You`re wonderful. No, you are wonderful. No, you are. It`s disgusting.
HAMMER: Well, maybe we`re looking at this all wrong. I mean, just hear me out here. Maybe Heidi and the doctor are heroes for talking about all of Heidi`s plastic surgery because most realistic people are looking at this and saying, "Wow, this is nuts."
Noelle, I mean, considering that, if you look at it that way, even though I don`t think that`s their intention, should we be calling them "heroes?"
NIKPOUR: Oh, my gosh. Certainly not. You know what? Heidi is no hero. She`s a zero. And she`s sending a horrible message to young girls that plastic surgery is not only accepted, but it should be done.
HAMMER: Yes.
NIKPOUR: And although I`m not against plastic surgery, I think in Heidi`s case, it`s extreme.
HAMMER: No. It`s extreme and as we`ve said before, it just seems like there`s a lot more going on there than the need to change her appearance.
NIKPOUR: Yes.
HAMMER: Moving on to huge Paula Abdul news happening today. The former "American Idol" judge has reportedly been offered a $1 million deal that would land her on "Dancing with the Stars." I mean, would Paula just be crazy to pass this offer up? Cooper Lawrence, Noelle Nikpour, don`t go anywhere. We will get to that in just a second.
But as we move on, brand-new today - Denise Richards` incredible tell- all to Oprah. This is wild. What Denise reveals about her ex, Charlie Sheen`s surprising call to her from jail.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDS: I actually got a call on Christmas, a collect call from Charlie and he said - I said...
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": Christmas day?
RICHARDS: Christmas day. He said, "Yes, they won`t let me use my cell phone here." He said, "I`m in jail."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Charlie reportedly calling her from the slammer. He was locked up for allegedly attacking his wife. And Denise also opens up about her explosive marriage to Charlie. This is stuff that you never heard her talk about before.
And the shocking reports that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are breaking up. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers just fired up about this. Should Brangelina say something? How does Jennifer Aniston play into all this? It`s an absolutely raging debate. Your "Showbiz on Call" phone calls, your E-mails, coming up. 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: "Avatar" breaks "Titanic`s" record; it`s now the highest- grossing movie of all time. "Hope for Haiti" telethon, which aired Friday, was watched by 80 million people.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City. Tonight, big stars doing more big things for Haiti. John Travolta takes his own jet filled with supplies down to Haiti. Jennifer Aniston reportedly writes a big check. Plus, is Paula Abdul about to dance with the stars? It`s all in the SHOWBIZ buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): John Travolta`s mission of mercy to Haiti. In a surprise rescue mission, Travolta piloted his own jet to Haiti, Monday night. The jet carried four tons of relief supplies to the earthquake devastated country.
And also on board, his wife Kelly Preston and a team of doctors. Travolta, a long-time member of the Church of Scientology, also brought along a scientology minister. Travolta is now back in the United States.
HAMMER: Jennifer Aniston is also helping Haiti. Aniston has reportedly donated $500,000 to several organizations including Doctors without Borders, Partners in Health and Americare, which are all helping Haiti recover from the earthquake. Aniston also participated in the George Clooney-led "Hope for Haiti" telethon that raised more than $61 million.
Will Paula Abdul be dancing with the stars? ABC is reportedly offering the former "American Idol" judge a $1 million development deal. TMZ reports the deal would include a role on "Dancing with the Stars," but would still allow Abdul to appear on Simon Cowell`s upcoming U.S. version of his hit show, "X Factor," even if that show is on another network. ABC reportedly wants Abdul to start "Dancing with the Stars" when the new season begins in March.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: We all watch as she walked away from "Idol." But would Paula just be crazy to pass up $1 million to appear on "Dancing with the Stars?"
Back with me in New York, psychologist and author, Cooper Lawrence; and "South Florida Sun Sentinel" columnist, Noelle Nikpour.
All right. So when Paula Abdul cut ties with "American Idol," everybody thought she ended up looking like a big loser for walking away from such a big gig. I got to tell you it looks to me like Paula Abdul is getting the last laugh.
The offers keep pouring in for Paula. Everybody wants her. I`m not feeling sorry for her at all, Cooper.
LAWRENCE: No, you shouldn`t. And you know, you follow "American Idol" with a show like "Dancing with the Stars," not "Pants Off, Dance Off." It`s a huge show. And remember, before "American Idol," nobody was looking for Paula Abdul, not even MC Skat Kat.
So it`s good that she`s really - I mean, her star is really on the rise right now.
HAMMER: MC Skat Kat was a cartoon?
LAWRENCE: Yes, in the video she - right.
HAMMER: That`s right. Just to be clear on that. "Dancing with the Stars" reportedly wants Paula so bad that besides paying her $1 million, ABC has said they would also allow her to appear as a judge on Simon Cowell`s new show, "X Factor" even if that show aired on another network.
Noelle, are you with me? Paula would be crazy to pass this up a deal like this?
NIKPOUR: Yes. I mean, A.J., Paula Abdul needs to take that money and dance. I mean, that`s what we know her for - dancing and singing. She would be great. And you know what? She might even win. She would be fabulous.
HAMMER: Well, we don`t know if they`re talking about her as a judge now or - I think it`s as a judge than actually dancing, although she`s a choreographer and certainly a good dancer.
NIKPOUR: Yes.
HAMMER: Now, "Dancing with the Stars" certainly has its own colorful personalities, Cooper, on their judge`s table. How do you see Paula`s sort of - I don`t know what to call it - her unique brand of wackiness. How do you see that fitting in? I actually think it would be a nice injection of spirit into that show.
LAWRENCE: Absolutely. I think she would step up because choreography is really her sweet spot more than singing. So I think she would have more to say about the dancing than she would when she was on "American Idol" about the singing.
HAMMER: Yes. How many times with can you say, "You`re a little bit pitchy"? And that really doesn`t apply to (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
LAWRENCE: A.J., you`re so A.J.
HAMMER: Well, good for her. And I hope she does end up winding up on "Dancing with the Stars." How cool would that be? Cooper Lawrence, Noelle Nikpour, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
Well, let me throw it over to you. Here`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Paula Abdul`s Million-Dollar Offer: Should she do `Dancing with the Stars`?" Here`s where you vote, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Here`s where you E-mail, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Well, the super-big question that everyone is wondering about today, are those reports about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie breaking up true? And why does it seem that so many people are actually rooting for them to break up?
We`ve got a lot of calls coming into "Showbiz on Call," so many, in fact, our "Showbiz on Call" operators actually had to borrow some of Brangelina`s kids to handle all the calls.
Mary from Texas would love for Brad and Angie to stay together.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MARY, CALLER FROM TEXAS: I, for one, love Angelina and Brad Pitt together. And I don`t know why everybody is saying they`re rooting for them to break up. I`m rooting for them to stay together. I think they`re the greatest couple ever.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: I`m right there with you, Mary. Now, on to the other big story you guys are really fired up today - about today. Heidi Montag`s plastic surgeon calling her 10 procedures a "good career move." Maybe for him, but Barb from Alabama is furious.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
BARB, CALLER FROM ALABAMA: My god. This was a beautiful, 23-year-old girl. What possessed her doctor to do 10 plastic surgery procedures? This woman was beautiful before he touched her. She is nowhere near as pretty as she was before he got his hands on her.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: We really appreciate your call, Barb. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open all the time. Let me give you the number right now. It`s 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899.
Well, a lot of people are wondering why Brad and Angelina aren`t saying anything about all of these break-up reports. I think, you know, that can be a good move sometimes. But why are they staying so quiet about this latest uproar and the noise is loud?
Well, in addition to the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines filling up, we`re getting tons of E-mails, tons of Facebook comments. Should Brangelina say anything? And how does Jennifer Aniston play into all this? The debate is raging big-time.
Also Denise Richards` incredible tell-all today to Oprah. Denise tells Oprah startling new secrets about her ex, Charlie Sheen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: I hear you guys spent New Year`s Eve together?
RICHARDS: Well...
WINFREY: Explain that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Wait until you hear Denise talk about Charlie`s surprise call to her from jail after allegedly attacking his wife.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A brand-new car!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Hey, looks like this lady took the showcase showdown a little too literally. Did you see this? The incredible caught-on-tape "Price is Right" moment. Maybe she should have stuck with Plinko game. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Diff`rent Strokes" star Gary Coleman out of jail on bail after weekend arrest. Andy Dick due in West Virginia court next week to face sexual abuse charges.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Kourtney Kardashian says she`s not OK with this "OK" magazine cover. Kourtney is mad because she claims that said "OK" made her look thinner than she really is through the magic of Photoshop.
So Kourtney, who of course is one of the three Kardashian sisters, from E`s "Keeping Up with the Kardashians, just had a baby. And "OK" magazine put her on the cover of its new issue with the screaming headline "My Diet Secrets: Kourtney`s Body after Baby Exclusive."
The problem, Kourtney said, "That`s not me," because she claims "OK" Photoshopped the shot to make her look thinner. In a new interview with "WWD.com," Kourtney claims, "They doctored and Photoshopped my body to make it look like I have already lost the weight, which have not."
And on her Twitter page, Kourtney adds, "One of those weeklies got it wrong again. They didn`t have an exclusive with me and I gained 40 pounds while pregnant, not 26, but thanks." We reached out to "OK" magazine. They say, "No comment."
All right. There`s a whole lot of fist pumping going on right now in our Facebook page. We told you about the "Jersey Shore" cast reportedly demanding $10,000 each per episode next season. Otherwise, they`re going to pack up their tanning spray and hair gel and take a hike.
I need tom fist-pumping music here. Can I get - yes, that`s what I`m talking about. Let`s get to a couple of these.
Wlepla F. says MTV brought it on themselves, "You reap what you sow. MTV should be slapping themselves in the face right now. It`s all their fault bringing these trashy idiots to my screen. So yes, don`t blame them 100 percent.
Kate T. says forget about it, "I wish someone would pay me to party and live in a house on the beach. I enjoyed the show, but I have to be honest, they aren`t worth that much. I`m sure another cast would be just as interesting to watch for less money."
Stacie M. says this - she wants her MTV, "Whatever happened to music television? Isn`t that what the `M` in MTV stands for? Get rid of the reality crap."
Write to me on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter. Sign up at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. And please take that music off, please. Thank you.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at bottom of the hour.
Denise Richards` unbelievable new confessions to Oprah today, including how her ex, Charlie Sheen, called her from jail on Christmas.
The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers just fired up about the Brangelina breakup reports. Your calls, your Facebook comments. Should Brad and Angie speak out? And how does Jen Aniston play into all this? And you can file this all under, "What the - "
The Octomom coming out with a book about diet tips? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Martha Stewart no longer syndicating her show; she`s putting it on the Hallmark Channel. CBS` "How I Met Your Mother" renewed for a sixth season.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN SLATTERY, ACTOR: I think that`s really what it is. It`s not to forget. You know, I mean, something like the telethon and people think, "Oh, we contributed and now it`s over," and move on to something else. You know, this is going to go on in Haiti for a long, long time.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDS: I actually got a call on Christmas, a collect call from Charlie. And he said - I said...
WINFREY: Christmas day?
RICHARDS: Christmas day. He said, "Yes, they won`t let me use my cell phone here." He said, "I`m in jail."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Denise Richards new confessions to Oprah today. Denise`s startling reaction to her ex, Charlie Sheen, calling her from jail on Christmas after allegedly beating his wife.
HAMMER: Breaking Brangelina outrage. Brand-new reports that Brad and Angelina are splitting up. Should they speak out or stay silent? The shocking divide over the reported Brangelina breakup.
And the Octomom`s new look a year after she gave birth to the octuplets. Plus, her new weight-loss advice to women everywhere. Say what?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
Tonight, Denise tells all to Oprah. Yes, Charlie Sheen`s ex-wife, Denise Richards really opens up to Oprah Winfrey today, less than a month after Charlie was arrested for allegedly threatening his current wife with a knife.
Oprah could barely contain her surprise today when Denise told her about Charlie`s emotional Christmas day call to her from jail. Wait until you hear what she said. And Oprah`s shocked reaction.
And there were definitely some awkward moments here. Oprah put Denise in the hot seat today when Denise wouldn`t answer some tough questions about Charlie. You`ve got to see how all this went down.
And that`s not the only whopper tonight. Denise also reveals that in spite of having one of the most dramatic, nasty divorces in Hollywood history, she and Charlie actually celebrated New Year`s Eve together and that they are in a good place. I`ve got to ask, what the heck is going on here?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood is Wendy Walsh who is a TV journalist and doctor of psychology. Tonight in New York, Midwin Charles, who is an "In Session" legal contributor.
Well, Denise Richards really opened up to Oprah today in an interview that was full of bombshells. There was some major revelations here. And I`ve got to tell you, as I watched this there were some really uncomfortable moments.
The first bombshell of the night - Denise revealed today that Charlie Sheen called her and their two daughters on Christmas day from jail. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDS: I actually got a call on Christmas, a collect call from Charlie. And he said - I said...
WINFREY: Christmas day?
RICHARDS: Christmas day. He said, "No. I didn`t want the day to go by without saying merry Christmas to the girls," which I thought was really nice. And I said, "Come and say merry Christmas to dad." And they`re like, "We`ll call him later."
WINFREY: Did you say, "Come say merry Christmas to dad in jail?"
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. You know, when I think about the last time I spoke with Denise now, angry and bitter that she really was towards Charlie, I find this all amazing.
Wendy Walsh, off to you. Are you surprised that Charlie would call Denise from the slammer and that Denise actually seemed pleased to hear from him?
DR. WENDY WALSH, PSYCHOLOGIST: I`m not surprised at all, A.J., because they have children and ultimately, they`re a family. As crazy as the system is, when there has been a domestic violence perpetrator out there, when there`s been an awful relationship, when there are children, that`s a bond people have to keep for a very long time.
HAMMER: And again, it`s still alleged domestic violence at this point. But I found out it was really remarkable that during most of this interview today, Denise conveyed, "Hey, you know, Charlie and I were actually good friends."
I mean, everybody seemed floored when Denise revealed this, including Oprah - when Denise revealed that she and Charlie spent New Year`s Eve together. You`ve got to watch what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: After all of this, I hear you guys spent New Year`s Eve together? Explain that.
RICHARDS: Well, we didn`t exactly ring in the New Year together. But we have been - we`ve gotten to a really good place with each other and it`s taken a lot of work to get there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. So they`re in a good place, apparently. Midwin, look, I`m always happy when people can work out their differences, particularly when there are children involved.
But let`s step back for a moment and remember their bombastic divorce and the nuclear fallout. Are you getting this at all?
MIDWIN CHARLES, LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR, "IN SESSION": Oh, I think it`s remarkable. I mean, I hearken back to the drama of when the marriage ended. But I think it`s excellent. She`s clearly moved on to a better place. And for the sake of her children, I think she`s acting accordingly and doing the right thing by embracing it.
HAMMER: I remember when she was here, too. It just seemed like - well, first of all, she was angry and bitter, but it was just such a difficult world that she was living in at the time.
And when you think about it, it has to be so tough for her to navigate these really troubled waters, you know, keeping the father of her children close while protecting them from his wild ways.
And she also revealed to Oprah today the heart-breaking revelation that she had to tell her kids that their dad was in jail. You`ve got to watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDS: I did have to tell them about their dad.
WINFREY: Did you?
RICHARDS: Because...
WINFREY: At 4 and 5, did you even have to tell them?
RICHARDS: I didn`t say why. My daughter had a girl come up to her at school and say, "Your dad was in jail. Is he still there?" At five years old in kindergarten. And that`s a tough conversation. I didn`t say what happened.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Wow. I mean, Wendy, how sad is that? Charlie`s young kids have to face being confronted in school about their dad, who happens to be the biggest sitcom star on TV - the fact that he`s in jail. I mean, that`s just sad to me.
WALSH: It`s very sad. But the truth is, if we protect children too much from information, they know anyway. Or as she said, they`ll hear from school. It`s better that a parent is the source of information for a child, you know, given in a limited way and carefully. But they need to know what`s up.
HAMMER: Yes. My friend Jane Velez-Mitchell would call this a cautionary tale for anybody with kids thinking of becoming a big-time star because it is something you obviously have to face.
Well, I`ve got to get to one particularly extraordinarily awkward moment during the interview. Oprah tried very hard to get Denise to open up about Charlie and what it was about him that seems to wreak so much havoc in so many people`s lives.
But Denise just clammed up at the time. She wouldn`t talk about this. But this time, you know, Oprah - she wanted answers. You`ve got to take a look at what happened here.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: So what is it? Is it his temper? Is it his, you know, way of being? What is it?
RICHARDS: It`s a combination of a lot of things. It`s a lot.
WINFREY: So you`re not going to tell me what it is. "It`s a lot" isn`t an answer. But no...
RICHARDS: Bad?
WINFREY: Yes.
RICHARDS: I`m now starting to sweat.
WINFREY: Is it freaking you - is it drugs? Do you want to leave it at "It`s a lot?" I want you to know that I know "It`s a lot" is not an answer. But...
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Midwin, is it me or is it really weird that Denise seems to be going to some major extremes to protect the same guy who really, up until very recently, she was out there trashing?
CHARLES: Well, you know, I do find it interesting. But it`s not surprising. He is still facing legal charges so she really ought to be careful about what she says. After all, she was married to him. Who knows, she could be called in to testify should there be a trial or what have you.
You know, this is what Oprah does best. If you choose to sit on her couch, be prepared to be grilled. She will ask the questions and she won`t let you go.
HAMMER: Yes. And the interesting thing is, you know, Denise knew those questions were going to be coming and didn`t seem particularly prepared to answer them but Oprah was unrelenting here.
I mean, she put Denise right in that hot seat and it only got more awkward when she finally somewhat answered Oprah`s question. She was very careful about what she said. Watch how the rest of this went down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDS: Everyone, I`m sure, has read different things. And I think anyone would think there are certain things have been written - aren`t appropriate for children. And I can`t control what Charlie does. Is that an answer?
WINFREY: You know, I`m going to leave it at that. Yes, you`re uncomfortable talking about it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Now, Wendy, I mean, it`s pretty clear here. There`s a whole lot more to this story that we`re not hearing or seeing from Denise Richards.
WALSH: Of course, there is. But you know, A.J., there are very few grown-up Americans who haven`t gone through a painful breakup with a spouse or a boyfriend. And if there are children involved, there is a time of intense anger and there`s also a time to build bridges back because children do need two parents.
And so while it appears that she`s trying to protect him, she`s not protecting Charlie Sheen, her lover. She`s protecting her child`s father.
HAMMER: Yes. And actually, I give her a lot of credit for that because all the while they went through this very public battle, we wish they would share less information. So perhaps she`s heeding some of that.
Midwin, why do you think Denise did this tell-all interview? I mean, I still don`t understand what she had to even gain by showing up? She wasn`t even plugging anything.
CHARLES: I`m not quite sure why she did it either. I don`t know if this is some sort of way to try to, you know, appeal to the public on behalf of Charlie, because who better to do that?
HAMMER: Yes.
CHARLES: But I think in addition to protecting Charlie, she`s also, most importantly, protecting her children.
HAMMER: Yes. No, I think that does make sense. We`re going to leave it there. Midwin Charles, Wendy Walsh, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
All right. tonight, the Brangelina breakup reports spark a frenzy. So here`s the thing - should the megastar couple come forward and set the record straight already? We`ve got the shocking results of the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll that is sparking new Brangelina outrage.
Well, it`s the Octomom a year after the birth of her world-famous octuplets. So what`s up with her dramatic new look? And is she really turning into some kind of diet guru? Really? Wait tell you hear her astounding weight-loss advice for women everywhere.
Also, this...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A brand new car!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Whoa! Well, the excitement of winning a new car way too much for one contestant on "The Price is Right." Tonight, the unbelievable live TV moment you`ve got to see it to believe. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Oprah Winfrey named TV`s favorite personality in Harris Poll. Tagline of Oprah`s own network revealed! It`s your life. Own it."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Did you see this? In a shocking moment caught live on TV, a "Price is Right" contestant takes the words "Come on down" a little too seriously. Nancy made it all the way to the showcase showdown. And when she found out what she could win, well, she went down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A brand new car! She`s OK. All right. She`s OK.
HAMMER: Whoa! I`ll tell you, the blood must have come rushing back to her head because she actually put in the winning bid. Nancy`s prizes totaled $58,522 including that new car.
Tonight, outrage over Brangelina`s reported breakup. People are really up in arms today over the brand-new reports that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are splitting up. But Brad and Angelina have not said a word. Should they deny the reports if they aren`t true?
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers have something to say about that. In fact, I was just handed the fired-up results to our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Here`s what we asked - "Brad and Angelina Split Rumors: Should they continue to ignore them?"
Look at this - 79 percent of you said, yes, ignore them Brad and Angie. Twenty-one percent said no. Well, no surprise, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been ringing nonstop with outrage. Sharon from Michigan says leave Brangelina alone.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SHARON, CALLER FROM MICHIGAN: I think we should ignore the rumors because the press and the media have been getting this couple to break up since they met on "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Yes, they may be going through some problems right now but what couple doesn`t?
I think that we need to just leave them alone until one of them makes a statement and say that they are no longer going to be a couple.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Sharon, thanks for your call. We also go this call from Tasha who says it`s none of our business.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
TASHA, CALLER: It`s their business. If they`re broken up, good. If they`re not, good. But that`s their business. They have kids. Raise your kids. You don`t have to be together to raise your children. It`s their life.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Well, thank you, Tasha. The fired-up debate hasn`t stopped there. Outrage continued on our Facebook page when we asked why it seems so many people are rooting for Brad and Angelina to break up, something I just don`t get.
Marissa M. thinks it`s because people aren`t over the divorce of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. She writes this, I know it`s because of what happened to Jennifer Aniston. So many people have gone through the same sort of story in their own lives. Maybe they wish for some justice.
Gina W. agrees, "I think people are still upset about the split up of Brad and Jennifer. I think people feel Jennifer was blindsided by Angelina. People think if Brad and Angie`s relationship comes to an end, then it`s just karma."
Tonight, "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier comes to the defense of Paris Hilton. Now, that sounds to me like a storyline ripped right from the HBO show "Entourage," but I`m not making this up.
In a shocking new interview, Grenier speaks out about Paris while promoting his new film at the Sundance Film Festival.
Speaking of Sundance, "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart is taking on a new role as a legendary rocker. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson has been covering Sundance and is right there this Park City, Utah.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: Hey, A.J. We`ve got two big stories breaking here at Sundance to tell you about, including one involving Kristen Stewart, the star of "Twilight," involving her edgy new movie premiering her at Sundance. I`ll get to that in just a moment.
But first, the star of HBO`s hit TV show, "Entourage," Adrian Grenier, is coming to the defense of Paris Hilton. Now, Grenier is in town to promote his movie, "Teenage Paparazzo." It`s about a 13-year-old boy, a budding paparazzo who started snapping photos of Grenier at an event. They then go on to develop a meaningful relationship.
Well, in the documentary, he fakes a date with Paris Hilton to see how the paparazzi would react. And Grenier told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, right here at Sundance that he thinks that Paris is just great. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ADRIAN GRENIER, ACTOR: I really respect Paris for what she`s accomplished through the media, through the tabloid media, in particular, and her playfulness and willingness to participate.
And you know, I`m very thankful that she was willing to share a little insight into her experience. And you know, it was an obvious step to see just how easy it is to play in this arena, you know, and this forum, in this format of tabloid media.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now, I can tell you that the paparazzi is all over somebody else here at the Sundance Film Festival. I`m talking about Kristen Stewart, the star of "Twilight." And she`s actually here in a edgy new role for the film, "Runaways."
Now, the 19-year-old actress told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that she got some great advice from Joan Jett because she`s portraying the legendary rocker in the movie, "The Runaways."
And when I spoke with Joan Jett, I asked her if she thought Kristen`s tremendous success in the "Twilight" series could overshadow her role in this new movie. And she told me she`s not worried at all.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOAN JETT, SINGER: I think actually it`s going to give people a chance to see Kristen in another way. You know, they`re so used to this cemented Bella character in their heads and that`s what Kristen Stewart is.
But you know, I mean, this is not the only - she`s got the "Runaways" up here and another movie opening up here. So she`s got quite - you know, quite a great range and I`m glad people are going to get to see it.
KRISTEN STEWART, ACTRESS: One thing me and Joan did talk about a lot was like - I mean, I`m just, by chance, not like about the movie or like, preparing for the movie. It was just something that came up.
She was always sort of concerned about how I was dealing with things. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) yes, it looks crazy from the outside. And there`s stuff that`s like, they get sort of wearing. And she was like, "Trust me. I know all about it. As I grew up, nobody wanted to hear what any of us had to say."
So I was like, you know - it`s nice to hear that she`s still one of the most well-rounded awesome people. And she`s faced way, way more adversity than I have, so she`s amazing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And I can tell you that Kristen and her co-star, Dakota Fanning are amazing in the film. They`re getting rave reviews. And you can catch them both when "The Runaways" hits theaters on March 19th. That is it right now from the Sundance Film Festival. A.J., back over to you in New York.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson at Sundance. All right. Brooke is also gearing up for another huge night back in Hollywood. The Grammys are coming. We`ve teamed one the Recording Academy to debate who is going to take home the biggest prizes on Sunday.
In an exclusive four-part Grammy round table, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson sat down with industry experts to debate who will win in the big four categories including, of course, the all-important album of the year. The competition just fierce there.
But who will win? You can watch Brooke`s four-part debate at CNN.com/Showbiz right there in the music area. You can also catch it at "Grammy.com" every day this week. And then of course find out who wins at the Grammy Awards this Sunday night on CBS.
Well, tonight, Octomom`s slim-down secrets. Yes, you heard me right. Octomom, Nadya Suleman, dropped a reported 150 pounds in a year. That`s making a lot of people say, how did she do that? Tonight, Nadya Suleman`s secrets to the octu-slim down. It will have women everywhere saying, "Say what?" This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Hulk Hogan`s wife, Linda, to write a tell-all memoir. Justin Timberlake named Harvard`s Hasty Pudding Man of the Year.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Happy birthday to the Octomom`s octuplets. Everybody`s excited. Today Nadya Suleman`s eight bundles of joy celebrate their very first birthday. And on the same day, the shocking news from Octomom - she wants to release a book about body image for young women.
Tonight, Octomom`s octu-slim-down secrets. Yes. Octomom is revealing brand-new secrets about how she slipped into this teeny, weenie, red bikini on the cover of "Star" magazine just a year after delivering eight babies at one time.
And now, she`s reportedly going to write a book about it. Brand-new report is out that reveals the Octomom is planning to write a book for young women about why it`s OK to have flaws after your pregnancy.
Now, according to "Star" magazine, the Octomom dropped an astounding 150 pounds which sparked controversy that she had plastic surgery or got Photoshopped which she denies. So if it wasn`t feet Photoshop or surgery, how did she do it?
Well, in an interview with Matt Lauer that aired on the "Today" show this morning, Suleman said she`s just born with good genes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOTHER: People disregard genetics. And if you don`t have very good genetics to begin, with no matter what you do at the gym, no matter what your lifestyle is or what kind of diet you have...
MATT LAUER, ANCHOR, THE "TODAY" SHOW: No surgery?
SULEMAN: Nothing. No. I will not do that. I go to the gym at least two to three times a week. I do sit-ups.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Matt looked a little uncomfortable just being there. By the way, Octomom told "Star" magazine that she does three hours of cardio a day and she has three live-in nannies that prepare healthy meals.
Tonight, the most provocative moments of the Sundance Film Festival. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson has been there with our fine producer Jenny D`Attoma. They`ve been getting up close and personal with all the biggest stars. You have got to take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Even Sundance needs a little church.
JETT: Hello, Daddy. Hello, Mom...
ANDERSON: You look great.
JETT: Thanks. It`s pretty surreal for me to watch this onscreen.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: We have some bona fide celebrities here. What`s the name of the film?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The film is called "Turney." And it`s a British art film.
ANDERSON: So you brought it all the way over from London...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, from sunny London. Yes.
JENNY D`ATTOMA, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT PRODUCER: This isn`t your first year at Sundance, is it?
GRENIER: No. Wait. Come back. What was that about? What are you doing? He said, "Paparazzi, dude." I was totally confused. I said, "You`re paparazzi?" He said, "Yes." I said, "How old are you?" "Thirteen." What has this world come to where young boys think it`s OK to become a paparazzi?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks a lot for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Remember, you can always 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.
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