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Showbiz Tonight
Andrew Young`s Fight to Keep John Edwards` Sex Tape; Brangelina`s New Date; A Jersey Shore Victory; Michael Jackson`s Kids at the Grammys
Aired February 01, 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, CO-HOST: Big news breaking right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the brand-new battle over the John Edwards sex tape. The guy who claims to have a sex tape of Edwards with his ex-mistress goes on live TV today. His stunning fight to keep the tape.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDREW YOUNG, EX-AIDE OF JOHN EDWARDS: We were offered gigantic amounts of money, and we`ve said no.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks, should Edwards` mistress get the tape? And will the private video ever be made public?
Brangelina`s big new date. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie go public for the very first time since reports came out they were splitting. Did they reveal anything about their relationship?
And the "Jersey Shore" shocker.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The situation is, I believe, all of us - we`ve all agreed that we`re all going to be coming back for a second season and we`re all pretty excited about that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The cast members make an unbelievable deal. But hey, do they really deserve it?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: 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, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
HAMMER: Tonight, the battle over the sex tape. A brand-new explosive war of words has erupted in the John Edwards sex scandal. Just this morning, Edwards` former confidant, Andrew Young, went on live TV and defended his motives for keeping a tape that he calls a sex tape featuring his former boss, John Edwards.
So why didn`t Young follow a judge`s order and turn over the private tape? And there`s more today - newly released voicemail of an apparently angry Elizabeth Edwards takes this saga to a whole new explosive level. There is no doubt these developments made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): If you thought there was a big fight over the Paris Hilton sex tape or Pamela Anderson`s, this alleged sex tape battle is in a whole different league.
YOUNG: I couldn`t have told this story without including the sex tape.
HAMMER: This morning on "Good Morning America," George Stephanopoulos had the first live TV interview with Andrew Young, the ex-aide to former presidential candidate, John Edwards. He`s the guy who has become a media sensation for his explosive claim that he has a sex tape featuring Edwards and ex-mistress, Rielle Hunter.
YOUNG: I`m positive it`s John Edwards. You can clearly see his face. I can`t speak for the rest of the body parts.
HAMMER: Young tells "Good Morning America" he is not going to sell the alleged John Edwards sex tape.
YOUNG: We were offered gigantic amounts of money, and we said no.
HAMMER: Just last week, Edwards` former mistress, Rielle Hunter, filed a restraining order against Young. She never mentions a sex tape, but she does mention a tape she claims is quote, "very private and personal."
JO PIAZZA, "CNN.COM": The court granted the order and ordered Andrew Young to give back whatever private property he has of Rielle Hunter`s.
HAMMER: John has yet to turn over any video. And this morning on "Good Morning America," Young didn`t exactly have a concrete answer as to why. Other than.
YOUNG: I`m going to let my lawyers handle that.
HAMMER: And today, there`s another big issue in the alleged Edwards sex tape saga. Who exactly is on it? Although Young says Edwards is clearly visible on the video, he told ABC`s "20/20" on Friday that the woman in the video is not.
YOUNG: You never see her face. It`s a visibly pregnant woman.
HAMMER: Only thing is, in her court filing, Hunter says the video in question was shot in September of 2006. That would be before she got pregnant with John Edwards` love child.
Still, this morning, Young told "Good Morning America" he strongly suspects that Hunter is the co-star in the disputed alleged sex tape.
YOUNG: It`s hard to think it would be anyone else but her.
HAMMER: In his new book, "The Politician," Young describes Edwards` unbelievable attempts to cover up his affair with Hunter and the love child he fathered with her.
PIAZZA: Andrew Young with the scapegoat. John Edwards was saying for a while that Andrew was actually the father of this child.
HAMMER: In his book, Young claims not only did Edwards lie to his wife and tell her that Young was the father of Rielle`s baby, Young claims Edwards told his wife that Young was skipping out on child support payments, forcing Rielle to blackmail Edwards for money. On ABC`s "20/20," played an angry voicemail he says Elizabeth Edwards left for him.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (alleged to be Elizabeth Edwards): You are going to have to take care of your baby. And then, you and your concubine and your entire family can stay out of our lives.
HAMMER: As we know, John Edwards` lies have taken their toll on the Edwards` marriage. They are now legally separated. And today, NBC reported that in October of 2008, police were actually called to the Edwards` North Carolina home. Elizabeth Edwards reportedly accused her husband of stealing her wallet.
PIAZZA: John stole a lot more than Elizabeth`s wallet. He stole her dignity. And whatever the fight was about, I think we can honestly say, of course, it was over this sex scandal.
HAMMER: And now, that sex scandal includes a sex tape battle that promises to pile even more embarrassment on top of the family that`s already had more than their share.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Well, we all know now that the lies were too much for Elizabeth Edwards. And now, I`ve got to wonder where the story could possibly be going next.
Joining me tonight in New York, Megan Alexander, who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition." Also in New York tonight, Noelle Nikpour, who is a columnist for "South Florida Sun Sentinel."
OK. So we found out today that John Edwards` former aide, Andrew Young, is now refusing to turn over this alleged sex tape to Edwards` mistress, Rielle Hunter, because he`s now saying he`s not sure it`s hers to have, which sounds strange to me, because Young sounded pretty sure it was, in fact, Hunter on the tape.
But now, after Hunter won a court order for it to be returned, he`s not sure. Megan, it actually looks to me now like Andrew Young`s whole story is starting to show some cracks.
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": You know, maybe it does. But to me, the damage has already been done. John Edwards admitted the affair. He admitted he is the father of that baby.
So I think, in a sense, nothing is good for John Edwards at this point. And as Andrew Young went along with it - we`re not sure why he went to the extent he did. So now, I think he`s figuring out where his leverage is and where he can go.
HAMMER: Yes. But there was something about this particular interview where he seems a little less sure of himself than we`ve seen in the past. So taking that into account and realizing, you know, there is not a whole lot that could make John Edwards look good at this point.
Noelle, what do you think? Does it help Edwards at all that perhaps the guy who`s now making him look really bad is starting to possibly not look so great himself.
NOELLE NIKPOUR, COLUMNIST, "SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL": Well, A.J., all I`ve got to say, grab the popcorn, honey. It is home movie night at Andrew Young`s house. You know what? I`ve got to tell you, this book was written by an opportunist about a narcissist.
And why did he go to the trouble of piecing together and fixing the tape if he wasn`t going to sell it? He`s going to sell the tape and his credibility is a little faltering right now.
HAMMER: Well, he`s saying, you know, that`s not his plan and it hasn`t been. Just this morning on ABC`s "Good Morning America," Andrew Young explained why he revealed this reported sex tape. And again, for now, he says he does not plan on cashing in on it. Let`s watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
YOUNG: I couldn`t have told this story without including the sex tape. We haven`t done anything to the sex tape. We haven`t tried to.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, CO-ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING, AMERICA": Have you ever tried to sell it? Never?
YOUNG: No. We were offered gigantic amounts of money and we`ve said no.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s not exactly like you said. He never will try to sell it. So at least, right now, the tape is not out there. Doesn`t look like it will necessarily be getting out there.
But Megan, are you with me, that Edwards is far from out of the woods as far as the sex tape is concerned? Look, even if he says he`s never going to sell it, it still exists according to Andrew Young.
ALEXANDER: The fact that Andrew Young even spoke about it, he knew it was going to get incredible attention. This scandal has already gotten so much attention, it just adds salt to the wound, A.J., in my opinion. I hope, for the sake of Elizabeth Edwards, it never sees the light of day.
But you know, I think at this point, you sort of think anything is possible because this John Edwards scandal has been incredible as it continues to unravel.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, I think what was so incredible that was revealed was this voicemail. I mean, this is really something. We got this brand-new glimpse into the anger and the frustration that Elizabeth Edwards to have been feeling when she thought, because her husband told her so, that Andrew Young was the one who, of course, was the father of this love child and was trying to destroy her family.
Because as all of this was going on, John Edwards allegedly told his wife that Young wasn`t paying child support for Rielle Hunter`s baby, that`s why the tabloids were coming after Edwards.
You`ve got to listen to this voicemail Elizabeth Edwards left for Young. This was in 2008.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (alleged to be Elizabeth Edwards): You`re going to have to take care of your baby. And then, you and your concubine and your entire family can stay out of our lives.
HAMMER: Yes. A lot of people wondered all along if Elizabeth ever believed her husband`s lies. You remember when she went public and she really seemed to kind of go along with his story.
But everybody said, how could she not know he was the father of his mistress`s baby? Noelle, if this call really is Elizabeth, doesn`t it really show us that she was in the dark just like the rest of us were back then?
NIKPOUR: Yes. Absolutely. And you know what? She has been through so much. And finally, she is really out of the dark and getting to see what this is all about. You know what I mean? This is really bad.
HAMMER: Megan, what do you think? I mean, it`s, to me, one of the most telling pieces of this puzzle that we`ve heard. We`re actually getting, perhaps - if this is a true call of Elizabeth Edwards, that we`re getting a true feeling for what was going on.
ALEXANDER: It gives tiny insight into somebody who remains so composed as her husband ran for president. A.J., in the phone call, I heard a person who was exhausted, who had done so much to stand by her husband`s side, who was holding onto the trust in her marriage - because if you don`t have trust, what do you have? And I heard somebody who was exhausted because they are battling cancer. And it was just too much. She sounded like a human being to me.
HAMMER: Yes. By the way, on the sex tape thing, I raised the question to somebody earlier today, who wants to see a John Edwards sex tape? And apparently, the person who I asked said, "Yes, there are people out there." I mean, can you believe that?
ALEXANDER: No, thank you. No, thanks.
HAMMER: Noelle, are you in or what?
NIKPOUR: No, I`m so not in on that. The last thing I want to see is politicians gone wild with their mistress.
HAMMER: Exactly. All right. Megan Alexander, Noelle Nikpour, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
ANDERSON: Put your hands up in the air, get the fists pumping. Tonight, I can tell you that the "Jersey Shore" cast just struck an unbelievable deal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My ultimate dream is to move to Jersey, find a nice cute, hot, tan guy and live my life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, Snooki may end up being the sugar momma because she just got a huge raise. But does the cast really deserve it?
Also, tonight, Brangelina`s big new date. Brad Pitt and Angelina go public for the very first time since reports came out that they were splitting. You know, they really did this on the DL but did Brad and Angie reveal anything about their relationship on their date? Did they put the breakup rumors to rest?
And Julia Roberts` brand-new, super-steamy Valentine`s Day secret. This made me blush today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." It`s more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Zac Efron says taking over "Spiderman" role would be a "dream come true." Oprah Winfrey shows off birthday gift on Twitter! "Meet my new birthday babies ..."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TAYLOR SWIFT, SINGER: This is the dream come true. It`s like I`ve never been presumptuous about dreams. And when you have crazy dreams like, "I wonder what it would be like to win a Grammy someday," I never actually could fathom it might happen until I was walking up there and winning one.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, the original paparazzo.
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J., he calls himself a photojournalist specializing in celebrities, but Ron Galella is also known as the original paparazzo. Over his nearly 50 years in the business, Galella has taken great risks to get that perfect shot. He says he was even famously punched in the jaw by Marlon Brando, and he was also sued twice by Jackie Kennedy.
I just got the chance to speak with Ron Galella and he had some unbelievable stuff to say about the paparazzi today and his career.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RON GALELLA, THE ORIGINAL PAPARAZZO: This was taken at the Kennedy benefit in New York. Mick Jagger was one of my favorite subjects.
ANDERSON (voice over): Ron Galella may be the ultimate paparazzo. Back in the day, he snapped every major celebrity.
GALELLA: This is Brigitte Bardot in her Saint Tropez house in France. I waited in the water next door. Steve McQueen, Nicole Warren, great expression, surprise.
ANDERSON: He pioneered the candid shot, captured when stars were least expecting it.
GALELLA: You have to hide to get the off-guard picture. By asking permission, you`re going to get the posed picture, which I don`t want. I don`t want the posed picture. Post pictures are a dime a dozen. You get only smiles.
Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton had a yacht, the Kalizma. I photographed them with a 300 millimeter lens from a window. They never spotted me. Never.
ANDERSON: Galella is the subject of the new documentary, "Smash His Camera," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He`s taken over 1 million pictures. Gallery MAR in Park City, Utah put some of them on display.
(on camera): Look at these Michael Jackson photos.
GALELLA: That was so cool. At least, they helped him dry him and Janet.
ANDERSON: So this is one of your favorites. Wind-blown jacket.
(voice over): His most prized photo is of Jackie Onassis taken in 1971. He spotted her on a New York City street, then followed in a cab. When the driver blew his horn Jackie turned.
GALELLA: That`s my Mona Lisa, because she had that Mona Lisa smile.
ANDERSON: Galella`s celebrity encounters sometimes ended badly. He accused Marlon Brando of socking him in the jaw.
GALELLA: He knocked off my teeth.
ANDERSON: The next time he saw Brando, Galella came prepared.
GALELLA: With a helmet.
ANDERSON: At the age of 79, Galella still works occasionally colliding with a new breed of paparazzi. He says they play by different rules.
GALELLA: They think they go too far. Nowadays, it`s all gang banging. They`re out for money.
ANDERSON: Galella says when it came to shooting celebrities, he followed another creed.
GALELLA: Shoot fast, get the surprised expression. If they say, "No more," I say yes and I leave.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Great photos. And Ron Galella`s life as a paparazzo is now the subject of a documentary entitled "Smash His Camera."
HAMMER: Well, Brooke, we`re getting a ton of calls in to "Showbiz on Call" right now about this reported John Edwards sex tape with his mistress.
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. Most of the callers are disgusted with Edwards. But check out Penny from Ohio. She seems to be more upset by the guy who covered up Edwards` affair and he`s out with a new book about it.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: Yes, what John Edwards did was bad, no doubt about it. But his friend Young - I`ll tell you what, with friends like that, who needs enemies? You know, I think it`s terrible. He needed to keep his mouth shut.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Penny.
HAMMER: And Brooke, we`re still getting calls right now about Tiger Woods` wife making the reported controversial and shocking move to call off their divorce and get back together with Tiger. Now, Janice from Alabama thinks that`s a good idea.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: Good for Elin. Her and Tiger should stay together. When you make your vows, they mean forever. And it also shows forgiveness is a good thing and that it really shows your children what love is truly about - sickness and health and good and bad.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you, Janice. You can be like Janice if you call us at "Showbiz on Call" to let us know what you think about this or anything else at all.
ANDERSON: The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7.
HAMMER: You can give us a call at 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Please leave us a voicemail so we can play your call here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: OK. I was right there at the Grammys. I think it was one of the best Grammy shows in a really long time. But a lot of people are asking, what`s it OK for Michael Jackson`s kids to speak out again?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRINCE MICHAEL JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S SON: We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: This was so emotional, so heart wrenching. But was it fair to Prince and Paris? Tonight, the fired-up debate.
Brad and Angie`s big brand-new date. It`s the first time they`ve been out and about since all of those rumors came out that they are breaking up. So did Brangelina reveal anything on their new date? Are they staying together? Are they splitting up?
And new today, Lindsay Lohan dating a 77-year-old man? Eek! Yes, I know that sounds totally gross, but you`ve got to hear what all of this is about. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Victoria Beckham to co-host "The View" on February 17th. "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson to make first appearance on "The View" 3/2.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RIHANNA, SINGER: I just want to thank Kanye and Jay-Z for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful song. Do you want to say anything?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE CHILD: No, thanks.
(LAUGHTER)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Tonight, Lindsay Lohan is dating a 77-year-old man. Now, before you jump out of your couch, this guy is paying her. And no, no, no. It`s not like that.
According to "New York Post," each year, Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner pays about $150,000 to a beautiful star to escort him to the Vienna Opera Ball. This year, he picked Lindsay. We reached out to Lindsay`s people today to confirm this, but did not hear back by show time.
HAMMER: All right. Brooke, I think I`ve got something weirder than Lindsay Lohan going on a date with a 77-year-old.
You remember that great song from the `80s, from the late Robert Palmer, "Addicted to Love?" Charles do you have a little of that? Would you crank that up?
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Classic video, great song, went to number one back in `86. Well, tonight, Rosie O`Donnell is out with her version of "Addicted to Love." Did you see this on "The Late Show with Craig Ferguson?"
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: I think that`s pretty funny. Rosie there is Robert Palmer. Craig Ferguson and his crew in drag, Brooke.
ANDERSON: That`s just funny, A.J. But moving on to something definitely not funny. As soon as we did the interview with Heidi Montag`s plastic surgeon, the guy who did 10 procedures on her in just one day, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook wall lit up.
Donna R. writes, "Since when is a woman a hero for getting plastic surgery? She was too young to have so much done. This surgeon did this, not to help her, but himself."
Katie M. agrees, "I can see how Heidi is a hero in the doctor`s eyes. She single-handedly is putting his kids through college. I sincerely feel sorry for the girl."
Write me on Facebook and get our Twitter breaking entertainment news alerts at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Hey, A.J., I know you have more on this unbelievable Heidi Montag reaction, right?
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. People are just so fired up about our unbelievable exclusive interview with Heidi`s plastic surgeon.
And here`s what`s coming up in addition to that. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie showing up for the first time in public since all of those reports went rampant that they are breaking up.
HAMMER: Fistfuls of cash are pumping on the "Jersey Shore." Yes, the cast reportedly gets a huge raise today. But do they deserve it?
And Mel Gibson`s shocking new words about President Obama. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, it`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." It`s more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Actor Rip Torn arrested Friday after breaking into a Connecticut bank. Kathryn Bigelow wins Directors Guild award for "Best Director" for "Hurt Locker."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRINCE JACKSON: We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Jackson kids drama. Michael Jackson`s kids take center stage at the Grammys. But tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, was that a good idea?
Brangelina`s big date night. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together in public for the very first time since reports about them heading to splitsville. Did they reveal anything about their relationship?
A "Jersey Shore" victory. The gang is back, and wait until you see the size of their paychecks. Do they really deserve it?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood. And tonight, an unforgettable moment as Michael Jackson`s kids take center stage at the Grammys. Dream team Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie unites the biggest names in music today for a "We are the World" sequel to benefit Haiti. And the brand-new Brangelina sighting that will have you saying, "What break up?" It`s all in the SHOWBIZ buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): Michael Jackson`s kids steal the Grammy spotlight. Twelve- year-old Prince Michael and 11-year-old Paris sent a hush over the audience as they accepted their father`s lifetime achievement award at Sunday`s Grammys.
PRINCE MICHAEL: Through all his songs, his message was simple - love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world.
PARIS KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DAUGHTER: Thank you. We love you, daddy.
ANDERSON: This was their first public appearance since their father`s memorial service. We are the world, take two.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
ANDERSON: A new version of the 1980s all-star charity single is being recorded Monday. Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie produced the original and decided to resurrect it to raise money for survivors of the Haitian earthquake. More than 100 artists will take part in the effort.
Brad and Angelina`s big date. Despite multiple reports that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are splitting, the super-couple appeared at the Directors Guild Awards on Saturday. According to "People" magazine, the couple looked happy and extremely affectionate.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
So does Brad and Angelina`s big date night mean all those breakup rumors were just that - rumors?
Joining me tonight is Ben Widdicombe, who is a celebrity journalist. Also tonight in Hollywood is Rachel Zalis, who is a contributing editor for "Life and Style Weekly."
Hey, Ben, Rachel, nobody has seen Brad and Angelina together in public in a while. Recently, of course, there have been the barrage of tabloid reports claiming that they are done. But not so fast.
Suddenly, they pop up at the DGAs. They`re arm-in-arm. They`re giddy as school kids. I want you to take a look at this video of Brad introducing "Inglorious Basterd`s director, Quentin Tarantino. And check out who is in the audience - Brad`s date, Angelina.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRAD PITT, ACTOR: Quen says, "Here`s the thing. You better pay attention because he`s about to say something very important. You do a good job. You get a cool, man. You did a really great take." He`d scrunch his forehead and nod, "You get two thumbs up." And every once in a while when you hit that sweet spot, you`ll get a "Genius!" I never got that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now, Brad was pretty hilarious there. He`s smiling. Angelina is smiling, certainly not looking like a couple about to break up. Not even close. Ben, does this, once and for all, put the Brangelina split rumors to rest?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: You know, I never have believed the current round of rumors that they have split up. But it`s also worth pointing out that it`s an iron lore in Hollywood that celebrity couples are not allowed to break up in awards season. And should break up, you have to fake it until after the Oscars.
Now, I believe Brad and Angie are sincerely together, but I know plenty of celebrity couples who fake their relationship until after the Oscars because it looks bad.
ANDERSON: Yes, you know, that sort of thing does happen a lot in Hollywood. They make the public appearances to quell those rumors. But I believe in Brangelina as well.
And what is really funny to me is that they are the most famous couple in the world, and they disappear for just a little while, and then the rumor mill is on fire. And I, like you, Ben, have never really believed the rumors. But obviously, a lot of people do.
Rachel, does this just mean Brad and Angie need to make sure that they are photographed holding hands, at least - I don`t know - maybe twice a month or something?
RACHEL ZALIS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "LIFE AND STYLE WEEKLY": Well, I mean, this is the thing, you never know with appearances. I mean, when Brad and Jen split up, three days before that, they were in Anguilla, holding hands, walking down the beach - romantic trip. So you never know.
But I think the case with Brad and Angie is that they are actually a married couple with six children. They are running around the world, saving lives and being do-gooders. And they`re obviously going to have natural problems that every married couple deals with.
And I don`t think that just because they are meeting with lawyers, signing a pre-nup, means they are getting divorced.
ANDERSON: Yes. You never know. And they never directly acknowledged or addressed the rumors. They kind of just went on their merry way, ignored everything. And I think they`ve handled it all amazingly well.
And I want to move now to the most stirring moment, really, at the Grammy Awards last night, Prince and Paris Jackson accept the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their dad, Michael Jackson. This is the very first time that we have ever heard Prince Jackson speak. Take a look at what some of Prince and Paris said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRINCE JACKSON: We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson. First of all, we would like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months, and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support.
PARIS JACKSON: Daddy was supposed to be here - Daddy was going to perform this year, but he couldn`t perform last year. Thank you. We love you, daddy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, they were so mature and they were so poised and polished. I happen to think it was absolutely appropriate. Clearly, these two are two kids who deeply love their father.
But there are a lot of people saying today that trying the kids out on stage is exploitation and maybe cheap publicity. Ben, what do you think? Is this exploitation?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, this is the first Grammys since their father died, so I don`t think it was terrible that they appeared. And for all we know, the kids wanted to make the appearance. If so, that`s fine.
However, we also know from the way Joe Jackson raised his own children that there`s no childhood allowed in that family if there`s money to be made. So I think some people are concerned that the kids, having lost their protector, their Dad, are now just being churned into Jacksons, Inc. and that they might be exploited. I think that`s the concern.
ANDERSON: Well, yes. Do you think these kids stand a chance of having a normal future? Or will they just inherit their dad, Michael`s media circus, Ben?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, you know, Michael Jackson was very clear that he wanted the children to have the childhood he wasn`t allowed to have. And I think, whatever else you think about Michael Jackson, that was really the right thing to do.
Janet Jackson could have appeared in their stead at the Grammys. She should have said, "I`m honoring my brother, but it is the wish of our family that we wanted to respect the children`s privacy." That didn`t happen, so that`s an indication of how the family is thinking.
ANDERSON: Yes. And Michael always seemed concerned that his children - I mean, he always wanted them to have the childhood he never had. Rachel, do you think they have a shot?
ZALIS: Absolutely. I mean, listen, they are not parading them out at the opening of every envelope. I mean, this was the second time - the memorial service and Grammys. And this was the best tribute to Michael Jackson, the fact that they`re so composed, so healthy and just so well adjusted. You know, I think that was great for the world to see that, that he obviously was a great dad and they wanted to carry on his message.
ANDERSON: Well, let me ask you this. We all remember when Michael kept his three kids under a mask or a shroud at all times in public to protect their identity and keep their lives as normal as humanly possible.
So Rachel, do you think that Michael would be upset at all by this?
ZALIS: You know, I think it`s probably a good idea at this point in their lives to take the veils off and assimilate with society. I`m sure, at some point, he was going to open them up to the world. I mean, you would hope so.
So I think he would actually be very proud. I mean, they came out. They said they wanted to spread his message of love. They were very thoughtful. I can`t imagine Michael being anything but proud of what they did that night.
ANDERSON: Ben, very quickly. Do you agree he would be proud or maybe he would be a little concerned, because he always fiercely guarded their privacy?
WIDDICOMBE: I think he would be horrified. I think, putting them in front of the camera was the last thing he wanted. And unfortunately, he`s not here to voice his opinion. I think he would be horrified.
ANDERSON: Well, those kids - I know that they were happy to take part. They wanted to be there. They do seem really fragile after his death still, but also seem to possess strength as well. It was nice to see them. I think he would be proud.
Ben Widdicombe, Rachel Zalis, good to see you. Thanks.
HAMMER: Moving on tonight, the big "Jersey Shore" victory today. The can`t-take-your-eyes-off-it train wreck show is back for another season with bigger hair, bigger pecs and bigger paychecks.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My ultimate dream is to move to Jersey, find a nice juiced, hot tan guy and live my life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Snooki, I`ve got news for you. It might be easier now that you and the rest of the gang held out for more moolah. But is "Jersey Shore" really worth it? It is the fired-up SHOWBIZ TONIGHT debate you will not want to miss.
HAMMER: Also Julia`s freaky topless Valentine`s Day advice. Tonight, Julia Roberts turns love guru with a simple formula that involved wine and no shirt. And I`m telling you, you can`t make this stuff up.
And on the very same night Beyonce makes history at the Grammy awards, she is getting dissed on a huge way, ending up on a list that, I tell you, no one - I mean, no one in Hollywood wants to be on. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Katy Perry and Kara DioGuardi deny "American Idol" feud; blame clever editing for tiff. "Avatar" tops box office for seventh week in a row, taking in $30 million this weekend.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEYONCE KNOWLES, SINGER: I`m sorry. I`m nervous. I would love to thank my family for all of their support, including my husband, I love you. And I`d like to thank all of the fans for their support over the years. Good night. Thank you.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: So Snooki, you`re all signed on after you played hardball in contract negotiations all week. It`s finally got MTV to raise your salaries. Is that right?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Right. We may be stupid, but we`re not freaking stupid, OK?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Did you see this? "Saturday Night Live" doing a hilarious sendoff of "Jersey Shore" starring Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, who just landed a bigger paycheck along with her cast mates to shoot season two of the hit MTV reality show.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with A.J. Hammer in New York. And tonight, "Jersey Shore" victory. Fist pumps all around tonight as the cast of the MTV reality show, "Jersey Shore," get the pay day that they fought for.
HAMMER: I can`t believe you fist-pumped Brooke. Well, the controversial cast has signed a deal with MTV. Reportedly, they`ll be receiving more than $10,000 per episode to star in yet a second season of their hit show. But are they really worth this?
Also breaking tonight, my exclusive one-on-one interview with Heidi Montag`s plastic surgeon. He defended himself right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. But I`ve got to tell you, his comments are causing an uproar.
With me right here in New York tonight is Megan Alexander, who is a correspondent with "Inside Edition." Also in New York, Noelle Nikpour, who is a columnist for the "South Florida Sun Sentinel."
All right. Let`s begin with the fine bunch of young men and women, the cast of "Jersey Shore." They made their big announcement this morning on the "Today" show that they have signed a new deal with MTV. They are going to shoot season two of their hit show. And Mike "The Situation," spoke for the crew early this morning. Roll it, Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE "THE SITUATION" SORRENTINO: The situation is, I believe all of us - all in agreement that we`re all going to be coming back for a second season and we`re all pretty excited about that.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And that includes Ronnie who isn`t here with us this morning as well?
SORRENTINO: He`s so excited he slept in.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. They stuck together just like the cast of "Friends" did. Remember when they were negotiating with NBC. They all stuck together for quite a bit more money like $1 million an episode.
Megan, it looks like it worked out for them. But are you at all surprised that MTV did - I don`t know if they caved - that they gave into their demands? Because really, it`s a bunch of out-of-control young people not that hard to cast in my mind.
ALEXANDER: It`s reality television and everything always surprises me in reality television. Look, MTV actually paid them, which is, you know, at the end of the day, that`s all that matters.
I don`t think the cast of "Jersey Shore" should get raises. I think school teachers should get raises. But I don`t make the decisions. I`ll tell you what, A.J. The pressure is on to have a great second season.
HAMMER: No kidding. And part of the charm of the first season was, these were a bunch of kids who were not media savvy, who were not known to anybody. So really, it`s going to change the dynamic. It`s a wait-and- see.
You know, you can`t ignore the fact though that for all of critics, "Jersey Shore," the highest rated in MTV history. Unbelievable.
Noelle, what do you think? Did MTV perhaps realize, "Hey, we can`t afford these characters that people have latched on to for better or for worse?" in my mind.
NIKPOUR: Well, A.J., all I have to say is this really does prove that Snooki is no rookie when it comes to negotiating contracts with MTV.
And you know what? This show is so really, really watched. People really like it because they are amazed that there are actually people out there like this. It`s a hit.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, that`s the whole thing. And by the way, realizing South Florida is your beat, we`re going to have to have you work on your spray tan a little bit first.
NIKPOUR: You`re wrong. That is so wrong.
HAMMER: All right. The show did stir up a lot of controversy throughout its season even before it launched because Italian-American groups said that the show perpetuates stereotypes about them.
So this morning, Meredith Vieira went there and had to ask the cast how they feel about all the negative press they`ve gotten. Watch what they said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SORRENTINO: (INAUDIBLE) we`re not saying we`re a definition of Jersey or definition of New York, definition of Italian or what have you. I just happen to be Italian. I happen to have spiky hair and six pack and I`m proud to have that. If you don`t like me, I don`t care. I`ve still got five million viewers on Thursday nights at 10:00 p.m.
There`s a lot of people that do like it, fist-pumping. They`re doing their hair like us now and dressing like us now, so we did something right.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Megan, do you think - you know, I see that and I think these guys might be missing something. Yes, obviously, they have fans who watch because they like them.
But do you think they are missing the point that probably, the large portion the audience is watching for the train wreck because, you know, they just think it`s road kill? They are the butt of jokes everywhere.
ALEXANDER: Oh, yes. They want to see, you know, what`s going to happen next. You know, it really traps you to this type of a show. I think that the Italian groups have a right to say they were appalled by this.
I think that the kids you just heard talking have a right to say, "Hey, we`re just being ourselves."
HAMMER: Absolutely.
ALEXANDER: Every culture is going to have somebody embarrassing.
HAMMER: Yes. And they are laughing all the way to the bank at this point. But I`ve got to wonder, do they really deserve their big raise?
It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. We were flooded with comments like this one. Jennifer W. writing on our wall, "If they bring in the ratings, they should get paid for it."
Angela E. writing, "They are entertaining but I don`t think their raise is warranted. I think they will be lucky if their popularity lasts through the new season.
Noelle, what do you think? Is the cast of "Jersey Shore" worth more than $10,000 an episode as it`s been reported?
NIKPOUR: No. Not at all. And frankly, I am surprised that they got it and they held out and MTV caved and paid them anything at all. I`m really shocked about this whole thing.
HAMMER: All right.
NIKPOUR: You know what? I think the people are watching them and that`s the whole point. It`s going to be very interesting to see what the season is going to be like.
HAMMER: I do want to move onto the brand-new backlash today against Heidi Montag`s plastic surgeon. I spoke with Dr. Ryan here on Friday. And when I told him that I thought Heidi`s 10 plastic surgery procedures send a terrible message to young girls who look up to Heidi, this is what he told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. FRANK RYAN, HEIDI MONTAG`S PLASTIC SURGEON: I disagree. And behind the scenes, this is what`s going on. I`m from Ohio. I thought people out here were genetically gifted when I was a kid. I realized, it is not the case. It is guys such as myself that are sort of doing this. And again, it`s elective cosmetic surgery. No on needs it. Heidi didn`t need it. She was fine before. I totally agree with you. It was her choice.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Any excuse at all, Megan?
ALEXANDER: He said he agreed with you. This is a businessman defending the cosmetic surgery industry which is his business, A.J. He makes money doing this.
HAMMER: Yes, and a lot of people are still uproared about it, saying what a terrible message he sent. Megan Alexander, Noelle Nikpour, thank you so much.
ANDERSON: Tonight, Julia Roberts, love guru? The Oscar winner not giving up her day job, but did give out some frisky topless advice. In an interview just out today, here`s the deal. Julia was on a panel answering questions for journalists about her star-studded new film, "Valentine`s Day."
Then a woman asked Julia`s advice on making her boyfriend happy on Valentine`s Day. Without missing a beat, Julia shot back, "Make a nice dinner reservation now because that`s the biggest night of the year. Have a nice glass of wine and take your top off."
Valentine`s dinner, $200. Love advice from Julia Roberts, priceless.
HAMMER: Priceless, indeed. Tonight, Beyonce makes Grammy history and then gets slammed all in the same night. I have got the details on who is dissing Beyonce. And she`s not the only big star who is bracing for the worst. We`re revealing the star-studded list that all of Hollywood loves to hate. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: NBC renews hit comedy "Parks and Recreation" for third season. Oprah Winfrey to launch "The Nate Berkus Show"; design show to start in the fall.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We hoped we could kind of win in one of the rock categories, sort of rock (INAUDIBLE), at least one to represent, you know, your genre. But I never thought in a million years we were going to win the (INAUDIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KNOWLES: I`m sorry. I am nervous. I would look to thank my family for all of their support, including my husband. I love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Beyonce was on top of the world with her history-making night at the Grammys. And tonight, just hours after what is sure to be one of the highlights of her extraordinary career, well, Beyonce is now on the short list for another award. Well, I can tell you this she won`t be giving her heartfelt thanks to her hubby, if she wins this one.
Tonight, Beyonce gets razzed. The superstar singer, dancer and actress is nominated for a dreaded Razzy Award. Yes, the Razzies get handed out for worst films and worst performances of the year. They`re sort of the anti-Oscars.
Well, Beyonce is nominated as worst actress for her role in the movie, "Obsessed." Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KNOWLES: I knew it would come to this.
ALI LARTER, ACTRESS: I know how hard it must be to have someone fall out of love with you.
KNOWLES: Don`t touch me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The movie actually did pretty well. Well, B is actually up against some of the best actresses in the business who also just happened to make movies that the folks over at the Razzies thought were complete stinkers.
Other worst actress nominees is Sandra Bullock for "All About Steve," Miley Cyrus of "Hannah Montana: The Movie," Sarah Jessica Parker, "Did You Hear About the Morgans," and Megan Fox gets two - two nominations for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "Jennifer`s Body."
Worst actor Razzie nominees - Will Ferrell in "Land of the Lost," Steve Martin for "Pink Panther 2," Eddie Murphy "Imagine That," John Travolta in "Old Dogs, "and all three Jonas Brothers are nominated for "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience."
And these years worst picture nominees - "Old Dogs", "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," "Land of the Lost" "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "All About Steve" as well.
The Razzies winners or losers, I think I should say, will be announced March 6th - that`s the night before the Oscars.
Tonight, is Mel Gibson slamming the president? Mel, who just seemed to be getting his foot out of his mouth after his drunken anti-Semitic rant in 2006, is at it again.
In a brand-new interview, Mel says he doesn`t think President Obama has what it takes to fix the country`s troubles. Mel tells "PopEater.com," "Obama is a man with an impossible task on his hands. I wish him all the best. But I don`t think he is going to fix it in five minutes and probably not in his entire tenure. "
Now, this is not the first time Mel has sounded off against a president. He called former president Clinton a "low-level opportunist."
On Friday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. We were handed final results moments ago. Here they are - "John Edwards Shocking Tell-All: Can he ever redeem himself?" Not surprisingly, only seven percent of you say yes; 93 percent say no.
E-mails coming in from Brian in Connecticut writing, "Obviously, John Edwards is not redeemable morally or in any other way, but never say never."
But Lenore from Oregon writes, "No matter what happens to his career, he will always be remembered for the pain he caused his family.
HAMMER: And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and 11:00 a.m. Eastern in the morning right here on HLN.
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