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Showbiz Tonight
Michael Jackson`s Doctor Charged; Charlie Sheen and Wife in Court; Brangelina`s Super Bowl Cuddling; Jennifer Aniston`s Birthday Getaway with Gerard Butler; Jenny Sanford Forgives the Love Gov
Aired February 08, 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 - two big court shockers today. Michael Jackson`s doctor charged. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT right there today as the doctor who administered the drugs that killed Jackson surrenders. But is he getting off too easy?
Charlie Sheen and his wife, Brooke, in court today over charges that he threatened to kill her. Should CBS pull Charlie`s hit show, "Two and a Half Men?"
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks, do you believe them? Brangelina does some super-cuddling at the Super Bowl. They are still together then, right? Do you believe them?
Jennifer Aniston flies off to Mexico to celebrate her birthday with Gerard Butler. But Jen says, this doesn`t mean they are dating. Do you believe them?
And Jenny Sanford`s startling admission today about whether she will forgive her cheating husband.
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 from Hollywood. And tonight, late-breaking developments on two big court dramas today.
HAMMER: Yes. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is bringing you explosive revelations tonight about Michael Jackson`s death and Charlie Sheen`s spousal abuse case.
Late today, Michael Jackson`s doctor, Conrad Murray, pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with Jackson`s death. He arrived at a Los Angeles courthouse to surrender after being charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter. And he arrived to the uproar of angry fans yelling, "Justice for Michael."
Also breaking late today, Charlie Sheen hit with three criminal charges including a felony in the domestic violence case against him. Sheen and his wife, Brooke Mueller, appeared in court today in Colorado as Sheen faces allegations that he put a knife to Brooke`s throat on Christmas Day in aspen.
We`ll get to all that in just a moment. But first, the extraordinary late-breaking developments in the Michael Jackson death case. CNN`s Ted Rowlands is on the scene for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the Los Angeles courthouse. Ted, what happened with Dr. Murray today?
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J. and Brooke, inside the courtroom, Dr. Murray was let out on $75,000 bail after pleading not guilty as you mentioned. The prosecution had asked the judge to impose a $300,000 bail. But the judge disagreed and allowed him to go with $75,000.
However, he did curtail the medical practice, saying that he cannot administer anesthesia to anybody in his practice, not only here in California, but in Texas, Nevada and, as the judge said, anywhere else you might be practicing medicine.
Outside the courthouse, the Jackson family showed up in droves. And this was a bit unexpected because this was such a short procedural hearing. But they were there in force.
In the front row, Joe Jackson sat next to his wife, Katherine Jackson - Michael Jackson`s parents. Also, Jermaine Jackson and Latoya Jackson and other members of the family.
On the way in, I asked Jermaine Jackson what he thought about the charge of involuntary manslaughter. He said, quote, "It wasn`t enough." And on his way out, Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson`s father, said that he was upset with what was going on inside the courthouse.
In the end, Murray is able to leave on his own or own bail - $75,000. He`ll be back in a Los Angeles courtroom in April where they`ll set a preliminary hearing. A.J.?
HAMMER: CNN`s Ted Rowlands in Los Angeles. Thanks so much for that, Ted. So what does all this mean for Jackson`s doctor and for the Jackson family?
Joining me tonight in Atlanta, Vinnie Politan, who is a host for "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV. And he is also a Sirius XM Radio host. Tonight, In Hollywood, Tanika Ray, who is an entertainment journalist.
All right. So as we saw, Dr. Conrad Murray arrived today at the courthouse to jeers and heckling - not a big surprise. He`s not really a well-liked man these days with Michael Jackson fans and after he pleaded not guilty especially.
But the Jackson family tonight, they are saying the charge of involuntary manslaughter isn`t enough. Vinnie, do you think that Dr. Murray is getting off easy?
VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "IN SESSION": Well, no, he`s not getting off easy, because this is a man who is being charged criminally. He is facing up to four years in prison. And you know, the job of a prosecutor deciding what to charge someone with is not "what is the highest thing to charge them with," but what is justice in the case.
And you look at the facts. You look at the conduct, the allegations - this is a classic case of criminal negligence, which is involuntary manslaughter. I think it`s appropriately charged.
HAMMER: Yes. He pleads not guilty to the charges. The Jackson family right there today at the courthouse for Dr. Murray`s arraignment. Listen to what Jermaine Jackson had to say as he was walking into court today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROWLANDS: Jermaine, your reaction to involuntary manslaughter charges.
JERMAINE JACKSON, BROTHER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: It`s not enough.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. So the Jackson family wanted a stronger charge like murder. Now, Tanika, the fact that the family is right here in full force shows me that their plan is to stick with this thing from start to finish. You understand the outrage here? I think it`s pretty clear why they`re so angry.
TANIKA RAY, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Absolutely. They are emotional and a lot of people are emotional about this. That`s why there`s a lot of fans outside the courthouse. They are going to be there every day, too.
If you remember the last trial that Michael Jackson attended, there were fans every single day of that trial. And it`s not going to be any different. Look, the Jacksons are emotional about this. They`re going to want the biggest lawsuit possible.
However, the case is correct, like it is involuntary manslaughter. I don`t think there was malicious intent at all. However, nothing that he`s going to be tried for is going to bring Michael Jackson back. But their presence is definitely going to make it a lot stronger than it ever could be.
HAMMER: Yes. And the presence of the fans - we`re looking at it right now right there outside the courthouse with signs saying "Justice for Michael" and things of that nature.
RAY: Yes.
HAMMER: Obviously, an explosive high-profile case. Dr. Murray was able to make bail. Now, he gets to head home to Texas.
Now, Vinnie, as the legal expert here, tell me if you agree. I looked at the press release that sent over by the courthouse explaining why exactly he was charged with involuntary manslaughter. It seems like a pretty clear-cut case to me. How strong do you think the case is against the doctor?
POLITAN: Well, there are a couple of things that they`ve got to prove. They`ve got to prove the negligence, but they also have to prove the causation. And I think both are going to be contested by the defense. What was the actual cause of Michael Jackson`s death? They`ll bring their own experts in.
And what`s going to happen, A.J., I predict, in this case, what you`re going to see is Michael Jackson put on trial. And they`re going to talk about all the other medications he may have been taking, all the other doctors that he was seeing.
And this man, Dr. Conrad Murray, and his attorneys will stand up in court, "Hey, we didn`t know he was taking all these other things. We`re not sure. And our experts were saying, it wasn`t necessarily what Dr. Murray was doing that killed Michael Jackson."
HAMMER: Yes. Well, I think there are many twists and turns as dramatic has this whole thing has been.
RAY: Absolutely.
HAMMER: I think there`s a lot that we are going to see that we have no idea about. Michael`s sister, Latoya - she has always been very straight up about the fact that she thinks her brother was outright murdered.
Well, today, she tells "HollywoodTV.com" in a brand-new interview that Dr. Murray isn`t the only one who is responsible for her brother`s death. Watch what she said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LATOYA JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S SISTER: They murdered my brother and they know who they are. It`s not just Dr. Murray, I promise you that. It`s more people who are involved and they know exactly who they are. And I`m going to let you know exactly what`s happening and what`s going on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And this echoes to things she said before. Tanika, what do you think Latoya is referring to here? Is she perhaps suggesting that she believes he wasn`t intentionally killed? And obviously, it sounds like she thinks there were many people involved.
RAY: Yes. My hunch is Conrad Murray was employed for a certain amount of time. I think, over the years, all of the doctors that willingly administered drugs to Michael, I think, is what she`s talking about. This is not the first instance when he has been put under to get some sleep.
There have been many doctors along the way. I think what he`s guilty most of is greed, trying to make a lot of money. And he`s not going to get - even if he gets put in jail for four years, he will never be able to clear his name. The fans will torture him for the rest of his days. So you know what? No easy case here. It`s about to get ugly.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, we`ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Michael, of course, died last June. Finally, we`re at least seeing some charges filed. So maybe it`s the beginning of the end.
All right. I want to move on now to another explosive courtroom drama that unfolded late today. Three criminal charges were filed today against Charlie Sheen in his domestic violence case, including a charge for felony menacing, third-degree assault and criminal mischief.
His wife, Brooke Mueller, who he is accused of attacking, was right there with him. A judge did grant the couple`s request to lift that restraining order that`s kept them apart since the Christmas Day blow-out.
Now, Vinnie, Charlie didn`t enter a plea today. He didn`t have to enter a plea today. But this is serious, isn`t it? I mean, he`s facing a felony charge here.
POLITAN: This is very serious. And I`ll tell you what, though - this judge is sticking his neck out there because in domestic violence situations - here, you`ve got allegations of a knife. Now, we`ve lifted the protective order. We`re allowing them to be back together?
I mean, no judge wants to be the one lifting a protective order of what they perceive is a very dangerous situation. So maybe that tells us that maybe the proofs aren`t as strong as we believe they are.
But the bottom line at the end of the day, it`s a felony. You`re using a deadly weapon. This could be a problem for Charlie Sheen.
HAMMER: And will it be a problem for his career? We`ve always talked about how drama in his life hasn`t really impacted his career.
But Tanika, now that Charlie has been charged with a felony, do you think it`s going to increase the pressure on CBS to pull his hit show, "Two and a Half Men" until its resolved here?
RAY: You know what? We have to see how it`s resolved. I think the outcome will really tell the tale. And CBS is not going to do anything preliminarily. They`re going to wait and see what`s going to happen to the trial.
I just feel like this couple is dysfunctional. And whatever happens, they really need to take care of those twin boys that are living with them. I just feel like it`s so messy and ugly. And I think both of them need help independently. Obviously, Charlie Sheen has got nine lives -
HAMMER: Yes.
RAY: Albeit eight and a half.
HAMMER: Charlie`s getting some ordered help now. I do have to end it there. Tanika Ray, Vinnie Politan, thank you so much, guys.
All right. I`ve got to turn this over to you. Here`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Charlie Sheen Spousal Abuse Case: Should CBS take him off the air?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: All right, so tonight we`re asking, do you believe them? Here`s what I`m getting at. Take a look at this picture of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie getting super-cozy at the Super Bowl. It`s like, "Look at us. Look at us. We`re still together." But do you believe them?
And Jennifer Aniston flies offer to Mexico to celebrate her birthday with Gerard Butler. But Jen says this doesn`t mean they are dating. Do you believe them?
Also, this startling confession today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNY SANFORD, WIFE OF GOV. MARK SANFORD: I`ve definitely forgiven him. Interestingly - these are weighty subjects to speak about with your children. But yes - and I think forgiveness is freeing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Wait a minute. That`s Jenny Sanford, the wife of the cheating South Carolina governor. She`s now forgiving her jerk of a husband?
Also, making news today, Kate Gosselin`s brand-new hairstyle. First, it was the reversion mullet, then the extensions. Now, well, it seems she just can`t pick one and stick with it. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Dear John" ends "Avatar`s" seven week run in number one spot at the box office. "Lost" actor Daniel Dae Kim to star in remake of "Hawaii-Five 0" on CBS.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Well, it`s finally here. We`re very excited. Today - making news today, your first look at the Levi Johnston "Playgirl" cover. Yes, Levi is the father of Sarah Palin`s one-year-old grandson who, of course, is the boy that he has with Palin`s daughter, Bristol.
So does Levi go nude in the spread? Well, yes, but he covers himself below the waist. The "Playgirl" issue hits newsstands on February 22nd. There`s even a pay-per-view special, Brooke, about the shoot happening on February 12th.
ANDERSON: And who really wants to see that, A.J.? Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with A.J. Hammer in New York.
HAMMER: And Brooke, another bizarre star plastic surgery shocker today.
ANDERSON: Yes, the unbelievable move by a woman desperately trying to look like Jessica Alba, a stunning Spears split, a surprising beauty queen engagement, and as the crow flies, a neighbor in "Cougar Town." It is all in the buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): Jessica Alba`s plastic surgery outrage. Alba says she is distressed over shocking reports that a woman in China plans to have plastic surgery to make herself look like Alba. The woman reportedly wants to do it to win back an ex-boyfriend who was obsessed with the star actress. Says Alba, quote, "If somebody loves you, they`ll love you no matter what."
Jamie Lynne Spears` big split. "People.com" reports Britney`s kid sister has split with Casey Aldridge who is the father of their 19-month- old daughter. Eighteen-year-old Jamie Lynn, who never married Casey, is now reportedly dating a 28-year-old businessman from near her hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana.
Carrie Prejean`s stunning engagement. In news reports, the controversial Miss California has found her future husband, star NFL quarterback, Kyle Boller, who plays for the St. Louis Rams. The couple first started dating last July.
Sheryl Crow is moving to "Cougar Town." The 47-year-old Grammy- winning singer will reportedly join the cast of Courtney Cox`s hit sitcom, "Cougar Town," for several episodes. Crow will play the love interest of Cox`s neighbor in the show.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Hey, did you see this? The "Saturday Night Live" gang doing "The View" is really one of my favorite "SNL" skits. You`ve got to check out this hysterical bit that they just did of the ladies discussing the Oscar nominations.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS (as Barbara Walters): OK, ladies. As well know, the Oscar nominations have been announced. What movies did you enjoy this year.
KRISTEN WIIG, ACTRESS (as Elisabeth Hasselbeck): "An Education" - it`s important to be educated. When educate ourselves, we become educated. If we don`t get an education, the Chinese win. They win. The Chinese win. Chinese.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR (as Whoopi Goldberg): You didn`t see it, did you, Elizabeth?
WIIG: No, I didn`t.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR (as Whoopi Goldberg): Honey child, I don`t go to the movies. Theaters are weird. That is playing at this o`clock, it`s so confusing.
FRED ARMISEN, ACTOR (as Joy Behar): You know what movie I like? "Up in the Air," because it reminds me of where my boobs used to be.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (as Whoopi Goldberg): Did you like "Up in the Air?" Or did you just want to set up that joke?
ARMISEN: That was just for the joke. So what? Who cares?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I love that. By the way, you can see the real Joy Behar right here on HLN every night, 9:00 p.m. Eastern on her own show, "THE JOY BEHAR SHOW."
Now, Brooke, since we told everyone that Howard Stern was being considered to replace Simon Cowell in "American Idol," well, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines just lit up.
ANDERSON: They did, A.J. And because it`s Howard, we told our "Showbiz on Call" operators to watch out for any "Baba Booey" calls. Now, Callie from California thinks fitting that shock jock on "Idol" is, well, too shocking.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I believe that Howard Stern wouldn`t be a good person for American Idol. Personally, I think he has too much adult content and they actually need a person that`s in the music business. And I think either Kelly Osbourne or Whitney Houston would be perfect for the show. If Howard Stern is on there, I will no longer enjoy watching "American Idol."
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Interesting suggestions. Thanks, Callie.
HAMMER: Well, Marcy from Illinois is with me and thinks Howard is an excellent choice.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: All I want to say is that Howard Stern, for sure, hell yes - he would rock. He would be a great replacement. He`s out there. He`s up there. I think it would be a wonderful job for him.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Marcy, thanks for your call. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that`s on your mind.
ANDERSON: The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. Here`s the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a message. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: All right. So Howard reportedly makes hundreds of millions of dollars in his current gig on Sirius Satellite Radio. So how much would it take to get Howard on that "Idol" judges` table? Well, I`m talking lots and lots of zeroes. Tonight, I`ll let you know how many zeros we`re talking about.
Also, an unbelievable look inside Tiger Woods sex rehab clinic from someone who just got out of there.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEVE PHILLIPS, SPORTS COMMENTATOR: People who go there are broken people. I mean, that`s really the essence of the addiction is that you`re broken inside. You`ve got a hole that you try to fill, whether it was with alcohol or drugs or with sex or gambling or with whatever.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Steve Phillips - he is the former ESPN analyst who got caught in a sex scandal of his own. Well, he is speaking out now, for the first time, about what he went through at the very same place that Tiger reportedly just got out of.
And do you believe them? Brangelina cuddling at the Super Bowl? So they`re definitely still together, right?
Jennifer Aniston brings Gerard Butler on vacation. But she says they are not dating. Do you believe them? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Dancing with the Stars" finalist Warren Sapp facing domestic violence charges. Justin Timberlake gets Harvard University`s Hasty Pudding Award.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Miley Cyrus is doing her part to help out Haiti. Miley has put together a star-packed online auction to raise money for earthquake relief. Starting today, you can head to "Ebay.com/Miley" to bid on a whole bunch of stuff including the dress Miley wore to the Grammys.
Miley got Britney Spears to donate the dress she wore today to the MTV Video Music Awards. Other stars pitching in - Nicole Richie, Hugh Jackman and Demi Lovato, proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
Also making news today, your first look at Simon Cowell`s "Everybody Hurts" Haiti video. The "American Idol" judge remade one of my favorite REM songs to benefit Haitian earthquake victims. And he brought along some big names to help him out. I`m talking about Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi - 21 stars in all. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Haitian people.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They are suffering down there. Each minute, the people die.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The money from the sale of "Everybody Hurts" goes to the British Disaster Emergency Committee and Helping Haiti Fund sponsored by U.K.`s "Sun" newspaper.
ANDERSON: As soon as we posted something on our Facebook page about Kelly Clarkson slamming Swift`s boss because he slammed "American Idol," we started getting tons of posts.
You know, this all started after Taylor`s not-so-great Grammys performance. Well, Angeline P. loves Taylor, "She can sing just great. She is different that other singers because she writes her own songs and writes songs about her life."
But Lisa M. agrees with Kelly. Nobody should slam "American Idol," "Kelly Clarkson has an amazing voice. Taylor is very talented, but come on. She`s a super-success because she`s a pretty blue-eyed, skinny young girl."
Hey you should join the conversation. Write us on Facebook and get our Twitter breaking entertainment news alert. The way to do all of this if you aren`t signed up, head over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Do you believe them? Brangelina cuddles at the Super Bowl. So they are still together, right?
Jennifer Aniston takes Gerard Butler on vacation. But she says they`re not dating. Do you believe them?
Also this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SANFORD: I have definitely forgiven him. Interestingly, we - you know, these are weighty subjects to have to speak about with your children. But yes - and I think forgiveness is freeing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: What`s going on here? The wife of cheating South Carolina governor Mark Sanford says she forgives him today?
And Kate Gosselin`s brand-new do again. The reverse mullet, the extensions and now this? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Melrose Place" alum Andrew Shue marries "Weekend Today" anchor Amy Robach. "Up" wins best film at Annie Awards, which honors animated films.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SANFORD: I`ve definitely forgiven him. Interestingly, you know, these are weighty subjects to have to speak about with your children. But yes - and I think forgiveness is freeing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the love gov`s wife forgives her lying, cheating husband. Is she for real? The brand-new confession today from Jenny Sanford that she`s forgiving her husband`s sins.
Tonight, Brangelina`s super-cuddly day at the Super Bowl. They say they are not breaking up. Do you believe them?
And Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler cozy up in Mexico, but Aniston says they are not together. Do you believe them?
And Kate Gosselin chops her locks for a new do. You`ve got to see what she looks like now.
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, the showbiz cheating patrol. We`ve seen so many cheating scandals lately, that even I am having trouble keeping track. But there was big news breaking today on not one, not two, but three major cheating scandals.
First thing this morning, the wife of South Carolina`s love gov, Jenny Sanford, told ABC`s "Good Morning America", that she actually forgives her cheating Appalachian Trail-hiking husband, Gov. Mark Sanford.
And breaking almost at the same time this morning, on the "Today" show, former ESPN analyst, Steve Phillips made dramatic revelations about his stay at the same sex rehab clinic where Tiger Woods reportedly got help.
ANDERSON: And the tale of the tape, the John Edwards sex tape. Tonight, Edwards` former aide is under court order to turn over all copies of what he says is a sex tape featuring Edwards and the former mistress Edwards had a child with.
Joining us tonight on SHOWBIZ cheating patrol is Vinnie Politan in Atlanta. He is an "In Session" host on Tru TV. He is also a radio host for Sirius XM. And here with me in Hollywood tonight, entertainment journalist Tanika Ray.
Vinnie, Tanika, I want to begin with the love gov`s wife, Jenny Sanford, telling "Good Morning America" today that she and her four children actually forgive him. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, CO-ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Do you think they`ve forgiven their father?
SANFORD: I believe they have. Yes.
STEPHANOPOULOS: And you have as well.
SANFORD: I`ve definitely forgiven him. We were - interestingly - you know, these are weighty subjects to have to speak about with your children. But yes - and I think forgiveness is freeing. But reconciliation is different, and that`s a difficult concept for a child.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I completely agree. Tanika, forgiveness is one thing. Reconciliation, a whole other ball of wax. But should we be shocked that after all that this man put her through she forgives him?
RAY: No, I`m actually not shocked. I don`t think anybody should be. She has been very open and honest on Barbara Walters on "GMA" about how they got together. And it felt like a business deal.
They were very responsible human beings. She was on Wall Street. He was a would-be governor soon in the future. And they seemed to approach marriage as a deal, something that lacked almost emotion to a certain extent.
So it doesn`t shock me that she forgives him, because, again, that`s the responsible thing to do. They are not going to reconcile probably. And I love the image that she didn`t stand up there with them.
She`s no joke and she`s a woman about her own means and who`s saying, "You know what? I don`t approve of what he did, and I`m not going to sit by him and smile."
ANDERSON: Yes. Very no-sense. And Vinnie, I actually think it`s the right thing to do to forgive. And it`s actually healthy, because really, holding a grudge only hurts you, not the person who`s wronged you. What do you think? Are you shocked by this?
POLITAN: I`m not shocked. I`m not shocked because of her religion. I mean, this is a woman who has a strong religious basis. That all came out early on in this whole scandal.
And I think that`s a basis, plus those children. You put it all together. They`ve got to move on from this point forward. You know, the story, at some point, may die, but they`ve got to live the rest of their lives and those kids have to live the rest of their lives.
And I think she`s really putting the best interests of the children and everything ahead of whatever personal feelings she may have.
RAY: She has four boys. Wow.
ANDERSON: She has four boys. She is divorcing him, so she`s forgiving but not forgetting, because forgetting is pretty much impossible. And you know, she`s been hailed a hero for not standing by him. And she has said she doesn`t know and she doesn`t care if he is still with his mistress.
RAY: Good for her.
ANDERSON: Good for her. And I`m thinking maybe, Tanika, she should head a dump-the-cheater movement.
RAY: Dump - definitely. But those boys - four young men who are going to indirectly learn lessons from their father. I just hope she`s able to turn that around by her actions and can sort of - the future will look a lot different for her sons and they`ll learn to be faithful to their wives.
ANDERSON: Very strong woman, setting a good example for other women maybe going through similar things.
RAY: Yes.
ANDERSON: Well, now, the SHOWBIZ cheating patrol is moving on to another scandal. TV baseball analyst Steve Phillips, who was fired from ESPN after he cheated on his wife with a young co-worker, sat on the "Today" show this morning.
He says he got treated for sex addition at the same Mississippi rehab center that Tiger Woods reportedly just left. Matt Lauer asks Phillips, what goes on at that clinic?
PHILLIPS: People who go there are broken people. I mean, that`s really the essence of the addiction is that you`re broken inside. You`ve got a hole that you try to fill, whether with alcohol or drugs or with sex or gambling or with whatever.
And so you`ve got a lot of broken people there that are struggling to find answers. And really, that`s what you do is you go there and you try to get to the basics of why did you do what you did.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Steve Phillips gets caught cheating and winds up in rehab. And Tiger Woods reportedly does the same thing. Tanika, we`re seeing famous cheating husbands claiming sex addiction, almost as often as we`re seeing drug-addicted rock stars claiming exhaustion. Are you buying it?
RAY: I love "broken." That`s a new term - broken a.k.a. - or "jerk" - they like to call themselves. These are spoiled, rich men that are just greedy and they`re sex greedy.
And they want more out there than what their wives can offer them. So the fact that they are getting caught, good for them for getting caught. And I hope that all these cheating men get together and have some sort of intervention. Get over yourselves. You`re spoiled. You`re rich. You`re narcissistic. You need some intervention.
ANDERSON: And is it really that easy to label their philandering as a sex addiction?
RAY: Yes.
ANDERSON: Vinnie, you know what? I don`t want to downplay it, Tanika -
RAY: Addiction victim. Not me, I`m a victim of my addiction.
ANDERSON: Yes, you know are they really saying, "I`m not really a dishonest, dishonorable cheating person."
RAY: Please.
ANDERSON: "I`ve got a problem." Vinnie, are you buying this?
POLITAN: You know, I`m very skeptical of the whole sex addiction thing and I have been from the beginning. But if, in fact, this man, Steve Phillips, has some problems, maybe it explains, Brooke, how he destroyed my New York Mets years ago before he got fired from that job.
RAY: We don`t know what you`re talking about. We`re girls.
ANDERSON: Yes, I`m not sure about that. That`s right. And I just want to add that I don`t want to downplay sex addictions because it`s very serious and very real for a whole lot of people. I just hope these famous guys who have been using it.
(CROSS TALK)
POLITAN: You see, they`re always rich and powerful - enough opportunity. That`s the problem.
RAY: That`s the problem.
POLITAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the same face of these addicted people.
ANDERSON: That`s the problem.
RAY: They`re giving sex addicts a bad name.
ANDERSON: They certainly are. You`re right. Let`s be real about that.
OK. We`re going to move the SHOWBIZ cheating patrol on to the big news today of the suspected John Edwards sex tape featuring Edwards and his then pregnant mistress.
A judge has just ordered former Edwards aide, Andrew Young, to turn over the original tape. Well, Young says he sent a copy of the tape to the FBI. So they have a copy. Young has a copy. Who knows how many copies exist? A.J., I want to get you back in the mix here.
HAMMER: Yes.
ANDERSON: I`m thinking that you just know this is bound to get out. Do you have that Web site yet?
HAMMER: I`m looking for it. I`m surfing the net. I`m going to find it if it`s out there, Brooke. Let me put Tanika Ray on the spot right now, Tanika.
RAY: Go for it, babe.
HAMMER: On a scale of one to 10, with one being no chance at all and 10 being "yes, absolutely," how likely are we to see a leaked copy of this John Edwards sex tape?
RAY: How about "no duh," absolutely, like maybe in the next hour we`re about to see it. But isn`t that the reason why he announced to the world that he has it? You know what? I don`t know what exactly he wants from John Edwards outside of his mortification and embarrassment. But we`re going to see it. That`s just the way TV works, right, A.J.? Isn`t the lesson that we`ve learned (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
HAMMER: That is the way it works. Just because it`s out there, I don`t know that that necessarily means you want to see it, Tanika. That`s all.
ANDERSON: And our executive producer said in the meeting, you know, three things in life are certain, death, taxes and if you make a sex tape, then it`s going to get out there. Vinnie, quickly, you`ve got the legal smarts over there at "In Session." Do you think John Edwards has nothing to worry about now that there`s a judge`s order?
POLITAN: You see, once you hear that C-word, that`s the problem. And the C-word is a copy of that tape. There are copies out there.
ANDERSON: Exactly.
POLITAN: All it has to do is get into one person`s hands who should not have it and it`s done. We know the way the Internet works. We know the way the digital world that we live in now is. This tape is going to come out and they can try to stop it and they can sue people. But once it`s out there, it`s out there, baby.
ANDERSON: Yes. Nothing stopping it.
(CROSS TALK)
POLITAN: By the way, how do we get on the cheating patrol? Do I get a badge or something, Brooke?
ANDERSON: Thanks for joining us on the SHOWBIZ cheating patrol today. Vinnie Politan, Tanika Ray, we appreciate it.
HAMMER: We`re going to get you a sash, Vinnie. All right. I`ve got to tell you as we move on tonight - those Brangelina breakup rumors, they won`t go away. But after they were spotted this weekend, they may very well have squashed the rumors for good.
Tonight, Brad and Angelina`s super-day at the Super Bowl. They did some serious PDA, so are they together? Do you believe them?
And Jennifer Aniston in Mexico with Gerard Butler. But Aniston says they aren`t dating. But do you believe them?
And Kate Gosselin`s hair. First, she had the whole reverse mullet thing going on. Then she kicked off the new year with some long lustrous locks. Now, she`s got a brand-new do. But did she do the right thing?
And Howard Stern speaking out today for the first time about being considered for Simon Cowell`s job on "American Idol." We will reveal just how much money Howard Stern says he`ll do the job for. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Sheryl Crow to guest star on ABC`s "Cougar Town." Courtney Cox and David Arquette say they are considering adoption.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Kate`s new do number two. Kate Gosselin has done it again. The reality show star and mother of eight famously transformed her trademark haircut, the reversed mullet, into some fancy, new extensions to complete her Kate clean slate makeover after her divorce from Jon Gosselin was final.
Well, today, we learned she`s done it again. Gosh darn it, a new Kate Gosselin do number two. We`ll reveal the new look in just a moment.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Brooke Anderson is in Hollywood tonight.
ANDERSON: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks, do you believe them?
HAMMER: The "them" are Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and the brand-new pictures of them together. And the other them is Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler.
Now, today, we got the brand-new pictures of Brad and Angelina at the Super Bowl in Miami. They`re showing the world some super-canoodling there. So after all of those reports that they are splitting up, does all this PDA mean they are still together? Do you believe them.
And while Brangelina were getting super-cozy, Jennifer Aniston kicked off her 41st birthday week with her "Bounty Hunter" co-star, Gerard Butler getting cozy in Mexico. The two co-stars continued to deny a romance, but do you believe them?
Joining me tonight in New York Megan Alexander, who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition." From Hollywood is Hyla who is an entertainment journalist from "5DollarPrep.com."
All right. This is now the second time in two weeks that Brad and Angie have appeared publicly together. I`ve been skeptical about these split rumors since the very start. Never thought it was real. Megan, Brad and Angelina together, do you believe them or are they just putting on a show?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": I think this would be way too much effort to put on a show. Look, they look relaxed. And what I love about this, A.J., here`s a couple that possibly could be normal and having normal problems like any other couple or maybe just had a bad day.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: But this is a couple that has an invested personal interest in New Orleans. Brad has done so much with his Make It Right campaign. They have a home in the French quarter. I think it was so neat to see them cheering on a team in the city that they have come to really love.
HAMMER: Yes. I don`t think they are doing it to try to fool people into thinking that they`re still together while they sort things out. And Brad and are doing more than just showing up.
In fact, late today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT confirmed they are suing the British tabloid, "News of the World" - that`s the paper that started this latest round of split rumors that they had agreed to split up their assets. They are making arrangements to share custody of their six kids.
Hyla, I`ve got to tell you. I think that makes a pretty convincing case. Do you believe them?
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, "5DOLLARPREP.COM": Yes. A lot of people thought they were maybe going the Madonna and Guy Ritchie route and just kind of putting on a show until they got all their affairs in order.
I don`t think so. I think that we, the public, have this obsession with breaking them up. And I don`t understand - it`s been five years. You know what? Yes, Jennifer Aniston was the odd woman out. But you know what? She`s doing OK as we`re going to talk about here in a second.
HAMMER: Yes. I think she`s doing terrifically. Well, posted the brand- new picture of Brad and Angie on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook. We practically had this Facebook wall catch on fire. Were that possible, it would have happened. The comments were coming in fast and furious.
Kristina L., "Yes, they are still together. Take a look at where their hands are in the pictures. They won`t come out and debunk every lie about them, so the tabloids have a field day with rumors to sell magazines."
What do you think, Megan? Between the picture and lawsuits, do you think this finally puts the rumors to rest? Or is this just what`s going to follow them for rest of their lives?
ALEXANDER: Yes. Take a look at that hand, too. Very friendly with his woman, shall we say.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: I think it will continue to follow them for the rest of their days. They`re a super, megastar celebrity couple. But I think that they keep it real. I mean, Angelina had, you know, her hair down, barely any makeup. I loved it. It was so natural.
HAMMER: They`re so natural, indeed. Let`s move on now to Jennifer Aniston`s brand-new candid camera moments with her movie co-star Gerard Butler. They were all over the place.
Did you see these? Aniston reportedly flew a bunch of her friends, including her latest co-star to Los Cabos, Mexico over the weekend all to celebrate her upcoming 41st birthday.
Hyla, they have both denied a romance in the past. But when you look at these pictures, do you believe them?
HYLA: It`s all about body language. And right now, looking at these pictures, it looks like that they are really close, fun friends, OK? Once you start seeing the pictures where Gerard`s hand is in the booty area, that`s when I would start speculating. OK, they are a little bit more comfortable sexually with each other, but we haven`t reached that point yet.
HAMMER: All right. We`ll keep an eye out for those particular shots. Those would be worth a couple of bucks. All of the romance rumors with these two started when Aniston showed up with Butler at the Golden Globes.
You know, they were promoting a movie. That was pretty normal. But there were reports of some backstage canoodling. We actually got slammed saying, no way. But Megan, these pictures will do nothing to end the speculation for sure.
ALEXANDER: No. A.J., this is my thought on them as a couple. Jennifer Aniston - she`s been in the spotlight for many, many years. I mean, been here - "Friends" and through all of her movies. Gerry Butler is currently the guy of the moment. This is sort of new to him to be the Hollywood guy. So I`m worried if she really is falling for him, I don`t think he`s ready to settle down yet.
HAMMER: All right. I`m going to maintain a wait-and-see attitude. I`m reserving judgment on this whole thing. Now, I want to move on, however, to Kate Gosselin`s do number two. I`m not going to reserve judgment here.
Today, we got a startling new picture of Kate. And for this, we have to review Kate`s hair history. Let`s go to that, shall we? First, the reality show mother of eight shed her famous reverse mullet for some long hair extensions. Much was made of the new do on the cover of "People" magazine and inside the pages.
It had video of the process. Charles, may I have a drum roll, please? For this - just when we thought we had seen Kate`s total transformation, she`s done it again. Today, we`ve got do number two. Let`s reveal it, shall we? Megan, what do you think?
ALEXANDER: I actually think this is a perfect style for her. I have to admit, I still like the reverse mullet because it was so unusual and it was so her. But I think this one is cute. I think she actually found a hairstyle that fits her pretty well. I didn`t like the long extension as much. I think this one is cute and it`s appropriate.
HAMMER: All right. You may not have such detailed response. But what do you think?
HYLA: A.J., it was the number one conversation at the Super Bowl yesterday amongst me and my friends - what happened to the extensions? Yes, I want them back. I love them.
HAMMER: Let me tell you something. Even Ringo Starr asked me what was going on with her hair when he was here. All right. Megan Alexander, Hyla, thanks, guys.
ANDERSON: Tonight, Heidi Montag`s brand-new emotional confessions after confronting her mom with her new face. In a "People.com" interview out just today, 23-year-old Heidi reveals her struggles after having an incredible 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day when Heidi confronted her mother with her new look back home in Colorado.
She tells "People" the experience was so dramatic it may have set back her healing. Heidi says, quote, "I`m very fragile. I`m not in a great place right now. I was hysterical the whole time. It was so hurtful. My body really set back from recovering from all of the crying, stress and that traumatic experience. My insides were just throbbing and pounding, but I know it`s part of what I had to go through."
All right. Despite all of these emotional set backs, Heidi says she has got no regrets.
HAMMER: Tonight, is Howard Stern really after Simon Cowell`s job on "American Idol?" You`ve got to hear what Howard said on his show this morning, and how much money it would take for him to even consider taking the job. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, it`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." These are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Wynonna Judd and mom Naomi will reunite for final tour as "The Judds." "Twilight" star Taylor Lautner to play Stretch Armstrong in film based on 70s toy.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Super Bowl smashed ratings history and is making big news today. According to Nielsen Media Research and CBS Sports today, Super Bowl 44 is now the most watched TV show in history, edging out the record held by the 1983 finale of M.A.S.H. with an estimated 106.5 million viewers.
Now, M.A.S.H. held this record for the last 27 years. Just under 106 million people watched the last episode of that show.
ANDERSON: All right. Brees and the boys may rule the gridiron. But another big boy sport is getting a dose of girl power. Did you see this? A 12-year-old girl who is all of 94 pounds is showing up all the guys on the wrestling mats.
Genesis Patterson has become an absolute sensation in the South Carolina middle school. And according to Genesis, the boys aren`t happy about that. Genesis originally joined the sport because her siblings were doing it.
But now, she has become the star. She even has a signature move called the cheeseburger. Thankfully, for the boys, Genesis is looking to use wrestling as a steppingstone to build strength to become a gymnast. Good luck to her.
HAMMER: Tonight, is Howard Stern really in talks to join "American Idol?" Well, according to reports, yes. According to Howard this morning, well, he is not specifically saying.
The reports have been everywhere that Howard might be leaving his Sirius Satellite radio show to fill Simon`s shoes as a judge on "Idol." A lot of people are saying this would make sense considering, Howard`s five year reported $500 million contract with Sirius expires at end of the year.
Now, I listen to Howard every morning. Wow, did he have a good time with this today. But did he confirm that he joined up with "Idol?" With his tongue firmly planted in his cheek, yes.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
HOWARD STERN, SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO HOST: I will do that to get me up to $100 million a year.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That`s a nice number.
STERN: I like that. I will do that for - you know what? OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They got you.
STERN: For $100 million a year to judge a karaoke contest? OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why not?
STERN: Why not?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Who wouldn`t take that?
STERN: Oprah takes every offer on the table. Why shouldn`t I?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: As I said last week, Howard would actually have to take over "Idol," Brooke, not just join up with the show for it to work for him. And he had some great ideas on how to shake up the show this morning, including - I love this one - a trap door to get the contestants off the stage. What do you think?
ANDERSON: Oh, that would definitely shake things up. It would make things interesting with Howard on "American Idol."
OK, moving out of this, A.J. On Friday, we asked you to vote at home on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Just moments ago, we did get those final results - "Howard Stern: Should he replace Simon Cowell on `American Idol?`" Twenty percent of you say yes. But 80 percent of you say no, it`s a bad idea.
Here are some of the E-mails we got. Darlene from New York not holding back. She says, "Please, no Howard Stern on `Idol.` Howard Stern is a low-life. The fastest way to sink `Idol` is to hire Stern."
But Dan from Texas says, "Howard Stern should definitely replace Simon Cowell on `Idol.` I will then watch just to see Howard."
Thanks for your e-mails.
HAMMER: Yes. He also wants to use a Taser. All right. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Don`t forget, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, also in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern right here on HLN. Take care.
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