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Showbiz Tonight
Michael Jackson`s Bodyguards` Confessions; Hollywood`s Biggest Bachelors Tamed; Lindsay Lohan`s Shocking Baby Lawsuit; Sarah Palin`s Standup Comedy Controversy
Aired March 09, 2010 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - explosive brand new confessions from Michael Jackson`s bodyguards. Their startling new TV interview today. Never before heard details of Michael being a dad.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The kids were constantly telling him, you know, "I love you, daddy."
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ANDERSON: Michael`s secret love life -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Men know men. He had the desires of women like we do.
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ANDERSON: And their unbelievable revelation today. Did they think Michael was a pedophile?
Hollywood`s biggest bachelors tamed? Simon Cowell, a blushing groom to-be? George Clooney`s gorgeous new girlfriend. Just who are these mysterious women? And how did they tame Hollywood`s biggest playboys?
Lindsay Lohan`s shocking $100 million lawsuit today over a baby! What?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
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ANDERSON: Hi, there. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, the explosive confessions today from Michael Jackson`s bodyguards. What you`re about to see and hear is truly remarkable.
For the very first time, the men who guarded Michael Jackson and who were eyewitnesses to virtually everything in his life, reveal today what they say really went on behind closed doors.
From the drug allegations to the lives of his shielded children to Michael Jackson`s secret backseat make-out sessions with the women in his life - all revealed today in a television interview that has to be seen to be believed. Which is why the confessions of Michael Jackson`s bodyguards made for big news breaking today.
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ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-HOST, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": The three bodyguards he trusted with his life speaking out for the first time.
ANDERSON (voice-over): ABC`s "Good Morning America" went all out this morning touting their interview with three of Michael Jackson`s former bodyguards. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the three spilled some very juicy details about the King of Pop, like his drug use.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It did appear a few times that he was on something.
ANDERSON: His struggle with immense fame.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There were times that he vented and he vented loudly, "Why don`t people just leave me alone?"
ANDERSON: And his secret backseat make-out sessions with women.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Men know men. He had the desires of women like we do.
ANDERSON: Yes. You heard right. These bodyguards reveal that Jackson, who was never exactly known as a ladies` man, would have back seethe make- out sessions with women in chauffeured cars. That`s living like a rock star.
MARC MALKIN, E! NEWS: Like all of a sudden, you know, the Michael that we think we know - all of a sudden, all of that comes off. And you know, he`s more like pimp daddy Michael Jackson.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you these bodyguards` shocking new revelations show us that even nine months after Jackson`s death, the late King of Pop still never fails to surprise us.
MALKIN: We want to hear all the details. We`re still fascinated by him.
ANDERSON: The bodyguards, Mike Garcia, Bill Whitfield and Javon B.J. Beard talked to ABC`s Ashley Banfield about what they saw during their years working with Michael Jackson.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We became more than just security.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We were personal assistants.
ANDERSON: In an interview that aired this morning. The bodyguards said the King of Pop had a, shall we say, healthy dating life and was seeing at least two girlfriends. And here`s where the back seethe make-out sessions come in.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had a curtain that covered the backseat. We couldn`t see the backseat. They talked back there and, you know --
ASHLEY BANFIELD, ABC CORRESPONDENT: So he`s making out in the backseat?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Or chewing loud gum.
BANFIELD: It sounds like you`re chaperoning two teenagers on a date.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was fun for us.
ANDERSON: The bodyguards reveal even more secrets especially when it comes to Jackson`s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.
BANFIELD: Was he a good dad?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sure.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. Awesome.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The kids were constantly telling him, you know, "I love you, Daddy." Things like that. They were like the four buddies, you know. That was their world.
ANDERSON: The bodyguards addressed the most troubling part of Jackson`s legacy, the accusations of pedophilia.
MALKIN: Michael`s, you know, big downfall really started with, you know, the first accusations that he was doing inappropriate things with little boys.
ANDERSON: When discussing the pedophilia question on ABC this morning, the bodyguards were unanimous in their opinion.
BANFIELD: Was he a pedophile?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t believe so.
ANDERSON: But there was one thing the bodyguards couldn`t deny - Jackson`s reported obsession with powerful medications, an obsession that contributed to his death.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It did appear a few times that he was on something. You could tell his demeanor. It was different than - having been around him for so long, it changed. You knew something was not right at the moment.
ANDERSON: The bodyguards tell ABC they plan to put their revelations about Michael Jackson into a book they hope will tell a more positive story about the King of Pop, a man that they say was misunderstood.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Everything he did, he didn`t find a problem with it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right.
BANFIELD: He didn`t think it was weird?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Different. Let`s use the word "different." Weird? No.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: And just hours after the big news breaking about Michael Jackson`s bodyguards, more big news breaking today in the David Letterman extortion plot.
The CBS News producer accused of trying to extort $2 million from letterman, did a total about-face today and pleaded guilty in a Manhattan courtroom.
Here are all the late-breaking developments. CBS producer Robert Joe Halderman has agreed to a plea deal in which he expects to serve six months in jail, five years probation, perform 1,000 hours of community service as part of his plea to second degree attempted larceny today.
Halderman was charged with first degree attempted grand larceny after he told Letterman back in September of last year that he would reveal his sexual affairs with female staff members unless letterman forked over $2 million.
Joining me in New York, Midwin Charles who is the legal contributor with "In Session" on Tru TV. And in Hollywood, Leslie Marshall, who is the host of radio`s "The Leslie Marshall Show."
Ladies, I`ve got to say this kind of came out of nowhere today. Halderman, who was the longtime boyfriend of the woman Letterman was, at one time, having an affair with, had insisted he did nothing wrong.
But today, outside the Manhattan courtroom, after he pleaded guilty, he made a public apology to Letterman. Watch.
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ROBERT JOE HALDERMAN, CBS NEWS PRODUCER: I just wanted to say that, again, I apologize to Mr. Letterman, his family, Stephanie Birkitt, her family and certainly, to my friends and family. I will not be doing any interviews and I thank you all for your patience.
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ANDERSON: In court today, Halderman not only admitted to trying to extort $2 million from Letterman, he also said he feels great remorse for what he`s done.
Midwin, off to you first. Why the sudden about face? Why would he agree to this plea deal?
MIDWIN CHARLES, LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR, "IN SESSION": Oh, because, my goodness, Brooke, he was facing up to 15 years in prison if he was found guilty of first degree grand larceny.
But he can`t walk away from the fact that he tried to cash a $2 million check. There`s no way he can walk away from that. I was expecting this. I`m surprised it took this long.
ANDERSON: Yes. And Letterman and his people were actually working with authorities. His people issued a fake check to Halderman. And when Halderman tried to deposit that check, boom, he was busted.
And David Letterman issued a statement today thanking the District Attorney`s Office and the New York City Police Department saying this, "When they became involved in the case, I had complete faith that a just and appropriate result was inevitable. On behalf of my family, I am extremely grateful for their tireless efforts."
Today`s plea deal, a reversal of what Halderman`s attorney had been claiming all along. Back in October, Halderman`s attorney claimed that the whole ordeal wasn`t even an extortion plot. Rather, it was just a business deal between Letterman and Halderman.
You know, they said he was trying to sell Letterman a screenplay based on his life, wanted to give Letterman a first shot at buying it. Leslie, I`m getting the sense that Halderman and his attorney knew there was just no way they were going to win this thing in court.
LESLIE MARSHALL, HOST, "THE LESLIE MARSHALL SHOW": Oh, I agree. And I think, if anything, Letterman could get $2 million for the screenplay now, but Halderman won`t get a cut of that.
You know, this is about that obviously - I think was a spurned lover, saw dollar signs with who competitor his competitor was. And you know, Letterman was in a win-win situation because the cats were out of the bag regarding his indiscretions.
Halderman, I don`t think, realized how severe legally this was. And I agree, when he was facing prison time, his lawyer said, "Plea, buddy. Plea."
ANDERSON: Yes, yes. Fifteen years versus six months. Yes, his lawyers said he had to weigh the risks, the rewards. It was a novel defense. I`ll say the screenplay defense pretty darn novel.
OK. I want to move now to the brand new outrage today over Farrah Fawcett being left out of the tribute at the Oscars to those who died last year. The Academy tells us they didn`t forget to include Farrah. They just couldn`t fit everyone into the tribute.
Well, today Farrah`s closest friend, Alana Stewart, who made the documentary showing Farrah`s final days, tells "Radar Online," "I was shocked, appalled and I am angry. This is the lamest excuse I have ever heard. I find it inexcusable and absolutely outrageous. Farrah was an American icon, a fabulous and respected actress who did many acclaimed movies. I don`t want to disparage anyone else whom the Academy did choose to honor, but there were people (in the segment) who I had never of their names."
Midwin, I`m getting the sense here that Farrah, being left out, was not intentional but that somebody made a big, huge, enormous mistake. Do you think that somebody might be getting yelled at today?
CHARLES: I think so, Brooke. I think, look, someone probably just was out to lunch and forgot to slip her into that reel.
There were people on that memorial that I didn`t recognize either and I think it was just a mistake, an oversight, I guess you would say, but clearly not intentional.
ANDERSON: Yes. I actually kind of feel sorry for the person or people who probably made this innocent, oversight. I`m sure they feel awful. I`m sure the Academy probably just protecting them right now. But Farrah Fawcett, absolutely a recognizable person and well-respected.
OK. We`ll leave it there for now. Midwin Charles, Leslie Marshall, thanks, ladies. We appreciate your time.
A major star who played a gay character on TV admits today, yes, he`s gay in real life. I`m revealing who that is, coming up.
And I`ve got to tell you. I think Lindsay Lohan is being a big baby over a baby. Lindsay is reportedly suing a baby today for - wait for it - $100 million. What?
Also, just in today, who tamed the hottest Hollywood bachelors? Simon Cowell, a blushing groom to-be? George Clooney`s gorgeous new girlfriend. Just who are these mysterious women? And how did they tame Hollywood`s biggest playboys? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Funeral for Marie Osmond`s 18-year-old son held today in Utah. R & B star D`Angelo arrested for allegedly paying for sex from undercover N.Y. cop.
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ANDERSON: Making news late today, Charlie Sheen getting out of rehab. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT confirmed with Charlie`s people today that he`ll be out on March 19th to resume taping his hit CBS show "Two and a Half Men."
Charlie checked himself into rehab last month. He`s also due back in court on March 15th to answer charges that he assaulted his wife, Brooke Mueller.
OK, did you see this? It is absolutely hysterical - Jimmy Kimmel`s post-Oscar special skit called "The Handsome Men`s Club."
Now, it`s a secret society of all the great-looking guys in Hollywood called "The Handsome Men`s Club." And Jimmy Kimmel? Well, he`s the president.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY KIMMEL, HOST, "JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE": Wow. You`re handsome. You`re perfect. You`re incredible. You are one good-looking son of a (EXPLETIVE DELETED). Good job, mom! Amazing. Holy (EXPLETIVE DELETED). OK. The meeting of the Handsome Men`s Club will now come to order.
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ANDERSON: I don`t know how Jimmy got all these guys for this - "Grey`s Anatomy`s" McDreamy, Patrick Dempsey; Matthew McConaughey, Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Ethan Hawke, my favorite, Ben Affleck.
OK. So during the meeting, these guys decide to stage a coup. They don`t think Jimmy is handsome enough to stay in the club, so they vote him out. Watch.
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KIMMEL: Before I go, though, I want to leave you, gentlemen, with a parting thought from my favorite book "Self Matters" by Dr. Phil McGraw. Dr. Phil teaches us that when the -
MATT DAMON, ACTOR: Sorry, Kimmel. We`ve run out of time. Handsome.
BEN AFFLECK, ACTOR: Wake up. Wake up.
KIMMEL: What? What`s wrong?
AFFLECK: I had a nightmare.
KIMMEL: What?
AFFLECK: We`re in a club together and Matthew McConaughey was there. He`s really, really mean to me. And then you said I wasn`t handsome.
KIMMEL: Come on. You know I think you`re handsome.
AFFLECK: You`re my handsome. You`re my most handsome. You`re my big handsome. You`re big daddy handsome.
JENNIFER GARNER, ACTRESS: Ben, it`s enough. It`s getting annoying.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, this was so well-done. It`s so funny. Matt Damon there slamming the door on Jimmy. We also got Jennifer Garner. You know how at the end of each of Jimmy`s shows Jimmy apologizes to Matt Damon for not being able to interview him because he ran out of time. That was the reference there. And Ben Affleck`s wife, Jennifer Garner, is such a good sport.
Buy the way, "NewYorkTimes.com" says it took over a week to shoot and most of the stars were filmed one at a time.
We`re getting tons of calls into "Showbiz on Call" right now about Farrah Fawcett being left out of the Oscars memorial video. Marian from Missouri is very upset about it.
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CALLER: I think it`s a shame that they snubbed Farrah. She was an icon for me growing up. And just because she died the same day that Michael Jackson did and he got all the publicity and attention and she got none, it`s almost criminal. It`s so sad.
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ANDERSON: Thanks, Marian. Jennifer calling from South Carolina, agrees.
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CALLER: I think it was a big snub, that the Oscars should be ashamed for leaving her. She was mostly on TV but she also did movies. And I can`t believe that they could include Michael Jackson and not include Farrah Fawcett. That`s outrageous, and the Oscars should be ashamed of themselves for leaving her out.
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ANDERSON: Thanks for you call, Jennifer. Hey, call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7. Here`s the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Wait, wait, wait. Heidi Montag gets 10 plastic surgeries in one day, blabs about how much she loves plastic surgery to anybody who will listen. And now she`s making fun of herself today?
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HEIDI MONTAG, REALITY TV STAR: Hi, I`m Heidi Montag. If you`re a reality TV star, chances are good that you`ll one day have plastic surgery.
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ANDERSON: Seriously, this girl is unbelievable. But I will tell you this, what Heidi is doing may actually help us all, I swear.
OK. Look, I like Kathy Ireland and all but she did leave us kind of scratching our heads during the pre-Oscar show. Some people called her a robot. Some thought she was high or drunk. They were very, very mean. So today, she`s setting record straight. What was up?
Simon Cowell, George Clooney, the biggest bachelors in Hollywood no more. Who are the beautiful women who have finally tamed these two? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe joins cast of Showtime`s "The Big C." Oscars telecast draws 41 million viewers, most-watched TV show last week.
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BEYONCE, SINGER: I would tell them that I hope this gives them hope and self-esteem and they can make a difference.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That`s Beyonce this morning on "Good Morning America" on the opening of her cosmetology school in New York. All the amazing things she`s done. Beyonce donated the school to the Phoenix House in Brooklyn.
Now, Phoenix House is a (INAUDIBLE) abuse treatment center. And Beyonce`s school will help recovering addicts get training in cosmetology so they can find jobs.
All right. Conan O`Brien`s got some time on his hands. He left "The Tonight Show" last month, he`s been all about Twitter. Well, today, I can tell you that Conan has turned one of his Twitter fans into an instant star.
Conan decided to follow one, just one, of his fans on Twitter at random. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Killen from Michigan. And, yes, her life changed just like that. Before Conan did this, she had three people following her. Right now, nearly 19,000.
Sarah, not shy about cashing in on her 15 minutes. She`s getting hooked up big-time for her wedding.
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SARAH KILLEN, CONAN O`BRIEN FAN: A Detroit company is giving us a limo. A woman named Kallima(ph) in New York is making me a handmade dress. A vineyard in California is sending us three cases of wine.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She is working it. Sarah said she would be happy to get married on Conan`s show, but she`s going to have to wait until at least September to do that because Conan`s bye-bye deal with NBC keeps him off the air until then.
I posted something on Facebook today about the growing outrage over Farrah Fawcett being left out of the Oscar memorial. And check this out right now. We`re getting tons of posts on this, so many of you fired up.
Sandy R. really upset, "They should never have missed Farrah Fawcett. She was left off the radar when she passed away due to Michael Jackson`s death and this."
But Larry O. thinks leaving Farrah out was the right move, "I don`t understand why everyone is upset over the Oscars forgetting Farrah. She was best known for TV roles. The Emmys are a more appropriate place to honor her.
You can connect with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT in so many ways. Become our fan on Facebook. Join us on Twitter to get breaking entertainment news alerts. Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and there`s always e-mail. "Showbiz Connects" on our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Lindsay Lohan reportedly sues a baby today for $100 million. Talk about a mean girl.
Simon Cowell, George Clooney - Hollywood`s biggest bachelors no more? The beautiful women who have finally tamed these guys.
And a brand new controversy today over Sarah Palin`s stand-up routine. She got pretty good reviews for it. But today, somebody says he`s got cold-hard proof that Sarah wasn`t funny at all. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: NBC renews its contract with Donald Trump and the Miss Universe Organization. Celebrity photographer Annie Liebovitz agrees to loan deal to settle debt.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Lindsay Lohan`s beef with babies. Reports today that Lindsay is suing a baby for $100 million. Is Lindsay just being a baby?
Simon Cowell blushing groom to-be? Today, the "Idol" judges new caught on tape love confession. And how is Simon`s mysterious lady love? Plus, George Clooney`s gorgeous and mysterious girlfriend. How she and Simon`s girl tamed Hollywood`s biggest playboys.
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MONTAG: Hi, I`m Heidi Montag. If you`re a reality TV star, chances are good you`ll one day have plastic surgery.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Heidi Montag spoofs Heidi Montag. She makes fun of her outrageous 10 plastic surgeries today and you won`t believe the twisted way Heidi making fun of Heidi could actually help you.
Plus, more stories breaking from the SHOWBIZ News Ticker.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
And tonight, it is Lindsay Lohan`s milkaholic madness. Lindsay, all fired up after watching e-Trade`s hilarious Super Bowl commercial - you know, the one with the talking babies. We all know it and we all love it.
But tonight Lindsay is not laughing. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned that Lohan is suing e-Trade for a whopping $100 million for what she calls "pain and suffering." He claims that e-Trade portrayed her as a boyfriend- stealing milkaholic baby, so now she`s suing. Wait until you see the commercial that has sent Lindsay into a frenzy.
Also, Heidi Montag makes fun of plastic surgery? Yes. In a brand new "Funny or Die" spoof out today, Heidi pokes fun at herself and her plastic surgery and the fact that she spent all her money getting nipped and tucked. But most surprising of all - she`s doing it for a good cause.
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MONTAG: It`s enough to make me cry without moving my new face. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Also, big news breaking tonight. Kathy Ireland defends her good name. She`s sick and tired of the people thinking she was drunk or high while hosting ABC`s pre-Oscar special.
Joining me tonight in New York, Megan Alexander, who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition." And tonight, in Hollywood, Leslie Marshal, who is the host of "The Leslie Marshall Show."
Megan and Leslie, we begin tonight with Lindsay Lohan`s $100 million lawsuit against e-Trade. First, I want to take a look at the ad that she claims caused so much pain, so much suffering. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sorry about last night.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don`t understand why you didn`t call.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know what? I was on e-Trade, diversifying my portfolio and taking control, like a wolf.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And that milkaholic Lindsay wasn`t over?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Lindsay?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Milk-a what?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I`m sorry. That is really cute. Megan, $100 million for supposed pain and suffering? This is the most ridiculous thing I`ve ever heard.
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Brooke, talking about crying over spilled milk. This is ridiculous. And when this ad aired, nobody that I`m aware of made the connection between Lindsay and this ad for e-Trade.
And all of us are pretty good about talking about these things and nobody suggested it. So for her to come out now and say that she`s now a one-named celebrity up there with Madonna and Cher, that the Lindsay is her, I think it`s a pretty big stretch.
I think, unfortunately, it shows that, Brooke, she needs some desperate attention and she desperately needs some money. $100 million is quite a hefty price.
ANDERSON: Yes, $100 million is a little outrageous. And yes, nobody associated her with this baby. And to what your point is, Megan, listen to what Lindsay`s lawyer is saying. She does claim that Lindsay`s first name - she`s saying Lindsay has the same kind of recognition as the one-named people like Oprah, like Madonna.
Her lawyer telling the "New York Post" this, "They`re using her name as a parody of her life. Why don`t they use the name Susan? This is a subliminal message. Everybody`s talking about it and saying it`s Lindsay Lohan."
Really? Everybody`s talking about it? Well the ladies of "The View" didn`t say that on the show this morning. They totally did not understand why Lindsay thought the commercial was about her. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": So when she heard "Lindsay" and holic and just -
Well, I don`t think anybody put two and two together because they were laughing at the babies. But now, that`s all we`re going to think about. Look at Lindsay Lohan.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The ladies of "The View" having a good laugh there and, Leslie, for good reason. Why can`t Lindsay see that what`s she`s claiming here is kind of making her a laughing stock.
MARSHALL: Well, she needs to dial 1-800-WAAH, because this is - she should be happy somebody`s calling her, if it is her, a milkaholic. That`s actually a compliment after all the things the tabloids have called her.
And I think she should say, "e-Trade, thank you. If that is me, make sure you spell my name right when you put it in print." This is nothing more than she needs attention, "Why isn`t the camera on me?" And she wants some cash. And I think this is terrible. It`s funny and she needs to lighten up. It`s funny.
ANDERSON: Yes. And I just want to add the producers of the commercial say, "Hey, Lindsay is just a popular name. Also happens to be the name of somebody who was on the account."
All right. I want to move now to another brand-new story making big news today. Heidi Montag slams plastic surgery. I know what you`re thinking. How can a woman who just had 10 procedures in one day actually be slamming plastic surgery?
Well, she is. She did the spoof for "Funny or Die" and the video is just out today. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MONTAG: Hi. I`m Heidi Montag. If you`re a reality TV star, chances are good that you`ll one day have plastic surgery. It`s also a for-sure-thing that you`ll have to pay for that surgery with credit cards because you`ve spent all of your "I`m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" money on expensive purses, tiny dogs and healing bracelets for your husband.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, and I`m sure a lot of that is true. The spoof actually part of a series of celebrity-driven videos aimed at lobbying to get better consumer protection bills passed by Congress.
Now, Megan, I`m not sure Heidi really cared about the cause as much as the fact that it was an actual acting gig. What do you think?
ALEXANDER: Exactly, and the camera was on her. You know, I`m all for people laughing at themselves, that think laughter is the best medicine. But in this situation, I think Heidi doesn`t understand that we`re not laughing with her. I think we`re laughing at her in this one.
And to watch this, to me, I don`t see much acting skills here. I don`t think there`s much of a difference when she presents herself and she pretends her face is so tight, you know, from the Botox. I find it more disturbing because she`s such a mess.
ANDERSON: Yes. It is disturbing, but at least, she can be self- deprecating. It was pretty funny. Do I think that Heidi Montag is going to be a political influence on Capitol Hill? Not so much.
All right. I want to move to another explosive story today. Kathy Ireland defending her good name. After her performance on ABC`s pre-Oscar special people were accusing Kathy of all sorts of horrible things like being drunk, being drugged. Take a look at Kathy on Oscar night.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATHY IRELAND, ACTRESS: Tonight, Morgan Freeman is back with a Best Actor nomination playing the dynamic civil rights leader, Nelson Mandela. Morgan, congratulations. Great to see you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, Kathy today striking back. Here is what she tweeted. Take a look at this, "No meds or alcohol, Angel - just JOY. Never use drugs and that as a mom is not a cool or funny suggestion. Don`t feel embarrassed for me. Had a blast and it was so much fun.
I`ve got to say, I`ve met Kathy before. I think she`s a sweet, genuine, honest person. I think it`s right for her to face this criticism head-on and defend herself. Leslie, what do you think?
MARSHALL: I didn`t see the drunk, drugged person everybody was talking about. I saw somebody that was having a good time. There was a crowd was screaming behind her. She`s trying to talk over it so that she can be heard on mike.
She`s gorgeous. She looks great, especially as a mom. And I`ve met her also. A very nice lady. I`m with you, Brooke. I don`t get it. You know, when people are really drunk, they fall over. She was standing up in heels in that dress. I mean, come on? She wasn`t drunk or drugged. She was having a good time.
ANDERSON: And that takes talent - and that takes a lot of talent. And that takes sobriety. Megan, what do you think about this?
ALEXANDER: Well, I think any time you put yourself out there, you obviously are going to be criticized by some people. She said she`s not the best interviewer. She`s OK with that. She`s not leaving her day job.
Deborah Norville, the anchor of "Inside Edition" was near Kathy at the Academy Awards. She said she was the perfect lady. I think you just laugh about it and you move on. But I think drunk or meds is going a little far.
ANDERSON: Yes. It`s taking it a little too far. Good for her for defending herself. Well, also making big news tonight, are Hollywood`s biggest bachelors tamed?
Brand-new revelations today about Simon Cowell and his fiancee. And big news today about reports that George Clooney grew his hair out all shaggy because his Italian bombshell girlfriend asked him to.
Megan and Leslie, don`t go anywhere. We`re getting right to that in just a moment.
All right. Breaking details today about a major TV star coming out of the closet. We`re going to tell you who and why the sudden revelation has some people scratching their heads.
And brand-new controversy over Sarah Palin`s stand-up comedy debut. The shocking report today that fake laughs may have been added to make Sarah seem funnier. No joke. But what really happened? It`s making big news today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Ryan Seacrest stalker cops plea, agrees to psychiatric evaluation. Quentin Tarantino sued for allegedly ripping of plot for "Kill Bill."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, taming Hollywood`s hunks. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can now reveal new information we learned today about Simon Cowell and George Clooney, two of Hollywood`s ultimate bachelors and the women who tamed them.
In a brand-new interview, Simon Cowell introduces the world to his fiancee. You`ve got to se what happened when Simon`s girl took center stage. And I can tell you this may be the only time ever you get to see Simon blush.
Also, just in today. Big-time talk about George Clooney`s red-hot Oscar date. Did his new girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis, tame George`s heart and his hair?
Joining me tonight in New York is Dawn Yanek, who is the editor-at- large "Life and Style Weekly." Also tonight in Hollywood is relationship expert, Wendy Walsh, who is a doctor of psychology and author of this book, "The Boyfriend Test."
Ladies, let`s start with the woman who tamed none other than Simon Cowell. I think a lot of people have been waiting to meet the woman who has tamed the lovable, nasty "Idol" judge.
The wait is now over. On the "The Tonight Show," Simon introduced his fiancee, Mezghan Hussainy to the world. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON COWELL, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: What is your name?
MEZGHAN HUSSAINY, SIMON COWELL`S REPORTED FIANCEE: Mezghan.
COWELL: How do you do?
HUSSAINY: I`m good.
JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": You can give her a kiss. And she is also your makeup person?
COWELL: Oh, yes. I always said if I was going to get engaged, I would always get engaged to a makeup artist.
LENO: Yes. So that`s like, so when you`re in bed, if something is - oh, hang on. She can fix it.
COWELL: Oh, for sure. At least three touchups a night.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oh, brother. Simon laughing. He was blushing. Frankly, I don`t think I`ve ever seen Simon this happy. He was downright giddy.
I say it`s all about timing. Dawn, are you with me? Or do you think this particular girl has some sort of magical taming powers over Simon?
DAWN YANEK, EDITOR-AT-LARGE, "LIFE AND STYLE WEEKLY": I think it`s a little bit of both. Simon, of course, is 50 years old. And it`s high time he settle down. But I think she also does have some pretty magical qualities of taming.
You know, we have some new details in the new issue of "Life and Style Weekly" out tomorrow. And we spoke to some friends of the happy couple. And they said it`s not surprising. She is a lot of fun. She`s super-easy to be with and she`s really down to earth. They make a wonderful, wonderful couple.
ANDERSON: Well, Simon`s fiancee, not exactly a household name. So the SHOWBIZ relationship squad did some digging to answer the question. Who is Simon`s fiancee?
Take a look. Her name is Mezghan Hussainy. She`s 36. Been a makeup artist on "Idol" for the past seven years. Some fast facts - she emigrated to the U.S. from Afghanistan. Was reportedly in an eight-year long loveless marriage starting in `88. Started dating Simon early last year.
Wendy, you are the relationship expert. Explain this to me - how has this woman tamed Simon? Did Simon just suddenly open his eyes while she was applying his foundation? He`s known her for years.
WENDY WALSH, RELATIONSHIP EXPERT: I don`t think this woman tamed him at all. I think it`s all about timing for men. You know, in general, once the marriage game starts, they are going to pitch to whatever woman is up at bat.
There might have been better women before. They might be foregoing better women in their future. But when a guy reaches a state of readiness, he`s going to pitch. So here he is, 50. His friends have kids. It`s time. He just - didn`t he just come out from a really long relationship before that?
ANDERSON: He did.
WALSH: This woman, we`ve got to give credit to because she got him at least partway up the mountain. He got to the top precipice, put his flag in and said "I`m ready."
ANDERSON: And he and his ex are really good friends. They get along really well. And Simon says he is not opposed to a lot of little Simons running around. But we need to be a little bit scared about that proposition.
OK. I`ve got to move now to the woman everybody is talking about today, the woman who seems to have tamed George Clooney. I was right there Sunday night on the red carpet with George and Elisabetta Canalis.
Once again, the SHOWBIZ relationship squad coming through in the clutch. Elisabetta Canalis, 31 years old. A lot of people know she`s a TV host in Italy. She`s a model. She`s an aspiring film star. Loves horses. She and Clooney reportedly started dating last summer.
Now, we know George has famously said he`s never going to get married again. So, I would be shocked if he put a ring on it. But, hey, she`s got a career. They look great together. Dawn, could these two be the new Brad and Angelina?
YANEK: They could be. And let`s not forget, George is 48. He`s just two years off from Simon`s age. And maybe, there`s a trend when he turns 50.
Well, you know, it doesn`t hurt that Elisabetta is absolutely gorgeous. She`s a lingerie model. She`s an Italian media personality. She just understands George and they seem like a perfect couple.
ANDERSON: Yes. It seems like she`s the complete package. I do want to quickly get to his new hairstyle. It`s longer. He has said it`s for a film role.
But Wendy, very quickly, a lot of people think Elisabetta is responsible for this. If so, quickly, what would that say about their relationship?
WALSH: Well, if that`s true, then clearly, he`s starting to bend toward her. But you know, I`ve got a question. You saw him at the Academy Awards, Brooke. Did he let her talk? He kept saying she didn`t understand English and wouldn`t let her have a voice at all. So this concerns me.
ANDERSON: Yes. It concerned me a little bit, too. I wonder - he said she didn`t know English, but I wonder if that`s true. Dawn Yanek, Wendy Walsh, thank you both. Good to see you.
Now, from taming the bachelors to taming a former Hollywood wild child. Tonight, Nicole Richie`s brand new wedding revelations. Paris Hilton`s former partner in crime and one-time jail bird ready for married bliss with Good Charlotte front man, Joel Madden.
The baby carriage came before marriage, but Nicole says she`s ready for a big old wedding. Nicole`s working on her guest list and invited Ellen DeGeneres right on Ellen`s show today. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": So now, you`re engaged? Is that right?
NICOLE RICHIE, REALITY TV STAR: I am.
DEGENERES: Congratulations.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
RICHIE: Thank you.
DEGENERES: You have been together a while, right?
RICHIE: I`m sorry.
DEGENERES: How long have you been together?
RICHIE: We have been together about three-and-a-half years.
DEGENERES: Three-and-a-half years and you have a date picked out and all that stuff?
RICHIE: Not yet. No. But soon.
DEGENERES: That`s a whole big deal, isn`t it?
RICHIE: Yes, yes. It`s a big deal.
DEGENERES: Will it be a big wedding? Will I be there?
RICHIE: You will definitely be there, obviously. Hello.
DEGENERES: Right. Without me, you`d still know him, but --
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: While Nicole works on her guest list, the date still a mystery, but she tells Ellen they will announce a date very soon.
Breaking details today about a major TV star coming out of the closet. We`re going to tell you who and why this has some people scratching their heads. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Alec Baldwin to give NYU`s commencement speech and get honorary degree. Cindy Crawford`s blackmailer gets two years in German jail.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Tonight, a former "golden girl" lands a golden opportunity. And the father of Sarah Palin`s grandson coughs up some big dough. Plus, remember Jack from "Will and Grace?" His new real-life sexuality revelation. It`s all making news in the buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Sean Hayes confirms he`s gay. The former "Will and Grace" star has just publicly revealed his sexuality for the first time saying, quote, "I am who I am."
Hayes who played the flamboyant Jack McFarland for eight seasons on "Will and Grace" makes the revelation in a brand-new interview with the gay advocacy magazine, "The Advocate."
The 39-year-old Hayes answered critics in the gay community who say he should have come out sooner saying, quote, "Nobody owes anything to anybody."
Live from New York, Betty White. The 88-year-old former "Golden Girls" star has just confirmed to "People.com" that she will be appearing on "Saturday Night Live" this season following an incredible online petition campaign to get her on the show. A Facebook page that was created to get White on "SNL" has more than 500,000 fans.
Levi pays up. TMZ reports Levi Johnston has just paid Bristol Palin $21,000 he owed in back child support for their 15-month-old son. A judge had ordered Johnston to pay up, and his attorney says Johnston has now cut a check for $21,561.12. He still has to continue paying $1,750 a month in child support to Bristol who`s the 19-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
While the father of Sarah Palin`s grandson finally steps up to the plate, Sarah herself and NBC are in smackdown mode. You remember the former governor of Alaska made her comedy debut Jay Leno`s first week back on the "Tonight Show."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FMR. GOV. SARAH PALIN (R-AK): Thank you. I am so happy to get to be here. This is the thrill of a lifetime, really. And Alaska being so different from Los Angeles. Here when people have a frozen look on their face, I find out it`s Botox.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Big laughs for Sarah, right? Wrong. According to an audience member there that night. He accused NBC of adding a laugh track during Sarah`s monologue reportedly because she got groans, not laughs during her gig. Ouch.
But NBC tells "The Hollywood Reporter" that report totally false saying there were no canned laughs, just the real thing.
On Monday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Just moments ago, we did get those final results. Here they are - "`The Hurt Locker` beats `Avatar`: Did the Oscars get it right?" Look at this. Sixty-six percent of you agree and say yes; 34 percent say no.
Here are some of the E-mails we received. Gina from Canada, "I think it deserved the Best Picture award. The movie had an excellent story line, was well-acted and well-directed. Hands down, `Hurt Locker Rules.`"
But Shaun, also from Canada, is disgusted, "I personally will never watch the Oscars again after they chose `Hurt Locker` over `Avatar.`"
That is a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Take care.
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