Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Jessica Simpson to Gabby Sidibe`s Rescue; Kate Gosselin New Hairdo; Ryan O`Neal and Tatum O`Neal Reconciles; Simon Cowell`s Wedding Date?; Most Provocative Celebrity of the Week
Aired March 12, 2010 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Jessica`s weighty rescue. Tonight, Jessica Simpson`s remarkable defense of "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe after getting slammed about her weight.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JESSICA SIMPSON, ACTRESS AND SINGER: I think she can do anything she wants and I think she knows that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, what Jessica just told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the explosive Gabourey weight controversy. And the startling unexpected results of a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll that dared to ask, will Gabby`s weight hurt her career?
Kate Gosselin`s new do for dancing. Again? Is it longer? Is it shorter? Has the reverse mullet returned? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the brand-new remarkable transformation of Kate`s new do, or don`t.
The unbelievable brand-new Farrah family reunion. Tatum and Ryan O`Neal together again. But is the decades-old father-daughter feud really over? And why not? Did they do it for Farrah?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
And tonight, the startling reunion of Ryan and Tatum O`Neal. We learned today that after 10 long years, Ryan has reunited with his daughter, Tatum, putting an end to an awfully bitter time apart.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you besides putting the differences behind them, they are clearly unified on another front. Like millions of others they are outraged that Farrah Fawcett was snubbed at the Oscars during the memorial of the stars who died last year.
What you were about to hear is an amazing story in a brand-new, caught-on-camera interview revealed just today for the very first time. And let they be no doubt that the story behind the reunion made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It`s one of the most bitter, most toxic father-daughter relationships in Hollywood. Ryan O`Neal self-described bad father -
JO PIAZZA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) bad Hollywood father of which there are a lot. He`s definitely at the top of the list.
HAMMER: And his daughter Tatum O`Neal, the Oscar-winning former child star with a history of drug abuse. Theirs was a relationship filled with accusations of lies, neglect and abuse.
TATUM O`NEAL, ACTRESS: I`ve been very afraid of my dad whom I love very much.
HAMMER: But now, after all that, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Ryan and Tatum O`Neal have finally buried the hatchet.
T. O`NEAL: It feels beautiful, you know.
RYAN O`NEAL, ACTOR: It`s overdue.
HAMMER: In an interview on "Access Hollywood," parts of which aired this morning on NBC`s "Today," Ryan and Tatum told Maria Menounos, their old feud is water under the bridge.
T. O`NEAL: Just grateful. Just grateful to have the talent. Grateful to be a part of his life.
R. O`NEAL: We don`t have any cross words. We don`t have any - we don`t go back. And that`s the only way to do it.
HAMMER: This reunion comes just weeks after another powerhouse Hollywood father-daughter duo, Jon Voight and Angelina Jolie reunited after a long estrangement.
PIAZZA: It is the season for celebrity parent and children to reconcile.
HAMMER: And today, it`s the O`Neal`s turn. The first time we saw Ryan and Tatum together was when they played a pair of con artists in the 1973 movie, "Paper Moon."
T. O`NEAL: I`m not my mommy!
HAMMER: For that movie, 10-year-old Tatum became the youngest person ever to win a competitive acting Oscar.
T. O`NEAL: There`s one when my friend, Vivian Kubrick, Stanley`s daughter said that my dad punched me in the face when I got nominated.
HAMMER: In a 2004 Tatum interview with Larry King to promote her autobiography, Tatum revealed shocking claims about Ryan from her childhood.
T. O`NEAL: I don`t forgive him and I don`t feed sad about telling what he did.
PIAZZA: Tatum has said many times that he was very abusive, very emotionally abusive and physically abusive when she was a child.
HAMMER: Ryan O`Neal has denied Tatum`s claims calling them malicious lies she told to sell her book. In the interview that aired today, newly reunited Ryan and Tatum O`Neal said their feud was a long one.
MARIA MENOUNOS, CORRESPONDENT, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD": How many years has it been since you guys have talked?
R. O`NEAL: Too many.
T. O`NEAL: Too many. Yes, a while. Maybe a decade.
HAMMER: So what led to the thaw in their frosty relationship? They revealed today it was the death of actress Farrah Fawcett, Ryan O`Neal`s longtime love who died this past year.
T. O`NEAL: The fact of the matter is, it may have been the funeral - may have been.
HAMMER: Farrah`s longtime friend, Alana Stewart, tells "Today" Farrah would be pleased.
ALANA STEWART, ACTRESS: She didn`t any kind of strife or upset in the family, so I think she would be very happy about this. Who knows? Maybe she had a little hand in it.
HAMMER: This week, Farrah`s memory led father and daughter to unite against the producers of this past Sunday`s Academy Award ceremony for leaving Farrah out of the Oscar telecast tribute to stars who died last year.
R. O`NEAL: It was a shock.
HAMMER: Ryan O`Neal tells "Radar" he was actually watching the Oscars with Tatum when Farrah was snubbed.
R. O`NEAL: I was no explanation at all unless it`s sour grapes of some kind.
HAMMER: Despite their anger at Farrah`s Oscar snub, in the interview we saw today, Ryan and Tatum couldn`t be happier to be reunited.
T. O`NEAL: People reconnect, especially if it`s your father and you`re the daughter. And it`s pretty big, big stuff.
R. O`NEAL: I keep thinking I`m in a dream and I don`t want it to end. I don`t know how I got in this dream but I`m in it and she`s in it with me.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That is pretty amazing. So I have wonder, how much did Farrah Fawcett have to do with Tatum and Ryan`s reunion?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood is Hyla. Hyla is an entertainment journalist for "5DollarPrep.com." With me tonight in New York is Megan Alexander who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
And really I never thought I would see the day that Ryan O`Neal and Tatum O`Neal would reunite. You think about all the bitterness that has been between them over some 10 years. It really is pretty extraordinary, isn`t it?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": It is. It gives us insight, first of all, the two of them, into how difficult it is to be born into a showbiz family. Both of them have dealt with many demons, the relationships over this decade and, my gosh, all of the different headlines we`ve seen.
But something that all people can relate to is, I think, sometimes when there`s a death in the family, it causes people to reflect and they look at their lives. And it seems that Farrah Fawcett`s death may have done that for them. Who would have thought they would come back together?
HAMMER: Yes. It snaps things into perspective, of course. Hollywood is its own strange world as we know. Hyla, this is pretty great. You consider the fact that, you know, even Ryan himself, has said, "Me? Bad dad."
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, "5DOLLARPREP.COM": Yes, it`s great on the surface. I don`t know. I was watching this. It was kind of weird, especially, you know, the history with what happened at the funeral and he was hitting on her. And the way Maria Menounos made a great point, like, who made the first move? I mean, I don`t know - it was kind of weird for me.
HAMMER: Yes. I think it`s something that for people who have been following the story, it`s going to be a little strange to watch it all settle in. And let`s see if it holds bitterness can sometimes resurface very quickly.
Let`s move on now to another story that`s making big news today - Madonna giving marriage advice. Yes, you heard me right. The twice- divorced Madonna showed up on Jerry Seinfeld`s really funny new show. It`s called "The Marriage Ref."
She was on last night, doling out marital advice and in particular for a couple that have a weird barter system. Apparently, the more the husband cleans, the more nookie he gets from his wife. Watch Madonna had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MADONNA, POP STAR: I think it`s weird that she wants him to be clean so they can be dirty. I think in all marriages, there`s negotiation for everything - sex, the car, TV, whatever.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And let`s remember, again, Madonna has now been divorced twice. I actually think that makes her an expert on what doesn`t work. Hyla, what do you think? Is she perhaps the best qualified to be giving married couples advice?
HYLA: 100 percent. Hey, listen. If I`m dealing with an issue in life, who do I want to go to? I want to go to someone who has dealt with the same kind of issues. So she`s 100 percent expert. Thursday night`s episode of "The Marriage Ref" was great. All three cast members were amazing. It was hilarious.
HAMMER: Yes. We need to get Madonna on the speed dial if we want relationship or marriage advice. And yes, I mean, she was funny on the show. And she definitely spoke up quite authoritatively on something that we all know she knows quite a bit about. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MADONNA: Let me get on. Let`s ask if they have sex.
RICKY GERVAIS, CO-HOST, "THE MARRIAGE REF": No, don`t ask that. Don`t ask that.
MADONNA: Why? See, this is a typical British attitude. They don`t like talking about sex.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is easily the most uncomfortable hour I`ve ever spent in my life.
MADONNA: Why? Because you`re sitting next to a woman who`s standing up to you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. I love seeing her on the show. But Megan, let`s face it. Madonna is an awfully private person. We`ve never seen her do - I don`t know if you call this, a game show or whatever it is. I`m thinking somebody must have called in a big favor on this to get her to do the show, right?
ALEXANDER: Yes, exactly. Madonna reinvents herself one more time - marriage counselor, who thought? You know, I think the concept of the show is very creative and does tell the public that, "Look, this is supposed to be fun. Still go to your regular marriage counseling. Don`t just watch our show."
It was neat to see her be off the cuff though and speak her mind. We don`t normally see that. You`re right.
HAMMER: Yes. Hyla, what do you make the fact that Madonna is doing a show in this kind of format? I mean, that`s quite unusual.
HYLA: It is and it isn`t. I mean, look, she was on the show - this wasn`t just a regular show. It`s a show produced by Jerry Seinfeld. It`s NBC primetime television. She had two other huge comedians around her. She held her own. This is great image for her.
HAMMER: Yes.
HYLA: All we heard about is her and her boyfriend kind of running around the world. This is good for her.
HAMMER: That`s exactly what I was saying. And the truth is, you know, Madonna, if there`s one thing she always will do, is surprise us. And she`s done it again. Megan Alexander, Hyla, thanks, guys.
All right. As we move on tonight, I`ve got to say, I`ve been really amazed at how Jessica Simpson just put all of her weight critics in their place. Well, now, she`s doing something pretty cool - going after people attacking Gabby Sidibe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMPSON: That girl worked it on the red carpet for the Oscars. She knew she was the hottest thing out there and she wanted everybody to know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Jessica Simpson`s remarkable defense of "Precious" star, Gabourey Sidibe after Gabby got slammed about her weight.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about to name the most provocative celebrity of the week. Who is going to be? Will it be Jess for slamming her weight critics and a little slap on John Mayer for telling all about their sex life? Is it Howard Stern for slamming Gabourey for her weight? Or will it be Lindsay Lohan for that ridiculous $100 million lawsuit against e-Trade for their baby commercial.
Also tonight, K-Fed tells all about life after Britney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: You had to watch her go through a tremendously difficult time, spiraling out of control.
KEVIN FEDERLINE, BRITNEY SPEARS` EX-HUSBAND: It`s a sad situation, but we had to go through to get to where we are today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, K-Fed opens up about his painful divorce from Britney Spears and what his relationship with her is like now. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Katie Holmes denies reports she and Tom Cruise are expecting baby no. 2. James Cameron planning 3-D re-release of "Titanic" in 2012.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, K-Fed opens up about Britney. Kevin Federline may be publicly battling his weight gain on "Celebrity Fit Club," but it`s not the only public battle that we`ve witnessed with K-Fed after all.
His difficult divorce from Britney Spears back in 2006 just sent the guy into a tailspin. In a brand-new interview, he tells Brooke Anderson how his weight gain was partly due to getting over that difficult break-up.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You`ve been very open that there was kind of a depression that you felt after your divorce from Britney Spears that initiated this weight gain.
FEDERLINE: I wouldn`t blame it all on that. I would say that`s just part of it. You know, I was hitting 30, slowing down your metabolism, not doing anything, being lazy and comfortable. It was just number of things that just added up and they started adding up on my gut.
ANDERSON: Well, you know, we talked about this before. I interviewed you back in 2006. It was actually the last interview you did. It was for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
You were promoting your debut album, "Playing with Fire." It was the last interview you did before Britney filed for divorce. I want to take a look at what you said about your relationship with Britney.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FEDERLINE: We work together with everything so it`s - she does what a wife does for a husband and I do what a husband does for a wife. I mean, you know, if I am ever down, which is very rare - very, very rare - you know, she`ll talk, you know. She`s the only one that I can really go to that understands any of it.
ANDERSON: Best friends as well?
FEDERLINE: Definitely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now, when you look back at that time, can you ever have imagined that your life would have changed so much from then to where you are now?
FEDERLINE: No. I never would have thought, you know - I mean, everything that happened was kind of a whirlwind, you know, from that point on. I don`t - you know, it`s amazing to even hear myself, you know, back then and going through what I had to go through after that. It was just - you know, it was a shock to me.
ANDERSON: And after all of that, then you had to watch her go through a tremendously difficult time, spiraling out of control, shaving the head, the partying. Her estate had to be under the control of her father.
How hard was that for you to watch her, someone you loved dearly, go through it in the public eye? Because it was everywhere.
FEDERLINE: It was tough. It really was. It was really, really tough. I don`t know how deep into that I`ll go, but I mean, for anybody, I think it would be tough, you know. It`s a sad situation. But we had to go through that to get to where we are today which is - I`m happy.
ANDERSON: What`s your relationship like now?
FEDERLINE: It`s good. I mean, I don`t - I can`t say I see her all the time. But I mean, we`re very cordial to each other. I mean, we talk and we do everything we can for the kids. And you know, it`s a lot better.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: It looks like he`s really gotten his life back on track. Good for him. And you can se how he worked off all of that weight on "Celebrity Fit Club" boot camp. It airs every Monday night on VH1.
Well, a lot of people really fired up over Howard Stern saying slamming "Precious" star, Gabourey Sidibe, saying her career is all but over if she doesn`t lose some weight.
We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Dane in Arkansas. And Dane says Gabby`s got a bright future no matter what.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
DANE, CALLER FROM ARKANSAS: Look at Queen Latifah and Mo`Nique. There are tons - Kathy Bates. There are tons of overweight actresses out there. And it`s obvious to me that Howard Stern hasn`t seen "Precious." This girl has a long and great career ahead of her.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you, Dane. We also heard from Marjorie from Ohio calling into "Showbiz on Call." Marjorie days Gabby`s weight will definitely take a toll on her career.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MARJORIE, CALLER FROM OHIO: Yes, I do believe her weight will keep her from having very many roles. She will get a few, maybe a second or third party, never as a leading with the weight she has.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you, Marjorie. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. Here`s the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888- 728-2899.
All right. You`re going to want to hang on to your wig, because Kate Gosselin just got a new hairdo again. Tonight, Kate`s brand-new do for dancing. So what`s happening? Is the reverse mullet gone for good? I`m thinking Kate could actually make a fashion icon. Who would have thunk it?
Plus, Barbara Walters lashes out at "The National Enquirer."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": You`ve said something totally, totally untrue. You never called me -
(CROSS TALK)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The brand-new "National Enquirer" headline that has Barbara Walters just furious. I can tell you it`s about to get really ugly.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is about to name the most provocative celebrity of the week. Will it be Jessica Simpson for slamming her weight critics and her slap on John Mayer for telling all about their sex life? Will it be Howard Stern for slamming Gabourey Sidibe for her weight? Or will it be Lindsay Lohan for that ridiculous $100 million lawsuit against e-Trade for their baby commercial? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It`s now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Lady Antebellum tops Billboard 200 album chart with "Need You Now." Jennifer Hudson, Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift join TV send off for Brooks and Dunn. Brooks and Dunn ending their musical partnership.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Did you see this? The scorching hot debut of Lady Gaga`s brand- new video for hot song "Telephone," featuring Beyonce. Hey, call your friends because we`re about to show you what everybody is talking about.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Did you see this? I`m telling you everybody has been waiting for the brand-new music video for "Telephone." It`s an unbelievable 9.5 minute mini-movie that is actually a continuation of Lady Gaga`s "Paparazzi" video. And I`ve got to tell you this - if you love Lady Gaga`s outrageous outfits, you won`t be disappointed here.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Lady Gaga and Beyonce definitely did not disappoint. That`s fantastic.
All right. There`s explosive new outrage on our Facebook page today after "Precious" star, Gabourey Sidibe, was slammed for her weight.
Everybody`s got an opinion on this. Look at the overwhelming number of responses on our wall today, virtually unprecedented.
Stacey C. saying Gabby`s weight is her business, writing, "Her talent alone is what got her nominated, not her size. Losing weight is a personal decision and hers alone."
Kelly R. thinks should lose weight for her career, "I think it`s a sad reality of Hollywood. However, if it prolongs her life, she should lose the weight for health reasons."
Make sure you connect with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT by becoming a fan in our Facebook page. You can also follow us on Twitter. Call us at "Showbiz on Call." Send us an E-mail. "Showbiz Connects" on our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the bottom of the hour.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMPSON: That girl worked it on the red carpet. She knew she was the hottest thing out there and she wanted everybody to know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Jessica Simpson comes to the defense of "Precious" star, Gabourey Sidibe, after Gabby got slammed about her weight.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is about to name the most provocative celebrity of the week. Will it be Jessica Simpson for slamming her weight critics and John Mayer for his sex-and-tell? Is it Howard Stern for slamming Gabourey Sidibe for her weight? Or is it Lindsay Lohan for that ridiculous $100 million lawsuit against the e-Trade baby commercial?
Plus, has Simon Cowell set a date for his wedding? We`ve got the brand-new details. 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: Justin Timberlake`s William Rast clothing line announces fur-free collection. Twenty-two pieces of Michael Jackson`s custom made furniture goes to auction.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMPSON: That girl worked it on the red carpet for the Oscars. She knew she was the hottest thing out there and wanted everybody to know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Jessica to the rescue. Jessica Simpson`s remarkable defense today of "Precious" staff Gabourey Sidibe after Gabby gets slammed for her weight.
Jennifer brash weight war is just one reason she`s a nominee for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week. She`s digging it out with Howard Stern who stirred up the whole Gabby weight debate. Will it be Lindsay Lohan for trying to sue over babies for $100 million?
And bye-bye reverse mullet. Hello, glamour. Kate Gosselin`s brand- new do debut today.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
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.
Tonight, Jessica`s new weight war. In a brand-new interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Jessica is coming to the defense of Gabourey Sidibe who, of course, got an Oscar nomination for her amazing role in "Precious."
You have got to hear the fiery comments that Simpson just made to us about Howard Stern`s attack on Gabby claiming that Gabby wouldn`t be able to get another Hollywood role because of her weight.
Also making big news today, Kate Gosselin`s brand-new do. Yes, the reality show mother of eight who has been, of course, working on her salsa for her debut on "Dancing with the Stars," just chopped off al of her hair again. Wait until you see this picture we`ve got today. Unbelievable.
Joining me tonight in New York is Megan Alexander who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition." Also in New York, Nene Leakes - you recognize her. She`s one of the stars of the hit Bravo show, "Real Housewives of Atlanta." Nene is also the author of a great book called "Never Make the Same Mistakes Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way."
And I`ve got to begin with Jessica Simpson because what she told us is just so right on the money. We`re going to show that in just a second. But first, I want to remind you of what Howard Stern said about Gabourey Sidibe on his Sirius XM radio show.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
HOWARD STERN, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: There`s the most enormous fat black chick I`ve ever seen.
ROBIN QUIVERS, HOWARD STERN`S CO-HOST: Oh, my goodness.
STERN: Gabrielle(sic) (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
QUIVERS: Sidibe or whatever name is -
STERN: She is enormous. And you feel bad because -
QUIVERS: Everybody is pretending that she`s a part of showbiz.
STERN: Right. It`s just ludicrous because everyone`s pretending she`s part of showbiz.
QUIVERS: As if she`s going to be around.
STERN: And she`s not going to be in another movie. And she really should have gotten the Best Actress Award because she`s never going to have another - what movie is she going to be in?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Here`s what Jessica Simpson said about that during a brand-new interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to promote her new VH1 reality show, "The Price of Beauty" that debuts on Monday night.
And Simpson striking back saying she thinks that Gabby is not going to have a single problem getting future roles because of her weight. Take a look at what Jessica told us.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMPSON: Oh, I think she can do anything that she wants. And I think she knows that. She has that. She has that inner confidence. For her to play that role, she had something within herself that she wanted people to hear.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Megan, what do you think? Did Jessica get that right?
ALEXANDER: I think she did. I think this is a defining moment for Hollywood, A.J. We have seen Gabourey Sidibe show the world her talent. An incredible movie was produced, "Precious." And now, it`s their time to get behind her and support her, write those scripts that are good, meaty material for her, produce these excellent movies.
It`s the time for Hollywood to do what they`ve been saying. They say that they`re wanting to have different roles for all different types of women.
HAMMER: Right.
ALEXANDER: And it`s time to do it. She`s an incredible actress that we need.
HAMMER: Certainly could expand diversity. That`s something that Hollywood needed to do for a long time now. Now, you have special insight into this because I know, for "Inside Edition," you just spoke with Gabourey`s mother. What did she have to say about all of this?
ALEXANDER: If all girls could get the wisdom from Alice Tan Ridley, who is Gabby`s mother. A.J., she laughed at Howard Stern`s comments which I thought was interesting. She said, "Gabby is a big girl, so what?"
She said, "Gabby, they didn`t make you. Don`t let them break you." She said she`s going to get out there and get involved in another show. She`s already part of a Showtime`s series, "The C-Word." She`s already filming another movie. She said, "You keep moving forward and you own your work."
HAMMER: Yes. And she has a lot of people in her corner. Jessica Simpson certainly is rooting for Gabby because Jessica also told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she thinks that Gabby is so good that she could have another role in her future just as powerful as her role in "Precious" was. Watch what she told us about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMPSON: I think that she will definitely have another role that can be just as powerful. And that girl worked it on the red carpet for the Oscars. She knew she was the hottest thing out there and wanted everybody to know. So I think she`s beautiful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Nene, let me get your take on this, because despite the fact that it`s certainly feels right to say that Gabby`s weight won`t get in the way and it shouldn`t get in the way, there are a lot of people who agree with what Howard Stern says that it will. What do you think?
NENE LEAKES, STAR, "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA": Yes. I think Howard was rude. I think it was unnecessary. And who is he to determine whether or not you can get a job, OK? I thought it was just unnecessary.
I do somewhat get point that he was trying to make. Listen, Gabby is a sweet young woman. People write scripts for people all the time for actors all the time. She won`t have a problem working. She`s a young woman.
I would personally say to Gabby, keep your head up and do it. You can do anything you want to do at any size you want to be. If you are happy in the skin you`re in, then you do your thing. Howard -
HAMMER: Listen, Nene, despite that, there are, as I said, a lot of people who are siding with at least the point of what Howard said even if they don`t care for how he said it.
Some startling results came in to our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day when we asked the question, if you thought Gabby`s weight is going to hurt her career. And look at this - 78 percent of you said yes. Only 22 percent said no, you don`t think so.
So Nene, despite what you think, why do you think a majority agrees that Howard that Gabby`s future is in question if she doesn`t lose her weight?
LEAKES: I don`t know, but I don`t like the fact of trying to bring someone down. I mean, who cares with a Howard thinks? She`s a young woman and she`s done it. The film was spectacular. I mean it just doesn`t make any sense to come down on her like that because of her weight.
Everybody with eyes can see that she is a larger female. However, she`s very talented. And I would say, you know, just lay off her and don`t say she`s a young woman coming up in the industry. Help her as much as you can.
HAMMER: All right. Let me get to some of the outrage that`s showing up on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page today. We`re hearing it on both sides; a debate is going on.
This is from Stacey C. who wrote, "She got this role being the size she is. Her talent alone is what got her nominated, not her size. Whatever requirements are asked of her to fulfill roles is between her and those asking."
Now, Roleena A. wrote on our wall, "I love Gabourey but I feel like it is true. She does need to lose weight to maintain a career in Hollywood. It is what it is." And I guess we`ll just have to watch and see what happens.
Now, because of all of this, let`s take a look at who is in contention tonight to be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week.
There is Jessica Simpson for her own weight debate and of course what she`s now saying about Gabby. Howard Stern also nominated for starting the whole thing in first place. And then, there`s Lindsay Lohan for suing the creators of an e-Trade baby commercial for $100 million claiming they made fun of her. Yes, good luck with that.
We`re naming SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week in just a few minutes. I`ve got to tell you, it was a pretty, pretty tough call.
First, I want to show you this because is incredible to me. Get a load of Kate Gosselin`s new hair. We got a hold of this picture today of Kate. Kate, of course, is getting ready to compete on "Dancing with the Stars."
What`s so shocking to me is that just a couple of weeks ago, Kate made such a huge deal over spending seven hours and $7,000 for hair extensions. Now, there are reports today that she`s getting new extensions put in.
Nene, back at you. You wrote the book "Never Make the Same Mistake Twice." Would Kate be making the same mistake twice by doing this?
LEAKES: I don`t think so. You know what? I love hair extensions. I can`t even - I can`t even talk about her. You know, I love hair extensions. I don`t think she`s making a mistake.
OK, she`s out here working. She has several children. Why not treat yourself? So I mean, I don`t have a problem with that.
HAMMER: What do you think, Megan? Is this a good move?
ALEXANDER: Put the scissors down. She needs to walk away from the hair salon. I liked the haircut before this one actually, so don`t do it any more. Stop fiddling.
HAMMER: The thing is she needs to stop getting so much attention for these types of things. And maybe when she gets on "Dancing with the Stars," that will all change. Megan Alexander, Nene Leakes, thanks guys so much. I appreciate it.
As we move on tonight, we all know Simon Cowell is really private. His engagement really flew under the radar for quite some time. But today, there are some juicy reports about the "American Idol" judge`s wedding. "Inside" reports today about when Simon may be walking down the aisle.
We will also have this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALTERS: You said something totally, totally untrue. You never called me.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Nobody called me to ask any jack.
(CROSS TALK)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Barbara Walters` "National Enquirer" outrage. Her mano a mano gossip smackdown on TV. But did the legendary journalist win this battle? 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: "American Idol" tops ratings. "The Marriage Ref" slides after premiere. Miley Cyrus has top earning tour this week, Lady Gaga number four.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, I think you`re ready for it - the big reveal as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the week.
Is it Jessica Simpson for her gutsy slam against her weight critics and John Mayer? Is it Howard Stern for his offensive comments about Gabourey Sidibe`s weight? Or Lindsay Lohan for her $100 million cry baby lawsuit.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Very excited about this. We`ll be naming SHOWBIZ TONIGHT most provocative celebrity of the week in just a moment.
But first, it`s Barbara`s big smackdown. Yes, Barbara Walters fuming after the "National Enquirer" printed a story about her that she says is just a bunch of baloney. Barbara got to go head-to-head with the editor of "The National Enquirer" on "The View."
I`ve got to tell you, Barbara did not hold back. So cue the fireworks. Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Barbara Walters was dishing it out, and the main course was -
BARBARA WALTERS, HOST, "THE VIEW": This is just baloney.
MOOS: With the side helping of -
UNKNOWN FEMALE: They`re crap.
MOOS: It comes just when "The National Enquirer" is finally getting respect accepted into the Pulitzer Prize competition for its coverage of the John Edwards` affair. Edwards had to eat his words of denial.
FMR. SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC): Tabloid trash is full of lies. I made a very serious mistake.
MOOS: But it wasn`t the John Edwards copy Barbara was reading to "The Enquirer`s" editor.
WALTERS: "After 3 months of dating, Barbara has moved in Frank Langella who is an actor," who is a friend of mine, a friend of Whoopi`s, "into her New York apartment, and friends say a summer wedding is in the works." I looked all over my house. I can`t find him.
MOOS (on-camera): He may be the executive editor of "The National Enquirer," but Barbara Walters was the one doing all the inquiring.
WALTERS: "Barbara and Frank moved in together in January, and he popped the question soon after. Barbara has secured Whoopi`s blessing."
MOOS: "The Enquirer" reported Whoopi used to date Langella, seen here playing Count Dracula.
FRANK LANGELLA, ACTOR (as Count Dracula): Blood, my friend.
MOOS: The blood being spilled here was the editor, Barry Levine.
(CROSSTALK)
WALTERS: Totally, totally untrue. You never called me.
GOLDBERG: Nobody called me to ask me jack.
BARRY LEVINE, EDITOR, "THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER": All I can say, Barbara, is that we trust our sources. There are people around you -
(CROSSTALK)
LEVINE: Or did you go out on dates with Frank?
WALTERS: I have lots of friends whom I go out with, and so does Whoopi. But that doesn`t mean that somebody is living in my apartment.
LEVINE: We will look into the story again. I promise you.
WALTERS: Oh, baloney.
MOOS: In the words of Count Dracula -
LANGELLA: I need your blood.
MOOS: So do the tabloids, blood end.
WALTERS: Baloney.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: All right. Barbara, good for you. That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Well, Barbara Walters was certainly provocative, but sorry, Barbara, you are not in the running to be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week.
Here now who is really in the running - Jessica Simpson for striking back at her weight critics and telling the word what she really thinks about John Mayer`s sexy tell-all. Howard Stern for his offensive comments about the weight of "Precious" star, Gabourey Sidibe. And Lindsay Lohan for her whopping $100 million lawsuit against e-Trade for their Super Bowl commercial which featured talking babies.
Joining me tonight from Hollywood, Hyla who is an entertainment journalist with "5DollarPrep.com." Joining me tonight in New York, Nene Leakes who is one of the stars of the hit TV show on Bravo, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Nene, also the author of this fantastic book, "Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way."
I`ve got to tell you this was actually a pretty tough call this week. But of course, only one person can be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week. May I have the drum roll, please?
Our pick is for most provocative celebrity is, yes, Jessica Simpson. Of course, Jess has been everywhere this week. She is promoting her new VH1 slow and she is slamming her critics at every opportunity for picking on her weight and being very open about her love life. Nene, off to you first. Did we get it right?
LEAKES: I think you`ve got it right. I`m a girl that loves curves, too. So I think Jessica looks absolutely fabulous. And I think they`re just coming down on her. She said that she`s a four. I would die to be a four. I mean, she`s a four.
HAMMER: Yes. When she was on "Oprah Winfrey," Oprah said, you know, "Eight is a goal for me," so I think you`re exactly right there. Hyla, what do you think? I don`t know if you reacted the same way we did to these stories.
HYLA: Not so much. I mean, all three of these stories are definitely provocative. But I think that Howard Stern and Gabourey Sidibe - I think that one struck an emotion more than anything.
Everyone`s been talking about Jessica. It`s kind of we`re on the third or fourth cycle of this, you know, whole story starting with John Mayer.
But with what Howard Stern said - he was just mean and he was nasty. I agree with what he was saying but totally disagree how he said it. I think it struck an emotion with what he said.
HAMMER: We`re hearing that from a lot of people. They agree with the point he was making. It was how he went about it. But then, again, Howard being Howard -
Now, even though SHOWBIZ TONIGHT didn`t name Lindsay Lohan our most provocative the week, she certainly could have won most ridiculous celebrity of the week in my mind because of the she sued e-Trade for $100 million for what she called pain and suffering.
I`ve got pain and suffering from reporting the story. She claims e- Trade portrayed her as a boyfriend-stealing milkaholic baby. She`s suing now. So Nene, tell me, do you agree with me if we did name the most ridiculous celebrity of the week, it`s Lindsay all the way, right?
LEAKES: Absolutely. I was dying laughing to hear when you`re saying that. Oh, my god. You have pain and suffering. So do I.
HAMMER: All right. Well, Lindsay, best of luck with you on that lawsuit.
HYLA: Yes.
HAMMER: Provocative, maybe not as much as Jessica Simpson. Ridiculous, yes. Hyla, Nene Leakes, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
As we move on, brand-new reports today - Simon sets a date? Yes, the "American Idol" judge has been extraordinarily tightlipped about his nuptials. He barely confirmed he was engaged.
But now, we`ve got inside reports about when Simon Cowell may actually be walking down the aisle. And I`m hear to tell you it is sooner than you think.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Diana Ross to go on tour, kicks off May 15th in Boston. Musical featuring the music of Ray Charles to open on Broadway in November.
HAMMER: It is time now for "Making It Work." This is where we reveal how stars are make their relationships work in Hollywood which we know can be tough.
And tonight, it`s Paul Bettany. He is the star of the sci-fi thriller, "Legion," has been married to Jennifer Connelly for seven years (UNINTELLIGIBLE) with the Oscar-winning movie, "A Beautiful Mind." And Paul says, the Beatles actually helped make his marriage work.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL BETTANY, ACTOR: "All you need is love," in the words of John Lennon. And that`s it, really. You know, if you love them, you - there`s certain things you just don`t do, you know.
And you turn stuff down because you don`t want to go away from your family again. I think it`s that simple. My family first and always.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Paul`s family with Jennifer includes their sons with really cool names - Kai, who`s 12, and Stellan, who is five. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, we have breaking "Avatar" news. Fans may get a chance to go deeper into Pandora this summer. Catherine Heigel loses the Gray. And also just in today, new insider reports about Simon Cowell`s top-secret wedding. It`s all making news in "The Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Simon Cowell may have a wedding date. The "American Idol" judge is reportedly ready to end his quick engagement with a September walk down the aisle. In a new, just-released interview, "American Idol`s" stylist Miles Siggins tells "FanCast.com" Cowell and fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy will get married in September. Cowell isn`t commenting on the exact date.
Is Katherine Heigel leaving "Grey`s Anatomy?" "Entertainment Weekly" has just reported the show`s producers will let Heigel out of her contract after six seasons on "Grey`s Anatomy."
Heigel`s appeared only on a few episodes this season while she made a movie and spent time with her new baby. She was reportedly due back on set March 1st, but "Entertainment Weekly" says she has yet to appear on set.
The possible return of "Avatar." "The Hollywood Reporter" is breaking news that the highest grossing motion pictures of all time could be coming back to movie theaters this summer.
Director James Cameron is reportedly considering adding 10 to 12 minutes of new scenes for the release. "Avatar" just got bumped from 3-D and I-Max theaters by Tim Burton`s "Alice in Wonderland," and the feeling is there`s a lot more money to be made.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Tom Hanks` White House shocker. The Oscar-winning actor who has just produced the World War II epic, "The Pacific," stopped by the White House so he could give a private screening to our president.
Well, before jetting back to Hollywood, Tom stopped by the White House press room to check on a fancy espresso maker that he himself actually donated to the journalists there back in 2004.
So how is it holding up? If you have a coffee maker in your office, you know the answer to that. It was probably full of crud and in bad shape just like this one was. Tom took it all in stride.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM HANKS, ACTOR: I never served in our military. I`m going to get you another espresso machine because that one - it`s on its last legs.
(CROSS TALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you bought this?
HANK: Well, long ago. I would have brought this in probably 1990 dollars. So let me see what I can do for the poor slobs (UNINTELLIGIBLE) here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s pretty cool. By the way, Tom`s 10-part series is called the" The Pacific." He co-produced with Steven Spielberg. And it starts Sunday night on HBO. That really looks terrific.
Thursday we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Moments ago, I was handed the final results. Here they are. "Gabourey Sidibe: Will her weight hurt her career?" Seventy-eight percent said yes; 22 percent answered no."
Let me get to a couple of the E-mails we received. You know, Justin from South Carolina writes, "I actually agree with Howard." Howard Stern who brought the debate on. "She got lucky with the role of a lifetime that happened to fit her physical appearance."
We also heard from Ragan in Texas. Ragan writing, "I do not think weight should affect Gabby`s job. She is a beautiful and talented actress. And if people judge, then it`s their loss."
Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. As always, we thank you very much for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And please keep this in mind - you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s. That way, we keep it simple - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and weekday mornings, we`re on at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN.
END
