Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Brand-New Tiger Woods Ad Outrage; Kate Gosselin`s Juggling Act; Sandy`s Got the Kids?; Brand-New Death Threats for Erin Andrews; The Most Provocative Celebrity of the Week
Aired April 09, 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 - brand-new Tiger Woods ad outrage. The unbelievable new details revealed today about the Nike ad featuring the voice of Tiger`s deceased dad.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EARL WOODS, TIGER WOODS` FATHER: I want to find out what your thinking was.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: What is Earl Woods really talking about? And is it wrong to use his voice in the first place? But wait, there`s more. Who`s sending Tiger shocking sky messages at the Masters?
Kate`s unbelievable new juggling act. Kate Gosselin speaks out today about balancing her eight kids, "Dancing with the Stars," her just announced new shows and nasty new custody battle with Jon.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATE GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR: I will not quit. I don`t quit anything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks the controversial question - is Kate taking on too much?
And Sandy`s got the kids? Explosive reports today Jesse James` children are living with Sandra Bullock. Does this mean Sandra and Jesse may stay together?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today.
New Tiger ad outrage. Well, today, just as Tiger teed off for the second day at the Masters tournament, the firestorm over his very first Nike ad a since his whole sex-capade mess exploded.
The ad featuring the voice of Tiger`s late father, Earl, has a lot of people just scratching their heads wondering why in the world would Tiger and Nike put such an eerie spotlight on the scandal?
Today, we are hearing the real story behind those clips of Tiger`s dad and what Earl Woods was really talking about. Get this - he wasn`t even talking about Tiger.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): TV viewers watched Tiger Woods begin day two of his return to golf at the Masters today and it was like he never left.
MELANIE BROMLEY, "US WEEKLY" MAGAZINE: Tiger had a great first day at the Masters. It was actually his best opening day at Masters ever. People love a comeback. And we`ve been waiting for this.
HAMMER: But today, a major question hangs overhead - with his successful first day back in competition, has Tiger managed to change the subject back to his golfing and away from his sex scandal?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you one thing people are definitely talking about is Tiger`s Nike commercial featuring the voice of Tiger`s father, Earl, who died in 2006.
E. WOODS: I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you we`re now hearing Earl Woods` words in their original context. In this 2004 documentary, we see that the words Tiger is listening to in the Nike ad weren`t really spoken to or about Tiger at all.
E. WOODS: I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion.
I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion.
HAMMER: It turns out Earl was really talking about how he`s a different parent from his wife, Tiger`s mom, Kultida.
E. WOODS: I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything? So, we`re two different types but we co-existed very well.
HAMMER: But now, not only is Tiger`s comeback Nike ad referencing a sex scandal he`s reluctant to talk about, not only the ad is using the words of his dead father, now, we`re finding those words are taken out of context. It is clear this ad has sparked an explosive new debate.
BROMLEY: I don`t think Earl would have been OK with this commercial at all.
HAMMER: Tiger Woods disagrees and he`s defending the ad.
TIGER WOODS, GOLF CHAMP: I think it`s very apropos. I think that`s what my dad would say.
HAMMER: Well, people may or may not be understanding the Nike ad, but they definitely started making fun of it on YouTube. This YouTube spoof of the Tiger Nike ad replaces Earl Woods` voice with the voice of another dad who talked to his son from beyond the grave, Mufasa from "The Lion King."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king.
HAMMER: And this YouTube spoof mashes up the Tiger Woods commercial with the panicky voicemail message Tiger reportedly left for one of his mistresses.
T. WOODS: Take my name off your phone. My wife went through my phone and may be calling. You have to do this for me. Huge, quickly.
HAMMER: Even folks at the Masters are getting laughs at Tiger`s expense. Someone has been flying banners over the Masters at Augusta National that ribbed Tiger about his sex scandal.
BROMLEY: One of them taking the Mickey out of with Tiger saying he was a Buddhist and saying, "Do you mean bootyism?" Another one was saying, "Sex addict? Yes right. Me, too."
HAMMER: If Tiger saw the banners, he`s not letting on.
T. WOODS: I didn`t see it, so it wouldn`t be the first time.
BROMLEY: This will be hanging over his head for the rest of his life.
HAMMER: Melanie Bromley from "Us Weekly" magazine tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT it will take more than a good day on the golf course for Tiger to make people completely forget about his sex scandal.
BROMLEY: It`s become unfortunately for him the biggest story of his career. And there`s not really anything he can do about that now.
HAMMER: But it`s clear that Tiger is focused on doing all he can to change the subject.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Yes, Tiger may be trying to keep us all focused on golf. But I`ve got to wonder if Tiger will ever be able to be put this cheating scandal behind him, especially when there seems to be other scandals that just keep popping up waiting to trip him up.
Right now in Hollywood, the Howard Bragman, the founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations. He is also the author of this must-read book, "Where`s My Fifteen Minutes?" Also in Hollywood, Pat Lalama who is an investigative journalist.
So guys, we now know that Tiger`s dad`s voice was lifted from this 2004 documentary. I think the ad that Nike did is just a brilliant thing. But you`ve got to take a look at the commercial side by side with Earl Woods` original interview. Roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
E. WOODS: I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything?
I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Nike obviously had to do what they did to pull this off. But Pat, now that we know Tiger`s dad was actually talking about a difference in parenting styles - he wasn`t even talking about Tiger at all, does that just kind of raise the ick factor of the commercial for you?
PAT LALAMA, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: Oh, ick doubled, squared. OK. First of all, let`s talk about something. Here`s a guy who chastised the media for getting into his personal stuff.
And what does he do right out of the box? He does an ad about his personal stuff. Then, we find - and I like to say I think he - excuse me, I`m sure I`m going to get hate mail. He`s pimping his dad from the grave. Then, we find out dad wasn`t even talking about him.
You know what? This guy is the ultimate. But you are right about one thing, the ad guys and women are popping the champagne bottles because this is exactly what they wanted.
HAMMER: Oh,
LALAMA: We`re talking about it.
HAMMER: Absolutely. I`m sure Nike is thrilled about that. But I`m actually betting they are not really as pleased to see that Tiger now is forced to defend the ad. And he doesn`t do it so eloquently. But watch how he reacted to the criticism over the ad.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
T. WOODS: It`s amazing how it - how my dad can speak to me from different ways even when he`s long gone. He`s still helping me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Look, no one can take away what Tiger`s dad means to him no matter what Tiger did. And I do think - and Bragman, I`m guessing you`re going to agree with me. It was smart of Nike to not ignore Tiger`s scandal.
But Howard, can you understand why a lot of people saw the ad as just offensive and plain creepy and now, especially since we know today that Tiger`s dad wasn`t even talking about Tiger when he said those things?
HOWARD BRAGMAN, FOUNDER, FIFTEEN MINUTES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Listen, what his dad was talking about isn`t the issue. The ad was brilliant. Let me sort of give you the bigger picture.
Nike stood by Tiger in these troubled times of his, because if you`re the number one sports company in the world, you want to excuse the expression be in bed with the number one golfer in the world.
Say Tiger wins on Sunday, OK, A.J.? And say Nike wants to put an ad that says, "Congratulations, Tiger, on your big win at the Masters." Everybody would criticize them for not, you know, really giving Tiger any grief for his mistakes.
This is the perfect transitional ad. Now, they can go on and do their more traditional advertising. They got this out of the way. I promise you by Sunday, this will be a non-story. The story is how well Tiger is playing at the Masters.
He`s competitive. He`s playing some of the best golf we`ve seen from him in years. And if he wins Sunday, throw this ad away. And you know, we may even see Tiger going to Disneyland. Probably not.
HAMMER: All right. All that said, Howard, I think you just came up with a great new slugline for Nike. They should say, "Nike, happy to be in bed with Tiger." I`m just throwing that out there.
Very quickly, Charles, put up the banner that was flown over the Masters golf course. I mean, look at this, it says that "Tiger, did you mean bootyism?" referring, of course - coming back to his roots in Buddhism.
I mean, clearly, to me, I saw that and I`m thinking, this guy is going to be the butt of jokes from here on in, no question about it.
Well, another story that`s making big news today, yet another A-list sports star caught up in a sex scandal. Wow. Is a famous "Today" show contributor now becoming the new Tiger Woods? Howard Bragman, Pat Lalama, stay right there.
And now, we move on to Kate`s unbelievable new juggling act. Kate Gosselin speaking out today about balancing all the stuff that she`s got going on. Amazing.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: It`s very difficult. I can`t put my life aside and just simply do six hours of dance every day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: "Dancing with the Stars." Her just announced new shows. And the nasty new custody battle with Jon. I mean, I`m just tired talking about all that. I`ve got to ask this controversial question today - is Kate taking on too much?
And Sandy`s got the kids? Yes, explosive reports today that Jesse James` children are living with Sandra Bullock. Does this mean Sandra and Jesse may actually stay together? And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Anna Nicole Smith estate to appeal ruling that gave them none of late hubby`s money. President Obama and First Lady tape appearance that will air on "Idol Gives Back."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. The new Tiger? Has "Today" show contributor Tiki Barber become the new Tiger Woods?
Yes. Brand-new reports today say that the "Today" show correspondent and former NFL star cheated on his pregnant wife with a 23-year-old NBC intern. And now, Tiki, who really sported a squeaky clean family man image, just announced he and his wife of 11 years are separating. So I`ve got to ask, is Tiki just as bad as Tiger?
With me right now in New York, in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT studios, Sunny Hostin, who is a legal contributor for "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV.
So Sunny, a debate broke out in the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT morning meeting today about whether or not Tiki`s cheating even compares with what Tiger Woods and what Jesse James each allegedly did.
Look, I think what Tiki did was awful. His wife, eight months pregnant with twins. But as terrible as that is, I don`t think that Tiki has anything on Tiger.
SUNNY HOSTIN, LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR, "IN SESSION": What? No, I think Tiki is the worst of the worst now, the lowest of the lowest.
I have two children. I`ve been pregnant. When you are pregnant, you are fat. You are not at your standard cuteness. You`re vulnerable. You`re hormonal. And what you need your husband to say to you is, "Baby, you look sexier and more beautiful than you have ever looked in your life."
You don`t need him to come home and tell you he`s cheating on you with a 23-year-old NBC intern. He now, on my cheating scale, is like on the bottom.
HAMMER: OK. I guess - and to be clear about my opinion on this, I guess from a scandal perspective, I think he has nothing on Tiger. From a "what you don`t do to a woman" perspective, he`s got Tiger beat. So I just want to be clear on that.
Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did reach out to Tiki and NBC. No comment from either side. But surprisingly, Tiki`s "Today" show colleagues, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee did have something to say about Tiki`s scandal. Take a look at what they said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATHIE LEE GIFFORD, CO-HOST, "TODAY" SHOW: We talked about how much we adore Tiki and he always smelled so good.
HODA KOTB, CO-HOST, "TODAY SHOW": I don`t think so. Apparently smells really good. I don`t know. No one smells better than Tiki Barber. It`s true.
GIFFORD: Yes. Look, I just wish Tiki and his family all the best.
KOTB: Yes.
GIFFORD: I just wish you guys would start thinking about what you are doing before you do it, for once.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, it comes down to big egos and a big sense of entitlement which often comes along with celebrity. So should any woman get a little, you know, itchy about maybe getting involved with a celebrity?
HOSTIN: Absolutely. I mean, I`ve got to tell you, at this point, Halle Berry has been cheated upon. Sandra Bullock - you know, the most beautiful of the beautiful women. So it could be those that say, "It`s not going to be my man," yes, your man, too. It could be anybody.
HAMMER: Watch out. Watch out. All right, Sunny Hostin, thanks so much. I appreciate it.
I`ve got to tell you, when we ever mention the names Jon and Kate, on our showbiz - our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines just start sizzling right away. These two are at it again. A brand-new custody battle and a raging debate over whether Kate is taking on too much.
In fact, I`ve got to tell you the phone lines are so hot we had to get our "Showbiz on Call" operators ice gloves. What the heck is that?
We got a call in to "Showbiz on Call" today from Karen in Nevada. Karen thinks that Kate isn`t juggling just eight kids. She actually has one more, Jon.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
KAREN, CALLER FROM NEVADA: I don`t think Kate has eight kids. I think she has nine. And I don`t understand why this idiot doesn`t realize she is his bread and butter.
The more she works and earns, the more he can just continue with his partying, philandering ways. It is immaturity. I don`t see any sign whatsoever that he`s there for his kids at all.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right, Karen. Thanks for your call. Now, Neeca calling in from South Carolina completely agrees.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NEECA, CALLER FROM SOUTH CAROLINA: Hopefully, a woman is making good money for her eight children. Get over yourself, Jon. It`s obvious you`re just jealous.
Please, let her live her life and make the best money she can for those kids. What are you doing for them and what job do you have? Just let it be, Jon. Let go.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Neeca, thank you for your call. I`d love for you to call us at "Showbiz on Call" to sound off on Jon and Kate or anything else that you are fired about. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open all the time. The number right here - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. That`s where you can leave us a voicemail so we can play your call here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
All right. Does Kate just have too much going on? She is speaking out about her brand-new juggling act today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: It`s very difficult. I can`t put my life aside and just simply do six hours of dance every day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You know, you got "Dancing with the Stars," her two new shows, a brand-new custody battle with Jon. Oh, yes, she does have the eight kids to worry about, too.
I`ve got to ask is this just way too much for a big-time star mommy? So will SHOWBIZ TONIGHT name Kate the most provocative celebrity of the week? Or should it be Jon for starting up a whole new fight over their kids?
Now, don`t forget about "I`m back on the golf course with a creepy new TV ad" Tiger Woods.
And today, Charlie Sheen tapes the season finale of "Two and a Half Men." Here`s the big question today - is he really quitting? Or is all this just a big old trick to get more cash? Charlie finally sets the record straight. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Jenny Sanford, former first lady of South Carolina, to host "The View" on April 27th. Rihanna admits that Matt Kemp of the L.A. Dodgers is her boyfriend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Are you out of your mind?
CHARLIE SHEEN, ACTOR: I mean well.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Do you think maybe it`s time to go back to your shrink?
SHEEN: Why? She`s just another woman who wanted to change me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Why don`t you take a good look at Charlie Sheen now on "Two and a Half Men?" It may be one of the last times you see him on the hit CBS show. So is Charlie really quitting? Is he just trying to get more money?
Well, today, Charlie sets the record straight. Charlie Sheen tapes the season finale of "Two and a Half Men" tonight. So the big question is, will it be his last episode?
Now, there have been all kinds of reports that Charlie is leaving the show because he actually is trying to squeeze more money from CBS.
Well today, Charlie says, none of this is a ploy for more cash. He tells "People" magazine he submitted his terms for another season nearly a year ago, saying, "In no way has this been a hasty or negligent 11th-hour surprise. If tonight`s show is the end for me as Charlie Harper, so be it. Another journey has begun. I take from the experience 161 shows filled with kaleidoscope of amazing experiences, memories, friendships and gratitude. I remain humbly inspired." Good luck, Chuck.
All right. Did you see this? I want you to take a look at this very funny brand-new ad for vitamin water. Mike, The Situation, from MTV`s "Jersey Shore," gets New York Mets star David Wright in shape for the new season.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE "THE SITUATION" SORRENTINO, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": Yes. Yes. Yes, bring five.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. You got to love the "Rocky" soundtrack there, though. But where`s the fist pumping? I was hoping for a little fist pumping there.
A lot of you writing in today about the Tiger Woods ad controversy. Of course, the Nike commercial features the voice of Tiger`s late father, Earl. I think the ad is brilliant yet creepy myself.
LAP doesn`t think so, "We watch movies starring deceased actors all the time. See other types of ads with late stars. What`s the difference?"
Erin R. doesn`t like this thing at all. Erin R. is writing, "Tiger and Nike are the ones not letting it go. So much for a `sincere` apology to anyone."
We`d love for you to join us on Facebook and Twitter. Send us E-mail and calls us at "Showbiz on Call." It is "Showbiz Connects," CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Sandy`s got the kids? Yes, explosive reports today that Jesse James` kids are living with Sandra Bullock. So does that mean Sandy and Jesse are staying together.
Now, this is scary. Brand-new death threats today against "Dancing with the Stars" contestant and ESPN reporter, Erin Andrews.
And it is time for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to name the most provocative celebrity of the week. Kate Gosselin, Tiger Woods or Jon Gosselin? 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: Steven Spielberg and Discovery working on series about rebuilding of Ground Zero. "The Love Boat" to be honored with "Fan Favorite" award at TV Land awards on April 25.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Kate`s unbelievable new juggling act. Today, Kate Gosselin speaks out about balancing eight kids with "Dancing with the Stars" and now, two more new shows.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: It`s very difficult. I can`t put my life aside and just simply do six hours of dance every day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Kate`s whining could get her another title. Will SHOWBIZ TONIGHT name her the most provocative celebrity of the week? How about Jon Gosselin who is starting a new custody war with Kate? Or will it be Tiger Woods for his controversial Nike commercial?
Where are Jesse James` kids? There are brand-new reports today they`re with Sandra Bullock. Could this be a sign that Sandra wants to save their marriage?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today - Kate`s juggling act.
Yes, in a brand-new interview, Kate Gosselin sounds off on her critics who were criticizing her dancing and also the ugly battle with her ex and why she`s not about to quit.
Kate Gosselin may not be doing enough fancy footwork on the dance floor to impress the judges on "Dancing with the Stars." But I can tell you, she is not going anywhere.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: I will not quit. I don`t quit anything. It`s tough. Today`s tough, especially.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. It`s about to get even tougher for Kate and her eight now that she and the bunch are about to star in more brand-new shows for TLC. Is Kate just taking on too much?
Also breaking today, brand-new bombshell reports that all three of Jesse James` kids are actually living with Sandra Bullock. Does this mean Sandy and Jesse, her alleged cheating husband, may actually stay together after all?
With me in New York Sunny Hostin from "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV. In Hollywood, it`s Pat Lalama, who is an investigative journalist.
I`ve got to begin with Kate Gosselin`s brand-new interview with "E." And I`ve got to say, in this interview, I think she really comes off as one tough cookie.
I want to you to watch what she says when she was asked how she has been dealing with her ongoing custody battle with her ex, Jon Gosselin, and all the criticism that the judges lay on her after her performances on "Dancing with the Stars" don`t go so well.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: It`s very difficult. I can`t put my life aside and just simply do six hours of dance every day. And so, that`s been our biggest struggle, really.
It`s not my lack of ability. It`s my lack of - I don`t know - presence, I guess, a lot of times. So, I struggle with that in everyday life with everything that I do. So it`s just determination, pushing through it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, good for her there, I think she`s being very honest. She didn`t crack a smile. She didn`t try to sugarcoat anything. Pat Lalama, I am thinking that she actually realizes at this point she has bitten off more than she can chew.
LALAMA: You know, far be it for me to disallow any woman from reaching her full potential. She`s in the limelight. She`s in demand. She`s like the Ryan Seacrest of television. How many shows can she possibly be on?
But this is because audiences do relate to her. And I think there is a fire in her belly. Yes, maybe, it`s going to be a little tough. She`s going to find out she took more than she can chew.
But I think she`s got that drive. There`s something in her that makes her just unbreakable. And I think if any woman can do it, she can.
However, I`m a little concerned. I think octumom is spending more time with her kids than Kate but Kate has got to make a living. Kate has got to make a living.
HAMMER: Yes. She absolutely does but it`s really interesting seeing, you know, maybe because she is so worn down from all of, you know, having to put out so much energy with the dancing. Sunny, it does look like she`s starting to get that, "Oh, maybe I am doing too much."
HOSTIN: I don`t know. I`m digging Kate. I think she is a strong, strong woman. I think that she is a go-getter. She`s turned her 15 minutes of fame into, like, 15 months of fame. I`m rooting for her and I think all of America is rooting for her. And that`s why she`s on "Dancing with the Stars" in the first place.
HAMMER: Yes. People are rooting for her. People are also watching her because of the train wreck factor, let`s not forget about that.
HOSTIN: Yes.
HAMMER: In the brand new interview, Kate also said she has not really paid attention to all this negative criticism that she`s been getting from the "Dancing with the Stars" judges after her dances.
But I do have to wonder if she happened to catch Judge Bruno with George Lopez on George`s show the other night. Watch Bruno ripping into Kate.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRUNO TONIOLI, JUDGE, "DANCING WITH THE STARS": Kate is pretty dreadful. She`s crap, but in a nice way. You know, in a nice way. She`s entertaining. I mean, like people like disaster movies. We`ve got our own disaster movie every night.
But she`s a tough cookie. She gets it on the face. She comes back and tries to get better. It doesn`t really work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So diplomatic there. You know, Bruno not holding back at all. And really, I think he made a great case for what I was saying that people watch Kate on the show, some of them at least because of the train wreck factor.
But Bruno, Pat, did call Kate a tough cookie. Do you think Kate is that tough? Or do you think maybe all of this can wear her down? We`ve seen it happen before.
LALAMA: Well, I don`t know. I mean, I think the bottom line is she`s every woman. She`s strong. She`s in there. She is a terrible dancer. I`ve watched her. I think she`s a pretty good dancer.
HOSTIN: Yes.
LALAMA: She is a horrible dancer but she`s every woman. She`s ready to go.
HAMMER: All right. Just yesterday, TLC announced Kate`s new shows - her new series "Twist of Kate" and her "Kate Plus 8" specials with her eight kids.
Now, Kate is not going to disappear. Now, we`re going to see a lot more of the Gosselin kids in those "Kate Plus 8" specials. Personally, I`ve said it before, my opinion hasn`t changed. I think putting those kids back on TV is a terrible idea.
Pat, let me ask you, Jon and Kate are still battling over custody of these kids. I mean, isn`t she - isn`t she kind of nuts for putting them back on TV?
LALAMA: I think there are going to be some issues. You know, look, let me just make this clear. I think he is so sour grapes. I think he`s an idiot. You can write that down, I said it.
But, yet, having covered many, many custody issues, there could be some legitimate points there. How much time is she with the kids, spending quality time with the cameras away, allowing them to grow and develop?
I do have a little bit of concern. I hate to side with him but I do have a little bit of concern.
HAMMER: Well, I know you have an opinion on this so I do urge you to sound off on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. Here`s what we`re asking you - Kate Gosselin`s New Shows: Is she taking on too much?"
What do you think, Sunny? I mean, there is a limit. I`m all for any working woman doing as much as possible, especially she`s saying, "I have to support the kids, but everybody`s got their limit."
HOSTIN: Yes. I`ve got to tell you, if I put my lawyer hat on, I have to agree, in terms of custody issues, she`s going to have a custody issue here because she`s got not one, not two, but eight children.
And you can`t possibly spend enough time with them if you have your own show. I also think that she is becoming a bit exploitive of those kids at this point having them on yet another show given all of the ramifications, you know?
HAMMER: Yes. I just, you know - look, these kids - she even has said they are so happy to be coming back on TV.
LALAMA: I agree.
HAMMER: They are little kids. But even if they are, that`s a huge red flag to me. That`s not healthy. I don`t know.
HOSTIN: Yes.
HAMMER: We posted on our exclusive poll right on our SHOWBIZ Facebook page today. Lindsey H. sounded off, immediately writing, "She`ll do fine. She is doing everything in her power to support her eight kids."
Now, this is Stephanie S. writing, "As mother to only three kids, I can`t imagine how it`s even possible for her to be effective at any of the tasks she is undertaking, especially parenting."
Quickly, Pat, do you think Kate is spread too thin here with all that she`s taking on?
LALAMA: I hate to speak for her because every woman has their barb. But I`m telling you, she may find this is just a bit much, that things are going to break down like a house of cards.
HAMMER: All right. Let me move on now to the brand-new reports today that Jesse James` three children from his previous relationships are all with Sandra Bullock now.
We haven`t seen Sandra in the public eye. I think, personally, they are just doing what`s best for the kids right now.
But Sunny, some people are looking at this as a sign that maybe they will stay together. I don`t think it`s that at all. Do you think that`s what we should be looking at?
HOSTIN: I hope not. I hope not. And I`ve got to tell you, I think it sends the wrong message to these kids that they are now staying with Sandra Bullock -
HAMMER: Oh, really?
HOSTIN: If she is going to leave him. I think it is fine if she`s going to go and visit them. I know she has a wonderful relationship with one of the children who she has raised since she was an infant.
HAMMER: Yes.
HOSTIN: But the fact that they`re staying with her makes me a bit uncomfortable. I think Sandy - Sandy, I think this may have been a wrong move.
HAMMER: Quickly, Pat. What do you think about that? Because if this is what`s best for the kids - this may be the best place for them to be right now.
LALAMA: A.J., if you are asking me, I can tell you, I am a stepmother. I have spent many years with my stepkids. And if their dad and I broke up, I would be devastated not to be able to be in their lives.
But I agree wholeheartedly that these kids love her and she loves them. I don`t think it means they are getting back together.
HAMMER: Right.
LALAMA: Maybe those kids are just looking for a stable adult, someone who is not a Nazi-posing porn star.
HOSTIN: Absolutely.
HAMMER: There you go. Let`s end it there. Sunny Hostin, Pat Lalama, thanks, guys.
Well, there are brand-new Erin Andrews death threats to talk about. Real danger today. This is very scary for the "Dancing with the Stars" contestant and ESPN reporter. The new ways that people around her are trying to keep her safe.
Also, Erin`s surprising response - will she keep on dancing?
So is there a big problem with "American Idol?" Brand-new evidence today that could prove "Idol" is starting to lose its edge.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the week. Who`s it going to be? Maybe Kate Gosselin for all of her dramatics on and off the dance floor. Maybe Jon Gosselin for starting up this new war with Kate over their kids. Or perhaps, it`s Tiger Woods. Yes, he`s nominated again, not for cheating this time but for his controversial and downright creepy Nike commercial. 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: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg named top money earner in `09 with $3 billion. James Cameron`s and "Twilight`s" Stephanie Meyer each earned $50 million in `09.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: We`re just moments away from naming SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week. Kate Gosselin - she is getting slammed for taking on three reality shows and then bellyaching about how hard it is being a single mom.
Is it her ex-husband, Jon Gosselin who is suing Kate for primary custody of their eight kids and claiming that she`s an absentee mom?
Or Tiger Woods for his controversial new Nike ad featuring the voice of his deceased dad?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Portia De Rossi opens up about coming out as a lesbian and life with Ellen DeGeneres. Plus, shocking new death threats for "Dancing with the Stars" contestant, Erin Andrews. All this in "The Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Erin Andrews` terrifying threats. The ESPN reporter and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant is facing brand-new violent threats on her life.
A man in Virginia is under investigation for sending threatening E- mails about Andrews. And now, we`re getting a first look at a new E-mail that shows just how serious the threats have become.
TMZ obtained one message that said, "I would like to see if Erin Andrews can dance her way through a hail of gunfire." Andrews tells us she`s not going to let threats slow her down. She remains a top contender on "Dancing."
Portia De Rossi`s shocking tell-all. The star has just announced some of the stunning details she`ll be dishing on in her upcoming book. De Rossi says she`ll share new revelations about coming out as a lesbian and marrying Ellen DeGeneres back in August, 2008.
The book will also document De Rossi`s years battling anorexia and bulimia. It is expected to be released this fall.
"American Idol`s" astonishing drop. The show lost its slot at the top of the TV ratings for the second week in a row. "Idol" got rocked to second place on Monday when ABC`s "Dancing with the Stars" brought in more total viewers.
The total number of fans who tuned into Tuesday`s "Idol" broadcast down six percent from the previous week. That`s got Hollywood odds makers wondering if "Idol" is losing its edge.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
I`ve heard a lot of people talking about this. But I`ve got to think that Paula Abdul`s departure has more than a little to do with "Idol" losing its iron grip on the ratings. Or perhaps, it really is because of another "Dancing" star.
Right now, from Hollywood, Kim Serafin - she is a senior editor for "In Touch" magazine. In New York, Noelle Nikpour - she is a columnist for "South Florida Sun Sentinel."
So you know, since its debut back in 2002, "American Idol" has just been untouchable in the ratings. I`ve got to point out it`s only been beaten now for two weeks in eight years.
But still, Kim, should the suits over at Fox and "American Idol" be at least a little bit worried?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Yes, they should be a little bit worried especially because next year, you don`t even have Simon there. But I definitely think this year, it`s kind of the perfect storm.
You know, you don`t have Paula. You don`t have behind-the-scenes gossip at "American Idol." Ellen didn`t really bring in the fighting. Everyone thought maybe there`d be infighting between her and Simon.
But you do have the kind of backstage drama at "Dancing with the Stars." You have Kate Gosselin. You have rumors that the cast doesn`t like her. You even have Erin Andrews.
So I think it`s definitely the perfect storm of not a terrific cast on "American Idol" this year. A great cast on "Dancing with the Stars." But "American Idol" should definitely be worried, I think.
HAMMER: Well, I`ve got to tell you at least one of the stars of "Dancing with the Stars" thinks she knows why they`re beating "American Idol." Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: I know for whatever reason, love me, hate me, I do bring in the ratings for whatever reason.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: There you go. She knows it all. Kate Gosselin love/hate appeal. You know, that is why she is among SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s nominees for most provocative celebrity of the week. So is it going to be Kate for her decision to, you know, not only do "Dancing," but two other reality shows, as well?
Maybe we`re going to name her ex, Jon Gosselin, who is now suing Kate for primary custody of their eight kids saying she`s too focused on fame instead of the family. Or maybe we`ll name Tiger Woods for roaring back into the public eye and really sparking a lot of outrage this week with his new Nike ad that of course features the voice of his deceased dad.
Now, before we reveal who SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is naming as the most provocative celebrity of the week, Noelle, let me go to you. Who do you think deserves this week`s title?
NOELLE NIKPOUR, COLUMNIST, "SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL": Well, hands down, it`s Kate Gosselin. I mean, let`s think about it. She is so obsessed with herself and so self-absorbed for fame and for fortune that she is totally leaving her kids behind at a time these kids have gone through a divorce and they need their mom at home.
You know, come on. She can make bank doing something else. She can write something for Oprah`s magazine on a regular basis maybe. She could even do a radio talk show from her home about raising kids.
But she is so self-absorbed that she wants to get out there and make it on her own and leaving her kids behind. It`s wrong.
HAMMER: All right. I think a lot of people agree with you. And I`ve got to tell you, I think our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fan Sonya O. really summed up why Tiger Woods is among the nominees for most provocative celebrity of the week.
Look at what she writes, "Got to be Tiger Woods. His press conference, new controversial commercial and opening day at the Masters like a bad car accident we had to watch."
I mean, come on, Kim. It is train wreck TV. How do you dispute that? Does Tiger get your vote?
SERAFIN: Yes, Tiger gets my vote. You know, I mean, we have this ad, this Nike ad, very controversial, very creepy. But also very brilliant because even if you didn`t see the ad on TV - which you probably didn`t.
You saw it on every single TV show has been playing this ad over and over and over again. Nike comes out to show they are supporting Tiger but also to show they`re a little disappointed with him.
Everyone is talking about him. Everyone covered his press conference live. I think it`s Tiger although, you know, Kate - of course, she`s doing this "Twist of Kate" show where she`s going to help families with their challenges and problems. Kind of ironic, but I still say Tiger gets it.
HAMMER: Yes. Do you think, Noelle, very quickly, if Tiger does well at the Masters, now, the people are focusing on their golf, they`re really going to forget about his sex-capades? I don`t think so.
NIKPOUR: You know what? It`s always going to be with him no matter what he does.
HAMMER: Yes.
NIKPOUR: The fact that he played golf and he wins - he`ll just make some more money to support his kids which he`s going to need.
HAMMER: All right. Well, it comes down to this. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is naming the most provocative celebrity of the week. So Kim, Noelle, don`t go anywhere. You`ve had your say.
And now, it is time for the big reveal. But first, it`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Lindsay Lohan expands fashion line to a full collection for fall of 2010. Sarah Jessica Parker to co-produce "Work of Art" reality TV show on Bravo.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Yes. Are you ready? All right. The wait is over. Time to name SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week.
And we`re back with Noelle Nikpour and Kim Serafin. Let`s take a look one more time at who our illustrious nominees are.
In the lineup, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s nominees for most provocative celebrity of the week - Kate Gosselin for her decision to not only do "Dancing" but two other shows including one dishing out mommy advice.
Or her ex-husband Jon Gosselin suing Kate for custody of their eight kids saying she`s not a good mom because of all of her jobs.
Or Tiger Woods for sparking outrage over his new Nike ad featuring the voice of his deceased father.
Now, this was close. The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff was at their wits` end. No had no wits. But we named Jon Gosselin. Yes, he had the audacity to sue Kate for working to support her kids.
Kim, I realize you voted for Tiger, but you can`t deny Jon going after Kate who`s actually earning a good living supporting the kids - that`s pretty darn provocative. Come on.
SERAFIN: No, that`s true. And you`re right. With Tiger, the ad would have been more provocative if it was a voicemail instead of a voice-over, I guess.
But yes. Jon, it`s good to see you back in the news. You know, we`ve missed him. He`s been away for a long time. You know, he has to get his name back in there. Now, that Kate`s doing really well, he puts his name back in the ring.
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: So I guess it feels like old times again.
HAMMER: Wouldn`t it be funny if that was exactly the reason why he decided to sue her? It wasn`t actually for the money or to get custody of the kids, "I just miss being in the headlines." I don`t think that`s what`s really going on. But hey, I`m a cynic today.
Well, you know, if you look at our Facebook page, you`ll see that SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fans get very fired up every week about our most provocative celebrity of the week nominees.
Now, Grace M. is siding with us this week, writing this, "I`d say Jon Gosselin. He`s acting like a child, pouting because he`s not in the spotlight anymore." Just what you were saying. "He needs to grow up and get a real job."
All right. Noelle, is Grace - or are we swaying you in our direction? Are changing your vote or at least understanding where we`re coming from?
NIKPOUR: Well, I mean, let`s face it. I think that he is so jealous of Kate that he is about as green as my shirt with envy.
HAMMER: Yes. I think exactly right. Exactly right. Let me throw one more Facebook message at you right now because this one totally jumped out at me from Jeanne T, "Michael Lohan. The very definition of provocative given he`s announced being engaged to Jon Gosselin`s leftovers."
Yes, his engage blew me away this week. Jon Gosselin`s former girlfriend is now going to be Lindsay Lohan`s stepmom. Kim, to me, that is worthy of a write-in vote right there.
SERAFIN: Oh, yes. We should have included him in the package, I guess. But you know, I`m still sticking with Tiger and even Kate as a close second. I feel like it`s just expected of Jon.
This is kind of what you expect Jon Gosselin to do. So it`s not really provocative. It`s kind of in character with him.
HAMMER: All right. We have wrapped it up. I`m exhausted. Kim Serafin, Noelle Nikpour, thank you very much for playing along today.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. Don`t forget SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is now live at 5:00 Monday through Friday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. And don`t forget, every night, we are still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and pacific. And of course, it it`s right here on HLN.
END
