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Showbiz Tonight
Lindsay Lohan`s Final Hours of Freedom; Big Mel Gibson Courtroom Victory; A "Jersey Shore" Strike?; Like Tiger Like Rachel?; Justin Bieber bigger than Gaga?
Aired July 19, 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 - two dramatic courtroom countdowns today - Mel Gibson, Lindsay Lohan.
Explosive new details today about Lindsay`s final hours of freedom but is Lindsay being delusional?
Mel Gibson`s nasty child custody battle with the mother of his lovechild explodes today after a big Mel victory. And now, another court showdown.
A "Jersey Shore" strike? Have Snooki and The Situation shut down the "Shore?" And are they really saying, "Yo, MTV, pay us more money or we`re out of here"?
Like Tiger, like Rachel? Startling rehab news today about Tiger Woods alleged mistress, Rachel Uchitel.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
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HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today - Lindsay headed to lockdown.
So I`m thinking unless Lindsay Lohan discovers - I don`t know - some kind of miracle potion, tomorrow she will begin a radically different life, going from a life from hitting the bars to a life behind bars, from a life of all-night partying ending at 5:00 a.m. to a life of jailhouse wake-up calls beginning at around 5:00 a.m.
Lindsay today spent what is expected to be her last day of freedom doing, among other things, venting in a Twitter tirade against her father. And even with that not-so-cushy jail cell cot awaiting her for a possible 90-day stay, Lindsay is reportedly in denial today, refusing to believe she really is going to jail.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): To us, today is just another manic Monday. But to Lindsay Lohan, it`s her last day of freedom, because, tomorrow, it`s Lohan lockdown. Lindsay is due to surrender tomorrow to begin a 90-day jail sentence for violating the probation she got for her DUI spree three summers ago.
JUDGE MARSHA REVEL, LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT: That`s 90 days in jail.
HAMMER: We all saw Lindsay break down in court when a judge shocked her with a sentence. So how is she spending her last remaining hours before Lohan lockdown?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you today she is lying low except for publicly slamming her father and staying in the sober-living facility owned by her new attorney, former O.J. Simpson attorney Robert Shapiro. And TMZ reports Lohan is also taking up residence in a happy place called denial.
NINA PARKER, PRODUCER, TMZ: She really believes that her lawyer, Robert Shapiro, will be able to find a way, some type of loophole to keep her from serving any type of jail time.
HAMMER: But Lindsay`s attorney, Robert Shapiro, who famously helped keep O.J. out of prison, actually wants Lindsay to go to jail.
Shapiro tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, quote, "I have agreed to represent Ms. Lohan on the condition that she complies with all of the terms of her probation, including a requirement of jail time that was imposed by Judge Marsha Revel.
Wait a second. Aren`t lawyers supposed to - I don`t know - keep their clients out of jail? Apparently, Lindsay Lohan`s estranged father is wondering the same thing.
MICHAEL LOHAN, LINDSAY LOHAN`S FATHER: If he is representing her, ethically, as her attorney, shouldn`t he file an appeal?
HAMMER: Michael Lohan tells TMZ he doesn`t agree with Shapiro`s send- Lindsay-to-jail strategy and he is taking matters into his own hands.
PARKER: We were told that he may hire his own lawyer, file an appeal on Lindsay`s behalf to try to keep her out of jail.
HAMMER: But don`t expect Lindsay to accept help from her dad. Last night, she went on Twitter and wrote, quote, "I don`t want my ex-father anywhere near me no matter where I am. He is crazy and scares me."
So with Lindsay`s lawyer insisting she go to jail and Lindsay likely to resist any help from her dad, her best hope in staying out of jail may rest with the person who likes her the least, Judge Marsha Revel.
REVEL: She did not comply with the court`s order and the court does find her in violation of probation.
HAMMER: At Lindsay`s sentencing two weeks ago, Judge Revel unloaded on Lohan.
REVEL: It`s like somebody who cheats, doesn`t think it`s cheating unless they get caught.
HAMMER: But two weeks is a long time, so what is the chance when Lohan shows up to court tomorrow the judge might have a change of heart and reduce the sentence or eliminate it altogether?
PARKER: Zero.
HAMMER: TMZ`s Nina Parker tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT after eight months of blowing off alcohol education classes, skipping court dates and showing up to court with "F.U." printed on her middle fingernail, Lindsay has a better chance of switching bodies to Jamie Lee Curtis -
JAMIE LEE CURTIS, ACTRESS: I want my body back!
HAMMER: Than convincing the judge to go easy on her now.
PARKER: This judge is done with Lindsay. She wants her to serve this time. No second chances this time.
HAMMER: So it looks like Lindsay had better start getting acquainted with the Century Regional Detention Facility in Linwood, California, where she`ll likely be sent after tomorrow`s hearing. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT brings you this inside look at the jail.
PARKER: This is actually the same facility that Paris Hilton served time at. We`re told for most of the day she will actually be in this one cell alone.
HAMMER: But the one piece of good news for Lindsay, she likely won`t have to spend the full 90 days there.
PARKER: She is supposed to do about 25 percent of her time. It should be roughly about 22 to 23 days.
HAMMER: So with Lindsay running out of time and running out of chances, it looks like it will take a miracle for Lindsay to escape Lohan lockdown.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
So just as Lindsay Lohan prepares for jail, Mel Gibson is getting ready for a courtroom showdown of his own tomorrow. But today, I can tell you Mel has already won a big victory against his ex, Oksana Grigorieva.
A judge just ruled that Mel is not threat to his lovechild that he had with Oksana and that he will continue to share custody with Oksana.
And you will not believe who came to Mel Gibson`s rescue, which leads to the "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" today: Mel`s Big Win: Did the judge make the right decision?"
Right now, from Hollywood, Jim Moret, senior correspondent for "Inside Edition" and author of this terrific book, "The Last Day of My Life." And with me in New York, is Jean Casarez, who is a correspondent for "In Session" on Tru TV.
OK. So Oksana asked the judge to keep Mel away from their baby after all those tapes allegedly of Mel ranting and raving came out. But Mel`s soon-to-be ex-wife, Robyn Gibson, just came to Mel`s rescue. She gave the judge a written testimony insisting that Mel never laid a hand on her during their 28 years of marriage. So Jean, to the "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint," did the judge make the right decision here?
JEAN CASAREZ, CORRESPONDENT, "IN SESSION" ON TRU TV: No, I think the facts are very interesting. And I think his ex-wife did save the day for him because it was a sworn affidavit under penalty of perjury saying he had never struck her or their children.
And, A.J., I wouldn`t be surprised if the children also gave sworn affidavits, because the judge had to determine what is in the best interest of the child. That was the decision right there.
And the proponent, being his girlfriend, she had the burden of showing that that custody and visitation should end. The judge did not go in that direction.
HAMMER: And again, Mel and his wife together some 28 years. Off to you, my friend, Jim Moret, what do you think? Did the judge make the right decision?
JIM MORET, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Well, I think Jean is right. I think that Robyn saved the day for her soon-to-be ex-husband, Mel. I think that this judge was a former prosecutor in the sex crimes division. He was looking out for potential acts of violence.
The first rule is you want to make sure that the child is protected. In this case, Jean is right. The burden is on Oksana to show that Mel is a threat. Simply showing these phone calls and bringing them in as evidence doesn`t, in and of themselves, prove he is a threat to the child and the judge clearly felt that way.
And I think that the judge - you have to defer to the judge. The judge has much more information than we do.
HAMMER: I think a lot of people were just stunned by the fact that Robyn Gibson even stepped forward about this. And we`re not the only ones who are debating the role that Mel`s wife played in all of this.
The ladies of "The View" were fairly convinced as well that his wife`s words did say a whole lot. Watch what they said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": She had seven kids with him. She probably called him every name in the book already, but wasn`t she listening to the tapes? I mean, to say it`s so far from the truth - just listen to the tapes.
SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Yes. But what I`m saying is if she listened to the tapes - she`s been with this man for over two - or close to two decades. She`s going - close to 30 - almost 30 years. So she is going, "The man that I married - this is not the man I was married to."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And that`s all fine for now. But the audiotapes are still in the hands of the police and there`s the ongoing domestic abuse investigation right now. So Jean, I have to think that perhaps this may be a short-lived victory for Mel Gibson.
CASAREZ: It could. It could. You know, we heard that she was holding the baby in her arms when he struck her in the mouth. Also, we had heard allegations that he struck the baby and that there were photos.
But look, with the judge`s decision, there was nothing that made him show that the girlfriend had met her burden, such as photos of a baby or a doctor`s visit because of abuse - physical abuse to the baby.
HAMMER: Right.
CASAREZ: So I think it`s important the ruling thus far could turn around. But I think it`s interesting thus far.
HAMMER: And I have to tell you Mel has got a lot more support than I thought he would have at this point. There are some startling results I want to share with you for our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll when we asked, "Mel Gibson: Should he be legally kept away from his baby?"
The results late today came in showing 40 percent said yes; 60 percent said no, he should not be kept away from his baby.
Jim, how do you think in terms of public perception this could be after all the awful things that we heard on those tapes that the man believed to be Mel Gibson?
MORET: You know, I`ve been talking to so many people who always ask me, "What about this woman? Isn`t she setting him up?" And you know, there`s a lot of blame that people are placing at Oksana`s footsteps because - they`re saying, look, she set him up. She recorded him. He didn`t know he was being recorded.
But the fact is - you know, we talked about this for a week now, A.J. You listen to those tapes and they are chilling.
HAMMER: Yes.
MORET: I don`t care if he is never hit his wife - ex-wife before. The fact is he sounds violent and he sounds threatening. And it`s disturbing because this is not, frankly, the Mel Gibson that all of us thought we knew.
HAMMER: Exactly, if it is, in fact, Mel Gibson. Well, I do have to move on to more big news breaking in the whole Mel Gibson drama today. Brand- new big, burning Mel Gibson legal questions today.
Is it possible those vile tapes may actually never be heard in court no matter how damaging they could be? Or could Mel`s ex, Oksana, be the one getting thrown in jail over all this instead of Mel? Jim Moret, Jean Casarez, I want you to stay right where you are.
As we move on, we have Tiger Woods licking his wounds today after just an awful loss at the British Open over the weekend. But there`s more startling news that he should brace himself for. Tiger Woods alleged mistress, Rachel Uchitel, dropping a major bombshell. She is headed to rehab. I did not see this coming.
Brand-new Jennifer Aniston topless photos. Do I have your attention? Jennifer bares her breasts for business. Are you going to buy what she is selling?
Justin Bieber bigger than Lady Gaga? Could it be? We have the startling new proof just revealed today. Why more people have Bieber fever than all of Lady Gaga`s little monsters put together.
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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: Newlywed Megan Fox reveals she is not pregnant. "Inception" with Leonardo DiCaprio made $60.4 million and is the new number one movie.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEONARDO DICAPRIO, ACTOR: I am the most skilled extractor. I know how to search your mind and find your secrets. I know the tricks and I can teach them to you so even when you`re asleep, your defense is never down.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive - exclusive photos of Lindsay Lohan revealed today the day before she is set to go to jail.
Now, this is your very first look at pictures of Lindsay`s glamorous high fashion photo shoot. You want more? Tune in Tuesday to Bravo`s new hit show "Double Exposure." The photos were taken by the stars of the show, celebrity photographers Markus Klinko and Indrani. You can catch "Double Exposure" Tuesday nights on Bravo.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with a SHOWBIZ special report - is this Lindsay`s last chance?
You know, it really does boggle my mind when I think what a promising young star she was and what she has become today. But is all hope really lost for her?
When you think about it, Robert Downey, Jr. arguably did a whole lot worse than Lindsay and look at him now. He is "Ironman." So is it too farfetched to think that, who knows, Lindsay could bounce back and become an "Iron Woman"? Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From courtroom meltdowns -
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: I`m not taking this as a joke. My life -
WYNTER: To controversial photo shoots, Lindsay Lohan`s life off screen has been anything but picture perfect. Now, slapped with rehab and a jail sentence for violating probation after a 2007 DUI.
HAMMER: The new legal bombshell.
WYNTER: Many wonder if Lohan`s once fast-tracked career can survive this latest crash. The director of Lohan`s upcoming film, "Inferno" says, don`t write her off just yet.
MATTHEW WILDER, DIRECTOR, "INFERNO": There`s so much untapped power there.
WYNTER: Matthew Wilder says once the smoke clears, Lohan`s career will reignite.
WILDER: The people who are putting money into the movie redoubled their commitment and called the same day and said, you know, "We`re on. We`re doing this. We`re not going to do it with anybody else."
WYNTER: But for now, that movie is on hold.
(on camera): How crucial for you as the director of this film that she gets ready to work when she`s done with rehab?
WILDER: Just my knowledge of people who have gone through this kind of stuff is that`s the thing you`ll be thinking about while you are going through all of that stuff. You`re going to want to get out and work and get into your life and not kind of stay on the side lines.
WYNTER: Besides "Inferno," where Lohan plays `70s porn star Linda Lovelace, she is also attached to the thriller "Machete," that`s for a September release.
(voice-over): But industry insiders say it will take a lot more than that for the troubled starlet to regain her status as a bankable actress.
MARVET BRITTO, THE BRITTO AGENCY: Insurance companies and studios don`t want to hire liabilities. They want to hire assets. And right now, Lindsay is solely a liability.
WYNTER: Public relations and brand strategist Marvet Britto admits it only takes one hit to have Hollywood talking again, and PR guru, Howard Bragman agrees.
HOWARD BRAGMAN, FIFTEEN MINUTES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Her value as a working actor is not what it was a few years ago. But at the same time, she is going to have to take interesting roles, get critical acclaim for them and then she can re-evolve.
WYNTER: "Mean Girls" may have put Lohan on the map but Britto cautions these days, there are plenty of young stars sinking their teeth into the competition.
BRITTO: With the success of "Twilight" and other properties, there`s a lot of talent out there. So for Lindsay, I think she really should step away, focus on what made her captivating and see if she can really bring some of those fans that she had - seemingly loved her in the beginning and see if she can recapture that same shine.
WYNTER: Wilder predicts Lohan`s portrayal of the late, infamous porn star will wow audiences and perhaps silence critics.
WILDER: You will see it in every scene. If there is like anything good to all of these like all these horrors and all these troubles, I think it`s that. I think those things, in a horrible way, they kind of make you a better artist.
WYNTER: At artists whose real-life, unscripted drama many hope will have a happy ending.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, Lindsay`s director says that Robert Downey Jr. and Mickey Rourke have had their share of problems and they turned things around. He thinks the same could happen for Lindsay. Our thanks to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter.
Well, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been ringing nonstop today in response to Bristol Palin`s shocking announcement she is engaged to Levi Johnston. Jamie from Ohio says Bristol and Levi are making a huge mistake.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I think that they need to date again before they go jumping into marriage. There`s this state, you know, surrounding them. You need to married in order to raise your children.
And that`s terrible because these two - they were together for how long? That would be terrible for the child. I think they need to be together for a couple of years before they jump into marriage.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thanks a lot, Jamie. Rhiannon from Utah thinks that Levi, well, a loser.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I basically think that Levi Johnston is using Sarah Palin`s daughter, Bristol. It`s kind of weird. All of a sudden, he fell off the limelight and now - now, he`s all with her now? It doesn`t make any sense whatsoever.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you very much. We urge you to call us at "Showbiz on Call" to let us know what you think about this or anything at all. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines open all the time. Here`s the number - 1-888-SBT- BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899.
So as Mel Gibson gets ready to face his ex, Oksana, in court, new burning questions about Mel`s alleged taped tirade. Will Mel go to jail?
"Jersey Shore" strike? Brand-new reports about the show`s future. Are the fist-pumping and tanning in jeopardy?
Jennifer Aniston goes topless. This time, she means business. 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: New John Edwards movie expected to reveal new sex scandal details. Joaquin Phoenix documentary to explain his "lost year," in theaters September 10th.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Red hot Russian spy, Anna Chapman`s next big gig could be porn star. Yes. Vivid Entertainment, you know, the adult film company, they hope to uncover the undercover spy and it could mean big bucks for the sexy spy.
Now, Vivid is the company that released sex tapes of reality stars Kim Kardashian and Kendra Wilkinson. This all comes on the heels of the startling invitation reportedly by Angelina Jolie for Anna to go to the Russian premiere of her new movie, "Salt."
So what do you get a celebrity who is always in trouble with the law? Well, boot camp, diva-style, of course. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with Bette Midler to discuss her big new movie "Captain Dog: The Revenge of Kitty Galore."
Now, that is the voice of Kitty Galore. Kitty Galore is a cat who is hell-bent on world domination. But the divine Ms. M has a mission of her own. When Bette sat down with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, she had this bombshell message for all of the stars who just can`t seem to stay out of trouble.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BETTE MIDLER, SINGER AND ACTRESS: I suggest they sign up for Diva Boot Camp, a program that I am offering at a nominal charge. I will whip you into shape in six weeks or less. No matter what you aspire to, I will fix it for you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I am certain that you can. "Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore," will be in theaters on July 30th.
Well, I don`t know if this Diva Boot Camp would work for Lindsay Lohan. She is just hours away from turning herself into jail now. And people are just going off on Lindsay on our Facebook wall.
Debbie D. writing on our wall, hey, toss Lindsay in jail. Throw away the key. She says, "Lindsay thinks she can do as she pleases on probation and leaving the country? My daughter is on probation and she can`t leave the state. Just because these people are stars they don`t seem to be subjected to the law like everyone else."
We`d love for you to join the debate on Facebook. You can go behind the scenes of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and get breaking news alerts on Twitter. You can call us on "Showbiz on Call." And of course, there is always E-mail. To find it all, "Showbiz Connects" at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, it`s the SHOWBIZ lineup - here is what is coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Tiger Woods` alleged mistress is going to rehab. I didn`t see this coming, but I can tell you all eyes will be on Rachel Uchitel big-time.
Mel`s courtroom showdown. Mel Gibson getting ready to face off against his ex-girlfriend. The burning Mel questions today over those alleged tapes. Are they real? Plus, the new controversy today over his ex`s story.
Now, is this possible? The Bieb bigger than Gaga? I love Lady Gaga but there are outrageous new reports today more people today have their eye on Biebs than Gaga.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views. Now, it`s the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Zsa Zsa Gabor recovering following hip surgery after falling in her home. Kelly Osbourne`s dog dies a week after she breaks up with her boyfriend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - alleged Tiger mistress shocker today. Breaking details about Rachel Uchitel heading to rehab. Is she following in Tiger`s footsteps?
Snooki and The Situation shutting down the "Shore?" Outrageous threats by the "JERSEY SHORE" gang today that could end the fist-pumping forever.
Jennifer Aniston topless. Racy new photos of Jen in little more than a smile. Why she is stripping down today.
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," Justin Bieber gets animated. And The Situation writes a book!
Announcer: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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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 - burning Mel questions today just as Mel Gibson gets ready to face his ex, Oksana Grigorieva, in a court over a restraining order she filed against him.
Big questions are burning and being raised today over those reported taped conversations between Mel and Oksana. Could these tapes lead to Mel and Oksana both being thrown in jail?
With me right now from Hollywood is Jim Moret. Jim is the chief correspondent for "Inside Edition." He is also the author of "The Last Day of My Life." With me in New York, Jean Casarez who is a correspondent for "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV.
Well, so far, we have heard five reported tapes of Mel Gibson going absolutely off on his ex-girlfriend Oksana, threatening her life at times.
Now, what is said on these tapes - it`s just vile and it is just disgusting, shocking every time we play them. So to our first big burning question, if it was, indeed, Mel Gibson on those tapes, could he be facing jail time? Jean, what do you think?
CASAREZ: You know, looking at it legally for a second, not emotionally - because emotionally, it`s one of the worst things we`ve ever heard on these tapes.
HAMMER: No question about it.
CASAREZ: Right. Legally, first of all, has the tape been edited? A lot of experts believe that it was edited. If so, a judge is never going to accept that. Foundationally, they can`t. The original is what they will want. If they look at a criminal threatening situation - because that can be a felony under California law.
HAMMER: Right.
CASAREZ: It has to be a threat. It has to be memorialized as it is, right? There are several threats on that tape. It has to be the intent to really make a threat. So his state of mind is important but it`s got to be clear, concise, and immediate and very particular so it would have to be, "Tuesday afternoon at 2:00, I`m going to put you in a rose garden."
HAMMER: Got it. Just a flippant comment doesn`t necessarily qualify?
CASAREZ: That`s right because that is the defense there. And she`s got to be put in fear. In January, did she report this to anyone? That is something the judge will look at, too.
HAMMER: Well, you made the original point, though, regardless of the legal implications here. Everyone was horrified to hear this person who certainly sounds like Mel Gibson making these horrible physical threats against Oksana. Let`s listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): I need a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) woman. I don`t need medication. You need a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) bat to the side of the head. All right? How about that? You need (EXPLETIVE DELETED) doctor. You need a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) brain transplant. You need (EXPLETIVE DELETED) - you need a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) soul!
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: I mean, it really is unbelievable hearing him. And where are we deeper into this thing. Jim, if it is really Mel Gibson on those tapes, does he deserve to go to jail in your mind?
MORET: Well, I mean, the first question you ask, is it really him? In California, it`s known as a two-party state which means both parties have to consent to being recorded so there is a potential issue of whether it`s illegal to tape him.
However, Jean is right. If there are legitimate threats made, often, the law is overlooked. There is an exception made in that regard. Look, was he on medication? Was he on alcohol? Were the threats legitimate? Did she really fear for her life? Why didn`t she report it earlier?
All of these things may not rise to the level of a true criminal threat. And beyond that possible admission of hitting her on that tape, there is also the question of whether it would be a misdemeanor or a felony. And given the fact that he doesn`t have a record, that obviously goes in his favor as well.
HAMMER: Sure. And now, we have this new twist to the story today. Mel`s soon-to-be ex-wife, Robyn, has filed a sworn affidavit. She says in this thing Mel was never abusive towards her while they were married.
Meanwhile, have been all kinds of questions raised about Oksana`s claims and whether or not she was making them up to get some money out of Mel.
He`s accused Oksana of trying to extort money from him and that leads to today`s next big burning question, could Oksana be convicted of extortion? So Jean, if it turns out she demanded money from Mel in return for these tapes, could she wind up in jail convicted of extortion?
CASAREZ: That`s not good, because extortion is a crime, right? Now, there`s not an investigation going on into that as we know it right now.
But let`s see what the future holds because it is a crime if, in fact, she had these tapes and he knew she did. And she said, "You give me $10 million. I won`t put them out there." Because extortion is when you want to damage someone`s reputation and you want to hurt them in that way.
HAMMER: Right.
CASAREZ: So it`s not a good thing if that conversation transpired and if it was recorded or any memorialization at all of it.
HAMMER: Let me just say this right now for the record, if that is Mel Gibson, damage done.
CASAREZ: Yes.
HAMMER: You know, certainly, I think we`re already there. You know, and there`s been a lot of blaming the victim going on as we`ve been talking about. As much as people seem to be portraying Oksana as a gold-digger, she is heard on these tapes denying that she is doing if it for the money. She also says she doesn`t have any money. Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): I`m not a user or a gold digger. I don`t have any money and no property assigned to me. That`s a gold digger for you? Are you insane? Yes, you are, of course, we can hear that. Are you -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): (EXPLETIVE DELETED), you get everything you want.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): Don`t call me (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): Get everything you want.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): Don`t call me (EXPLETIVE DELETED). You have no right. I don`t have a penny to me. What kind of gold digging - what kind of gold digging (EXPLETIVE DELETED) is this?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Every time we hear those tapes, it leads to this next big burning question - will they be admissible in court?
So Jim, you were talking about the two-party state California deal. And quite frankly, we don`t even know where these tapes were recorded. What does your gut tell you? Do you think a judge will actually allow these tapes to potentially be used in a trial?
MORET: My gut tells me that there are a lot of hurdles. You know, you have to establish the authenticity, the chain of custody, whether they were altered, where are the originals.
This judge, first and foremost, is going to be bugged because these were under seal and they got leaked somehow. First question, he wants to know how the heck did they get leaked?
HAMMER: Yes.
MORET: It`s very likely they won`t be admissible in court. But let`s face it - you said it - the damage is done in the public opinion.
HAMMER: Certainly. And it`s not just the tapes that we`re talking about that could play a role in this, if things go to court. There is also the photo of Oksana that was - Oksana just released in where she appears to be bruised.
And today, the ladies of "The View" had a lot of questions about all of that. Let`s take a look at this.
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SHEPHERD: So right now, they are saying that the tapes may be doctored and pictures might be you know, Photoshopped. They`re not sure what the truth is. But I`ve said before, when he was married to Robyn, you never heard about anything like this from Mel. Everybody said he was a prankster, good guy -
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I believe them. She was not scared of him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Add to that the news today that Mel`s ex-wife, Robyn, has signed that sworn affidavit saying Mel never touched her. And Jean, it seems to me Oksana doesn`t necessarily have this open-shut case here against Mel Gibson.
CASAREZ: No. As much as it appears she wants to. I think Jim Moret is exactly right. I think the judge will have so many hurdles to go through, because remember, foundation is very important.
If tapes are altered, edited, doctored - anything, the judge will throw it out before it`s even allowed in court. And he wants the truth. This is a truth-finding venture, if it gets in the hands of a judge.
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, when you look at all of the circumstances, everything that is floating around out there right now, Jim Moret, it`s not necessarily going to be that easy for Oksana to get out of all of this what she is hoping to get out of all of this or for her to not end up looking bad in the end.
MORET: And let`s face it. The tapes alone may not even be necessary. You`ve got her son who may have heard part or all of this conversation, may have witnessed some potential acts violence.
You have the dentist she supposedly saw the day after this alleged incident and she supposedly said to the dentist, "Mel did this to me." That dentist could say whether or not the damage done to the teeth were a result of hitting the mouth, hitting the face.
HAMMER: Right.
MORET: You have other avenues of evidence.
HAMMER: Yes. It is certainly a tangled, tangled web. Jim Moret, Jean Casarez, I thank you both. Appreciate it.
All right. Do you remember when Tiger Woods snuck off to rehab during height of his own mistress implosion to help regain his image and his life? Well, today, shocking news that one of his alleged mistresses is checking in for help, too.
Breaking details about Rachel Uchitel heading to rehab. What do you think? Good move, bad move? Well, who knows. But I can tell you we will get a chance to watch it. Yes, train wreck city, here we come.
No more Snooki. So long, Situation. Could it be the cast of "Jersey Shore" threatening to take their hair gel and go home for good if they don`t get a pay bump for their fist pumps?
Plus, Jennifer Aniston topless today. Do I really need to say anything more? She is smoking hot. She is flawless. And she is taking it all off for the world to see. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, it`s the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Wesley Snipes loses appeal in tax case, facing three years in prison. Comic book about Justin Bieber`s life in the works.
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HAMMER: I mean, Bieber fever shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it has infected over 250 million people. Yes, that`s the number, the history- making number of people that have watched Justin Bieber`s video for "Baby" since it went up on YouTube four months ago. And I believe I just embarrassed myself.
Not only did Justin make history, he beat out Lady Gaga`s video for "Bad Romance" for YouTube domination. Her video has gotten a mere 247 million hits.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Big news breaking in "The Buzz" today. An alleged Tiger Woods` mistress is checking into TV rehab? A possible "Jersey Shore" strike - could it be? And Paris Hilton`s drug denial.
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(voice-over): Paris insists she has not gone to pot. Paris Hilton just responded for the first time to reports she was arrested for pot possession on the French island of Corsica.
French newspapers reported drug-sniffing dogs found a small packet of pot in Paris` luggage. But Paris responded online saying, "The stories saying I have been arrested are completely false! I am having the best vacation of my life!" Paris was arrested in South Africa at the World Cup last month for pot possession, but the charges were dropped.
Like Tiger, like Rachel. We`ve just learned that Woods` alleged mistress, Rachel Uchitel, is checking into TV rehab. VH1 has just revealed the cast of the next season of "Celebrity Rehab." Uchitel is reportedly dealing with a pill addiction. Her roommates will include `70s teen idol Leif Garrett, model Janice Dickinson and "Party of Five" actor Jeremy London.
A major situation for the cast of "Jersey Shore." They`re reportedly threatening to go out on strike.
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "THE JERSEY SHORE": You`re not leaving.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`m not staying for this.
HAMMER: The tanned and buff crew from the MTV series are reportedly saying they are underpaid and are demanding a lot more money before agreeing to shoot a third season. MTV already has the second season in the can and was about to start shooting the third season.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Could be this really the ends of Snooki and The Situation because a "Jersey Shore" strike? And then, would that mean that the end of the world is really near?
Right now in New York is Brian Balthazar. Brian is the editor for the site "PopGoesTheWeek.com." With me, in New York, Ereka Vetrini. Erika is a senior editor of "In Touch Weekly."
I`ve got to tell you whatever value you think that the cast of the "Jersey Shore" has, I don`t really think they deserve a raise. Do you?
EREKA VETRINI, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": I absolutely agree. And the ones that are really fighting are the B characters. It`s not supposedly Situation and Snooki who actually have a little bit say in the whole thing.
HAMMER: Right.
VETRINI: I don think these kids really understand how fortunate they are. How many people search years and years and years and maybe a lifetime for a good, a successful show and they have it.
HAMMER: Yes, they have it.
VETRINI: They have it.
HAMMER: They can make money elsewhere if they stick with it. So we called MTV today. We wanted to hear what they have to say about all of this.
And here is what they told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "We don`t comment on any contractual conversations. Season two premieres July 29 and production is on schedule." I like how they work their little plug in for the season premiere and I am happy to share that with the world.
Now, we`re also hearing today, one of the reasons the "Jersey Shore` cast wants more money is because they feel they can make more doing public appearances. Brian Balthazar, my friend, let me bring you in on this because the logic - it dumbfounds me here.
BRIAN BALTHAZAR, EDITOR, "POPGOESTHEWEEK.COM": Right.
HAMMER: If no show, who wants them for a public appearance? I don`t understand.
BALTHAZAR: Right. Those invitations are going to go away pretty quickly.
HAMMER: Yes.
BALTHAZAR: I will say they should be very cautious because fame is fleeting and reality fame is even faster fleeting. They should be very careful because, you know, that could go away before you know it. Without them, they can be replaced. Anyone can be replaced.
HAMMER: Yes. I don`t think you`re opening up a nightclub as The Situation from the "Jersey Shore" if you`re not on the "Jersey Shore." I just don`t think that`s what`s happening.
So he deal is - and I mentioned Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino a lot, because he is clearly, in my mind, perhaps along with Snooki - but he`s really the breakout star of this series. So it really comes as no surprise that everyone wants a piece of him.
Well, right here, this is a letter revealed today on TMZ. It`s The Situation from the network MTV. It says if he signs on the dotted line for another season, he will get a bonus anywhere from $60,000 to $180,000 and a nice raise for a possible season four from a reported $10,000 an episode to $45,000 an episode, which means The Situation, Ereka, could be making close to $500,000 for another season of the "Jersey Shore." It seems to me he would be insane -
VETRINI: To leave!
HAMMER: To leave the show.
VETRINI: Well, also "In Touch Weekly" on the stands right now, we have an exclusive with his parents who say he`s got a clothing line, a cologne, a book deal. If the show goes away, this all goes away.
HAMMER: Yes. They are not at the point where they transcend the show yet, right?
VETRINI: Absolutely.
HAMMER: I mean, that`s the video. And by the way, that`s the deal. And by the way, the royalty - it`s funny looking at these contracts. My MTV contract then looked nothing like that.
Another big story making big news today - Tiger`s alleged mistress, Rachel Uchitel, heading to rehab. Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT confirmed today Uchitel has signed on to the new season of the VH1`s "Celebrity Rehab" with Dr. Drew.
Now, we don`t know what exactly landed Rachel Uchitel on the reality show for rehab. But I`ve got to wonder, Brian, could she be in rehab for an addiction to fame? Could it be?
BALTHAZAR: Yes. I think this is a little strange. You know, I`m not going to begrudge her if she really is trying to overcome an addiction.
But is this the right forum to do it? You know, you could also give birth in a taxi cab, but it might not be the way you want to do it. And you know, she had an opportunity to be on "The Apprentice" where she could show her business sense.
HAMMER: Yes.
BALTHAZAR: So this is the wrong way to go, I think.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, "The Apprentice" is not going to happen because Donald Trump definitely now talking out, thinking she made a bonehead move. He wanted her on "Celebrity Apprentice" and now has basically told her to take a hike.
Ereka, I think agree with Donald. And sometimes, I take issue with things Donald says. But I think a gig on the "Celebrity Apprentice" would have been a great move for her. I think doing this, maybe there`s a lot more money involved. Maybe it`s a very short-sighted decision?
VETRINI: Well, I think she needs to cash in now. Take your money or take your 15 minutes of fame - make your money and leave us all alone. That`s my personal opinion.
And I`m not so sure - unless you`re a winner of the "Celebrity Apprentice," I don`t know where you go. You know what I`m saying? How do (INAUDIBLE) there`s a lot of cash to have.
HAMMER: Here`s to Piers Morgan - he didn`t win the "Celebrity Apprentice," but it certainly put him on the radar.
VETRINI: Yes. But Piers Morgan arguably had a career before him.
HAMMER: OK.
VETRINI: Uchitel is truly a reality (INAUDIBLE).
HAMMER: Rachel Uchitel had a whole different kind of career.
VETRINI: And I do want to know what that addiction is.
HAMMER: OK -
VETRINI: Husbands?
HAMMER: We`re going to find out. Ereka Vetrini, Brian Balthazar, thank you both. I appreciate it.
Jennifer Aniston, topless today. Racy, new, never-before-seen photos of Jen and a little more than a smile. While Jen is stripping down today and why she may have planned the whole thing.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "Jersey Shore`s" "The Situation" to write self-help book, launch iPhone app. Roman Polanski attends Swiss jazz fest, first outing since ending house arrest.
HAMMER: Right now, Eva Mendez makes a shockingly honest confession about her own acting ability. The beautiful actress is firmly on Hollywood`s A- list after nearly a decade of making movies like "Training Day" with Denzel Washington.
But today Eva reveals to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she still takes acting lessons. Eva says she brushed up to make sure she could keep up with the hilarious Will Farrell in their new movie, "Other Guys."
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EVA MENDES, ACTRESS: I tackle this like I tackle any role. You know, I still go to class. I have an amazing acting coach. My goal is to really truly get deeper with every role.
And in a weird way, that`s been happening. And certainly, I got deeper with this role even though it seems very, you know - but I was definitely challenged. I mean I had to hang with the big boys. They were improv-ing and throwing me stuff. And I was like, "OK. Right back at you. Right back at you."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Pretty cool. "The Other Guys" will be in theaters on August 6th. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
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ISAIAH MUSTAFA, OLD SPICE GUY: Does your man look like me? No. Can he smell like me? Yes. Should he use Old Spice body wash? I don`t know. You like the smell of adventure? Do you want a man who smells like he can bake you a gourmet cake in the dream kitchen he built you with his own hands?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s the Old Spice guy who has a massive cult following, thanks to his hilarious TV ads. Even Oprah Winfrey admits she loves the guy. But TV is just too small for this manly man. The Old Spice guy has just conquered the Internet.
Did you see this? The Old Spice guy uses his uber-cool power to answer questions asked by fans through Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites. The old spice guy worked around the clock to tape 182 personalized messages, including a marriage proposal and a pinata dedication to Demi Moore. Take a look.
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MUSTAFA: Demi Moore tweets Old Spice guy, "I want a special video response." Wow. Thanks, Demi Moore, and I want to give you a special video response.
How about I beat up the pirate pinata that`s sneaking up behind me with this petrified fresh water fish while saying your name?
Ms. Angela A. Hutt-Chamberlin, it seems like yesterday that you met J.S. Beals(ph), but your love has blossomed from a seed into a fully grown love plant. And now, it`s time to fertilize that plant.
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HAMMER: That was pretty good. Old Spice is loving this. More than 30 million people have watched the Old Spice guy messages on the Internet.
Right now, Jennifer Aniston topless. London`s "Daily Mail" newspaper got a hold of racy new photos of Jen promoting her new perfume today and taking it all off was reportedly Jen`s idea.
The "Daily Mail" says Jen was involved in every step of the process in the new signature scent from creating the fragrance to overseeing this sexy ad. The ad was even reportedly shot at Jen`s favorite getaway spot in Cabo, San Lucas in Mexico.
That is not the first time Jen has advertised her assets. She recently bared her ripped abs for a vitamin water ad. I`ve got to tell you, I think Jen looks hotter than ever. From water to perfume, I`m betting whatever Jen is selling, she`s going to have women everywhere racing to the store saying, "I`ll have what she`s having."
So on Friday, we asked you to vote in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. Just moments ago, Dave Weber(ph) handed me the final results - "Mel Gibson: Should he be legally kept away from his baby?" Forty percent of you said yes; 60 percent said no.
Here are some of the E-mails, including one from Michelle in Indiana who writes, "I don`t think that Mel Gibson should lose access this child. I think that he was set up by his ex-girlfriend."
We also heard from Ismail in Edmonton, Canada who writes, "I believe Mel should be kept from his kids for all those comments he had said on the phone. If it was him on the phone, don`t you wonder what he would say in front of his kids?"
Well, that is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is now live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday. And we are still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.
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