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Showbiz Tonight
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James Reuniting?; Lindsay Lohan`s Jail Secrets; Sarah Palin Not Happy With Bristol and Levi Engagement; Britney Spears to the Rescue of Mel Gibson?; Kathy Griffin-Elisabeth Hasselbeck Smackdown
Aired July 21, 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 - could it be? Sandra Bullock and Jesse James reuniting? Startling news today, a court decision that would clear the way for a reunion.
Lindsay`s jail secrets. Fascinating details revealed today about Lindsay Lohan`s life behind bars. And mind-boggling news about how Lindsay could make millions from her jail stay. But would that be, oh, so wrong?
Britney Spears to the rescue of Mel Gibson? Is Britney really helping Mel with his rant-and-rave tape mess?
The brand new Kathy Griffin-Elisabeth Hasselbeck smackdown today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": You defend your daughter against scum -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Elisabeth called Kathy what?
HASSELBECK: Scum -
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today - Lindsay`s jail secrets revealed.
So what`s the difference between partying in Cannes and getting thrown in the can? Well, Lindsay Lohan now knows. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today what Lindsay is going through in jail - I know, sorry. There aren`t any paparazzi pictures.
There are plenty of absolutely fascinating details revealed today about Lindsay`s life in lockup. But there is hope for Lindsay because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can also tell you she is going to get out a whole lot sooner than perhaps even she expected.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Her last few movies may have flopped and her music may not exactly burn up the charts, but SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that today, Lindsay Lohan`s first full day in jail, she`s hotter than ever.
JODI MILLER, COMEDIAN: People used to say that Lindsay Lohan couldn`t get arrested in this town. You have to get arrested to get arrested in this town.
HAMMER: Lindsay`s new jail booking photo snapped yesterday when she began her 90-day jail sentence for violating probation is front page news today.
HASSELBECK: This is the original mug shot from 2007.
HAMMER: And this morning on "The View," the ladies dished on Lindsay`s latest booking photo as if it was the cover of "Vogue."
HASSELBECK: She looks great then. She looks even better here. I just can`t get over it.
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": The lighting, the lipstick -
HAMMER: So, as everyone obsesses over the jail bird starlet, the question today became, how is Lindsay dealing with life on the inside? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT goes behind the jailhouse walls to bring you the brand-new inside details of Lindsay`s life under Lohan lockdown.
DAVID CAPLAN, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Lindsay`s lawyer tells "People" she`s having a bit of a hard time adjusting to prison life.
HAMMER: "People.com`s" David Caplan tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Lindsay had a rough first day in jail.
JUDGE MARSHA REVEL, LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT: That`s 90 days in jail.
HAMMER: And just like her courtroom breakdown two weeks ago, when the judge sentenced her to jail, Lindsay is once again shedding tears.
CAPLAN: The first few hours while Lindsay was in jail, she was crying. It`s been really tough for her to be confined to the small space.
HAMMER: But Lohan apparently has some fans on the inside. Two women just released from the jail where Lindsay is locked up tell Britain`s "Daily Mail" inmates cheered as Lindsay was brought in.
MILLER: She`s probably going to run for like jail president in there. She`s so popular. It`s like "Mean Girls 2" but in jail.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has now learned Lindsay won`t be locked up for as long as we thought. She`s expected to serve only 14 days of her 90-day sentence because of jail overcrowding. Not that overcrowding is an issue for Lindsay. She`s separated from the general jail population, residing by herself in a cell much like this one.
CAPLAN: Lindsay is in a small cell about 12 by eight and she`s going to be in that cell about 22 hours of the day. The majority of her time is going to be spent by herself. And Lindsay really doesn`t like being alone and that`s why she`s so concerned.
HAMMER: And now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Lindsay`s neighbor behind bars is another high-profile starlet who`s run into a bit of trouble.
CAPLAN: Lindsay`s next door neighbor is Alexis Neiers who is a 19-year-old reality TV star from "E!" And she`s in jail because she has been linked to those burglaries of celebrities such as the Orlando Bloom burglary. And Alexis is actually in Paris Hilton`s old jail cell.
HAMMER: But here`s something to lift Lindsay`s spirits. This Web site allows anyone on the outside to buy junk food for Lindsay or any other L.A. County inmate. Lindsay can chow down on such treats as Kit Kat bars, refried beans and Spam.
MILLER: Spam and refried beans? Oh, hasn`t she suffered enough?
HAMMER: But today, some of those close to Lindsay are worried about something else Lindsay is reportedly getting in jail - prescription pills.
CAPLAN: Lindsay will be allowed to actually take the medication for which she has prescriptions for.
HAMMER: That worries Lindsay Lohan`s estranged father, Michael Lohan, who told CNN`s Larry King last night he believes his daughter has a prescription drug problem and jail isn`t going to help it.
MICHAEL LOHAN, FATHER OF LINDSAY LOHAN: This didn`t have to happen, but it is. It`s happening now and we have to live with it. And she`s got to use it to her best.
HAMMER: And the more people devour every last detail of the Lohan lockdown, the more people will be watching her once she gets out to see if her hard times in jail will be enough to put her back on the right track.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
So although Lindsay seems to be having a hard time, it may all be worth it, literally, because there are reports out there she could make millions after she gets out. And that brings us to today`s "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" - will Lindsay Lohan cash in big-time on her jail time?
With me right now in New York is Vikki Ziegler. Vikki is an attorney. And from Atlanta, Vinnie Politan. Vinnie is a host with "In Session on our sister network, Tru TV.
There are reports that Lindsay could get as much as over $1 million for doing tell-all after she`s out of jail and done with rehab. So to the "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint," Vikki, I actually think that Lindsay will cash in big-time after she`s out of the slammer. What about you?
VIKKI ZIEGLER, ATTORNEY: Oh, I definitely think so. America loves a comeback. They want to see this train wreck back on the track. I think Lindsay, if she`s smart and sober and really listens to the proper advice, she could make millions after she gets out of jail - post-jail interviews, on TV, in magazines.
She can certainly, with her movie, when it comes out and her new fashion line in the fall could make millions and millions of dollars if done properly.
HAMMER: Yes. And the question is, why the heck not? Vinnie Politan, off to you. Do you think Lindsay`s going to cash in big-time on her jail time at a minimum with a big post-jail interview?
VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "IN SESSION" ON TRU TV: Absolutely. Absolutely. She needs money. I mean, she`s got to get back to work. She`s always talking about working. Here`s the big if, though, and Vikki brought this up. If she is sober - that`s the problem.
You know, talent has never been the problem. But here, she has a great opportunity to capitalize on all this attention because now, we are fascinated with her and her life. We know that she`s got some talent. She`s just got to put two and two together and subtract all the other problems that she has.
HAMMER: Yes. And the thing about the post-jail interview, and it`s always tricky. We saw this with Paris Hilton, you know, people are disgusted by the idea that she could make all this money so there is always a potential backlash against whoever forks over a big check for that interview.
That`s kind of a wait and see thing. But you know, even before Lindsay completes her rehab after serving her jail sentence, the wheels on her career train will be rolling.
Here comes the SHOWBIZ news line. Lindsay launched her 6126 fashion line before she checked into jail. She also just appeared in Bravo`s new reality show called "Double Exposure." And that`s where Lindsay showed up 11 hours late to a shoot to promote her clothing line. Take a look at this.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, it`s a little ironic today that Lindsay is so late to her own shoot because she`s the client after all.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re so excited we`re going to shoot you for 6126.
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: The leggings are really good.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. You did a good job.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Should it be any surprise, though, you know - if she shows up for court late, why shouldn`t she show up for a photo shoot late? But let`s face it. Young girls everywhere love the Lindsay drama. They love celebrity clothing lines.
And actually, back to the idea of her clothing line, Vikki, I think she will be able to cash in just because she`s so controversial.
ZIEGLER: I agree. And listen, popularity equals profitability. Everybody wants to be like Lindsay Lohan. They don`t want to go to jail and they feel sad for her. But she is a starlet. She is a celebrity. She goes to all these fancy places and she meets these amazing people.
People want to be like her - these young - the young demographic. They want her. They want to be like her. They want to look like her. They want to dye their hair. So I think they`re going to buy her clothing line. I think it`s going to skyrocket. It will probably be upwards of $5 million or $6 million, probably.
HAMMER: Wow.
ZIEGLER: I think so.
HAMMER: Well, it wouldn`t be - it`s not unprecedented. This actually has happened before. Today the "New York Daily News" revealed an interview with the owner of a very exclusive L.A. clothing store that happened to carry Paris Hilton`s clothing line when Paris was thrown in jail.
Well, he claims he sold $30,000 of Paris` stuff on the day she got out of jail. Vinnie, I do think that Lindsay`s stuff could fly off the shelves the day she`s released from prison. What about you?
POLITAN: Well, A.J., I don`t know about you, but I`m on the wait list for Lindsay`s male clothing line. I`m going to get some ties and maybe I`ll send some your way.
HAMMER: Please.
POLITAN: You know, it`s publicity, it`s the image, it`s the bad girl. You want to call it street cred if you want. She`s got all that going for her, because what sort of is buried in all of this is why she originally got in trouble, which was driving under the influence.
HAMMER: Right.
POLITAN: And that gets lost in everything else that`s happening here because of paparazzi and everything else. So I think she can really take advantage of this situation if she`s smart and if she`s sober.
HAMMER: And it`s not just the clothing line. It`s also her film career. And I want to take you back to the SHOWBIZ news line, because today, a new picture of Lindsay in her next movie, "Machete," where she plays a gun- toting nun was revealed. Perfect, right? Well, the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on September 3rd.
But Vikki, I`m thinking it`s going to take a whole lot more than good movie reviews to revive her career. Because remember, somebody has got to hire her and I would say, right now, she is uninsurable and that keeps people from hiring her.
ZIEGLER: Oh, yes. She`s got to do so many things to get back on track. She`s got to appear on time. She has to be sober. She has to do some community service and do some charity work and really bring back that good reputation.
HAMMER: Yes.
ZIEGLER: She`s a great actress. She should be making films but there`s so much that she has to be rehabilitated before, I think, people are going to take her seriously.
HAMMER: It`s a long road, a long road, indeed. Well, Lindsay is making another fashion statement with her new mug shot. So it is time to play "mug shot beauty pageant." How does it stack up to other mug shot beauties like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie? Vikki Ziegler, Vinnie Politan, I urge you don`t go anywhere.
All right. As we move on, could it be? Say it isn`t so. Sandra Bullock and Jesse James reuniting? Really? Startling news today - a court decision that would actually clear the way for these two to get back together. I just think it would be a terrible idea.
Speaking of bad ideas, what do you think of this? Britney Spears to the rescue of Mel Gibson? Huh? Is Britney really helping Mel with his rant-and-rave tape mess?
HAMMER: And Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston - they`re getting married. But Mama Palin - she is not pleased at all.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRISTOL PALIN, DAUGHTER OF FMR. GOV. SARAH PALIN: I think that Levi`s actions will speak louder than words. Then I think she`ll accept it and she`ll be happy for us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The unbelievable news today that Sarah Palin doesn`t approve of her daughter and the father of her grandson getting married. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Pennsylvania Labor Department: Gosselin kids aren`t being exploited on TV. Taylor Swift`s third album, "Speak Now," set to be released on October 25th.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tiger Woods, big-time cheater but still super duper duper rich. According to "SportsIllustrated.com" today, Tiger is the highest earning American athlete for the seventh year in a row now.
He made about $90 million in golf wins and endorsement deals. That is down about 30 percent from the $128 million he made a couple of years back. So all that cheating may be hurting his bank account. I`m not crying for him and I doubt you are as well.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Did you see this? Whoopi for Whoopi today. "The View`s" Whoopi Goldberg was just totally loopy during the show and that sent her co-hosts for a loop. You know, there have been so many others who have been totally out of it while on the air.
Here now is CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the loopiest moments caught on tape.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If Whoopi seems a little loopy, it`s not your imagination.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, THE VIEW: And welcome to - welcome - welcome to a day of hot topics right here on "The View."
MOOS: Next thing you know, Whoopi herself became a hot topic.
SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Are you feeling all right, Whoopi?
GOLDBERG: I have to (ph) - do you know, I`d - I have to fly drugged -
SHEPHERD: Oh, that`s right. Yes.
GOLDBERG: So I`m still slightly drugged.
MOOS: She said she`d just flown in from an AIDS benefit in Vienna.
MOOS (on camera): Whoopi is one of those fearful flyers who has to knock herself out to get on a plane.
(voice-over): Well, her plane may have landed, but Whoopi still seemed high as she tried to master the teleprompter.
GOLDBERG: There`s a slow-moving thing there that now says parents in Massachusetts are angry that schools are sending students home -
MOOS: "The View" had no comment when we called to ask what Whoopi was on, a spokesman saying she already explained everything.
GOLDBERG: You know what`s funny right now? The fact that I`m still sitting up straight.
MOOS: Whatever she took, it led to a truly memorable toss to commercial.
GOLDBERG: I got a little gas. We`ll be right back.
MOOS (on camera): Could have been worse. At least Whoopi was no David after the dentist, still feeling the anesthesia.
"DAVID," DRUGGED FROM DENTIST VISIT: Why is this happening to me? Is this going to be forever?
MOOS: At least Whoopi was no Joe Namath.
JOE NAMATH, FORMER PRO-FOOTBALL QUARTERBACK: I want to kiss you. I couldn`t care less about the team struggling.
MOOS: At least Whoopi was no Anna Nicole Smith.
ANNA NICOLE SMITH, ACTRESS: And if I ever record an album, I want this guy to produce mine.
MOOS: At least Whoopi was no Japanese finance minister, falling asleep at his own press conference.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE).
MOOS: At least Whoopi was no Farrah Fawcett.
FARRAH FAWCETT, ACTRESS: Sort of like they - wow. I really thought I was looking out the window.
DAVID LETTERMAN, LATE SHOW HOST: Yes. It`s --
MOOS (voice-over): At least Whoopi had no window to distract her. Not since Danny DeVito came on hung-over has "The View" been so spacey. Whatever Whoopi took to tolerate being up in the air, she found herself on the air and still hadn`t landed.
GOLDBERG: And this morning it`s being reported that she`s checking into celebrity rehab.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Oh, we love you, Whoopi. That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, so many of you have been writing us and calling us today all about Lindsay Lohan being shipped off to jail. Ruth from North Carolina doesn`t feel sorry for Lindsay one bit. She writes, "Lindsay Lohan should stay in jail for the full time. She seems to think she is better than anyone else. She`s not."
Now off to the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines. Cheryl from Florida feels bad for Lindsay.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CHERYL, CALLER FROM FLORIDA: I`m sad for Lindsay Lohan. She is such a lost girl. She is so sad. She`s in so much trouble and people are just gleeful about it. She needs help and I`m sad for her. I think she`s a very sad girl and I hope someone can help her.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, I`m with you on that, Cheryl. Thanks for your call. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and sound off on this or anything at all. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open all the time. This is the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. That`s where you can leave us a voicemail so we can play your call on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Here she comes to save the day. I`m talking about Britney Spears to the rescue today. Is Britney really trying to help Mel Gibson with his rant-and-rave tape mess?
The brand-new Elisabeth Hasselbeck-Kathy Griffin smackdown today. So did Elisabeth really call Kathy scum? Ouch.
And David Hasselhoff totally out of control today. Watch this -
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Well, you may be wondering why the heck is the Hoff washing Kit in his "Baywatch" briefs. Something I`m certain is just not kosher here. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Facebook now has 500 million active users. Betty White launches a line of t-shirts and hoodies to benefit animal causes.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Did you see this? Pretty funny. That`s the Hoff - David Hasselhoff - dressed up in his "Baywatch" best watching Kit from "Knight Rider" with a hamburger. And why not?
Well, here`s exactly why this is so funny. First of all, the video that I just showed you is a promo for Hoff`s upcoming "Comedy Central" roast. And it is a spoof, if you recognize it, of Paris Hilton`s Carl`s Jr. commercial. Take a look at it again.
You may remember also the quite disturbing "Extra" video I`m showing you right now of Hasselhoff rolling around drunk on the floor, eating a hamburger. So that explains the hamburger reference in that spoof.
It`s good to see that the Hoff can laugh at himself. I do want to show you another very funny promo of the Hoff roast that`s just out today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID HASSELHOFF, ACTOR: When "Comedy Central" said they wanted to roast me, I was like, what are they going to make fun of? "Knight Rider?" It was legendary. I had a talking car.
"Baywatch?" I got to see Pamela Anderson in a bathing suit every day. My music? I sold six million records in Germany yesterday. So, I say, bring it on. Oh, I love cheeseburgers. Oh, (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, that`s funny, and the Hoff is big in Germany. By the way, "Family Guy" creator Seth McFarland is going to be the roast master so you know this is going to be brutal. I can`t wait for it. Tune into "Comedy Central" when they air it August 15th.
OK. I want to tell you about a great new way for you to get in touch with me. It`s showbiz iReport. Are you fired up about something you saw here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, grab your camcorder, your webcam, cell phone cam, whatever you`ve got. Make a video, then simply go to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight to send us your iReport and we will put some of them on the show. In fact, the SHOWBIZ iReport team right now at the Comic Con festival in San Diego and we`re going to be bringing you some great iReports from there starting tomorrow.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
The unbelievable court decision revealed today that could actually clear the way for Sandra Bullock and Jesse James to get back together.
Britney Spears saves Mel Gibson? Can Britney actually help Mel with his rant-and-rave tape mess?
And it`s the first annual SHOWBIZ TONIGHT mug shot beauty pageant today. Lindsay, Paris, Nicole - who will we crown mug shot queen? 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: "Heroes" star Ali Larter and her husband are expecting their first child. FX gets the TV rights to air Angelina Jolie`s new movie, "Salt," in 2012.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Sandra and Jesse reuniting? The stunning court decision today that could clear the way for Jesse James and his ex- wife, Sandra Bullock, to get back together.
Mel Gibson`s new lethal weapon - Britney Spears. Yes, Brit-Brit to the rescue. So can Britney Spears really help Mel with his tape scandal mess?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. PALIN: I think that Levi`s actions will speak louder than words. Then I think she`ll accept it and she`ll be happy for us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Bristol Palin`s new bombshell announcement today. Her mom, Sarah, not happy with Bristol`s plans to marry Levi Johnston. Could this shatter Bristol`s dream wedding?
Plus breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," George Clooney`s Emmy surprise and Christina Applegate`s baby bombshell.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
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 - could there be a Sandra Bullock-Jesse James reunion?
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today a judge has cleared the way for Jesse and his six-year-old daughter, Sunny, to move to Texas, which is closer to Sandra. The judge gave Jesse custody instead of his porn star ex-wife.
With me in New York is Vikki Ziegler. Vikki is a family attorney and author of a fine book called "Premarital Survival Guide." Right now, in Atlanta, Vinnie Politan. He is a host "In Session" on Tru TV.
So when Jesse does move, he`s going to reportedly be living within just a few miles of Sandra. Jesse will have his kids. Of course, Sandra helped raise those kids. Sandra, of course, will have her adopted baby, Louis.
Vikki, even though she divorced this guy, Jesse James, the cheating louse, back in June because cheated on her, could it be that they could actually get back together? Is that too farfetched?
ZIEGLER: I don`t know. I`m squirming thinking about it. But in my world, the divorce world, anything can happen. So yes, people do reconcile when they`re co-parenting together.
Do I think it would happen? She`s got to dig really deep to find forgiveness if she has any love for him. But I think the trust factor will be one of those hurdles that I`m not so sure she`s going to be able to overcome.
HAMMER: Yes.
ZIEGLER: Potentially, could it happen? I`m betting against it. And I think everyone is hoping that she moves on and finds a better guy.
HAMMER: Yes. I don`t see it, but for some reason there seems to be this obsession with people wondering if Sandra and Jesse will actually reunite. I don`t really get it. Take a look at this. It`s the cover of the new "Life and Style Weekly." It`s out today. Look at that headline, "Why Sandra is Taking Jesse Back."
Vinnie, we don`t know if that`s going to happen, but to Vikki`s point, crazier things have happened. Do you think it`s too farfetched?
POLITAN: Well, I think there could be a wedding down the road, don`t you think? A wedding -
HAMMER: No, I don`t think so.
POLITAN: A nice, big ceremony? Maybe a maid of honor with a whole bunch of tattoos?
HAMMER: You don`t believe that for a minute.
POLITAN: It would be beautiful. No, it`s not going to happen but I think everybody realizes that Sandra Bullock is a class act. She`s going to do the right thing by the children.
HAMMER: Yes.
POLITAN: For her, it`s all about the kids. And whatever it takes to make the lives of those children better, she will do, but she`s not going to get back with that guy. No.
HAMMER: I think people do need to step back and look at it objectively like that and know - we`ve seen her character really shine throughout this whole terrible ordeal that she`s been through. And I do think it`s all about the kids as far as she`s concerned.
I do have to move on right now to the new explosive developments in the Mel Gibson mess today that may be connected to the explosive tapes of him allegedly ranting and raving against his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva.
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT confirmed today the L.A. County Sheriff`s Department is looking into extortion allegations made against Oksana. The claim is that Oksana may have demanded money from Mel to keep the tapes private. Now, Vikki, if Oksana did demand money from Mel, would this definitely be a case of criminal extortion?
ZIEGLER: Yes, absolutely. I mean, if you look at the legal definition in California, extorting money from somebody with force to hide something is absolutely extortion. She could ultimately get up to four years in prison if she`s found guilty of extortion.
Additionally, with respect to the tapes, what happened? Have they been doctored? Have they been edited once they were handed over the D.A.`s office? She could also be charged with wire-tampering.
And that could be very serious. So we`re going to see a turn of events potentially. We don`t know what`s happening. I mean these tapes have not been authenticated.
HAMMER: Right.
ZIEGLER: But extortion, potentially, if proven is a very serious crime that she could be charged with.
HAMMER: And as is the case in most of this type of situations. Right now, it`s a he said-she said deal. She`s saying she never asked for money. She didn`t even want the tapes to get out. She has no interest in Mel`s money.
Well, the brand-new extortion investigation comes on the heels of the sixth tape of Mel`s alleged rant released by "Radar Online." And I`ve got to say, a lot of people who have heard these tapes say that Oksana almost sounds like she`s reading from a script. Listen to this part of it.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): Mel, you`re imbalanced. There`s something wrong with you. You need medication.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): Oh, you shut up. You (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): You cannot raise this child with these symptoms.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): What?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): You`re acting as a crazy man right now. And you have been for many, many months. And you hit me and you hit her while she was in my hands! Mel, you are losing your mind. You need medication.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): You need a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) kick up the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) for being a (EXPLETIVES DELETED), gold digging (EXPLETIVE DELETED). And I want my child and no one will believe you.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And if that is Mel Gibson, he`s not reading from a script. But I completely understand when you hear that how you could think that she recorded him in some kind of studio and possibly read it from a script.
I don`t even think that matters if that`s the case, but perhaps it could bolster Mel`s extortion claim. That leads to the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Flashpoint - tonight could the audio tapes actually back fire on Oksana. Vinnie, what do you think?
POLITAN: I think there`s a possibility. OK, it doesn`t - you know, if in fact that`s Mel Gibson on the tapes, it does not necessarily help him, but it hurts her also and puts them on more equal footing for whatever they need to negotiate here.
Bu, yes, she`s got a problem here if in fact these things are illegally recorded and there was an attempt to get money, to extort money, it`s a problem. But then again, there`s always a fine line between negotiations and extortion sometimes.
I`d like to know who else is allegedly involved here. Does she have lawyers involved as well? And exactly, is there any recording or memorialization of these alleged conversations or negotiations or attempted extortion that she had with Mel Gibson?
So there`s a lot that needs to be done which is why I think the sheriff is doing the right thing here by opening up the investigation.
HAMMER: What do you think? Even if she had nothing to do with the release of the tapes as she claims, could the fact that they`re even out there to the point of our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, could that backfire on Oksana?
ZIEGLER: I think, yes. This is about credibility here. Who is telling the truth? Is there a purpose or was she really afraid that he was going to - Mel Gibson was going to come and hurt her again and her child.
HAMMER: Right.
ZIEGLER: So really, is it about protection under the domestic violence statute? Or is this really an extortion plot because she wanted $10 million or $15 million as alleged. So certainly, all of these points are going to come into play.
The question really becomes in the custody case what in fact is - did Mel Gibson say. You can be lured into something and you can be tape- recorded if there is an exception. But if it is authenticated and Mel Gibson said these things, they don`t help him at all.
HAMMER: All right. We don`t know what was going on, why she was motivated to record those and why she may have been motivated to write a script and push his buttons so he would say those things that may have already been out there, if you know what I`m saying about that.
Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has repeatedly reached out to Mel`s reps to verify the authenticity of the tapes. He hasn`t commented yet and I expect that he`s not going to any time soon.
In more big breaking Mel Gibson news today, in his moment of crisis, Mel is reportedly opening up to none other than, yes, Britney Spears. This may sound absolutely nuts, but Mel did reach out to Britney back in 2008. That was when she was spiraling out of control.
Now, there are reports floating around that Britney is coming to Mel`s rescue. Of course, there`s no way of really knowing if they`re talking on the phone every night as has been reported.
But Vinnie, what do you think, could Britney actually help Mel?
POLITAN: Well, I think he needs help if, in fact, that`s him on the tapes. He needs to speak to someone and maybe that`s a starting point, finding a friend who you can lean on, someone you can talk to, someone you can bounce things off of. But I mean this one is just crazy -
HAMMER: Yes.
POLITAN: Crazy - a crazy pair that you wouldn`t expect to be together. But hey, you know, wherever you reach out and find help, take it, because if that`s him on those tapes, he needs a friend.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, she certainly, Vikki, has experienced some low lows and I imagine he is right now.
ZIEGLER: Yes, she can probably say, "I`ve walked in your shoes. I know what you`re going through. I know it`s very difficult regardless of whether you did this or didn`t do this."
But I think that friendships are great. That`s wonderful. But professional mental help, I think Mel Gibson in some regard needs it. I don`t think he should be taking it from Britney Spears.
HAMMER: All right. Fair enough. Vikki, Vinnie Politan, I thank you both.
Now, let me turn it over to you. It`s our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll - "Mel Gibson`s Mess: Will the tapes back fire on Oksana? Here`s where you vote, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or you can E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Oh, this is going to be good. "The View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselback calls Kathy Griffin "scum." Yes, you heard me right. Can you say "smackdown?" Kathy`s fired-up response today. It is on now.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. PALIN: I think that Levi`s actions will speak louder than words. Then I think she`ll accept it and she`ll be happy for us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. We`ll see. Bristol Palin makes another bombshell announcement today. The bride-to-be reveals her mom, Sarah, not thrilled with her decision to marry Levi Johnston. Could this throw a monkey wrench into Bristol`s big wedding plans?
Say cheese. It`s the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT mug shot beauty contest. Lindsay, Paris, Nicole - up close and behind bars. But who`s got the best- looking mug? We crown the winner or loser today. 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: George Clooney to receive Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at Primetime Emmy Awards. Sandra Bullock and other celebs appeal for help with gulf oil disaster.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is not a gulf coast issue.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s a 50-state challenge.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is a national problem that requires a national solution.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And what can you do to help?
SANDRA BULLOCK, ACTRESS: What can you offer? Your voice. Speak up.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let our leaders know that America`s gulf coast is essential.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That they must take action.
UNISON: Sign the petition.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: A whale jumps out of the water and lands on a sailboat. Did you see this? It is no fish tale. A couple out for a day of whale watching off the coast of South Africa gets the surprise of a lifetime. The whale they`re watching suddenly goes, "Hey, get a load of this." I don`t know if he actually said that, but he jumps on board.
Authorities say the whale may have sustained a scratch or a bump. The couple, experienced sailors, say they were shaken but they were fine. And get this, somehow only minor damage was done to the boat. That is unbelievable.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Now, the surprising new name in the running to replace Simon Cowell on "American Idol." Plus, Jennifer Aniston`s scary stalker nightmare. All that making big news in "The Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Jen`s stalking scare. We just learned brand new details about the man accused of stalking Jennifer Aniston. TMZ reports Jason Peyton was also arrested in 2008 and charged with stalking a woman who was his neighbor, but was found not guilty by reason of insanity and hospitalized.
Peyton was arrested last week. Police say he was looking for Aniston and carrying sharp objects, duct tape, and love notes for her. He`s now locked up under a psychiatric hold.
Chris in for Cowell? "The Hollywood Reporter" has just revealed Chris Isaac is now in the running to fill Simon Cowell`s empty judge`s chair on "American Idol." Fox has reportedly met twice with Isaac. Also reportedly under consideration, Harry Connick, Jr., Bret Michaels, even Donald Trump.
Bristol and Levi`s reality check. Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston will reportedly only do a reality show if they get a commitment for a full season. "People" magazine says Bristol and Levi are reluctant to do a test pilot for the show.
Bristol and Levi may want to rethink that because "People" also reports there`s not a lot of interest in the show in the first place.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And that`s not the only big Bristol Palin news making a buzz today. Today, Bristol reveals that her mom, Sarah Palin, doesn`t approve of her marriage. Is trouble brewing for the Palins?
Joining me now in New York is Ben Widdicombe who is a celebrity journalist. And with me in New York, Megan Alexander, a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
Now, Sarah is not at all happy about her daughter`s engagement at all, not a bit. But Megan, can you blame her? I mean Levi Johnston essentially dragged the Palin name through the mud and then he cashed in on it.
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Exactly. Not one bit. And Bristol said it herself, actions speak louder than words here.
Sarah Palin has every right to be hesitant because Levi made serious accusations against her, then admitted he was lying and now wants to get back together with Bristol, possibly have a reality show. I think it`s a good thing that the family is being hesitant. Marriage is not just two people. It needs a support team.
I think the Palin family is reacting as they should. I hope Bristol is listening and I hope Levi takes the time to really prove that he really is sincere about wanting to get back together.
HAMMER: Well, it sounds like that`s what it`s going to take. But it does sound like a big battle could be brewing in the Palin family. And in a brand-new video released today by "Us Weekly" Bristol says Levi, to your point, Megan, really is going to have to shape up to gain her mom`s trust. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. PALIN: I think that Levi`s actions will speak louder than words. And I think that him stepping up and getting his education, GED and whatnot, getting a job and supporting us emotionally and financially and whatnot, then I think she`ll accept it and she`ll be happy for us. But, like I said, actions will speak louder than words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Hopefully, they`re having these conversations among themselves as well. But Levi Johnston supporting a wife and - you know, and a child financially and emotionally.
Ben, doesn`t that sound to you like a pretty tall order for the Levi Johnston we`ve gotten to know and, well, not loved so much?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: Well, it certainly seems like a turnaround, doesn`t it? I was extremely surprised at the announcement that the couple was once again engaged and frankly a little skeptical.
I`m wondering whether they don`t see their celebrity as kind of an income stream for them. There`s a question of whether "Us Weekly" paid them for the exclusive. And of course, if they get a reality show, they would expect to make money from that. So I`m wondering whether this isn`t just a way for them to make some cash.
HAMMER: Ben, has it really come down to that? Are people really parlaying relationships on such a grand level just for money? Could it be? Actually, yes, we`ve seen it before.
WIDDICOMBE: They`re the Heidi and Spencer of Alaska.
ALEXANDER: Oh, no.
HAMMER: That`s exactly right. Let`s move on, shall we? There`s another big feud happening today, this one between two people I happen to like quite a bit - Kathy Griffin and "The View`s" Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Now, Elisabeth just freaked out on "The View" after hearing that Kathy had jokingly called Republican Senator Scott Brown`s two daughters prostitutes during a scene on her show, "My Life on the D-List." Well, watch the feud on "The View."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HASSELBECK: We`ve always said politicians` kids are off limits. And women - just to call a woman a prostitute as a joke is disrespectful.
(CROSS TALK)
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": She`s kidding, she`s kidding.
GOLDBERG: If somebody talked about my daughter as a joke like that, I would beat their ass.
HASSELBECK: You`re a mother. You defend your daughter against some scum who comes after them and calls them something like a prostitute.
BEHAR: Are you calling Kathy a scum now? Are you calling her a scum?
(CROSS TALK)
SHEPHERD: This is coming out of your mouth and I`m wondering.
(CROSS TALK)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Elisabeth was hot about that. And of course, Kathy Griffin did respond today. Here`s what she said - this is a quote, "You have to remember that the genesis of that whole joke about Scott Brown was that when he won the election, he famously said, `My two daughters are available.` Then he was called a pimp in the Washington press. The bottom line is, lighten up!"
All right, Megan, I`m asking you to take sides here.
ALEXANDER: I know.
HAMMER: Are you on team Kathy or are you on team Elisabeth with this one?
ALEXANDER: If I was going to take this seriously, I would be on team Elisabeth. But I think arguing with a comedian, A.J., is rather pointless.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: Kathy Griffin`s show - she makes inappropriate, crude statements all through that show, so I can`t take her seriously. But then, Whoopi Goldberg got involved, who`s a comedian, and said it made her mad. So I think, OK, I`m on team Elisabeth.
HAMMER: It`s kind of a twisted little web here because it is based in something that was joked about in the press. Ben, Widdicombe, over to you. Team Elisabeth, team Kathy - name your choice.
WIDDICOMBE: I think I`m team Kathy. And the joke wasn`t in the best possible taste, let`s face it. But neither girl is a minor. It was no big deal. It was (UNINTELLIGIBLE) remark. So honestly, I think Kathy Griffin makes the world a more interesting place than Elisabeth Hasselbeck does.
HAMMER: You know, I was thinking, Kathy Griffin has been on "The View" quite a bit. I`m not so sure how it`s going to go for the next invitation here.
ALEXANDER: Oh, she`ll be back. She`ll be back.
HAMMER: Yes. And they`ll talk about it, I guess.
ALEXANDER: Yes, they will.
HAMMER: That`s what makes "The View," "The View." All right. I do want to move on right now to more big news that is in "The Buzz" today. Check it out. Put them up, Charles.
It`s the mug shot beauties. Yes, Lindsay Lohan just had her latest mug shot taken yesterday. That`s before she was thrown in the slammer. Let`s face it. It`s a pretty great shot, right?
But how does it stack up to these others, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie? Ben Widdicombe, Megan Alexander, who do you think should be crowned mug shot beauty queen? Stay where you are. We`re going to reveal who we choose in just a moment.
But first, we`re going to give you the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Christina Applegate reveals she is pregnant. Hollywood version of "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" scheduled to be released December 2011.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Brace yourselves. It`s time to play the SHOWBIZ mug shot beauty pageant. Lindsay Lohan has started her 90-day jail sentence, and with that comes this brand-new mug shot.
So how does this stack up to these other mug shot beauties, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Well, we have three, wild and crazy mug shots to choose from three troubled beauties. Which one will be crowned the mug shot beauty queen?
Let`s bring in your judges. Joining me right now in New York, Ben Widdicombe, celebrity journalist. With me in New York, Megan Alexander, a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
Charles, bring them up again - our three mug shot beauty contestants - Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. And you`ve got to admit, for three women just about to be thrown in the slammer, they all looked pretty good in those mug shots, didn`t they? Ben Widdicombe, who are you voting for?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, I have to say, I find it really interesting that all these women posed the same way. They tuck their chin down and they give the baleful expression to the camera.
But I`m a sucker for a statement hair-swoosh, A.J., so I`m going to go with Paris just for the hair.
HAMMER: What did he say? A swoosh?
WIDDICOMBE: A sucker for a statement - hair statement.
ALEXANDER: Statement. Statement.
HAMMER: Statement hair-swoosh. All right. That`s a little too - a little too stylized for me.
ALEXANDER: Very articulate -
HAMMER: Mug shot beauty queen - your pick, Megan Alexander?
ALEXANDER: A.J., I chose the woman than that has a better mug shot I think than high school year book photo which kids spend a lot of money on. And I`m convinced that the jail photographer indeed uses Photoshop because she looks too good, eyes too blue, hair too perfect. Paris Hilton.
HAMMER: All right. A little extra sparkle, air brushing going on. Well, I certainly cannot argue with your choice whatsoever because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names Paris Hilton the mug shot beauty queen. All right.
ALEXANDER: Whoo!
HAMMER: It`s worth-noting with Lindsay Lohan, we actually had a couple of mug shots to choose from. You remember back in 2007, she was arrested and the mug shot that was taken yesterday. Do we have that split screen, Charles? Can we put that up? Ben, which do you like better of these two?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, she`s definitely learned her lesson, hasn`t she? She`s got a little bit more makeup in the second one. She straightened her hair. I think she`s got it down in 2010.
HAMMER: And when you look at this picture, I mean, the pout, I think, also in the newer picture, Megan, really says something about how far she`s come. I don`t even know what that means.
ALEXANDER: We can learn so much from these mug shots, can`t we, A.J.? The best one of all time, Frank Sinatra in 1938. You`ve got to see it.
HAMMER: Could he be a mug shot beauty? You know -
ALEXANDER: He`s dreamy.
HAMMER: It`s funny and I do not want to veer too far off the tracks here. But when I think of mug shot beauties, there is only one that I think of. Do we have that handy, Charles? My favorite of all time, I told you once?
Yes, there it is. Ladies and gentlemen, am I right? Nick Nolte. I mean, honestly, is there anything wrong, Ben, with calling him a mug shot beauty queen? Please.
WIDDICOMBE: Everything wrong to call him mug shot beauty queen, A.J., yes.
HAMMER: All right. Well, let us just hope that we have seen the last of the mug shots to enter into the mug shot beauty queen contest at least from these starlets for the rest of this year.
Ben Widdicombe, Megan Alexander, I thank you for participating in this little bit of fun we attempted to have today.
Let`s wrap it up, shall we? That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT now live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. That`s Monday through Friday. And don`t forget, we are still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
END
