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Showbiz Tonight
Michael Douglas` Cancer Confessions; "Jersey Shore" Versus "Real Housewives of New Jersey"; Hungry Model Horror; Lindsay Lohan Blames Britney Spears?; Ashton Kutcher, Reportedly a Cheater?
Aired September 01, 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, CO-HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Michael`s shocking cancer confessions. Michael Douglas reveals startling news about his battle with throat cancer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL DOUGLAS, ACTOR: It`s a stage 4, which is intense, and so they`ve got to go at it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: How Michael`s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and kids are handling his brave fight.
It`s the no-holds-barred Jersey Shore-down today. Snooki versus Teresa -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TERESA GIUDICE, CAST MEMBER, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY": You pig!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: JWoww versus Jacqueline. "Jersey Shore," "Real Housewives of New Jersey." The "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" today - which show is the bigger train wreck?
Hungry model horror. Leonardo DiCaprio`s supermodel girlfriend goes off on super skinny, hungry-looking models today.
Lindsay blames Britney? Is Lindsay Lohan blaming Britney Spears today for her out-of-control behavior?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most-provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC) HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, coming to you from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi, there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with big news breaking today - Michael`s cancer confessions.
HAMMER: Michael Douglas is revealing graphic personal details about his brave battle with throat cancer in his first interviews since being diagnosed three weeks ago.
Details about just how bad his cancer really is. Details about the grueling radiation and chemotherapy he`s going through. And details about how his family and his famous wife are dealing with all of this today.
His TV interview with David Letterman left Letterman`s audience just gasping and totally shocked. But I can tell you Michael is clearly a fighter and he is absolutely determined to beat this thing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DOUGLAS: I got cancer.
HAMMER (voice-over): A powerful moment from a living legend. Today, the entire country is talking about Michael Douglas` brave appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," his first interview since announcing that he had throat cancer.
DOUGLAS: I finished my first week of radiation and chemo.
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": You`ve never looked better to me. This proves that you`re a tough guy, for god`s sake.
DOUGLAS: Let`s just say - let`s just say I`m pretty lit up. I`m pretty lit up right now.
HAMMER: Now, Douglas is sharing the intimate details of how he and his Oscar-winning wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, are dealing with his cancer struggle, both in his powerful and frank Letterman interview.
DOUGLAS: I smoked cigarettes and I drank. And this particular type of cancer is caused by alcohol and drinking.
HAMMER: And in a revealing cover story in the new "People" magazine, where Douglas bravely declares, quote, "I`m treating this as a curable disease. It`s a fight. I`ll beat this."
MIKE FLEEMAN, "PEOPLE": Michael Douglas is cautiously optimistic. But he is not downplaying how difficult this has been on him. It`s leaving him tired, in pain, and with a lot of uncertainty.
HAMMER: In his Letterman appearance, Douglas reveals what led up to his world-shattering diagnosis in early August.
DOUGLAS: I had a really sore throat early in the summer. And I actually went through a litany of doctors and tests. They didn`t find anything.
HAMMER: But after returning from a vacation with his wife and their two children - 10-year-old Dylan and seven-year-old Carys - Douglas got the shocking news. Doctors found a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue.
DOUGLAS: It`s a stage 4, which is intense, so they`ve got to go at it.
LETTERMAN: Did they find it early enough for their liking?
DOUGLAS: I sure hope so.
LETTERMAN: Yes.
HAMMER: Michael Douglas may be laughing about his late cancer diagnosis, but his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, is not. She tells "People," quote, "It makes me furious they didn`t detect it earlier. He sought every option and nothing was found."
FLEEMAN: Catherine Zeta-Jones is having a very hard time coping with Michael Douglas` cancer. She does not want to visit him in the hospital while he`s undergoing radiation.
HAMMER: Zeta-Jones tells "People," quote, I know maybe I should be stronger. But emotionally, I just don`t want to see that. But I`m right there when he comes home."
Now this superstar couple is trying their best to guide their children through Douglas` ordeal.
FLEEMAN: In the first week of Michael Douglas` treatment, his wife and children were away there on the beach in Bermuda. Michael Douglas tells "People," "I am not the kind of person who wants people around me when I`m sick."
HAMMER: Michael Douglas` cancer battle comes during a roller coaster year. He`s reprising his Oscar-winning role as Gordon Gekko in the upcoming sequel "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps."
DOUGLAS: Why don`t you start calling me Gordon?
HAMMER: But there have also been plenty of lows. This past April, his 31- year-old son, Cameron, began a five-year prison sentence on drug charges. And Douglas` first wife, Diandra, is suing him for half his earnings on the "Wall Street" sequel. Douglas talked about his run of bad luck on "Letterman."
DOUGLAS: It`s been a long year and I do think much of it is stress - stress-related.
HAMMER: But Douglas tells Letterman he`s optimistic about his chances of winning his cancer battle.
DOUGLAS: The percentages are - are very good. I would hate to say but right now it looks like it should be 80 percent.
LETTERMAN: Yes.
DOUGLAS: And with certain hospitals and everything, it does improve.
HAMMER: And Douglas` display of bravery was enough to touch the caustic Letterman.
LETTERMAN: I feel like I want to do something for you. Can I do something for you?
DOUGLAS: Ah, give me a hug.
LETTERMAN: All right, by god!
FLEEMAN: Michael Douglas is going about this cancer fight in a very straight forward and yet very realistic way. He`s being very open about it and very frank about it and maybe he can help others.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I`ve got to tell you, I`ve got nothing but immense respect for Michael Douglas. He`s obviously facing this battle head-on. So count me among those who are just inspired by his strength.
Joining me right now from Atlanta, Carlos Diaz. Carlos is a syndicated radio host, and Carlos is sitting in for Jane Velez-Mitchell all this week on "ISSUES" at 7:00 p.m. here on HLN. Right now, in Hollywood, Kim Serafin, who is a senior editor with "In Touch Weekly."
Guys, obviously, we`re always hearing how having the right attitude is so crucial when it comes to someone beating cancer. I am so impressed with how he`s handling himself and just keeping it together. I mean, Carlos, what an inspiration Michael Douglas is right now.
CARLOS DIAZ, SYNDICATED RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: A.J., I completely, completely agree with you. Anyone who watched this interview last night on David Letterman - I mean, David even said himself, "You look great." And I`ve had the honor - the honor of sitting down with Michael Douglas on a few different occasions.
And there is not a more inspirational person in Hollywood as far as - the guy is a born leader, if you will. I mean, you know, anyone - anyone who is my age and is a guy loves Gordon Gekko. And, you know, you love "An American President." He`s that way in real life.
I mean, he is just so charismatic. And you`re right, it`s the proper attitude. And if you look at him, he`s almost like, you know - he`s almost like, "Hey, cancer, you`re nothing compared to me. I got you, baby." You know?
HAMMER: Exactly right. And Carlos, you pointed out something that I think we all noticed and Letterman simply couldn`t not notice it. And he just seemed to not be able to believe that Douglas is in the midst of this aggressive chemo and radiation treatment, yet he`s still looking as good as he does. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LETTERMAN: I`m sorry to be dumb about this. But you look great and you don`t sound like you have throat cancer. Now, why is that?
DOUGLAS: Because I`m on stage.
(APPLAUSE)
Because Kirk would never - you know, he says, "Son, you`ve got to look good. You never know when you might have cancer."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, there`s a trained professional right there. You know, no doubt, Michael Douglas is in pain right now. He`s putting his best foot forward.
But Kim Serafin, I think it is especially impressive that, you know, instead of staying at home like a lot of people in his situation would do, he`s right there with a smile on his face, promoting "Wall Street`s" sequel, while going under his treatment.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Yes, exactly. He even opened with a joke. He said he found out about his cancer just about the time that he found out he was being booked on "Letterman."
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: So he said, you know, he`ll do anything to promote a film. But yes, you have to really give him credit. I mean, he really was out there. He was so open about everything.
And this is really what we`ve seen from him, even with everything with his son Cameron getting sentenced. He was very open and candid about that as well, talking about how he was partially to blame for being an absentee father.
So it`s not really surprising to see him do this. But just all the details he was giving to Dave, just really open. Even Dave asked him a couple of times, "Is it OK if I keep asking you questions?" He said, "Sure."
The gasps from the audience - it`s so impressive, so inspirational, really. And you just know he is fighting this.
HAMMER: Yes. Details including how much pain he is actually in these days. Michael Douglas even giving us a little glimpse of the tough road he knows he has ahead of him. Let`s take a look at that.
DOUGLAS: It`s sore. It hurts a lot. It comes in waves. Let`s put it this way. This is the first week. And the progression -
LETTERMAN: Still, in all -
DOUGLAS: It goes down.
LETTERMAN: Still, in all, I think it says a great deal to the hopeful outcome of this, that you`re just taking it head on, for god`s sakes.
DOUGLAS: You have to, but this is the first week.
LETTERMAN: Right.
DOUGLAS: And the chemo and the radiation - the radiation continues to burn your mouth and it becomes more difficult to swallow. You can`t take solids.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. So he`s in the first week of his eight weeks of treatment. I`ve got to tell you, I`m supposed to sit down with Michael next week. And I know he`s got a ton of other interviews on his schedule.
I don`t think anybody would be upset at all if Michael decided, "You know what, I`m going to sit out the rest of this movie promotion." Carlos Diaz, Kim Serafin, I thank you both.
ANDERSON: OK. We all wish Michael Douglas well in his battle with cancer. He certainly is a huge inspiration. But now, I do want to move to this. Lindsay blames Britney?
I was so pleasantly surprised to hear that Lindsay Lohan was finally taking responsibility for her bad behavior. But is she now blaming Britney Spears for the mess she`s gotten herself into?
And I really don`t get this at all. There is new proof out today even after all those reported tapes of Mel Gibson making scary, terrible threats against his ex, he still has a ton of fans. What?
And a Jersey Shore-down today. "Jersey Shore," "Real Housewives of New Jersey" -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GIUDICE: You piece of (EXPLETIVE DELETED)! You (EXPLETIVES DELETED). You are a piece of garbage!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" today - which show is the bigger train wreck? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow, Will Smith to be part of "Stand Up to Cancer." Taylor Swift debuts new music video for "Mine."
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
A startling cancer scare for Dr. Oz. The host of "The Dr. Oz Show" underwent a colonoscopy as part of the new season of his show. And doctors actually found a precancerous growth. Now, they had to take it out because, if left behind, it could become colon cancer.
Dr. Oz tells "People" magazine this really was a big shakeup for him especially because he does not have a family history of colon cancer.
ANDERSON: Now, it is the scary-skinny great debate as Fashion Week revs up in New York City. Supermodel Bar Rafaeli, who also happens to be Leonardo DiCaprio`s girlfriend, is speaking out against the standard of super-skinny models that she sees everywhere.
She tweets this, "I get so sad when I see 15-year-old pale, extremely skinny models at the agency looking all shaky and hungry. When will it end?"
Well, Bar, that is our big question today. When will the scary-skinny trend end? Hollywood`s biggest stars are weighing in today, so is our expert panel.
Joining me right now in New York, Janelle Snowden, host of "VH1 News." Also right now, in New York, Ben Widdicombe, who is a celebrity journalist. Janell, Ben, you know it`s bad when supermodels who are slender start speaking out against the scary-skinny Hollywood standard.
But, Janell, does that mean anything is going to change? I do think it is a step in the right direction.
JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": It definitely is. I mean, it`s good to be conscious of it. There`s thin and there`s scary thin. And unfortunately, what we`re seeing a lot with Fashion Week especially coming up around the corner is, you know, a bunch of scary thin girls, like Bar said, who look like they need to eat a Twinkie or something.
So I think as long as we are conscious of it and we`re not continuously employing these girls that look like they need to eat a Twinkie or two, then that`s saying something. I think we just need to encourage healthy body image. I mean, the bottom line is I don`t think that it`s ever going to change, that you`re going to see plus-sized models all over the Fashion Week runways. But it`s a business after all. The clothes are sample- sized.
ANDERSON: But the standard - I think you`re right. The standard should be healthy, at least. Well, Kristen Bell, an actress starring in the new romantic comedy, "You Again," tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that being scary-skinny is still a real problem, and the only way to fix it is for Hollywood to speak up. Watch what she had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KRISTEN BELL, ACTRESS: There is an unrealistic, unattainable idea of beauty that is disguised as a standard and it`s been happening for years. And it may always happen, until women like us kind of talk about it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Ben, I think Hollywood does have a responsibility to combat the scary-skinny standard. But do you think talking is enough? I think talking is great, but shouldn`t they maybe take it a step further? Band together and not be scary-skinny, some of them?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: Well, the problem with the fashion industry, Brooke, is that there really isn`t a lot of will to do anything. Because, as Kristen said, I think, very articulately, there`s this level of hypocrisy about this ideal body image that people are pretending is a standard.
But really, the average person can never achieve it, which is why this vulnerable young women, who go into fashion modeling, abuse their bodies with eating disorders or drug addictions trying to attain that.
So I think, actually, talking about it is an important first step. And that`s probably the most we can expect right now.
ANDERSON: Well, speaking of talking about it, you know, we typically hear women in Hollywood addressing body image. But take a listen to this. A celebrity dude, LL Cool J, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that he agrees scary- skinny is a serious problem in Hollywood. Watch.
LL COOL J, RAP ARTIST: I don`t think the emphasis should be put on, you know, a woman having to be rail-thin. You know, most men probably would appreciate a woman that isn`t quite like rail-thin. Everyone is not going to be, you know, 5`11" and 100 pounds. That`s just not the reality.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Janell, here`s what I don`t get - if supermodels, if major celebrities, if weight experts all agree that there`s a big problem with scary-skinny role models, why the heck isn`t the standard of beauty changing?
SNOWDEN: It`s the million dollar question, Brooke. I`ll be honest, I have on a sample dress now that I borrowed from our wardrobe closet, and it`s so tight, I can barely breathe.
So I`m telling you, I think that something has definitely got to change, but it`s not going to happen until the designers, who are throwing the shows, who are casting the models -
ANDERSON: Yes.
SNOWDEN: Say, "You know what? I`m not hiring a girl who is under this ratio - under this weight ratio."
ANDERSON: Yes.
SNOWDEN: So until then - yes.
ANDERSON: Take a stand. Take that first step. Janell Snowden, Ben Widdicombe, thank you both.
HAMMER: We`re getting so many posts on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook wall today about Sandra Bullock`s very first TV interview since her no-good, now ex-hubby cheated on her.
Pattie S. writes this about Sandy and her son, "Sandra, we love you, girl. Louis, you`re beautiful and you have a wonderful mother who will have your back forever. There`s no lies there. Take this one to the bank."
Amanda S. adding, "What she went through is what a lot of women around the world go through. If she can get through this ordeal, she`ll come out stronger than she went into it."
ANDERSON: It`s an all-out "Jersey Shore-down" today. "Jersey Shore" versus "Real Housewives of New Jersey." On one side, you`ve got Snooki and you`ve got JWoww. The other, Teresa and Jacqueline. The "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" today - which show is the bigger train wreck?
I`ve got some really big great news for Fantasia today. Just days after trying to take her own life, this news has got to make Fantasia really happy.
And Bristol "Dancing" drama today. Bristol Palin doing "Dancing with the Stars." The unbelievable results of our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll - "Bristol, Levi Johnston: Who do you think is the bigger fame seeker?" This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Jamie Foxx to produce new sketch comedy show on Fox. Matthew McConaughey`s sexy new ad for Dolce and Gabbana fragrance.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Making news today - some great news for Fantasia. Her brand-new album, "Back to Me" - it`s number one on the billboard R & B album chart, number two on the Top 200 album chart today. This comes just a few weeks after Fantasia tried to kill herself.
So obviously, we`re all very happy for Fantasia today. Hang in there, Fantasia. You certainly have a very bright future ahead of you.
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. We are rooting for Fantasia. All right. I cannot wait to show you this. Our friends over at Turner Sports and TBS are teaming up with Kid Rock today. TBS is broadcasting the major league baseball playoffs and they made this awesome video with Kid, using the title track off his upcoming new album "Born Free." here`s your first look.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: I like, A.J.
HAMMER: All right. Yes. Sounds pretty good. I was trying to figure out the name of the song though.
Brooke, our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been dancing with tons of calls coming in about Bristol Palin doing "Dancing with the Stars."
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. We asked, who is the bigger fame seeker - Bristol or her ex and father of her baby, Levi Johnston? Sarah from New York thinks both of them are a disaster.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SARAH, CALLER FROM NEW YORK: What a joke. "Dancing with the Stars" - the Palin girl is going to dance? She`s not a star. She`s just as bad as Levi. The two of them really should get together. They`re both a bunch of (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I can`t see her as a star. She`s not a star. What the heck is going on?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Sarah.
HAMMER: All right. We also have Sandra calling in from Arizona who says, "Good for you, Bristol."
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SANDRA, CALLER FROM ARIZONA: She`s got a baby to support. And she`s probably trying to catch him and make as much money as she can on the front end of this before it goes away so she can take care of her baby, because evidently, Levi isn`t man enough to step up to the plate. So good for her.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thanks a lot, Sandra.
ANDERSON: And the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open 24/7, so give us the ring. Here`s the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899.
HAMMER: Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Lindsay blaming Britney? The startling news today that Lindsay Lohan`s actually blaming Britney Spears for her problems.
Wow. I never thought this day would come. Paris Hilton banned from Las Vegas? That`s kind of like - I don`t know - banning Snooki from the beach.
And shocking claims today that Ashton Kutcher is cheating on Demi Moore. Ashton himself sets the record straight. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "Full House`s" Jodie Sweetin gives birth to second child, baby girl named Beatrix. Demi Moore tweets pictures of her in a bikini.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Lindsay`s Britney blame game. Lindsay Lohan blaming Britney Spears for her bad behavior today?
And "Jersey Shore" wars -
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": (EXPLETIVE DELETED). I was wearing my corset. I was like, you know what? I look slutty but I don`t give a (EXPLETIVE DELETED). I can wear whatever the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) I want.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Snooki versus Teresa. The Situation versus Danielle. "Jersey Shore," "Real Housewives of New Jersey." The "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" today - which show is the bigger train wreck?
The Bristol Palin "Dancing" controversy. Bristol does "Dancing with the Stars," but who is the bigger fame seeker today - Bristol or Levi Johnston? The shocking results of our exclusive poll.
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," the stars who rejected "Dancing with the Stars." And Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus team up.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with big news breaking today - Lindsay blames Britney? In a brand-new interview with "Vanity Fair," Lindsay Lohan is blaming Britney Spears for her out-of-control party girl behavior.
HAMMER: Yes. This is amazing. In her new interview, Lindsay does take some responsibility for screwing up her own career as a result of what she calls dabbling in certain things. But Lindsay also comes out swinging about why she feels Britney is to blame for her partying ways.
With me right now from Atlanta is Carlos Diaz. Carlos is a syndicated radio host. He`s also sitting in this week as guest host on "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL," 7:00 p.m. Eastern right here on HLN. In New York, Janelle Snowden who is a host with "VH1 News."
I`ve got to say, I do give Lindsay some credit. She deserves that. She did take some responsibility in this new interview with "Vanity Fair." She even opened up about some of the mistakes she has made.
However, she did place some of the blame squarely on Britney Spears, of all people. Brooke Anderson, what exactly did she say about that? This blows my mind.
ANDERSON: Well, A.J. - yes, me, too. According to Lindsay, partying in the night clubs was the thing to do; even Britney Spears was doing it. In her interview with "Vanity Fair," she says, "Tabloids were becoming, like, the main source of news in the world, which is really scary and sad. And I would look up to those girls in the tabloids, the Britneys and whatever. And I would be, like, I want to be like that."
Oh, my word. That is sad because Lindsay is basically admitting here she`s never really been her own person. She`s just been following the crowd. And eventually, you know, Lindsay veered off the tracks more than Britney ever did, because, correct me if I`m wrong, but Britney never went to jail.
Carlos, should Lindsay just suck it up and take, not some responsibility, but full responsibility here? Stop blaming things on Britney Spears.
DIAZ: Do you get the feeling that Lindsay, during this interview, had like a little angel on this side and a devil on this side? You know, take full responsibility. Not full responsibility. Not all of it.
I mean, that - what is wrong with just saying, "I messed up. I`m turning over a whole new leaf. I take full responsibility?" I bet your producers out there that, you know, are running studios would say, "Listen, we`ve never heard this before, I want to cast her in my new movie," then boom, her career is back on track.
HAMMER: Yes. And I`ve got to say, I think that what Lindsay`s saying about Britney inspiring her bad behavior is pretty much a copout. She wanted to get out there and make the same headlines that Britney was making.
Nobody forced her to do that. So I think, really, in the end, she has no one to blame but herself and of course all of her enablers who didn`t rein her in. Janelle, are you with me?
SNOWDEN: Exactly. I was just going to say, OK, first, accept full responsibility. You always have to ask yourself, "What responsibility am I willing to take for my actions?" Then, if you want to blame anybody, blame your parents.
I mean, could you find bigger train wrecks? Like, it`s so sad that she`s saying she has to rely on the tabloids for her inspiration -
HAMMER: Yes.
SNOWDEN: For her role models. Like, you know, if she can`t look at her mother and say, "You know what? That`s a great woman. I aspire to be like her," there`s a problem. Granted, not all mothers are role models but come on, I just - I give up.
HAMMER: Yes. No secret though where Lindsay`s mom is involved, too - big red flag. But wait, of course there is more as you might expect. Lindsay says, you know, despite all the mistakes that she has made, she does want her career back. We can understand that.
Here`s what she tells "Vanity Fair" about that, "I want the respect that I had when I was doing great movies and if that takes not going out to a club at night, then so be it. It`s not fun anyway. I don`t care. It`s the same thing every time."
She goes on to say, "I think that I went through a really rocky patch but I can say for myself that I`ve looked back on my past and I`m a completely different person now. Everything happens for a reason so I`m grateful that I can learn younger in life."
So Lindsay says she wants respect back. But Carlos, hearing her blaming Britney and others for the problems makes me think, "Yes. OK, maybe she`s a different person now, but statements like that don`t command my respect." What about you?
DIAZ: When I think of great movies, I think of "Citizen Kane," "The Godfather," "Herbie Fully Loaded" -
HAMMER: OK. Everything in its context, Carlos.
DIAZ: Yes. I know. Here`s the thing. You`re right. She needs to, you know, take ownership of her problems. But the thing is, she - when you hear references about Lindsay Lohan, it`s always "Mean Girls" star Lindsay Lohan.
Lindsay, that should tell you something. That`s what you`re known for, a movie that came out several years ago. When people are still referring to you in that status, that is not a good thing for your career.
HAMMER: Yes. And all this said, and I think you guys are with me, I`m still rooting for her. I really hope we do see a change moving forward.
SNOWDEN: Yes.
HAMMER: But Speaking of bad behavior, let`s talk about Paris Hilton`s bad behavior in Las Vegas over the weekend, you know, that led to her felony cocaine arrest. That may actually hit Paris` pocketbook, her own pocketbook.
A spokesman for the Las Vegas resorts, Wynn and Encore, confirmed to "People" magazine late today that Paris Hilton has been banned, banned I say, from their properties.
Now, this news comes on the high heels of another report by "People" magazine that no one in Vegas wants to pay Paris to party in their place of business. Janell, she got paid a whole lot of money to party in Vegas. I think Paris is probably freaking out about this.
SNOWDEN: She might be, but let`s be real - she`s also a Hilton. She has a trust fund. She`ll be OK. It`s all right if she doesn`t get to go to the Wynn or to Encore or wherever else in Vegas. I mean, she`s OK.
HAMMER: OK.
SNOWDEN: And it might be motivation for her to find a real source of income.
HAMMER: Brooke Anderson, apparently, though, even if you are an heiress, what happens in Vegas can get you kicked out of Vegas.
ANDERSON: Yes, no doubt. I think it might be a while before Paris is dancing on the tables at (UNINTELLIGIBLE) again, A.J.
And, you know, club owners don`t need to be promoting this type of behavior. They know it can get them shut down faster than they can say, "Another round of tequila, please." So they`ve got to be smart here in how they use Paris going forward.
All right. I`ve got to move now from partying Paris to Bristol Palin`s new famed face-off with her ex-fiance, Levi Johnston. Yesterday we learned that Bristol is joining the cast of "Dancing with the Stars."
Before this it was Levi who was hobnobbing in Hollywood, making music videos, showing up on red carpets. But now, it appears that Bristol is seeking the same thing.
So in our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll, we asked our viewers - "Bristol Palin on `Dancing with the Stars`: Who is the bigger fame seeker, Bristol or Levi?" Sixty-four percent said Levi.
I got to say, I agree with our voters. Levi is trying to run for mayor of Wasilla on a reality show for crying out loud. If that`s not a publicity stunt, I don`t know what is. Carlos, do you agree with our voters?
DIAZ: Oh, man, Brooke. I hate to disagree with you but come on.
ANDERSON: Come on, Carlos!
DIAZ: Brooke, hold on. Hold on. You`re killing Levi here for what he`s doing. What Bristol Palin is doing is the same thing. She`s dancing on a show called "Dancing with the Stars." How is she a star? What has she done which is star-worthy? Besides, she gave birth too young.
ANDERSON: She`s a bigger household name than a lot of those people they cast. You`ve got to give her that.
DIAZ: Because of her mommy, not because of any other reason. I`d love both of them in the same pathetic category.
SNOWDEN: With you.
ANDERSON: OK. Janelle, very quickly.
SNOWDEN: Yes.
ANDERSON: Who`s the bigger fame seeker in your mind?
SNOWDEN: I`m going to have to agree with Carlos on this one.
ANDERSON: Oh.
SNOWDEN: And if - you know - I mean - come, Bristol is a celebrity only because her mom has made her so. Levi can choose to step out of the spotlight. But until Sarah Palin decides to disappear, then Bristol won`t.
ANDERSON: All right. All right.
SNOWDEN: So they`re one and the same.
ANDERSON: I`m just outnumbered here. I`ll leave it there. I won`t fight anymore. Carlos Diaz, Janell Snowden, thanks.
HAMMER: Yes. I`m not going to vote on that one. I don`t want to get in trouble. All right. I can`t wrap my head around this next one. Mad Mel still a box office hit? Even after the horrible rants allegedly by Mel Gibson caught on tape, we have got brand-new evidence today that Mel is still really popular with his fans. So I`ve got to wonder, what are people thinking?
A brand-new Jersey Shore-down. Snooki`s "the Jersey Shore." Teresa`s "the Real Housewives of New Jersey." I think they`re all a mess, but who will win this reality TV smack-down?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GIUDICE: You piece of (EXPLETIVE DELETED). You (EXPLETIVES DELETED). You are a piece of garbage!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. We are asking in today`s "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint," which show is the bigger train wreck?
And superheroes banned? You`ve got to see what these superheroes got them so riled up and begging for a hero to rescue them today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Here`s the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: MTV has best summer ratings in three years with "Jersey Shore" and "Teen Mom." Justin Bieber joined onstage in NYC by Miley Cyrus, Usher, Ludacris, Boyz II Men.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with A.J. Hammer in New York.
Making news today, has Ashton Kutcher been cheating on Demi Moore? "Star" magazine reports Ashton was caught making out with a younger woman. Well, Ashton took to his trusty Twitter account today to set the record straight and to say that he`s not a happy camper.
Well, to say that would be an understatement. He`s threatening legal action, tweeting, "I think `Star` magazine calling me a cheater qualifies as defamation of character. I hope my lawyer agrees. `Star` magazine, you don`t get to stand behind freedom of the press when you are writing fiction."
Whoo, it doesn`t sound like Ashton is punking this tabloid. He`s really mad.
HAMMER: And I get why. Well, moving on now to big Snooki news in "The Buzz" today. "Jersey Shore" star Snooki says "I don`t" to marriage. Bethenny Frankel says she`s no longer a real housewife. And mad Mel Gibson remarkably still has tons of fans even after those shocking tapes allegedly of him going off on his ex.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Snooki`s big slap-down. "Jersey Shore`s" Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi just dissed her boyfriend`s very public marriage proposal. Jeff Miranda proposed to Snooki on a magazine cover, but Snooki may have broken his heart.
She says she`s not shopping for wedding dresses any time soon, tweeting, "Just want to set the record straight. I`m single and I`m not going to get married."
Bethenny calls it quits. Newly married Bethenny Frankel is dropping out of "The Real Housewives of New York." She tells "Us Weekly" in a brand-new interview she doesn`t, quote, "See any reason to go back for season four."
Last season, Bethenny`s former BFF, Jill Zarin, badmouthed her to the others and Bethenny can`t seem to get past it, "Last season was scary and painful," she says. Frankel`s spin-off show, "Bethenny Getting Married," was a huge summer hit on Bravo.
Mel`s still got mojo? Mel Gibson`s still got game at the box office despite being caught up in a gigantic scandal. According to a just- released "60 Minutes"/"Vanity Fair" poll, an unbelievable three-quarters of Americans say the audiotapes reported to be Gibson in racist violent rants with his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva have had absolutely no effect on their decision to go see his movies.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: After all the scandals Mel has found himself in, I cannot believe that people still want to see Mel Gibson on the big screen. Is Mel Gibson Hollywood`s new Teflon star?
Joining me in New York, Noelle Nikpour, who is a columnist for "South Florida Sun Sentinel." Also in New York is Ben Widdicombe, who is a celebrity journalist.
Noelle, Ben, I`ve got to just say, I am just baffled by the results of this poll. It seems to me that people are just ignoring the fact that Mel allegedly berated, verbally and emotionally abused the mother of his child. He could potentially be charged with domestic abuse.
Ben, can you explain to me why people are still happily willing to see Mel Gibson in film?
WIDDICOMBE: I`m with you, Brooke. I`m very surprised. And remember, this is Mel`s third strike.
ANDERSON: Yes.
WIDDICOMBE: In the `90s he got in trouble for saying homophobic things. He had that very well-documented anti-Semitic rant. He was pulled over for DUI in Malibu. Now, he wriggled out of that one by playing the rehab card.
But when the world heard these awful things he said to the mother of his child, I thought that would be the last straw. And I`m especially surprised that so many women are prepared to buy tickets to his films. I`m very surprised by that.
ANDERSON: Absolutely. You know, and this isn`t the first time we have seen Hollywood stars bounce back from scandal so easily. You know, we`ve seen stars like Rob Lowe and Charlie Sheen going through pretty embarrassing public scandals.
Noel, is Mel Gibson the latest example of a Teflon Hollywood star, in your opinion?
NOELLE NIKPOUR, COLUMNIST, "SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL": Well, you know, bottom line, we want to be entertained. You know, when the weekend comes and I`m off work, I want to sit with a big thing of popcorn and a coke and I want to be entertained.
So, you know what, he may not be the best partner or the best husband, and he`s certainly, you know, no great driver, drinking and driving.
ANDERSON: The best? Nowhere near being the best, Noelle.
NIKPOUR: But still, Brooke, we want to be entertained. And I think the public has a way to separate his tragic personal life from his great ability to act.
ANDERSON: I don`t know. I think people should care more. We cannot be ambivalent. People should not get a pass for horrible, abusive behavior.
NIKPOUR: True. True.
ANDERSON: It is unacceptable. But I get your point. I do. OK, I`ve got to move to this now because there is some big news coming out of the new "Jersey Shore" today. "The Jersey Shore" and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" are breaking records.
Take a look at this. "The Jersey Shore" broke its own record with 5.8 million viewers tuning in to watch Snooki and The Situation get their tan on. And 3.9 million people tuned in to watch "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" reunion show.
These numbers are just unbelievable. They`re higher ratings than some sitcoms get. I`m thinking, Tom, George, Jennifer, you need to all pack your bags, move to a new mansion on "The Jersey Shore," because it looks like Jersey is the new Hollywood. Ben, do you agree?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, I think it is. And I`ll be very interested to see what the viewers of the show from New Jersey say on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page, because, basically, their state is being made terrible fun of. So it`s amusing for the other 49 states. I`m not sure so it`s much fun if you`re actually from New Jersey.
ANDERSON: Yes, I know. A lot of people do not like how their beloved state is being portrayed. OK, while both shows are pulling in humongous ratings and giving Jersey, like you say, a whole new name for itself, the now-infamous Teresa Giudice from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is saying that the two shows are nothing alike.
But Teresa, I beg to differ. There`s drama. There`s yelling. There`s cat fighting. So that brings us to our "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Flashpoint" today. Here`s our question - Which Jersey show is a bigger train wreck - "Jersey Shore" or "The Real Housewives of New Jersey"? Noelle, what gets your vote?
NIKPOUR: Oh, hands down, it`s got to be "The Jersey Housewives." I mean, let`s face it. "Jersey Shore" - those are young kids and they`re being silly. You know, you can chalk it up to youth or whatever. But look at the Jersey housewives. I mean, these are adults acting like fools.
ANDERSON: You know, I think some of the "Housewives" drama is a little bit contrived. And I know it`s probably that way on "The Jersey Shore" as well. But Ben, I`m thinking Snooki and The Situation are really just kind of acting naturally, embracing their inner train wrecks.
WIDDICOMBE: Well, I think they`re being their own selves. You`re right. And I was surprised anything could be any trashier than "The Jersey Shore."
But I have to say I think "The Real Housewives" with their reunion special came behind for the win. They are just outrageous. It`s a competition just for the bottom - it`s a race for the bottom of the barrel.
ANDERSON: Oh, it was over the top. Noelle Nikpour, Ben Widdicombe, thank you both.
HAMMER: Moving on, a superhero outrage. The Hulk, Superman, even a Power Ranger banned. In fact, these usually "have no fear" guys are scared today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A lot of people are really afraid to come out dressed up because they`ve been arrested. They`ve been harassed. They`ve been criminally profiled.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You have got to see what`s got these heroes so stinking mad. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
TEXT: Condoleezza Rice, Sly Stallone among stars who turned down "Dancing with the Stars." Bradley Cooper and Ryan Reynolds teaming up for cop comedy.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Did you see this? Superhero outrage in Hollywood. If you`ve ever been to Hollywood Blvd., maybe you`ve had your photo taken with one of your favorite superheroes, people dressed up like Superman, like the Incredible Hulk.
But they`ve been banned. Police accuse these guys of harassing people. Today, the costume heroes took to city hall in Los Angeles to fight this ban. But when only four of them showed up, the superheroes found themselves somewhat powerless.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A little disappointed because it all starts with a team.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s not much of a turnout. But you know what, it`s getting the word out there.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A lot of people are really afraid to come out dressed up because they`ve been arrested. They`ve been harassed. They`ve been criminally profiled.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And costumed superman, whom I met, nice guy, he reportedly believes there should be a superhero screening process enforced so that they can weed out the good from the evil.
HAMMER: Wow. Conan O`Brien finally reveals the name of his new show. Conan is making his big return to late night after that whole "Tonight Show" mess earlier this year.
So what the heck is he going to name his show? Well, in a brand-new video posted online today, Conan made the big reveal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CONAN O`BRIEN, COMEDIAN: They want to know, I`ve got the answer. I`ve spent millions of dollars. I`ve had media research companies. We`ve had thousands of people working around the clock and we have got it. Drum roll, please -
It`s more of a cat purring, sorry. And - bam! There it is - "Conan." Simple, pure, like the man himself. Actually, this N looks like a "W." "Conaw." "Conaw" - coming on TBS.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Very funny. In a statement today, Conan says he dropped O`Brien to get away from, quote, "the whole Irish thing" as he put it. The "Conaw" show debuts on HLN`s sister network, TBS, on November 8th.
ANDERSON: All right. On Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. I did just get those final results. We asked, Bristol Palin on "Dancing with the Stars," who is the bigger fame seeker, Bristol or her ex-and the father of her baby, Levi Johnston? Only 36 percent say Bristol. So (UNINTELLIGIBLE) - I mean, 64 percent say Levi.
A couple E-mails here. Jennifer from Oklahoma writes, "I think both Bristol and Levi are both fame seekers. The only difference is that he is more obvious about it."
Ali adds, "Bristol has begun to like the limelight like her mother. They can`t seem to stay away in Alaska now that they have gone to Tinseltown. Levi and Bristol both like the limelight equally." Thanks for your E- mails.
HAMMER: Yes. See, Brooke, you`ve got some people on your side there.
ANDERSON: Yes, I do.
HAMMER: Yes. Levi got a lot more votes there. All right. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Don`t forget, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is now live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday.
HAMMER: And still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week at 11:00 a.m. Eastern and Pacific here on HLN.
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