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Showbiz Tonight
Is Brett Favre Finally Telling All?; Reality Show Dangers; Russell Brand and Katy Perry Now Married; Mel Gibson`s "Hangover" Issue; Stars in Danger?
Aired October 25, 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 - is Brett Favre finally telling all about sexting? Startling reports today about what Favre is admitting and what he`s not. What Favre may be saying now about claims he texted photos of his private parts to a female reporter.
The odd couple. Big-time ladies` man Russell brand marries quirky Katy Perry. Russell and Katy married at last. The SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today, will it last?
Mel Gibson, hot over "Hangover"? Mel reportedly furious today over getting fired from the "Hangover" sequel and why he`s being compared to Mike Tyson. The SHOWBIZ great debate - was it wrong to fire Mel?
Stars in danger? Hollywood`s biggest stars telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why they are seriously worried today about a disturbing new way to track them down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn`t know that existed. That`s really creepy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from Hollywood with Brooke Anderson.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: That`s right, A.J. And we`ve got big news breaking today. Has Brett dropped a bombshell? The day after superstar quarterback, Brett Favre, again took the field there`s a startling report today about what he may have admitted about playing the field.
HAMMER: That`s right, Brooke. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today that Favre`s game last night on NBC`s "Sunday Night Football" was, by far, the number one show on television. Listen to this - more than 22 million people watched that game. Those are "American Idol" numbers.
But Favre had a terrible game and I`ve got to wonder if it had something to do with the news everywhere today that the married grandfather has admitted for the very first time he did leave voicemails for a female reporter.
But what is he saying about the claims that besides calling her cell phone, he also texted her pictures of his private parts and those pictures have now been made very public? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the brand new furor over Favre.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Attention pro athletes - we`re here to warn you about a danger that these days is bringing down almost as many superstar athletes as knee injuries. It`s the ill-advised romantic voicemail to would-be mistresses. And today, it claimed another superstar, Brett Favre, who is reportedly making a brand-new bombshell admission.
Today, the Brett Favre sex scandal has exploded into Tiger Woods-ian proportions. Fox Sports is now reporting that Favre, a married father of two, is admitting to NFL investigators that he did, indeed, leave voicemails to Jenn Sterger, who worked as a hostess for the New York jets when he played there two years ago.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Brett Favre): Send me a text. Love to see you tonight.
HAMMER: "Deadspin.com posted" scandalous voicemails it says a man who sounded Favre left back in 2008 for Sterger, who is now an on-air personality for the sports channel, Versus.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Brett Favre): All right. Well, I`m still trying. CNN hasn`t confirmed if the voice on the recordings is Favre`s.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Brett Favre): All right. Well, I`m still trying. If can you make it, it would be great.
PIAZZA: If you listen to these voicemails, it`s the pleas of a sorry man who keeps getting shot down.
HAMMER: "Deadspin.com" also posted something we won`t be showing you - sexually explicit, below-the-waist photos that the site claims were also sent to Sterger. Today, Favre reportedly is addressing that claim as well.
PIAZZA: The new Fox Sports report says that Brett has admitted that he sent voicemails to Jenn Sterger, but has denied that he sent explicit text message pictures to her.
HAMMER: Today, both the NFL and Sterger`s rep told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT they`re not commenting on those new reports that Favre admitted to the voicemails. Favre hasn`t said much about the scandal either. And Favre`s wife of 14 years is operating from Brett`s play book.
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": How are you and Brett to the handling this?
DEANNA FAVRE, BRETT FAVRE`S WIFE: I`m handling this through faith, Robin. Faith has gotten me through many difficult struggles. It will get me through this one.
HAMMER: But even if the Favre`s aren`t saying anything, everyone else.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Well, for me, nothing works better than the all-new open-fly jeans from Wrangler.
HAMMER: "Saturday Night Live" hit Favre below the belt this weekend referring to Favre`s scandal with this spoof of his famous ad for Wrangler jeans.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With open-fly jeans, it`s always out and camera-ready.
PIAZZA: Your scandal has gone viral once "Saturday Night Live" picks you up.
HAMMER: But this sexting scandal is no laughing matter to Favre. It`s killing his long-time image as the affable family man who has no trouble making fun of himself, whether in commercials -
BRETT FAVRE, NFL QUARTERBACK: When you`re older than most of the fans and owners and coaches, it`s tough taking orders from people.
HAMMER: Or in his cameo appearances in comedies like "There`s Something About Mary."
BEN STILLER, ACTOR: What about Brett Favre?
PIAZZA: Brett Favre has $7 million in endorsements going on right now. And those endorsements could be up for grabs pretty soon.
HAMMER: And entertainment journalist, Jo Piazza, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT between Tiger and now, Brett, athletes really need to learn a lesson.
PIAZZA: I don`t know why these guys think that they can just leave behind these bread crumbs of evidence and no one`s going to be any the wiser. I think these guys need to go to "How to Have an Affair 101: Those Things You Don`t Do." Don`t leave voicemails. Don`t send text messages.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Yes. How about not having any affairs, period? Well, that`s probably wishful thinking at this point. Brett Favre`s brand-new bombshell today that he reportedly left voicemails to Jenn Sterger, but never sent lewd cell photos leads to a great debate today that came down to one simple question - do you believe Brett Favre?
Right now, in Hollywood, Tony Potts, who is a correspondent and the weekend co-host for "Access Hollywood." Also, right now, in New York, Taryn Winter Brill, who is a TV journalist.
Let me just say, Brett better be telling the truth here because "Deadspin.com," which first revealed the voicemails and alleged that the lewd photos are of Favre, is saying today that the photos, the voicemails came from the same cell number. So Tony Potts, right to you - do you believe Brett just left voicemails and nothing more?
TONY POTTS, CORRESPONDENT AND WEEKEND CO-HOST, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD": Boy, that sounds like a tough one if it`s both from the same phone, same mail. The thing is, you were talking about bread crumbs in your piece there.
I think they left more like hotdogs, you know, wieners and burgers along the way. Anybody could see this. And it`s true, though. If you don`t want anything - voicemails, Twitter - anything you put up on a main street bill board in your hometown for your mother to read, then don`t do this stuff. That`s the problem. But like you said in your piece, nobody seems to get this at all.
ANDERSON: Yes, because it can be out there forever. And you know, a lot of people are wondering about this woman, too, Jenn Sterger and what her motivations may be through all of this, especially sense those voicemails are from two years ago, 2008.
There were reports today that she may be negotiating a settlement with Brett, but her spokesperson told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "There has been no communication between us and any of Favre`s representatives."
Taryn, given these are from a couple years ago, I can understand why people may suspect that she planned to cash in, even though we really don`t have any reason now to believe that that is, indeed, what she planned to do. But what do you think?
TARYN WINTER BRILL, TV JOURNALIST: Yes, I agree. I think maybe in two weeks when she`s on the cover of a tabloid magazine and she`s cashing in, then maybe we can say, yes, it was for the money.
But right now, as far as we know, she`s cancelled public appearances in Chicago. She`s, you know, gotten a lawyer, which is the adult thing to do. And it seems like she`s keeping - remaining - laying low, basically.
Like I said, until she`s on the cover of tabloid magazines and speaking, I think right now, I believe her and she`s not cashing in just yet.
HAMMER: Yes. I`m with you. Time will tell for the moment, giving her the benefit of the doubt. I do want to move on to something else that led to a lot of back and forth today, the marriage of Russell Brand and Katy Perry.
Katy and Russell just got hitched. They both tweeted the same photo. They both tweeted the words, "We Did." They got married in a Hindu ceremony in India over the weekend.
But you know, let`s remember, Russell still has his reputation as a recovering sex addict. He`s 35. She`s 26. All that leads to today`s SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - "Russell Brand Marries Katy Perry: Will it last?"
I`m not going to be cynical. I`m going to sit here and say if they decided to get married, and, obviously, they do think it can last.
But Tony, what do you think? You know, in Hollywood, we have to be a little cynical.
POTTS: Well, I just got married in a Hindu ceremony two years ago so I know what it`s all about.
HAMMER: That`s right.
POTTS: Remember, there are words in the Hindu language - kama sutra. If he`s a sex addict, there you go. It will work out well.
I think they`ll be fine. I know where they got married. I was in Jaipur about a year ago. It`s a beautiful countryside.
It`s a beautiful ceremony and it sounds like they`re both very spiritual, both a little bit wacky, which may work well in this case. I was there. I met both of them and I wish them both well.
ANDERSON: Yes, I do, too. They certainly are both eccentric and they embrace that. And you know, I spent a lot of time with Russell when I appeared with him in his latest hit movie, "Get Him to the Greek."
I was in a key scene that SHOWBIZ TONIGHT played in that film. And he later spoke with me about his relationship with Katy and how they make it work when they`re both so famous. Watch what he told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUSSELL BRAND, COMEDIAN: When she is angry, she punches me hard in the stomach. I pretend it doesn`t hurt. It does. But I just go, oh. And then, blood comes up - so hard because she`s a person and I`m quite fit, you know. I think (INAUDIBLE). She`s a person who could kill someone. You never know. I might need to do a killing. Someone may cross me and I might have to kill him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: He`s certainly a comedian when the cameras are on, but I think, behind closed doors, you know, he could be a completely loving and doting partner to Katy. Taryn, what do you think? To the SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - do you think it will last?
BRILL: I do. I think the obvious mantra is I think it`s going to be a hot-and-cold relationship. It`s going to be hot, it`s going to be cold, like her song says. But I give them the benefit of the doubt. They seem like, you know, two wacky kids in love.
ANDERSON: Yes.
BRILL: I think she was quoted as saying they`re like two divas under one roof, so I`m excited to see where that goes.
ANDERSON: Right. We wish them well.
BRILL: Yes.
ANDERSON: Congratulations, Katy Perry. Good luck, Russell Brand. OK. Tony Potts, Taryn Winter Brill, thank you.
And now we want to hear from you at home. It is our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll - Russell Brand marries Katy Perry. What do you think? Will it last? Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com
HAMMER: As we move on, Mel Gibson is reportedly furious today for getting canned from "The Hangover 2." Mel says, hey, you know what? You had Mike Tyson on who was a committed rapist and admitted wife-beater. He was in the first one, so why boot me from the sequel? The great debate today - does Mel have a point?
Sandra Bullock and Oprah teaming up today. Wait until you hear who else they are getting together with and exactly what they`re doing.
And reality show dangers. Omarosa is certainly one of the most hated reality stars of all time. And now, she`s actually worried about "Jersey Shore`s" Snooki and what could happen to her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OMAROSA MANIGAULT-STALLWORTH, FORMER CAST MEMBER, "THE APPRENTICE": What will become of Snooki in five years? Will people still be there cheering her on in drunken stumbling? I am concerned that there is a consequence to what she`s going through right now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It`s the explosive SHOWBIZ special report - the dangers of reality TV. 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: Lindsay Lohan claims rehab is a financial hardship and "damaging to her career." Keith Richards says Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger, was "unbearable."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEITH RICHARDS, GUITARIST, ROLLING STONES: Mick is very much interested in controlling things and I`m very much interested in being uncontrollable. I felt that he`d really let the band down, let alone me, I mean, not as a personal thing. I felt he was really shucking the band.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Pam in "Playboy" again. I can tell you that Pam Anderson just posed for her 13th "Playboy" cover. Pam is 43 and she`s going to donate the cash from the shoot to Waves for Water. That`s a really cool charity that helps provide clean water to those who need it. You can look for Pam`s new "Playboy" issue in January.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in Hollywood with Brooke Anderson. Time now for our SHOWBIZ special, where`s my 15 minutes?
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. We`re talking about the big dangers that are out there for reality TV stars. We`ve seen it time and time again. Many end up crashing and burning. Just look at "Jersey Shore`s" Snooki. She`s at the height of her fame, but she`s already getting in trouble with the law.
So who is to blame here? The show? The stars? And is it actually possible to turn a reality stint into success?
Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter.
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KAREEN WYNTER, CORRESPONDENT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT (voice-over): From brawls and booze fests to downright bad behavior. It`s reality TV train wrecks that make shows like MTV`s "Jersey Shore" a mega-hit. Audiences can`t get enough.
But after the fists fly and cameras stop rolling, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks, do some stars pay a price to be a part of this disturbing entertainment? Yes, a costly one says reality-TV-bad-girl-turned- businesswoman, Omarosa.
STALLWORTH: Some of those folks get addicted to being in the limelight, and when it`s not there anymore, you feel empty.
WYNTER: Some wonder if the stress from being in the spotlight on these reality shows sometimes becomes too much for stars. Omarosa pins the blame on producers for intentionally casting people who can`t handle the 24-hour spotlight.
STALLWORTH: When I first did "The Apprentice," we had to go through a battery of psychological examinations. We had to sit down with a psychologist to make sure that we were mentally fit to forego that comfort. I don`t see a lot of producers doing that any longer.
WYNTER: Psychologist Jeff Gardere has his own take and says it`s actually those desperate for fame who are really accountable their outrageous behavior.
DR. JEFF GARDERE, PSYCHOLOGIST: I don`t think that reality shows are trying to get people who have personal problems. It really is about a numbers game, being able to get as much as possible the ratings and the way that you do that is by getting these very extreme personalities.
WYNTER: Like "Jersey Shore`s" pint-sized Snooki, who was arrested on a New Jersey beach this summer, charged with disorderly conduct for being a pest.
GARDERE: You make a deal with the devil when you do reality TV.
WYNTER: A deal that can either make or break a career. Omarosa tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she`s found a way to turn those 15 minutes into success. She`s now producing shows with her mentor, Donald Trump, and says it`s all about stepping into reality by reinventing yourself and showcasing some real talent.
Like "American Idol`s" Carrie Underwood, now an award-winning country music star, and former "Survivor" contestant turned "View" co-host, Elizabeth Hasselbeck. But Omarosa wonders where reality latest batch of stars will end?
STALLWORTH: What will become of Snooki in five years? Will people still be there cheering her on in her drunken stumbling? I am concerned that there is a consequence to what she`s going through right now. It does not last forever. There will be a new Snooki, a new Omarosa.
WYNTER: And you can bet a new twist on reality TV, the kind of warped entertainment that continues to push the envelope.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: And talk about the ultimate in the reality show fame craze. Listen to this, CBS is reportedly working on a show called "The Same Name." Regular people who share the same name as stars will get a chance to switch lives with them.
HAMMER: I think that`s pretty cool. I actually knew an Adam West(ph). Well, we move now from reality stars in danger to other big stars in danger afraid for their lives. There`s a stalker-like Twitter site and now, Hollywood`s biggest stars are coming to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to say they`re freaking out today about a disturbing new way to track them down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn`t know that existed. That`s really creepy. Am I on that thing? You can`t stop technology`s furious march, you know. I think that`s crazy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I think Taylor Momsen had better cool it. The 17-year-old "Gossip Girl" star just flashed the audience during her concert. Let me tell you, if she keeps this up, there will be no X`s or O`s for her.
Well, there`s a winner in the brand new Lady Gaga-Justin Bieber fight. Yes, they were fighting for a big prize, and we are revealing who came out on top. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "Paranormal Activity 2" has biggest horror movie opening ever, pulling in $41.5 million. Justin Bieber will release acoustic album on November 23rd.
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(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ caught on tape just revealed today - a way too revealing Taylor Momsen. The 17-year-old "Gossip Girl" flashed the crowd while she was performing with her band called The Pretty Reckless.
Now, this video is from our friends over at "HollywoodLife.com." You know, Taylor just loves stirring up controversy. My advice would be, Taylor, you should keep your clothes on, focus on your career. You`ve got a pretty good gig right now. You might actually do well for yourself.
ANDERSON: Yes. She`s got a great career. And this sort of thing just screams desperation and she`s not desperate, A.J. You said she was, what, 17 years old?
HAMMER: Yes.
ANDERSON: She was wearing pasties so she wasn`t completely topless.
HAMMER: Oh, good.
ANDERSON: But, yes, it`s still trashy and she doesn`t have to do this.
HAMMER: She doesn`t.
ANDERSON: Yes. All right. I`ve got to move now to Janet Jackson. You can still call her Ms. Jackson for now. Janet Jackson denied reports today that she`s getting married.
Janet stopped by "Good Morning America" this morning and revealed that, yes, she has a boyfriend, a businessman, Wissam Al Mana, but they`re not walking down the aisle.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JANET JACKSON, SINGER: He`s a very, very private man so I don`t talk about our relationship. But I really think it`s important that I just say this - they`ve been trying to marry me off for a very, very long time. And no, I`m not engaged, so I will say that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. There have been all kinds of reports that Janet and Wissam were secretly married. So I guess that settles that.
HAMMER: I like her a lot -
ANDERSON: Yes.
HAMMER: And wish them the best. All right. Brooke, we`re already getting a ton of E-mail and Facebook comments coming in today on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook wall. Our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll that we put up there, asking will Russell Brand and Katy Perry`s marriage last?
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. I checked our Facebook wall. And here`s the one from Maggie D. She doesn`t think they`re going to make it, "If they last one year, I will be shocked. These two odd balls are goofy, oversexed and not talented."
HAMMER: But Neil M. shares my lack of cynicism, "Opposites attract," he writes, "Maybe they balance each other out." We`d love for you to join the debate on Facebook. Go behind the scenes of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Get breaking entertainment news alerts on Twitter. You can all us at "Showbiz on Call." You can also E-mail us. It`s all on "SHOWBIZ Connects" at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
ANDERSON: And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Mel Gibson is reportedly furious today after getting fired from "The Hangover 2." Is he being treated unfairly?
Sandra Bullock and Oprah Winfrey teaming up today. I`ve got the amazing details on this.
And Barbara Walters and Joy Behar I still going at it today over Joy walking off "The View" when Bill O`Reilly was on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I come from the 60s generation, you know. We boycotted, we walked off, we protested. We did that sort of thing.
BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Right. Not on your own show.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You`ve got to see this. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: And this is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Randy Quaid and wife ordered not to leave Canada after bailing on U.S. court hearing. Madonna opening up a worldwide chain of gyms called "Hard Candy."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Mel Gibson hot over "The Hangover." Mel`s reported fury over getting canned from the movie sequel. The great debate today - was it wrong to fire Mel?
Stars in danger? A stalker-like Twitter site. Hollywood`s biggest stars are seriously freaking out today about a disturbing new way to track them down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn`t know that exists. That`s really creepy. Am I on that thing? You can`t stop technology`s furious march, you know. I think that`s creepy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Are the lives of some of Hollywood`s biggest stars in danger?
Joan Collins explains her Jen Aniston diss today. Joan called Jen not beautiful.
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - are more "Glee" stars about to get nearly naked in a magazine? And here comes the judge - Mariah Carey?
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 with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: And there`s more big news breaking today - mad as Mel.
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. There`s brand-new outrage today over Mel Gibson getting axed from "The Hangover" sequel. And I can tell you Gibson is not the only one angry. Now, Mel is reportedly raving mad today over the decision to drop him reportedly after the stars of the film objected to him being in it.
And I can tell you Mel has a lot of people on his side and a lot of people were making startling comparisons today between Mel and Mike Tyson, asking how come Mike Tyson wasn`t dropped from his cameo in the first "Hangover" movie. After all, he is a convicted rapist. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the great debate today, it was wrong to fire Mel?
Right now in Hollywood is Tony Potts, who is a weekend co-host and correspondent for "Access Hollywood." From New York, Sunny Hostin who is a legal contributor with "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV.
So the cast of the movie reportedly were enraged about Mel and those nasty, outrageous voicemails that he reportedly had left for his ex-girl friend, Oksana Grigorieva, not to mention his anti-Semitic tirade and drunk-driving conviction a few years ago.
I want you to take a look at what Todd Phillips, who is directing "The Hangover" sequel told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Todd said this, "I thought Mel would have been great in the movie and I had the full backing of Warner Brother`s co-president, Jeff Robinov, and his team. But I realized filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and this decision ultimately did not have the full support of my entire cast and crew."
All right. Tony, clearly, the director is not happy. He wanted Mel in the film. But let me ask you this, a lot of people are saying it`s hypocritical to have let Mike Tyson do that first movie, but not let Mel do the sequel. I don`t actually think that`s a valid point or hypocritical, but what do you think?
POTTS: Woody Allen had a great line on crimes and misdemeanors that said, "Comedy is tragedy plus time." And I think that, you know, Mike Tyson had time - 17 years. Does it make it right? No, absolutely not.
And also, think about this - why would you want to put one roadblock in the way of people possibly seeing your movie next year, give them a reason not to come see it? There`s a big divided opinion about Mel Gibson in the public.
HAMMER: Yes.
POTTS: In the movie-going public. So if I`m Warner Brothers or I`m the cast or whoever, why would I want to put that one more thing out there to say, "You know what? I`m not going to go because Mel`s in it." So in one sense I can see why. The comparisons to Tyson, I think, are a little dated.
ANDERSON: And I agree with you, Tony. You know, the success of "The Hangover" sequel does not hinge on a Mel Gibson cameo. So if there`s any question, just move on from that.
But you, guys, even the ladies of "The View" launched into a great debate today over whether or not that comparison between Mel Gibson and Mike Tyson is fair. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEHAR: It`s interesting. I guess it`s OK to rape and hit a woman but it`s not OK to attack a group.
SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": No, with Mike Tyson -
(CROSS TALK)
With Mike Tyson, not only has he paid his dues. He went to prison. I think there`s been a large separation of time. Mike Tyson has pretty much reinvented himself.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Yes, Sunny. I agree with Sherri Shepherd`s theory that Mike Tyson was able to make that cameo appearance in the first "Hangover" because enough time had passed between his very public problems and between that cameo. What do you think?
SUNNY HOST, LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR, "IN SESSION" ON TRU TV: You know, I think it`s a tough call because I don`t know that Mike Tyson has really given back to society. But he certainly has paid his dues in a sense.
He did spend three years in jail and he is trying to rebuild his life. So does he get a chance at redemption? Obviously, the producers thought that he got that chance the last time. But I think that`s very, very different from Mel Gibson.
I mean, he has offended everyone. He`s made anti-Semitic comments, he`s made - he`s sort of a misogynist. I mean, he`s the poster boy for horrible, horrible behavior, and you reward that behavior with a cameo appearance in what is probably going to be a hit movie.
I think now - I don`t even think they should have rewarded Mike Tyson, actually, with the cameo appearance in the last movie.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: Go on.
POTTS: Hold on. This isn`t like some serious movie. This is "The Hangover."
HOSTIN: It doesn`t matter. It doesn`t matter. It`s a huge platform.
POTTS: I know. I know, but the movie offended everybody. I mean, look at the subject matter that`s going on inside of it. So
HOSTIN: That is true but it certainly - it makes - it pokes fun at things. But does that mean that it`s also going to be poking fun at these allegations they have made against Mel Gibson and sort of celebrating them.
POTTS: It has nothing to do with that.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: Here`s the thing. Hold on second, guys. You know, I kind of agree more people are turned off by the idea or would be turned off by the idea of going to see Mel.
POTTS: Yes. Yes.
HAMMER: Than would be turned on. But we did ask in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. This is a question about Mel - "Mel Gibson Axed From Film: Was it was unfair to dump him from "The Hangover 2"?
I was a little surprised by these results that came in late today - almost split here. Forty-six percent yes, it was unfair. A majority - minor majority - 54 percent said it wasn`t unfair that Mel was dumped from "Hangover 2."
OK. Forty-six percent say unfair for Mel to be axed from the movie. Sunny, are you surprised that so many people are siding with Mel?
HOSTIN: Well, you know, I really am surprised because, again, this is an ongoing battle. I mean, everyone heard those tapes. He is basically being accused of punching a woman in her mouth while that woman was holding his child.
He said so many horrible things. Why does he get that pass? Why does he get a platform? Why does he get to make a living being an idol - movie idol? I think not. I don`t think he gets that opportunity. I think he`s got to crawl under a rock right now and work on himself and then maybe in 15 years come back.
ANDERSON: You make a good point. He is currently being investigated for assault.
POTTS: But he hasn`t been convicted of anything. Tyson was - I`m not here defending Mel, but Tyson was convicted.
ANDERSON: But when Mike Tyson was in "The Hangover," he was not currently under investigation at that time.
POTTS: I agree.
ANDERSON: Mel Gibson is currently under investigation. And I do have to say while Mike may not have been - should not have been rewarded either, "The Hangover" probably would not have been the same without that cameo. It was a really funny cameo.
POTTS: He was rewarded -
ANDERSON: But as Mel Gibson continues to fight for his career, his ex- girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, denied reports today that she was considering posing naked in playboy for $75,000.
Her rep told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "Not now, not ever, nor for any amount of money would our client, Oksana Grigorieva, even consider any offer to pose for `Playboy.` Someone might have sent an E-mail to one of her representatives, but that`s not news."
No comment from "Playboy" today. Good move by Oksana not to consider it.
HAMMER: Yes, no kidding. All right. Let`s move on from one terrible idea to another. I`m talking about, of course, of Mel Gibson and "The Hangover." A lot of people think that`s terrible.
Let`s move down to this brand-new, downright disturbing way that you can track a celebrity`s every move. This has stars worried today and I get it. They are worried they might be in danger, furious over a Web site called "JustSpotted.com." It reveals the location of celebrities pretty much in real time.
I`ve been watching this thing all day. It`s unbelievable. A lot of stars are saying this could put them in danger. When SHOWBIZ TONIGHT broke the news to some of the stars over the weekend, they were not happy at all.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS PINE, ACTOR: I didn`t know that exists. It`s really creepy. Am I on that thing? You can`t stop technology`s furious march, you know. I think that it`s creepy.
MANDY MOORE, SINGER AND ACTRESS: That`s sort of terrifying to me. I mean, just - I don`t know.
ZACHARY LEVI, ACTOR: To track celebrities, like to put like a chip in them - is that really necessary? I don`t think so.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. I saw stars and where there were just five minutes before I had logged on to this thing, Tony. Do you think stars should worry a Web site like this tracking them down does put them in danger?
POTTS: Absolutely. I`m worried. I mean, I don`t want my relatives to even know where I am. Why would I want some stranger to know where I am? You know, all of the strangers in my house are much more pleasant that my relatives.
But be that as it may, I think so, A.J., on a serious note - yes, if they know where you are in real time - and this is a wacky, crazy world. We`ve had many stories of stalkers, you know, at Brad Pitt`s house, Angelina Jolie, others as well - Britney Spears. So definitively, it`s rude. But it`s what - you know, you can`t stop this, this big new technology.
HAMMER: That`s the problem.
POTTS: That`s the - you cannot stop it. How do you legislate this?
HOSTIN: Yes.
HAMMER: It`s a train that will keep on coming down the tracks as the technology proliferates. Got to leave it there. Tony Potts, Sonny Hostin, thanks, guys.
ANDERSON: All right. We have got to move on now to Joan Collins` Jennifer Aniston`s beauty diss. Joan finally explains why she said Jen wasn`t beautiful. I think she`s going to be surprised by Joan`s explanation.
And Barbara Walters and Joy Behar are still going at it today over Joy walking off "The View" set when Bill O`Reilly was on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEHAR: I come from the `60s generation, you know. We boycotted, we walked off, we protested. We did that sort of thing.
WALTERS: Not on your own show.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber - their brand-new battle. The results are in today. Who came in on top? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - here come more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Mariah Carey being considered as a judge on the U.S. version of Simon Cowell`s "X Factor." Will Ferrell admits to giving Tina Fey a hard time on "Saturday Night Live."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILL FERRELL, ACTOR AND COMEDIAN: There`s a certain amount of hazing that goes on to first-year writers. I was horrible to Tina. Absolutely horrible. And I regret - I regret having done that and, yet, at the same time, maybe she wouldn`t be where she is now if I wasn`t so mean to her.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Well, the King of Pop is also the king of cash. Just in today, "Forbes`" brand-new list of the top-earning dead celebrities. Yes, Michael Jackson, really no surprise here - he`s number one. He made $275 million last year. In fact, M.J. earned more than the other 12 deceased stars on the list combined.
ANDERSON: Incredible.
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in Hollywood with Brooke Anderson.
ANDERSON: And A.J., there`s big news breaking in "The Buzz" today. Brand- new baby news for Oscar winner, Matt Damon. And oh, boy, times two - also big baby news today for Celine Dion. And Sandra Bullock teams up with Oprah Winfrey and another big star today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Sandra Bullock teams up with Oprah. Oprah has signed on to star with Bullock and Meryl Streep in a brand-new film. "The Hollywood Reporter" says the three stars are attached to an untitled comedy from the creator of "Sex and the City."
The film would mark Oprah`s first big screen return since 1998`s "Beloved," and it will bring Oscar rivals Streep and Bullock together again after their good-natured public feud leading up to Bullock`s Oscar win.
Celine`s big baby news. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned Celine Dion just gave birth prematurely to a set of fraternal twin boys. According to the West Palm Beach Florida Hospital where Dion gave birth, the twins arrived healthy and weighing more than five pounds each.
Dion delivered her new babies via C-section over the weekend after going through six in-vitro fertilization cycles. Dion and her husband also have a nine-year-old son.
Matt Damon has another baby girl. Damon and wife, Luciana, just welcomed Stella Zavala Damon into their family. This is the couple`s third daughter together to go with the girl that Luciana had from a previous relationship.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with Damon`s TV girlfriend, Tina Fey, while she was promoting her new film, "Megamind." And she told us the cast of "30 Rock" made sure dad could be there for the big event.
TINA FEY, ACTRESS AND COMEDIAN: We did tell him (INAUDIBLE). Actually, he was scheduled to shoot an episode of "30 Rock" that day, but we knew that the baby was imminent. We rearranged the shoot schedule.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Another big story making news today, Joan Collins tries - tries to set the record straight today about controversial comments that she made about Jennifer Aniston. So did Collins really say that Angelina Jolie was beautiful but Jennifer Aniston was just OK?
Right now, in New York, is Taryn Winter Brill who is a TV journalist. Also, in New York, is Kim Serafin who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."
Ladies, Joan Collins sparked a firestorm of epic proportions when she told the "U.K. Daily Mail" this, "I have to say there aren`t that many good looking actresses around today. I man there`s Angelina Jolie and there`s Angelina Jolie. Jennifer Aniston is cute but I wouldn`t call her beautiful."
Well, now, Ms. Collins is trying to explain her Aniston diss telling "UsMagazine.com," "The bottom line is that I talked about several actresses, among them Catherine Zeta-Jones, Scarlett Johansson and Megan Fox. Unfortunately, everybody got cut out except Aniston and Jolie. Typical. That`s the way it goes."
So no apology there. I`m thinking Collins may have just dug herself a bigger hole by naming all these other actresses. Kim, should Joan just say, "Jennifer - I`m sorry if I hurt anyone with my comments. I`m sorry if my comments were misinterpreted"?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Yes. And we don`t really know what she said about these other actresses. Did she say they were cute? Did she say they were beautiful? Did she say they were OK? We just know that she mentioned them.
But I have to say I do believe her, because we know that even 50 years from now, when Angelina Jolie has grandkids, whether she`s with Brad or not and Jennifer Aniston has grandkids, people will still be comparing them and saying they`re feuding over, you know, whose kid is going to the best nursery school or whose grandkid has the best Halloween costume. We know that the two of them are going to be compared forever and ever. So I think she`s right. She`s probably -
ANDERSON: Oh, they probably will never be able to live it down. Taryn, do you think Joan cleared up any controversy here?
BRILL: No, but I have to say I really expect her because I think this is the god-honest truth. I think we all do what - we all gossip and say who is prettier than who. She`s a celebrity, but she`s no different from us. She did the exact same thing and she`s being completely truthful. So I have to give her credit. I say go Joan.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: But the implication was that Jen wasn`t pretty and that`s nonsense.
ANDERSON: No.
SERAFIN: It not very nice.
ANDERSON: And it`s not, A.J., the only celebrity showdown going on today.
HAMMER: No, no. Big stuff going on for Lady Gaga, Brooke. This is actually pretty unbelievable. The over-the-top Lady Gaga is now going head-to-head with none other than teen pop sensation, Justin Bieber.
Listen to this. Lady Gaga just became the first musician to pass the one billion views mark on YouTube. Now, Gaga might not have a whole lot of time to celebrate because Justin Bieber is closing in on that title.
Kim Serafin, do you actually think that Bieber fever could lead to Justin taking that throne away from Lady Gaga? It`s a pretty big throne.
SERAFIN: It is, but he has apparently been getting more hits per day than Lady Gaga. And you know, Lady Gaga gets these hits because of her music, because she`s great, but also because of a little controversy. People, I`m sure, were curious - who is the girl with the meat dress? Who is she? We need to look her up and look up the music.
Justin Bieber has his tween girl fans who are going to keep going on to stare at how beautiful he is and how much they`re in love with him. So I think he could definitely catch up for sure.
HAMMER: Do you see that happening, Taryn?
BRILL: Yes. I think it`s Bieber-palooza all the way. And he`s got to cash in right now because as soon as he`s past that teen mark and he`s in his 20s, where is Bieber going to be? You know, so get those hits now while you can. He`s going to have to start wearing meat clothes.
HAMMER: I JUST heard the sound of a hundred thousand hate letters going to Taryn for saying something possibly condescending to Justin Bieber.
BRILL: I know.
HAMMER: We`ll leave it there. Taryn Winter Brill, Kim Serafin, thanks, guys.
ANDERSON: OK. The "View" walkout - fallout explodes again today. What Bill O`Reilly said days ago creates major heck on the show today between Joy and Barbara.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALTERS: Some of us look forward to having him back on "The View."
SHEPHERD: Some of us.
WALTERS: I`m one of them. I`m one of them.
BEHAR: He can come back. I don`t care.
WALTERS: Oh, really? You won`t walk off again?
BEHAR: It depends.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Could there be more "View" walkouts? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Time to roll out the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "Glee" stars Mark Salling and Chord Overstreet offered deal to pose in "Playgirl." Chris Pine says his "Unstoppable" co-star, Denzel Washington, is his hero.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PINE: He`s someone I would like (INAUDIBLE). He`s a hero of mine, a guy that I watched very young even before I wanted to get into acting school.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL O`REILLY, HOST, "THE O`REILLY FACTOR": The Muslims killed us on 9/11.
BEHAR: No. Oh, my god!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Bill O`Reilly`s controversial remark about Muslims sparked outrage. "View" co hosts Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg walked off the set. And now, nearly two weeks later, Barbara and Joy are still fighting about it.
Well, Barbara Walters grilled O`Reilly for his Muslim remark and made him apologize. Barbara also scolded her co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, who is, of course, hosting "THE JOY BEHAR SHOW" every week day here on HLN.
And Barbara told Whoopi and Joy no matter how passionate the debate, you don`t just walk out on your show like that.
Well, today Barbara and Joy were still going at it over what O`Reilly said and Joy`s shocking walkout. Check this out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALTERS: Some of us look forward to having him back on "The View."
SHEPHERD: Some of us.
WALTERS: Yes. I`m one of them.
BEHAR: He can come back. I don`t care.
WALTERS: Oh, really? You won`t walk off the set?
BEHAR: It depends. I mean, he said to me, "Listen and learn." Well, I listened and I didn`t want to learn it.
WALTERS: You don`t walk off.
(CROSS TALK)
BEHAR: Barbara -
WALTERS: You don`t walk off. You don`t leave your own home. OK, Mel Gibson is still feeling - you want to say something else?
BEHAR: We can just continue that argument forever. But you know, I believe - I come from the `60s generation, you know. We boycotted, we walked off, we protested. We did that sort of thing.
WALTERS: Not on your own show. You can boycott -
BEHAR: Why not?
WALTERS: Because you`re hired as a professional. It certainly -
BEHAR: But I didn`t leave him alone by himself. I walked off. I knew you would stay there. It`s really your show, you know?
WALTERS: No, it`s not my show. It`s called "The View" and it`s all of us, so this is not my show. And I`m only on several days a week. So it`s less my show than the rest of you.
SHEPHERD: When he comes on next time, let`s take a match and burn our bra.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, I`m thinking burning bras would be a fire hazard.
ANDERSON: It probably would be. Funny idea, though. OK. On Friday we asked to you vote in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. Just moments ago, we did get those final results - "Mel Gibson Axed From Film: Was it unfair to dump him from "Hangover 2"? Forty-six percent of you think it was, but 54 percent say, no, it wasn`t.
A big debate right now on this over on our Facebook page. Marianna M. says, "Mike Tyson was in the first `Hangover.` He is a convicted rapist. But Mel they have a problem with?"
Ziggy J. says, "Mel has his own hangover to deal with. I think Mel needs help and a break from Hollywood."
And Keke M. writes this, "I am happy that Mel Gibson is not going to be in `The Hangover 2` because he should be punished for his racist, bigoted comment."
HAMMER: Yes. And the thing is, with Mel, it`s still very fresh in our minds. Mike Tyson - that`s not how you think of him anymore.
ANDERSON: Early `90s.
HAMMER: It`s a long time ago. And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer. Happy to be in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: Love having you here. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is live 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday.
HAMMER: And 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
