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Showbiz Tonight
Is Charlie Faking It?; Is Charlie Sheen Broke?; Mel Gibson`s Plea Deal; Celebrities Cashing In; Is Donald Trump Really Running for President?; Real Housewives Roofied?
Aired March 09, 2011 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - is Charlie faking it? Charlie Sheen`s dramatic new claims today that he`s losing his mind.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLIE SHEEN, ACTOR: The smell of your soul and the smell of rotting dog (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: But we`re asking in the SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today - is Charlie just playing us?
More big news breaking today, reports that Mel Gibson may get a plea deal in his domestic violence case. But will Mel score a get-out-of-jail free card?
Show them the money. The controversial new ways big stars are cashing in big time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you`re performing for blood money, for dictators, it`s not going to be god for your public image.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates, is the money really worth the risk.
And could this be the world`s dumbest criminal? A guy calls 911 from the house he apparently just broke into.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hi, there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson in New York with big news breaking today - Charlie`s big game?
Charlie Sheen is sparking a brand-new fired-up debate today after streaming yet another bizarre new rant. And the big question today - is Charlie trying to pull one over on us? In his newest and most bombastic webisode of "Sheen`s Korner," Charlie`s infamous banter turns, well, kind of like he got it from a teleprompter. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEEN: Now, that I have your lazy, (EXPLETIVE DELETED) attention world, sit back and rejoice for the Malibu Messiah, the Condor of Calabasas, the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) warlock of your jealous face that`s before you, undigested hummus trading real estate for this fire dance.
I beg you all to stay glued for this raving wise, Gibson shredding napalm poet before you. Alone and unshackled -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: A napalm poet. Charlie attacked everybody, his former bosses at CBS and Warner Brothers Television, even his "Two and a Half Men" co-star, Jon Cryer. How can anybody attack Jon Cryer?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT wants to know - is Charlie really losing it or is he just playing us? We`ll get to that heated debate in just a moment.
But first, there`s big news breaking today in the Mel Gibson domestic violence investigation. Everybody wants to know, will Mel strike a plea deal?
Joining me right now, in New York, Midwin Charles, who is an attorney with Midwin Charles and Associates. Also right now with me in New York, Robi Ludwig, who is a psychotherapist.
OK, ladies. Let`s get right to the big Mel Gibson news today. Mel is reportedly expected to plead no contest to simple battery, a lesser charge than spousal assault.
Mel`s been under investigation after his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, accused him of assaulting her. The whole thing, if you remember, exploded last summer when audio was leaked of Mel Gibson allegedly on the phone with Oksana raging. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): I spent more than $5 million dollars on you.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): That`s not on me. That was signed. I was trying to -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): Say thank you!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): That was signed to the record label.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): Say thank you now!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (allegedly Oksana Grigorieva): I always said thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (allegedly Mel Gibson): (INAUDIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: There was talk that Mel could face a more serious criminal charge that could involve jail time. Midwin, would it surprise you if a judge approved a deal that did not involve time behind bars for Mel Gibson?
MIDWIN CHARLES, ATTORNEY, MIDWIN CHARLES AND ASSOCIATES: It wouldn`t, particularly given his background with respect to domestic violence or lack thereof.
I think this is the best of all possible worlds because what it does is stop the bloodletting. People stop talking about him and the issue hopefully can be swept under the rug. It may take time, but this is what he needs in order to try to get some semblance of a career back on track.
ANDERSON: But what about those domestic violence victims out there who say, "He deserves to be punished. He should do time"?
CHARLES: You know what? A lot of people say that, but that is often the case in these types of situations where the offender does not have a long criminal history. It is perhaps the first time they`ve done it.
And also, maybe the evidence is a bit thin. So you have a lot of different factors going on here that might arrive at a similar conclusion.
ANDERSON: Yes. And right now, of course, these are just allegations against him.
CHARLES: Exactly.
ANDERSON: He has not been convicted of anything or charged for that matter. And today, Mel`s lawyer told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that Mel`s main interest is protecting his family so he really wants to avoid a long, drawn-out trial, saying this, "I know from almost 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer that sometimes justice can come for a client at too high a personal price."
"That is particularly so for Mel. Mel`s priority through all of this has been that the best interest of his young daughter Lucia and the rest of his children be put first in any decisions made."
"It is with only that in mind that he asked me to approach the district attorney with a proposal that would bring all of this to an immediate end."
Robi, even so, I would imagine that that kind of hearing would be very difficult for his family.
ROBI LUDWIG, PSYCHOTHERAPIST: It would be. And it would be horrible for his already damaged PR image. I mean, really, we went from thinking Mel Gibson was a nice guy to hearing the other side of the story, and nobody liked him more for it.
So I think he`s protecting himself and in protecting himself, maybe he can say, "I`m protecting my family." But this is a really who really needs help.
ANDERSON: Yes.
LUDWIG: And hopefully, he`ll get it and talk about how he went wrong and how he`s planning to go right.
ANDERSON: One thing`s clear - he wants this wrapped as quickly as possible. All right. I want to move now to another big celebrity in the hot seat today, and that`s Charlie Sheen.
In Charlie`s fourth and supposedly final Web episode of "Sheen`s Korner," Charlie actually seemed more together. Look at him. He brushed his hair, looked like he took a shower.
But he did not hold back remarkable new attacks today against all the honchos at CBS, including "Two and a Half Men" co-creator, Chuck Lorre. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEEN: Can you smell your soul? Can you smell the rotting dog (EXPLETIVE DELETED), the fermented puke that is your viscera? Can you smell the lies? Can you smell the carnage you`ve created?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Wow, really harsh words there. But Midwin, I think a lot of his fans are wondering, is Charlie Sheen really losing it, or is he just playing all of us?
CHARLES: Oh, it`s not just whether he`s losing it. He has lost it, OK? And while he might be reading from a teleprompter or appear a bit calm and cool, it`s just organized chaos. That`s really all it is.
I mean, I think he`s at the point now where he`s recognized, "I`ve lost my family. I may potentially lose my children. I`m out of a job. So why not?" You know, and I think that`s why you`re starting to see him act out in this way. But I think he`s lost it.
ANDERSON: You think he`s genuinely lost?
CHARLES: I do.
ANDERSON: He`s not just acting here.
CHARLES: I hope he gets help. It`s very difficult to watch a human being self-destruct. And that`s really what we`re seeing.
ANDERSON: We`re witnessing that, I believe. So in a brand-new interview out today with "Life and Style" magazine, Charlie says he admits he thinks he`s losing his mind and that he`s just trying to hang on and reach out to anybody for help.
Robi, some people are saying still, no, he`s faking it. How can this be real? He`s an actor. What do you say?
LUDWIG: Well, I think that`s their own denial and perhaps discomfort in seeing someone basically lose it in front of our very eyes.
I mean, that really is a helpless situation to see somebody who can potentially kill themselves and to sit and watch it and be entertained by it and do nothing. So -
ANDERSON: It`s like you don`t want to accept that that is really what`s happening, the gravity of the situation.
LUDWIG: Exactly. Now, having said that, he could be more charismatic and dramatic in his presentation. But he is a person who really is troubled.
ANDERSON: Well, Charlie did not just bash Chuck Lorre today or executives at CBS. Charlie also told "E! News" yesterday that his "Two and a Half Men" co-star, Jon Cryer, was a traitor and a troll.
And today, in an unexpected and in his latest webisode today, Charlie addressed those harsh words and kind of, sort of apologized. Watch.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SHEEN: I was in the mood and I threw that out to so many. I didn`t know they were - well, I kind of knew they were going to print it. Yes, I knew they were going to print it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m going to print it.
SHEEN: Yes. I`m confused myself. (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So you`re apologizing? Are you apologizing now to Jon Cryer?
SHEEN: A little bit, a half-apology to the palm.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have you talked to Jon since all that came down?
SHEEN: No. The reason I was upset was I didn`t get a text or phone call or anything saying, "Hey, dude, back off. I got your back."
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: So Charlie is mad because Jon didn`t call. Does that make any sense to you?
CHARLES: No.
ANDERSON: Because I think maybe Charlie should have called Jon, "I`m sorry for ruining our show."
CHARLES: Yes. And putting a lot of people out of work.
ANDERSON: Out of work - hundreds.
CHARLES: I mean, that`s essentially what he`s done. As a result of his shenanigans, there are people who are out of work.
ANDERSON: Yes.
CHARLES: They`re unable to earn a living as a result. I don`t think that Jon Cryer should have reached out to him. Who`s to say that he did and he just doesn`t remember? But her is, remember, a crackpot.
ANDERSON: And I`ve got to tell you, the last time I talked to Jon Cryer - it was a few months ago - that he had nothing but kind things to say about Charlie Sheen. Robi, is there anybody - very quickly - left for Charlie to alienate?
LUDWIG: Well, I`m sure there are a lot of people. And this is what an addict does. They blame everybody else for their problems until they`re ready to take responsibility and make a change in their lives.
ANDERSON: Maybe that day will come very soon. He`s even upset warlocks out there. They`re mad that he`s mischaracterizing them. All right. Midwin Charles, Robi Ludwig, thanks, ladies. Good to see you.
And now, I want to hear from you. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll - "Charlie Sheen`s Out-of-Control Behavior: Is he playing us?" What do you think? Yes, remember he`s an actor. Or no, he needs mental help. Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can always E-mail, too. There`s the address, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Coming up, is Charlie Sheen broke? Startling revelations today that Charlie may be desperate for cash. An incredible SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with the guy who`s paying Charlie to plug his company right now.
Hey, what`s the deal with Donald Trump? Is he running for president? Another big SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with somebody who knows Trump well. We`re asking Melissa Rivers - is he serious or what?
And this could be the dumbest criminal ever. He called 911 from the house he just broke into.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
911 OPERATOR: 911.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just broke into a house and the owners came home.
911 OPERATOR: You broke into a house?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Duh. Losing. 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: Lindsay Lohan threatens to sue jewelry store for selling surveillance tape. Mike Tyson offers Charlie Sheen advice on "Lopez Tonight."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE TYSON, FORMER BOXING CHAMPION: I was a cokehead. I was once a drug addict. And I got cleaned up and I would be able to give good advice to Charlie.
GEORGE LOPEZ, HOST, "LOPEZ TONIGHT": So you`re good to hang out with. You`ve been through it. You`ve been through the trials and tribulations -
(END AUDIO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Way to go, Britney. Britney Spears` hot new single, "Hold It Against Me," still doing well on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts, number 12.
And today, Britney`s looking great on the cover of "Out" magazine. It`s their April issue. Take a look. In it, Britney says kissing Madonna is cool. Remember when she did that? But she only likes men.
And the most ridiculous rumor she`s ever heard about herself, she says, that she`s an alien.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in New York.
And now, SHOWBIZ investigates, show them the money! It is no secret music stars make money from concerts, digital downloads, even t-shirt sales.
What you may not know is some of the biggest acts out there make serious coins from doing private parties. But today, there as brand-new controversy over who these stars are performing for.
And we`re asking, is the money really worth the risk? Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREEN WYNTER, CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado - A-list artists who are now coming clean about their paid private performances for embattled Libya leader, Muammar Gaddafi`s family.
LYNDSEY PARKER, MANAGING EDITOR, "YAHOO! MUSIC": If you`re performing for blood money, for dictators, it`s not going to be good for your public image.
WYNTER: "Yahoo! Music" managing editor, Lyndsey Parker says these off- stage shows can generate millions of dollars each year for music megastars, much more than tours and declining record sales.
PARKER: This is show business and it is a business and money talks. The music industry is in trouble right now. Greed plays a part.
PETER KATSIS, VICE PRESIDENT, MUSIC, PROSPECT PARK ENTERTAINMENT: You can sometimes make as much as you can a week on tour by doing one show. The general range is about $750,000 to $2 million.
WYNTER: Top entertainment manager, Peter Katsis, whose clients include Backstreet Boys, Korn and Jane`s Addiction, says many acts are now taking a hard look at the PR price of some private parties. The recent embarrassing headlines of artists like Beyonce, who had been linked to Gaddafi, has sent red flags all across the industry.
KATSIS: People are going to ask more questions than ever before. Who`s going to be there and what the gig is actually for? The attraction is there. The phone will ring. Your agent will call. And the temptation is there to just take the check. And that`s the problem.
(CHEERS)
WYNTER: Beyonce reportedly banked a cool million for singing at a Gaddafi gala in St. Barts in 2009. Beyonce donated all her fees from the event.
R & B singer, Usher, who got paid to attend a Gaddafi show with Beyonce, said he`s giving away his cash to charity. Furtado tweeted she, too, is giving away the goods, the $1 million she pocked from a Gaddafi show in 2007.
WYNTER (on camera): Some managers actually say that sends a wrong message out to many artists, this type of gigs that`s (INAUDIBLE). So where do you walk that line?
KATSIS: Each artist has his own conscience to think about. And you know, depending on - and need to figure out what they stand behind themselves. You get a lot of requests that are actually possibly quite shady.
WYNTER (voice-over): Still, many industry insiders think, at the end of the day, these performances pay big time. So many deals, including shady ones, will continue to fly under the radar.
PARKER: Look at the price tag and say, "You want to pay us $2 million and you`re going to fly us out to St. Barts? Sure. Where do I sign?"
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter. And yes, it is a boatload of money, but at what cost to their public image? If you do use it for charity, that helps, of course.
All right. Time to view posting on our Facebook wall today after I asked you, who should replace Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men"? There are some interesting choices.
Renee E. says, "They could always bring in an older uncle and the perfect choice would be Jack Nicholson."
But a lot of you said the show cannot go on without Charlie. Cheryl L., "Just cancel the dang show. Charlie Sheen is `Two and a Half Men.` There`s no show without him, period. Too bad, too, because that was the funniest show on TV."
Now, wait until you see the results on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll on replacing Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men." We gave you some specific choices. How about John Stamos? Robert Downey, Jr.? You`ve got to see how you voted, and that is coming up.
OK, "Real Housewives" roofied? The incredible reports that "Real Housewives" stars were slipped the date-rape drug.
Hey, is Charles Sheen broke? Stunning claims today that Charlie, even though he made nearly $2 million an episode on "Two and a Half Men," he`s out of money. Plus, a headline-making newsmaker interview with somebody who`s paying Charlie to plug his company right now.
Another Gwyneth Paltrow "Glee" controversy today over her brand-new guest- starring role.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GWYNETH PALTROW, ACTRESS: Just remember, whenever you have sex with someone, you`re having sex with everyone they`ve ever had sex with.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Did Gwyneth go too far with all this sex ed talk? That`s next. 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: LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian working on TV series about their upcoming wedding. Lady Gaga`s "Born This Way" tops iTunes singles chart.
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Gwyneth Paltrow back on "Glee" Tuesday night doing Gary Glitter and Joan Jett`s "Do You Want to Touch Me?" Today, though, big controversy, not over Gwyneth`s singing, but what her "Glee" character said about sex on the show.
Gwyneth returned to the hit Fox show as sex substitute teacher, Holly Holiday. And she did a little sex ed for the McKinley kids. Take a listen to the controversial answer Gwyneth`s character gives Lea Michelle`s character, Rachel, when she asks about not having sex. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PALTROW: Today, we are going to get under the covers, all together, and get the ditty on the dirty.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m so turned on right now.
LEA MICHELLE, ACTRESS: What about those of us who remain to remain celibate?
PALTROW: Oh, well, I admire you. Although I think you`re naive and possibly frigid, I do admire your good choice.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think this is a good time for a song.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All this sex ed on the show lots of families watched has got some people fired up. Check out the ladies of "The View" today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": A lot of our producers and some of the crew were saying that their kids watch who are ages seven, 11 or younger. I think they`re drawn to it because of the music.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
SHEPHERD: As they watch the show and they advertise that (INAUDIBLE).
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I think it`s unfortunate.
(CROSS TALK)
SHEPHERD: Is it supposed to be family show?
(CROSS TALK)
HASSELBECK: I really feel as though - I don`t know. I think if it is in that 8:00 hour, you`re going to answer questions, like, "Mommy, what`s a condom."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Yes. Parents need to be aware that most of the content on "Glee," not G-rated. And late today, the Parents Television Council said Tuesday night`s "Glee" was, quote, "pretty appalling."
Now, more of the SHOWBIZ royals watch. There`s a Kate Middleton doll today. Look at her. Move over, Barbie. A 16-inch version of the royal bride is out, courtesy of the Franklin Mint. The cost? A cool $195,000. That`s a pricey doll.
I will be in London for the royal wedding between the real Kate and Prince William on April 29th and the week leading up to it. We`re teaming up with "People" magazine for the best coverage of the wedding. So keep it right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and HLN.
And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Brand-new revelations today that Charlie Sheen is actually broke even after making nearly $2 million an episode for "Two and a Half Men."
Is Donald Trump running for president or what? We`re asking someone who knows Trump well. A headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with former "Celebrity Apprentice" star, Melissa Rivers.
"Real Housewives" roofied? Startling claims the "Real Housewives" were slipped with date-rape drug. 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: Julianne Moore to play Sarah Palin in HBO film, "Game Change." Russell Brand named "Cosmo`s" fun and fearless man of 2011.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - is Charlie Sheen out of cash? Startling new claims today that Sheen needs more green. We have one guy who is paying Sheen to plug his company in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview right here.
Is Donald Trump running for president or what? An interview with somebody who knows Trump well, Melissa Rivers.
"Real Housewives" drugged? The frightening tale of "Real Housewives" stars who claim they were roofied.
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," Oprah`s diaries and Kourtney Kardashian`s acting debut.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson in New York with big news breaking today - Sheen money shocker.
There are stunning new reports today that Charlie Sheen is desperate for cash. Let`s not forget that Charlie was the highest paid actor on TV until he got fired this week. So where did his money go?
Charlie was the first to hint that he needs some money. Watch what he told ABC`s Andrea Canning about losing his job on "Two and a Half Men."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDREA CANNING, ABC CORRESPONDENT: Are you going to sue?
SHEEN: Well, I mean, wouldn`t you? I don`t have a job. I`ve got a whole family to support and love. And people beyond myself, people a lot more important than me, are relying on that money to fuel the magic.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right. Charlie has two kids with his ex-wife, Denise Richards, two kids with his soon to be ex-wife Brooke Mueller and an adult daughter.
So clearly, he does have a whole lot of people to support. Atty. Midwin Charles of Midwin Charles and Associates, would it surprise you if Charlie Sheen is broke? I mean, talk about a serious case of money mismanagement.
CHARLES: Well, I don`t know if he`s broke, but it may be he`s looking down the line and saying, "You know what? I have no money coming in. I`d better get it together." After all, the drug, the women - that costs money. It`s not cheap.
And if he was just living a lifestyle that was perhaps above and beyond his means or at least a lifestyle that anticipated getting $1 million, $2 million per episode, it could be the case that -
ANDERSON: Putting a lot of financial pressure on himself -
CHARLES: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Maybe a lifestyle plus all the mouths he has to feed in his family. Well, Charlie even joked in that "20/20" interview with Andrea Canning that while he doesn`t see the daughters he shares with Denise Richards much, he keeps the cha-ching rolling in. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEEN: They`ll wake up one day and realize how cool dad is. You know, he signs all the checks on the front not the back, and that we need him and we need his wisdom and his bitchiness.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Really? Well, today, we learned that Vivid Entertainment is offering Charlie a chance to direct a porn film. The working title is "Two and a Half Women."
I am not making this up. And they have invited Charlie`s two goddesses to participate. Rob Shuter, columnist with "PopEater.com," these are the kinds of offers Charlie Sheen is now getting.
I don`t call that winning, but do you think the guy is desperate enough to do something like this? Is he that cash-strapped?
ROB SHUTER, COLUMNIST, "POPEATER.COM": He`s cash-strapped. He does not have cash. What Charlie does have is several multimillion dollar homes. However, all that cash, all that money, is tied up in property.
Charlie needs cash and he needs it now, which is why Charlie is going to talking. He has said that he wants to do a big interview, but it`s going to cost you $1 million.
ANDERSON: He might have to put a home or two on the market soon. We`re just going to have to see.
SHUTER: He might. But if he does, it`s going to take a while to sell. He needs cash now. He has to pay these lawyers. He has to keep paying his family.
ANDERSON: He needs liquidity.
SHUTER: He needs money and he doesn`t have it.
ANDERSON: Well, I`ve got to tell you, despite what anyone thinks about what Charlie should and should not be doing right now, one thing is clear today - Charlie is cashing in big on some of his tweets to millions of his fans.
With me right now in Hollywood, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter. She joins me from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom with the story behind Sheen`s tweets. Kareen?
WYNTER: Brooke, I don`t know about you, but I am speechless over these numbers. Listen to this. In less than a week, one week, Charlie had more than 2.3 million Twitter followers.
And according to Twitter counter, Charlie Sheen is in the top 100 Twitter users. But Charlie - you know, he`s not doing this for free, people. He signed a deal with Internships.com to search for an intern using his Twitter account.
In a brand-new SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview, the CEO of "Internships.com," Robin Richards tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that the success of Sheen`s tweeting is astounding. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBIN RICHARDS, CEO, "INTERNSHIP.COM": I kind of knew we were in un- chartered territory when Charlie Sheen was going to send out this tweet.
And so our whole team, which is phenomenal, stood around and said, "What do you think is going to happen?" 10,000 clicks on that tweet in the first 30 seconds. It`s astronomical now.
I mean, it`s just astronomical. We don`t have the latest numbers. But think of that - 10,000 clicks on that tweet in the first 30 seconds.
WYNTER: And of course, this is absolutely, hugely, hugely successful here when you`re at this and the numbers that this is reeling in, Brooke.
But again, this is someone who is being rewarded for his bad behavior. And this insatiable appetite for, really, all things Charlie Sheen - well, it seems to be never ending here.
ANDERSON: No doubt. It`s captivating. But here`s my big question, Kareen. Did Charlie find an intern?
WYNTER: Can you believe this? He did. He was actually inundated. Listen to what Robin Richards told us about that, Brooke.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARDS: In the first two hours, we`ve had over 20,000 applications from around the globe for Charlie Sheen`s internship. I guess that`s why he needed a professional platform to help him sort through this thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WYNTER: I don`t know if this person knows what they signed up for, but that`s neither here nor there. That`s 20,000 applications in the first two hours. And today, Charlie`s inbox - we just learning that it broke a record with more than 74,000 applications.
ANDERSON: 74,000 applications.
WYNTER: Unbelievable.
ANDERSON: Who the heck wants to be Charlie`s intern? I would be scared out of my mind.
WYNTER: That`s what I was thinking.
ANDERSON: Kareen, I guess Charlie and his team have their work cut out for them in selecting an intern.
WYNTER: Yes.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter, thank you so much. All right. I`m sure that Charlie Sheen is relieved that he`s making a little bit of money after losing his job with "Two and a Half Men." Now, the big buzz is - will the show go out without Charlie. And if it does, who should replace the guy?
Back with me now, Midwin Charles who is an attorney with Midwin Charles and Associates, and Rob Shuter, who is a columnist for "PopEater.com."
All right. When we asked in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll who should replace Sheen on "Two and a Half Men," a whopping 57 percent said nobody, cancel the show. Only 20 percent - look at this - said John Stamos should replace him, 22 percent Robert Downey, Jr.
Rob, does it surprise you, the results? I couldn`t believe 57 percent said cancel the show.
SHUTER: It just shows you how many people love Charlie and the show together. This show is not going to be canceled. The show is so successful they are not going to flush this money away. They are going to give it a chance. Even today, Charlie endorsed Rob Lowe to replace him.
ANDERSON: He did?
SHUTER: Now, remember, Charlie wants this show to continue because if he does, he can still get a paycheck. So he does not want the show to go away.
ANDERSON: If it continues with a different actor -
SHUTER: Yes.
ANDERSON: He still gets a paycheck?
SHUTER: When Michael J. Fox left "Spin City," he still participated in the money of that show for the entire life of it. Charlie`s contract -
ANDERSON: That`s a heck of an agreement people are making.
SHUTER: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Midwin, what do you think? Should he be replaced or not?
CHARLES: I agree with him. I mean, the show is Charlie Sheen. It doesn`t make sense without him. If they get a replacement, I think it`s a good idea. Why not give it a try? It`s such a financially successful show, so why not give it a try?
ANDERSON: OK. Here what I think. Charlie Sheen has been to that show like Kobe Bryant has been to the Lakers, right? But I think the guy is replaceable.
SHUTER: He is.
ANDERSON: I think there are a number of actors who would do a fantastic job.
SHUTER: I remember, if they lose him, they don`t have to pay $2 million out a week. So the show could be less successful and more profitable if they hire an actor for that amount money.
ANDERSON: Good point. Rob Shuter, Midwin Charles, thank you so much. I`m sure the actors want $2 million an episode. It doesn`t matter.
OK. I`ve got to ask you this. Is Donald Trump trying to pull a fast one? They say he`s talking about running for president just for "Celebrity Apprentice`s" publicity. So what does Melissa Rivers think? We`re asking the former "Celebrity Apprentice" star in a headline-making, SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
"Real Housewives" drugged? Were "Real Housewives of Orange County" stars roofied at a club?
Plus, when home invaders call 911 on themselves.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
911 OPERATOR: 911.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just broke into a house. And the owners came home.
911 OPERATOR: You broke into a house?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
ANDERSON: This guy might just be the world`s dumbest criminal. 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: Oprah shares her personal diaries in upcoming issue of "O" magazine. Gwyneth Paltrow signs a deal with Atlantic Records to release full-length album.
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We welcome you back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in New York with big reality buzz making news today.
The White House didn`t want them and neither does "Celebrity Rehab" - the Salahis booted. "Real Housewives" drugged? And you`re fired if you think Donald Trump wants to be president just for publicity.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Trump`s celebrity campaign? Donald Trump tells CNN he is not using presidential talk to generate publicity for "Celebrity Apprentice." Republican Senator Lamar Alexander made the accusation and he tells CNN -
SEN. LAMAR ALEXANDER (R-TN): There`s always someone like Donald Trump who runs who has absolutely no chance of winning.
ANDERSON: Well, that didn`t sit well with Donald who fired back telling "New York One" -
DONALD TRUMP, BUSINESS TYCOON: They think that I`m out promoting "Celebrity Apprentice" and that is not the reason. I don`t need the publicity. That is not the reason I`m doing it. I`m doing it because I love this country. It`s a great country and I want it to remain a great country.
"Real Housewives" roofied? A night out turns scary for "The Real Housewives of O.C." star, Tamra Barney and some of her "Housewives" co- stars when they were allegedly drugged.
Barney claims that the women were slipped the date-rape drug Rohypnol at a New York City bar. Barney revealed what happened on Bravo`s "Watch What Happens Live."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TAMRA BARNEY, STAR, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY": Unfortunately, we accepted a drink from a fan that walked up with two drinks and gave them to us. And thank god I had (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Out, out, out.
BARNEY: Within 30 minutes, we were out.
ANDERSON: The Salahis booted from rehab. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the infamously uninvited White House guest, Michaele Salahi, is being accused of crashing the latest season of Dr. Drew`s "Celebrity Rehab" without an addiction.
VH1 tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, before taping the show, Salahi seemed to meet the criteria of an addict, but quote, "Professional assessment spanning from that time to the present found that she did not meet that criteria. As a result, she is no longer participating in the program."
A furious Salahi fired back telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT through her rep, "That is the excuse they use, but they knew what it was when they cast her."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Whoo. I think the fight between the Salahis and "Celebrity Rehab" is going to get nasty. Michaele and her husband do not go down without a fight.
And today, everybody is asking if Donald Trump really is serious about possibly running for president. The reality world is making big news today. And we`re bringing in a big-time reality show star to help us make sense of it all.
Melissa Rivers joins me now from Hollywood for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. She and her mom, Joan Rivers, star in We TV`s reality show, "Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best."
All right, Melissa. So the Salahis are upset that Michaele has been booted off "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" for being addiction-challenged.
I think the only thing the Salahis are addicted to is fame and themselves. But Melissa, you`re a reality show veteran. Do you think the Salahis have reason to be ticked at "Celebrity Rehab"?
MELISSA RIVERS, REALITY TV STAR: No, I don`t think they do. You know, my only - my thought on this is there is a producer somewhere who just got fired today for letting it even get this far with the Salahis into the process.
I mean, that`s why the casting process takes so long because everybody does have to be so thoroughly vetted. I think they were turned down and not taking it well. I mean, they`re addicted, clearly, to fame any way they can get it, you know.
ANDERSON: Well, they certainly are not taking it well, like you said.
M. RIVERS: No.
ANDERSON: Because now, we`re hearing that the Salahis may actually be considering suing "Celebrity Rehab." I think that`s ridiculous.
Melissa, you have been booted from a reality show, "Celebrity Apprentice." It was an entirely different situation.
M. RIVERS: Yes.
ANDERSON: That was part of the show.
M. RIVERS: Right.
ANDERSON: It was a little contentious to say the least, though. Is there any way in the world, though, that you would have considered suing Donald Trump for firing you from that show?
M. RIVERS: No. And when you go into these shows, you know what you`re signing up for. Everyone is thoroughly vetted. Everything is made very, very clear.
There are all sorts of standards and practices, especially on "The Apprentice," which is truly a competition show. So the FCC has certain standards and practices. You know what the parameters are. And if you don`t fill the criteria, you don`t fill the criteria.
ANDERSON: Yes. You know the drill.
M. RIVERS: I mean, the lines of people trying to get on these shows is ridiculous.
ANDERSON: Yes. Well, speaking of Trump, he`s been making noises about running for president. But now, he`s telling "New York One" his poll numbers are suffering because people don`t think he`s serious. Watch what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: My biggest negative is most people think I`m not going to do it. They think I`m having fun promoting "The Apprentice" or "Celebrity Apprentice."
That`s not the reason. I don`t need the publicity. That is not the reason I`m doing it. I`m doing it because I love this country. It`s a great country and I want it to remain a great country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right. I`ve spent a good deal of time with Donald Trump. And I have learned anything is possible with the guy.
Melissa, you`ve also spent a good deal of time with Donald Trump. Do you believe him when he said he`s seriously considering the presidency? Or could this really just be a grand scheme to promote "Celebrity Apprentice"? It would be genius.
M. RIVERS: I think he`s 100 percent serious. He`s been making sort of noises about this long before they started promoting this season of "Celebrity Apprentice." This has been buzzing around, as you know - this has been talked about before - for quite a while.
Trump doesn`t say anything he doesn`t mean. Mr. Trump, the one thing - love him or hate him and I happen to love him - he`s a straight shooter. He says (INAUDIBLE).
(CROSS TALK)
ANDERSON: He says what he means. I agree with you.
M. RIVERS: He says what he means.
ANDERSON: All right. I want to talk about your reality show, Melissa. It`s called "Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best," where your mom actually -
M. RIVERS: And thank you for saying it right.
ANDERSON: OK. Your mom - I practiced. Your mom actually moves from New York to live with you in L.A. I want to take a quick look at it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOAN RIVERS, REALITY TV STAR: I`m not like you, Melissa. I just don`t throw on a pair of jeans and something you find in the closet.
M. RIVERS: It is a nice shirt.
J. RIVERS: It is a nice shirt. Hideous color.
M. RIVERS: It`s not a hideous color.
J. RIVERS: It matches my legs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You two are so funny. You and your mom seem to really go at it on this show. I know you`ve already wrapped filming your season one.
M. RIVERS: Yes.
ANDERSON: How has the reality show affected your relationship with your mom now, quickly?
M. RIVERS: How has it affected it? Our relationship is actually in a great place. But what people are finding out on the show is we`re very typical mother and daughter.
ANDERSON: Yes.
M. RIVERS: We live in very atypical situations but it`s the same dynamic everybody else goes through with their parents. And that`s what seems to have been resonating because it`s been tremendously successful, knock on wood.
ANDERSON: Well, congratulations on the show. Again, it`s "Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best." It airs Tuesday nights 9:00 p.m. Eastern on We TV. Melissa, thanks so much. Good to see you.
M. RIVERS: Thank you.
ANDERSON: Now, it`s just plain wrong to break into somebody`s home. But it`s both wrong and stupid to break into somebody`s home and call 911 on yourself.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
911 OPERATOR: 911.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just broke into a house and the owners came home.
911 OPERATOR: You broke into a house?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
(END AUDIO CLIP) v
ANDERSON: And the guy took a shower in the house, too. Is this guy the dumbest criminal ever? That`s next. 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: Pete Wentz files for joint custody of son in divorce from Ashlee Simpson. Kourtney Kardashian to make acting debut on "One Life to Live" March 28th.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Now, SHOWBIZ caught on tape - the world`s dumbest criminal. Get this - a guy in Oregon breaks into somebody`s house, takes a shower and then calls 911 on himself. Not only that, he was still in the shower.
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the squeaky clean story of the down, dirty and dumb criminal.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is a story of two 911 calls from the same Portland, Oregon house, one from an intruder.
911 OPERATOR: 911.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just broke into a house and the owners came home.
911 OPERATOR: You broke into a house?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
MOOS: And one from the owner.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have an intruder in my house.
MOOS (on camera): Imagine you come home from the grocery store, walk in your house and some guy is in your shower.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why are you in my house taking a shower.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m sorry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Who are you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My name is Timothy Chapek.
MOOS (voice-over): This Timothy Chapek - owner Hilary McKenzie was talking to him through a closed door.
911 OPERATOR: OK. And the guy is white, black, Hispanic or Asian?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have no idea. He was in the bathroom.
MOOS: The intruder dialed 911, apparently scared of the homeowner.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think they have guns.
MOOS: The owner was not armed, nor was she intimidated.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why are you in my house?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I broke in. I was kidnapped.
MOOS: The police report described Chapek as seeming to have mental issues saying he`s been kidnapped by Mexicans. When the homeowner told the intruder she was going to call the police -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`ve already called them. They`re on the phone right now.
MOOS: Now, this wasn`t the first time someone has called the police to report themselves. Drunk drivers have done it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Somebody`s really drunk driving down Granton Road.
911 OPERATOR: OK. Are you behind them?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I am them.
911 OPERATOR: You am them?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I am them.
MOOS: But it`s even more bizarre when the intruder "I am the one" calling police from your bathroom and you call 911 from outside on your porch.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And he said he`s in there. And I said, "Who the hell are you?"
911 OPERATOR: OK.
MOOS (on camera): The suspect told police he was just taking a shower. His hair was wet, the bathroom steamy. Nothing seemed to be missing.
(voice-over) Chapek was charged with trespassing and released on $2,500 bail.
911 OPERATOR: Did he sound like he was high or drunk?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, he`s obviously nuts.
MOOS: Some people sing in the shower. Some people call 911. As police arrive, tensions dipped.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Come on up. The party`s up here.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That guy obviously has issues, so I hope he`s getting treatment. And that is a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in New York. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday.
And don`t forget, we`re still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week. That`s at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. Take care.
END
