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Showbiz Tonight
Chris Brown`s Apology; Debbie Reynolds on Liz Taylor; Jolie-Pitt Secrets; Lost Charlie Sheen Poetry; Kim Kardashian, CSI?
Aired March 24, 2011 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- Chris Brown backs off big time. Brown`s startling sudden about-face apology today for going on a violent rampage after appearing on "Good Morning America."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS BROWN, SINGER: Yes, I got very emotional and I apologize for acting like there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- is anyone buying Chris` apology?
Plus, an exclusive SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with music`s Russell Simmons who`s speaking out for Brown today.
Brand-new secrets revealed today about Brad and Angelina`s family. What life is really like for them and their six kids.
A SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive -- Charlie Sheen, the lost poetry tapes, the lost tapes of Charlie Sheen`s poems, uncovered. Let me say that again -- Charlie Sheen writing and reading poetry. Very dark poetry.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLIE SHEEN, ACTOR: And the twisted times of a rotting game where floodwaters raised coffins from pain.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today -- the words that have seemed to come to define Chris Brown, "I`m so sorry."
The unpredictable hot-headed has apparently cooled off long enough to remember how to say the same thing he did after beating up Rihanna. He`s sorry this time after going ballistic after an appearance on "Good Morning America" because a journalist dared -- dared I say -- to ask him about Rihanna.
Brown is backpedaling big-time today. In fact, he`s backpedaling so fast he may want to look over his shoulder to make sure that he doesn`t bang in anything like that water cooler and window that he reportedly trashed over at ABC.
But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you while Brown is saying he`s sorry, the big question debated today was this -- should we believe him?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
C. BROWN: I was disappointed in the way I acted.
HAMMER (voice-over): Two days after he freaked out backstage at "Good Morning America" and allegedly bashed a window and threw a cooler, Chris Brown has cooled off.
C. BROWN: I apologize for acting like that.
HAMMER: On BET`s "106 and Park" Brown apologized for the violent backstage tantrum he threw after "GMA`s" Robin Roberts asked him about his ex- girlfriend, Rihanna, who he pleaded guilty to assaulting back in 2009.
C. BROWN: First of all, I want to apologize to anybody who was startled in the office or anybody who was offended or really disappointed in my actions.
HAMMER: Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks, after Chris Brown`s epic tantrum sends headlines buzzing and coolers flying, is his heartfelt apology flying today?
NINA PARKER, PRODUCER, TMZ: You just want to cry for the guy, except you don`t.
HAMMER: It all started with Brown`s appearance Tuesday on "Good Morning America." Co-host Robin Roberts asked him about Rihanna.
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-HOST, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Have you all seen each other, been around each other?
C. BROWN: I mean, not really. It`s not really a big deal to me now as far as that situation. I think I`m past that in my life. And I think today is the album day that`s what I`m focused on, so everybody go get that album.
HAMMER: Despite Brown`s attempt to dodge the Rihanna question, Robin went there again.
ROBERTS: Even the judge though afterwards said that you had served your time as far as the community service and that and moving on. But have you been able to -- how have you been able to do that?
C. BROWN: I just want to focus on this album, you know, so definitely, this album is what I want to talk about and not the stuff that happened two years ago.
HAMMER: Minutes after the interview ended, TMZ posted the shocking story about Chris Brown`s, quote, "violent outburst at `GMA.`"
PARKER: Basically, he had a huge grown-man temper tantrum. He ripped his shirt off, kind of went on a yelling tirade where security was actually called because people backstage were a little fearful of him.
HAMMER: During the tantrum, a window was broken in Brown`s dressing room at "Good Morning America`s" studio in New York`s Time Square. During his apology on BET yesterday, Chris Brown tried to explain why he was so upset by the interview.
C. BROWN: Obviously, when I do shows or when I do interviews, we always send out like a talking-points sheet, talking-points where, you know, positivity(ph), creative and everything that was sent to me.
It was about the album. That`s what we were talking about. So as the interview proceeded, you know, it was kind of thrown off. I was thrown off by it and, you know, I felt like -- it was like, OK, they told us this just so they could get us on the show to exploit me. And when I got back, I was just letting off steam in the back.
You know, I didn`t physically hurt anyone. I didn`t try to hurt anyone. I just want to release just the anger than I had inside of me.
PARKER: He doesn`t seem to take a lot of personal responsibility.
HAMMER: TMZ`s Nina Parker tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she isn`t impressed by Brown`s blame-the-victim apology.
PARKER: And he kind of blamed the show in saying they didn`t go by his talking points, instead of just saying, "Look, I acted like a jerk."
HAMMER: Folks at "Good Morning America" also didn`t seem very moved by Brown`s apology.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In a rambling message on BET --
HAMMER: This morning, the show`s hosts all but called BS on Brown`s claims that he had no idea they`d be discussing Rihanna.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You were talking to him before the interview.
ROBERTS: Yes. Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you mentioned where you might be headed, right?
ROBERTS: And people heard me say that I might say that to him and his response was, "Cool."
HAMMER: But Robin Roberts appears to be getting tired of all the attention.
ROBERTS: It`s time for everyone to move on -- everyone to move on.
HAMMER: In the spirit of moving on, ABC won`t be pressing charges against Brown. And a full two days after the incident, Brown was still scheduled to appear on another ABC show, "Dancing with the Stars," next Tuesday. But fans of that show are working to change that.
PARKER: They even started a message board saying how they are protesting and they do not want "Dancing with the Stars" to have Chris Brown on. There are some fans who are really upset.
HAMMER: But not so upset that they`re throwing tantrums. It all goes to show that while Chris Brown is on probation with the courts, he`s also still on probation with the public.
C. BROWN: I just let off, like, steam --
HAMMER: And if he continues to let off steam like this, all his work to rebuild his career will go out the window.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Now, Brown is not at all without his supporters and his fans, a very bright spot for him right now. Billboard reports that his new album, which came out on Tuesday, is likely debut at number one when the chart comes out next week.
This would be Brown`s very first number one album debut. So Chris Brown apologizes for his angry outburst, but will people accept his apology?
Legendary music industry icon, Russell Simmons, who has helped create some of the biggest hip-hop stars ever said today, yes, we should accept Brown`s apology. In fact, he even met with Brown after his tantrum at "GMA."
Russell Simmons is with me now in New York for a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive interview. Russell is the chairman of "GlobalGrind.com" and is the author of the terrific bestselling book called "Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All." Great to see you as always, Russell.
RUSSELL SIMMONS, CHAIRMAN, "GLOBALGRIND.COM": Thank you. It`s good to be back.
HAMMER: I know you were with Chris Brown the night after this all thing at "GMA" happened. You were at his record release dinner. What did he say to you at that dinner about what had happened?
SIMMONS: Well, he expressed remorse, you know. When I sat with him, I felt so moved by his expression. And I went -- I told him, "You know what? It`s OK. Just let it go. It`s earlier today. You can`t bring it back."
And I meant that sincerely. If you were to sit with him now -- if you sit with him in a calm moment, you would see that he`s just a kid who was at -- you know, who`s -- the experience of becoming a star are ones that you may not have imagined the way that he`s had.
HAMMER: Sure.
SIMMONS: I have built so many stars -- in fact, 30. I only know Jay-Z -- maybe the only one out of all of every puppy, every rapper you can think of. And so many kids their first experiences are tough. They have a moment where it`s very difficult.
If you`re an artist, even an artist who looks inside, an introspective person, you find these great moments when you`re connected. And then, you`re forced to go out of the studio, come away from the dance studio and face the outside where the world is full of confusion.
HAMMER: Yes --
SIMMONS: It`s very difficult, and I felt for him. I think a little bit of encouragement or support rather than turn him into a Britney Spears or a Lindsay Lohan --
HAMMER: Sure.
SIMMONS: Or any of these kind of -- these kind of train wrecks or Charlie Sheen -- rather than turn him into that, a little encouragement and support.
HAMMER: Sure. But that said -- I mean, obviously, I assume you believe he does have to be responsible for his actions. And with Chris Brown, it goes much deeper.
He observed a lot of violence as a kid and there were other things at play here. But certainly, his level of frustration, Russell, I`m sure, you don`t view as an excuse for having an outburst like that.
SIMMONS: No, I don`t think it`s an excuse. It`s my acknowledgement from the outside that he`s a sweet kid. He had a difficult time and (INAUDIBLE) about it.
I think what he said on BET was fair. I mean, it`s not fair always to blame the host. I mean, the host asked you tough questions. They`re searching for dirt.
HAMMER: Sure.
SIMMONS: They live on dirt.
HAMMER: Well, an information related to a news story that somebody --
SIMMONS: Well, I don`t know. It`s not exciting. If you -- many times he`s worked for my charity, the Hip-Hop Summit, and what he does for Special Olympics, that`s not newsworthy, you know, but he does a lot of good work.
And he`s always -- whenever I have asked him over the years to show up for the Hip-Hop Summit to talk about financial literacy or voting even before he was of voting age, he showed up.
And so he`s done those things. Those things are not newsworthy. Him breaking a window after an interview is world news, and his album is number one as a result. So we don`t want to keep feeding in that either.
HAMMER: Of course, but again, I also have to believe, you know, he said, as part of his apology, that his outburst was because he felt the need to release the anger he felt as a result of the frustration of being asked about Rihanna.
You know, we all get angry. We don`t all smash windows and water coolers. Certainly, I mean, I imagine you found that troubling given his violent past.
SIMMONS: I`m certainly not saying that what happened was acceptable. I`m saying it`s behind us, just as, you know, artists -- especially artists -- you know, artists almost every one has got a difficult history.
That`s why they create art. That`s why they look inside for something much calmer and better. And then they give us this beautiful art. If we were to ask -- you know, look back, all of the greatest American artists have had struggles.
Sometimes they become train wrecks. I have a DMX story. I have so many artists who didn`t make it. Ja Rule`s gone to jail, who is a -- right now, Ja Rule`s gone to jail. He was a Jehovah`s Witness.
Sweet kid. He became an artist. he became famous. It was very difficult for him. So those experiences I have seen and what I would like to see with Chris Brown is something different. That`s why I came to see him.
HAMMER: OK. And we appreciate you being here. And certainly, we have high expectations of him. And I have a feeling he will handle things differently next time.
SIMMONS: Well, the public has handled it pretty well. They took his outburst. You guys have made it big. His album is number one. So we have to feed him something different than what you guys are giving him. Thank you.
HAMMER: All right, Russell. Glad to see you. Thank you so much.
Coming up, we have a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive. We have got to show you what you see. It`s the lost Charlie Sheen poems uncovered today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEEN: I`ve been writing poetry since I was about 10 years old. I have it memorized, but a lot of it is very dark and very graphic, you know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Let me say that again slowly here -- Charlie Sheen writing and reading poetry. This is very dark poetry. No kidding.
Brand-new secrets revealed today about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie`s family. We`re going to go inside what life is really like for them and the six kids. It is fascinating.
And next, Debbie Reynolds, the star who was caught up in a love triangle with Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher. Their drama is being compared to what happened with Brad, Angelina, and Jen Aniston. It`s Debbie in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Lindsay Lohan rejects plea deal, she`s rolling the dice to stand trial. More star tributes today for Elizabeth Taylor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OLIVER STONE, MOVIE DIRECTOR: There`s something resilient about her. You see, she lived to be older. Most actresses who have become ultra-famous die young like Carol Lombard and (INAUDIBLE) and get that reputation. The thing about Elizabeth Taylor is she just went on and on and on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Just in -- Elizabeth Taylor being laid to rest today. She died yesterday at the age of 79. According to Jewish tradition, a person is supposed to be buried within 24 hours. Taylor converted to Judaism back in the 1950s before she was married to Eddie Fisher.
Let`s get right to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter. Kareen as at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Kareen?
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: A.J., SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Elizabeth Taylor`s funeral is going on at this very moment. And this is really familiar turf for the press.
You see, this is where singer Michael Jackson was laid to rest back in 2009. And if you can believe it, the press actually got here before police.
We spoke with the Public Information Officer for the City of Glendale. And he said he was even caught off-guard He was even reckless when found out about the news.
As for the small service today, it`s going to be very, very private as you can imagine, just a small group of close family and friends -- about a few dozen people.
There will be no hearse, no procession, no motorcade. And what`s also interesting -- Taylor will be entombed, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned, in the very same mausoleum as Michael Jackson.
And this really makes sense in terms of security. There`s not a lot of public access. It`s a more controlled area.
Taylor died on Wednesday. She was surrounded by her children. She`d been hospitalized for six weeks for congestive heart failure. A.J.?
HAMMER: All right, Kareen. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter, thank you so much. A public memorial is being worked on. We`ll have more information about that as we get it.
So Elizabeth Taylor now being laid to rest. But Hollywood and the world continue to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of this superstar legend, including Taylor`s one-time-rival-turned-friend, Debbie Reynolds.
Debbie, joining us on the phone right now in a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Debbie, it`s so good to have you with us. I`m obviously so sorry it`s under these circumstances. As you just heard, we`re reporting that Elizabeth Taylor is being laid to rest today. What are your thoughts about your friend today?
DEBBIE REYNOLDS, ACTRESS (through telephone): Well, Elizabeth was one of our most glamorous and beautiful stars of our generation. And women liked her and men adored her and her children, the love of her children.
She loved her children and her animals. She was a very gracious lady and a very powerful lady and one that will be remembered forever. Her legacy will last.
HAMMER: And as every one of her friends has been saying, she was a fiercely loyal friend. And I know, Debbie, you were one of the last people Elizabeth spoke to from the hospital before she died.
Of what you`re comfortable sharing, what was that conversation like? What did she say to you?
REYNOLDS: Well, I just said, "Elizabeth, it`s really hard. I know you`re going through a bad time." And she said, "That`s to say the least." It was very hard. She was a little naturally despondent and in a lot of pain.
And it was not a good time, you know. And so her passing is sad for everyone that loved Elizabeth and knew Elizabeth, but it really will take her out of a very sad time of pain. She won`t -- she will be free of pain and she`ll be at peace at last.
HAMMER: Yes. I spoke yesterday as well with her dear friend, Carol Bayer Sager, who`s saying exactly the same thing. And it seemed that the family had come to grips with the fact that it was time for her spirit to be free and for her to be free of pain.
And Debbie, I want you to stay right there, because coming up next, I have got to get your take on something a lot of people are talking about.
There are comparisons people have made between your one-time love triangle with Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor and the love triangle involving Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.
But right now, we need to move on as Willow Smith gets punked by Justin Bieber. Wait until you see what happens when the Biebs played a big old trick on Will and Jada`s daughter.
(MUSIC)
Who would have thought the Biebs was so darn sneaky? All right. Let`s see. We`ve got CSI -- CSI New York, CSI Miami. How about CSI Kim Kardashian? Yes, wait until you hear what Kim says if she wasn`t doing whatever it is she does now, what she would like to be -- a super-sleuth.
Roses are red, violets are blue. Does the Charlie Sheen poetry sound winning to you?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEEN: I have been writing poetry since I was about 10 years old. I have it memorized, but I -- a lot of it is very dark and very graphic, you know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Get comfy. We`re about to show you Charlie Sheen reciting his poetry. It`s a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, the lost Charlie Sheen poems. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Zsa Zsa Gabor going back home after being hospitalized after hearing about Liz Taylor`s death. More star tributes today for Elizabeth Taylor - -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOAN COLLINS, ACTRESS: The last time that I got a divorce, she sent me a note and she said, "I`m still ahead by three." And I sent one back saying, "Don`t worry, Liz, I`m going to catch up."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: We are back with our SHOWBIZ newsmaker, legendary film actress and good friend of Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds.
Debbie, you and Elizabeth had a long-storied rivalry back in the day, especially all the drama that played out when your husband, Eddie Fisher, left you to marry Liz.
REYNOLDS: Yes.
HAMMER: How did your friendship ever recover from that? I mean, I think that says a whole lot about both you and Elizabeth Taylor.
REYNOLDS: Well, it recovered because Elizabeth met Richard Burton and kicked Eddie out, so then it made me feel a little better.
HAMMER: Yes. And you know, at the time, it obviously was huge Hollywood scandal when Eddie left you for Liz. But what do you make of all of the comparisons of what happened then to the whole Jennifer Anniston, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie triangle?
REYNOLDS: Well, I think it`s silly to compare because every generation has their scandals. So they thought that seemed similar, but of course it`s not at all alike.
We`re all very different people and circumstances were all very different. There were children involved. It was a very different situation. And let`s hope that not many people have to go through that situation.
HAMMER: Yes. Yes, no kidding. You know, everybody was trying to find a way to help the younger generation understand Elizabeth Taylor throughout the last 24 hours.
People have said Angelina Jolie is the closest thing we have to a modern-day Liz Taylor. And no offense to Angelina, but is that comparison even fair in your mind?
REYNOLDS: That Elizabeth -- Elizabeth wasn`t like anybody and Angelina is not like anybody. They`re two beautiful, gorgeous, talented actresses. And Jennifer Anniston is a wonderfully-gifted comedian and a beautiful girl, so they`re not to be compared.
Everyone is to be taken for their own talents and the talents that God gives them. So it`s unfair to compare them.
HAMMER: Yes.
REYNOLDS: They`re all wonderfully gifted and talented, so not to be compared. And we just wish Elizabeth that she has some peace and some happiness now, and a little healthy time, a better time than she has had.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, Debbie Reynolds, thank you so much for taking the time to speak to us and an early happy birthday. I know you`re celebrating your birthday next week.
REYNOLDS: Oh, thank you. Another one. I appreciate it very much. You do a fine job on your show, by the way. You`re excellent.
HAMMER: Thank you. Thanks so much, Debbie. All right. I`ve got to move on now to the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Brand-new secrets revealed today about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie`s family. We`re taking an inside-life with Angie and Brad.
Also, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive -- the lost tapes of Charlie Sheen`s poems uncovered today.
And CSI Kim Kardashian? Does Kim have what it takes to be a crime investigator? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Gwen Stefani donates $1 million to Japan relief. More star tributes today for Elizabeth Taylor --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VANESSA HUDGENS, ACTRESS: She`s just a timeless classic beauty that is such a legend. I mean, like, her body of work -- she`s just a beautiful babe.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- Charlie Sheen, the lost poetry tapes. If you thought his recent rants were off the wall, this is going to blow your mind.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEEN: I have been writing poetry since I was about 10 years old. I have it memorized, but a lot of it is very dark and very graphic, you know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Charlie Sheen caught on tape reading his very own dark and twisted poetry. It`s a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive.
The Brangelina bunch exposed today. An intimate new look at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie`s family life.
Kim Kardashian, crime fighter? Kim K.`s possible alternate life revealed today.
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- Simon Cowell`s new Paula Abdul confession and Michael Lohan in trouble again.
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 with big news breaking today -- Charlie Sheen, the poet?
That`s right. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has uncovered a dark, unexpected and outrageous poetry reading from a young Charlie Sheen back in the `90s.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you this exclusive lost poetry reading foreshadows the man he was destined to become.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) We`re all too familiar these days with the dark side of Charlie Sheen.
SHEEN: I had more than fun. I had me with it.
HAMMER: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has unlocked one of Charlie`s best-kept and darkest secrets for all these years, the secret of his poetry.
SHEEN: I have been writing poetry since I was about 10 years old.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has just uncovered this lost interview of Charlie Sheen back in 1994 when he was just 29 years old.
SHEEN: It`s an interesting view of the world through my eyes.
HAMMER: Sheen wrote this book of poetry in 1990 called "A Peace of My Mind." His friend, director Adam Rifkin, illustrated the dark manuscript, drawing a gruesome peace of brain dangling from a string on the cover of the book.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Want to share a bit of it?
SHEEN: I don`t really --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You don`t have it memorized?
SHEEN: Well, I have it memorized, but a lot of it is very dark and very graphic, you know.
HAMMER: Sheen was often reluctant to recite his work. In order to hear one of these dark poems, we have to journey deeper into the CNN vault.
Back in 1993, here, Sheen shared some of his sacred secret poetry with a CNN reporter. Brace yourselves.
SHEEN: "In twisted times of a rotting game where floodwaters raised coffins from pain, where the worms of freedom have all gone insane, I will pluck them and suck them from the heart of my brain."
That`s just one verse of a poem called "The Big White Fellow," which is about being fed up with everything in life, you know.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What made you write that.
SHEEN: I don`t know. I was on an airplane going to San Antonio and it just came out. You know, I hit some turbulence and had to write this poem.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What does writing this poetry do for you?
SHEEN: Well, it gives me an expression that is so different than anything else I do creatively in my life.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That`s such an intensely private thing. It`s something that, as you say, only you have and can take hold of.
SHEEN: But I want to share it. I want to publish the book.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Really?
SHEEN: Yes. I meant the book -- copy, (INAUDIBLE) model and I shopped it for a while. And it turned out finally what I thought it was. It was a little slap of reality. I think the universe is telling me it`s just not the right time. There`s too much other stuff going on. You`ve got to -- you know.
HAMMER: Sheen never did find a publisher. And a few years later, Charlie published the book himself. A few copies exist today, but SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you one of the rare copies is on sale today on Amazon for a whopping $5,000.
SHEEN: When the edge of confusion appears in disarray --
HAMMER: Sheen`s book of poetry, in fact the same poem he read to CNN in 1993, made an appearance earlier this month on his Web cast this month called "Sheen`s Korner."
SHEEN: It`s an act of illusion dead babies would say, when the clock`s final ticking exposes your day. It should (INAUDIBLE) bay.
HAMMER: Charlie Sheen`s lost poetry reading may raise more questions than answers. But one thing is for certain -- it seems the dark side of Charlie Sheen has always been there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And there`s big "Two and a Half Men" news. Just in today, "Radar Online" is reporting that "Entourage" star, Jeremy Piven, is being considered as a replacement for Charlie Sheen.
Jeremy will be out of a job soon when his current show comes to an end. But Jeremy`s rep, who was Charlie`s rep up until recently, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT nobody knows anything about this. But certainly, an interesting choice, right?
Well, we`ve got to move on to more big news breaking today -- Brad and Angelina`s family secrets. Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has your inside look at the world`s most famous globe-trotting family, the Jolie-Pitt clan.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT got our hands on the advanced copy of this week`s "People" magazine. Take a look at the cover. This has to make you smile, right? The picture-perfect Jolie-Pitt family, right there next to the headline "Big Happy Family."
This picture was taken just days ago as Angelina and Brad took a stroll in New Orleans with their six kids. Now that their kids are getting older, how has family life changed for Angelina and Brad?
Joining me now with all the inside details, "People" magazine`s staff writer, Blaine Zuckerman.
So when I saw the inside photos from "People" magazine, I actually couldn`t believe how big these kids have gotten.
And I understand that Brad and his kids are sharing a very special bond. But Blaine, what did "People" magazine find out about each child`s personality? There`s got to be a troublemaker in the group, right?
BLAINE ZUCKERMAN, STAFF WRITER, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Well, there is actually not quite a troublemaker, but there is a mischief-maker.
And we`re told that Pax is the one who kind of gets in a little bit of trouble. And an often uttered phrase is "Where is Pax?" So yes, there are certain rules.
And the ringleader, obviously, is Maddox. At nine, he is the big brother and he`s the one calling the shots for this group of kids.
HAMMER: Yes, because I imagine the dynamic -- you know, as they get older, like any kids, like any family, things are changing and the roles are becoming very, very clear, right?
ZUCKERMAN: One hundred percent. And you know, the nice thing is that, as they have grown up, they all have become a little bit closer and they take care of each other. And that`s the nice thing that we`re seeing.
HAMMER: And how tough it must be to keep up with six young kids. And of course, look, we`re not going to act like Brad and Angelina don`t have all kinds of help and the kind of help that a lot of stressed-out parents can only dream of.
But I understand when, Blaine, "People" magazine has learned that Brad and Angelina are actually very hands-on parents despite all of the help they can afford.
ZUCKERMAN: One hundred percent. We hear that they are taking care of everything. And there are nights when they have a wonderful calm evening and there are nights when there are full-on meltdowns.
And Brad and Angelina are the ones on hand to handle it. We hear that neither parent is afraid of doing a bit of disciplining. There are time- outs that happen just like everywhere else. They happen in the Jolie-Pitt house.
HAMMER: Are they going out taking the kids clothes shopping by themselves? I don`t see that happening. I don`t know how that could ever be accomplished you`re the most famous people on the planet.
ZUCKERMAN: Between us, maybe they`re doing a lot of online shopping. That might be a little bit easier.
HAMMER: All right. When I was reading through your cover story, there was a quote that really jumped out at me that I want to get to.
They had a family friend who describes Brad and Angelina`s parenting as, "She`s the quarterback and he`s the NFL coach. They are dedicated to making it work."
And you know, stepping back from that, I thought pretty interesting when you describe Hollywood`s hottest couple in football terms. But the point is, these two really do know how to make it work with their very busy family, don`t they?
ZUCKERMAN: They really do. You know what? With a family this size, it makes sense it is like a team. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
I think when the twins came along as the new rookies, maybe Shiloh wasn`t that excited. But now, Shiloh is the real supportive big sister. So it all works itself out and they`re all in it together.
HAMMER: And the fact is, you know, they have to travel all the time -- the parents do. Do the kids really get to do as much globe-trotting as we might think? Are they constantly flying around the world with mom and dad?
ZUCKERMAN: The kids do a lot of globe-trotting. I will say that the twins spend the most time close to Angelina when she`s been on sets. She`s been very busy lately.
But they really do their best to make sure they have a lot of quality time at home as a family in New Orleans, which is what we got to take a look at in this issue.
HAMMER: Yes. And what a terrific place for them to be raising their kids. I think they have said it many times that that is the right place for them because it is just an easier way of life. And people are less concerned about the fact that they`re Brad and Angie, right?
ZUCKERMAN: Exactly. They can sort of, in their most reasonable way, try to blend in and be a real family and not be these superstars. And for some reason, they seem to make it work in this town.
HAMMER: You said it well -- their most reasonable way. Blaine Zuckerman, thanks so much. I appreciate it.
ZUCKERMAN: Thank you.
HAMMER: And if you want to read more about the Jolie-Pitt family, pick up your copy of "People" magazine with a great picture on the front. It`s on newsstands Friday.
Billy Ray, backtracking? Miley Cyrus` dad seems to be doing some fancy foot work after blaming his daughter`s show for destroying their family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILLY RAY CYRUS, COUNTRY MUSIC STAR: I have a lot of great friends at Disney. I love the company. I love what they stand for.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But there are some critics that are saying, "Wait a minute, you`re just backtracking now."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Billy Ray faces the music in an interview that is making big news today.
Kim Kardashian, crime fighter? Well, Kim says if she wasn`t on TV, she would actually want to a gig as a real-life crime scene investigator. What`s going on there? Well, I will explain that, coming up.
Also still ahead --
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Willow Smith getting punked by Justin Bieber right in the middle of her concert. You`ve got to see how all this played out. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It is time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Simon Cowell says Paula Abdul is still in the running as "X Factor" judge. More star tributes today for Elizabeth Taylor --
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CARRIE FISHER, ACTRESS: I think she should move around with -- as a woman who really loved life and whatever was part of that, men and her -- you know, her acting and her friends and her family, certainly.
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HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Billy Ray backtracking today? Miley Cyrus` dad is trying to defend himself after blaming Miley`s Disney show, "Hannah Montana," for destroying his family.
Billy Ray recently filed for divorced from his wife and was barely talking to Miley for a while. During that time, Billy Ray told "GQ" magazine that there was one reason for all that drama, "Hannah Montana."
Well, on "Good Morning America," Billy Ray seems to be tripping all over himself to try to extract his foot from his mouth. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. CYRUS: I love my family more than anything in the world. And my family extends out into the Disney family. I have a lot of great friends at Disney.
ROBERTS: Well, there are some critics that are saying, "Wait a minute. You`re just backtracking now." How do you convince us that that`s not the case?
B. CYRUS: As far as convincing anybody of anything, I don`t have to do that. I just want to put my family back together.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And so far, Billy Ray seems to be doing just that by calling off his divorce.
Well, the wedding of the century is now just a month away. And we`ve got great news -- in case you`re not able to make it to the big wedding, you`ll be able to listen to it right away.
Lady Gaga is a big fan of the girl who some say is responsible for the worst song and video ever. And we know that Julian Moore is playing Sarah Palin. Wait until you hear who`s playing John McCain. All that is making big news in "The Buzz Today."
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(voice-over) Ed Harris for president? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal that four-time Oscar nominee, Ed Harris, has joined the cast of HBO`s "Game Change." He will play former presidential candidate, John McCain, in the miniseries based on McCain`s 2008 campaign. Julian Moore is set to play Sarah Palin in the series which is based on the bestselling book of the same name.
Lady Gaga`s new love? Lady Gaga says she has fallen for Internet sensation Rebecca Black in her music video, "Friday." Gaga revealed why she loves Black in the Google special, "Google Goes Gaga."
LADY GAGA, POP STAR: I`ll say Rebecca Black is a genius.
The royals go viral. If you miss the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton live, not to fear, within hours you`ll be able to download the sounds of the event online.
The royal family just revealed that for the very first time, a digital album of the event will be released by Decca Records within hours of the nuptials. The actual album will be available on May 5th.
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Well, we actually want to send you to London right when the royal wedding is taking place. Here is your chance to enter to win a trip for two to cover all the excitement of the wedding.
All you have to do is send us a video of why you think you should be CNN`s royal wedding iReporter, like this video from Davis in California.
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DAVIS PACHEL, CNN IREPORTER: CNN, I`m Davis Pachel and I am your next iReporter. I have royal blood running through my veins. I`m related to the Plantagenet family through the illegitimate son, Hamlin. But forget the illegitimacy. It`s legitimate for me. Pick me. I want to go.
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HAMMER: All right, Davis, thank you very much for your entry. Here`s how you can enter. Just head over to iReport.com/RoyalWedding. That`s where you can send us your iReport.
If it`s picked as the big winner, we`re sending you off to London. Remember, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson is going to be there, too, covering the royal wedding. So keep it with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT for the biggest and best coverage.
We`ve got breaking news right now. Elizabeth Taylor is being laid to rest today. She died yesterday, of course, at the age of 79.
Now, according to Jewish tradition, a person is supposed to be buried within 24 hours. Taylor converted to Judaism back in the 1950s before she married Eddie Fisher. Let`s go right to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter.
Kareen is live at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. What`s the latest there, Kareen?
WYNTER: Well, A.J., SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you there are dozens of media lining the entrance to Forest Lawn Cemetery where Dame Elizabeth Taylor`s funeral is going on at this very moment.
In fact, just a short time ago, A.J., we actually saw several black stretch limos driving inside the cemetery. And Public Information Officer for the City of Glendale did confirm to us that those were family members driving in.
So we do know that that service, a small service, is taking place as we speak. Now, this is actually the same cemetery where Taylor`s very, very dear friend, the late singer Michael Jackson, was actually buried back in 2009.
We have also learned that Taylor will be entombed in the same mausoleum as Jackson, same mausoleum, but different location, but nevertheless the same building.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can also tell you after speaking to close family members of Taylor`s that they wanted her funeral to be orderly, very organized. They didn`t want to turn it into a media spectacle. They just wanted a private moment to mourn her, to remember her life.
But we also know that there are some talks of a very public memorial. They understand that this actress, one of the best actresses of her time, had legions of fans. No details yet as to when that public memorial will take place. But again, there may be an opportunity for fans to honor her memory. A.J.?
HAMMER: Kareen, if there was ever a big star that deserved a big party, it`s Elizabeth Taylor. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter, thanks so much.
The tributes continue to pour in from Elizabeth Taylor`s famous friends like Elton John. During a concert Wednesday in Pittsburgh, Elton dedicated a really stirring rendition of "Don`t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to his friend.
They were tirelessly together for many years, raising money and awareness in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Elton shared emotional words with the audience about Taylor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELTON JOHN, MUSICIAN: Today is a sad day because, today, I lost a friend and you lost a hero. God bless you, Elizabeth. God knows how we are going to replace you. This is for you and your beautiful memory and for all of the people you helped and saved.
(SINGING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, he also got personal, talking about Taylor`s passion. He said, "She supported everybody with 1,000 percent of her body and her fiber. But most of all, she loved people. She fought for the underdog. She was an incredible woman that I was privileged to have known."
Moving on now, Kim Kardashian, crime fighter, really? Kim now says if she wasn`t on TV, she would be fighting crime. But is that really a stretch? Could Kim be a part of a real-life celebrity crime-busting crew? That`s coming up 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: Michael Lohan facing misdemeanor domestic violence charge. More star tributes today for Elizabeth Taylor --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARLA GUGINO, ACTRESS: Elizabeth Taylor`s body of work and the person she was really does speak for itself. And it is so sad not to have her with us. But she has created such a phenomenal legacy that will be here and will stand the test of time. And she was an exquisite beauty and such a talent and a legend.
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(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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RACHEL UCHITEL, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR: I`m more interested in fighting for people that are lost or fighting for people that have lost something. After September 11th, on that day, my fiance was missing and I couldn`t find him.
And that is the worst feeling of searching for somebody and not knowing what happened. Well, now, nine-and-a-half years later, I understand that feeling. And want to help (INAUDIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s Rachel Uchitel. That`s the woman linked to Tiger Woods during his scandal. I spoke with her about her new job as a private investigator.
Well, today, Rachel may have a partner in crime-fighting -- Kim Kardashian. All right. Is there a new reality for Kim?
Now, Kim just tweeted about how caught up she is in the Casey Anthony case in Florida. Casey`s daughter, of course, went missing in 2008 and she`s about to go on trial in the girl`s death.
Well, Kim just sent a tweet asking her fans if they were as intrigued about the case as she is. And then, in a brand-new interview, Kim now says if she wasn`t a reality star, she would be a crime scene investigator.
Here is what Kim tells the "New York Post, "I grew up with my father as an attorney, so I generally have always been interested in criminal cases and forensics."
Kim`s dad was the late Robert Kardashian. He was on the O.J. Simpson defense team. Well, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did a little brainstorming today, and we came up with what we think could be a celebrity crime-fighting dream team. They could be the new "Charlie`s Angels" after all.
Let`s start off with Rachel Uchitel, P.I. And then, Kim K., CSI. And here`s what I think is the wild card of the bunch -- one of Charlie Sheen`s goddesses, running things out, lining up "Charlie`s Angels" here, Bree Olson -- not sure what her specialty would be. I will just stop right there.
All right. Willow Smith is getting punked by Justin Bieber. Did you see this? Now, as you may know, Willow, Will and Jada Smith`s 10-year-old daughter, is whipping her hair as the opening act on Justin`s tour.
But at a recent show, Willow got extra back-up dancing help from Biebs and her big brother, Jaden. Watch this.
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As you saw, Willow is a pro. Didn`t let getting punked slow her down. Pretty awesome. But payback delayed not payback denied. She tweeted, "After the show my big brothers Justin and Jaden pranked me on stage, #payback."
Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday. And we are still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific here on HLN.
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