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Showbiz Tonight
The Fascination Over Moms Who Kill; Hugh Hefner`s Runaway and One of His Exes at War?; Justin Bieber and Chris Brown Team Up in a Video; Spielberg`s Wrath Revealed; Stars Pay Tribute to Clarence Clemons
Aired June 20, 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: Tonight, moms who kill and the dramatic Casey Anthony trial effect. Plus, Hugh Hefner`s runaway bride and one of his exes at war over him? I`m A.J. Hammer. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
More big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - moms who kill. The startling connections tonight between Casey Anthony and other moms who were accused of killing their own children, like Susan Smith and Andrea Yates.
Justin Bieber. Chris Brown. Their brand-new video together.
(MUSIC)
Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint tonight. With all of Chris Brown`s drama, is Justin taking a big risk here?
Spielberg`s wrath revealed. The big star Steven Spielberg reportedly had fired from one of the biggest movie series ever for her comments about Adolf Hitler.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking tonight, moms and murder.
The Casey Anthony murder case is opening up an old wound, a painful and disturbing fascination with mothers accused of murder - Susan Smith, Andrea Yates, mothers convicted of killing their own children.
The headlines captured national attention. Now, this new national obsession with Casey Anthony only magnifies that point. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has uncovered a sad truth.
America`s fixation with Casey`s alleged killing of her own two-year-old daughter has a deep ugly connection to other horrific killings where the killer is the last person most people would ever suspect. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates moms and murder.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Casey Anthony`s lead attorney scolded by the judge.
HAMMER (voice-over): As Casey Anthony stands trial for allegedly killing her two-year-old daughter, Caylee, TV viewers are following just about every second of the trial. It`s dominating social media and magazines.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The defense tries to chip away at that idea that Caylee Anthony was murdered.
HAMMER: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the Casey Anthony trial is only the latest of the sensationalized, heavily-hyped and heavily-watched cases where mothers are accused of killing their own children. It`s a morbid fact, but for some reason, we are fascinated by moms who kill.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": People are always fascinated kind of with whatever the big trial that is going on.
When you have a mother who kills her own child, it just takes it to a whole other level.
HAMMER: Perhaps the first case of a mom killing her children became a 24- hour cable news obsession was the case of Susan Smith.
The young South Carolina mom pleaded on national TV for the return of her two small boys whom she claimed had been kidnapped in a carjacking.
After the nation spent days agonizing with the distraught mom, we learned the truth.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Susan Smith has been arrested and will be charged with two counts of murder.
HAMMER: They drowned after she`d strapped them into her car and drove it into a lake.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When did you start to think about drowning the kids?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just made up my mind that night.
HAMMER: Andrea Yates drew worldwide attention for drowning her five children one by one in her Texas home.
And earlier this year, Floridian Julie Schenecker made headlines for allegedly fatally shooting her two teenagers. Police say she told them they were being mouthy.
SERAFIN: I think that`s one of the reasons people are so fascinated, because you just think, how could somebody do this?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Week five of this trial gets under way.
HAMMER: And now, the spotlight is on Casey Anthony as a Florida court, as well as the court of public opinion, debates whether this mother killed her adorable little girl.
NANCY GRACE, HOST, "NANCY GRACE": I think this case resonates with every family that hears about it because so many of us have daughters, have granddaughters, have grandchildren, or children the age of Caylee.
HAMMER: HLN host Nancy Grace tells me people are fascinated with the Casey Anthony trial because we have an almost personal connection with the sordid case.
GRACE: The family dynamics play out like a Greek tragedy with the love- hate relationships between generations. And it culminated in the death of a beautiful little girl.
(SINGING)
HAMMER: And sadly, once again, the nation is looking for answers and justice in the death of a beautiful child, allegedly betrayed in the worst possible way.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Like it or not there`s no ignoring that Casey Anthony has quickly become a household name. And that brings us to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint tonight, why are we so fascinated by moms accused of killing their own kids?
With me, right now, from Orlando where the Casey Anthony murder trial is taking place, Jane Velez-Mitchell, the host of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ- MITCHELL" right here on HLN. She`s also the author of this fantastic book, "Addict Nation." From Hollywood tonight, Debra Opri, who is a family law attorney.
The headlines coming out about moms who kill are often so unbearable to hear. But still, people can`t seem to turn around from these reports. Jane, off to you first. Why are people so fascinated by these women?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": Because we all have mothers. It`s one thing that everybody human being has in common. We all have a mother.
And in nature, human or animal, the mother-child bond is the strongest bond in all of life. So it`s incomprehensible to people that a child, who comes out of a mother`s womb, is then murdered by her mother.
And we want to understand the deeper why. What level of hatred, of jealousy, of revenge or madness could possibly be a motive for any mother doing the unthinkable? It`s absolutely riveting.
HAMMER: Yes. Incomprehensible indeed. Debra Opri, off to you for our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, why do you think people are just so fascinated by these women?
DEBRA OPRI, FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY: Well, the problem is, it not only goes beyond the norms of society. I see this abuse every day.
But you take the life of your own and then you lie to the media and the police about it and it is offensive on a double and a triple level.
She goes before the cameras and says, "I don`t know." Jane, you`ve seen it. I`ve seen it. The televising of this - I know it`s getting ratings.
But the televising of this and Yates and Smith, it is something that is becoming a new norm to our society where a mother kills her child, breaks the unholy bond (sic) of that natural life connection, and then they sell it and they`re on the front covers of magazines.
It makes me sick to my stomach that this is getting the coverage it`s getting.
HAMMER: Well, this is what people are obsessed with.
OPRI: I know.
HAMMER: And this is what people want to see. And this week what we`re seeing with Casey Anthony`s defense team is that they`re trying to plant a seed of reasonable doubt with the jury.
Today, the ladies of "The View" talked about the sheer fascination with the case with ABC`s Chris Cuomo who really put the whole thing into context. Watch what Chris said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS CUOMO, ABC CORRESPONDENT: The behavior of a mother is what this is all about. It`s what we care so much. It`s not just matricide. It`s not just a mother killing a child. She may have been insane - it happens. But this is - she wanted to. That`s why - this was intentional.
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": And her relationship with her own mother is of interest to people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And that`s echoing a lot of what you ladies are saying. And it seems like people are interested in everything about Casey Anthony, including her relationship with her mother and her father.
Jane, why do you think people are equally fascinated with Casey`s parents as they seem to be with Casey?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Because Cindy and George are the key to the enigma that is Casey Anthony. How did she become this pathologically lying, cheating monster?
Is it because she was molested by George as she claims? Or could it be because these were overindulgent parents, not to blame them. They`ve been through hell.
But some people have said Cindy was a smother-mother, meaning that she gave her child everything to the point of enabling her to become this out-of- control person.
There`s also the fascination of their total denial, how they believed all her lies, how she was pregnant out to here. And they were saying, "Oh, no. She`s not pregnant because she`d have to have sex to be pregnant."
So they epitomize the parents who cannot recognize dysfunction in their own child.
HAMMER: And this all -
OPRI: I`d take it a step further. I`d take it a step further.
HAMMER: Quickly, please.
OPRI: I say you have to look at the relationship of the mother and Casey. You have to see that natural bond and what`s being done to it. Casey is an extraordinary - it`s an extraordinary sickness she has, and I think her own mother is suffering. Two losses for this woman.
HAMMER: And we`ll have to leave it there. Debra Opri, Jane Velez- Mitchell, thank you both so much. Don`t forget, stay with HLN all day long for continuing live coverage of the Casey Anthony murder trial.
We move now on to Steven Spielberg`s wrath revealed. We`ve got to find out which big star Spielberg reportedly got so mad at for her shocking comments about Adolf Hitler that he said, "Fire her."
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Recently, a controversial pastor in the United States burned a Koran. Should burning of any religious article be protected by the First Amendment the same way burning the flag is protected?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That was just one of the tough questions at Donald Trump`s Miss USA pageant. But where was Donald? I didn`t see him at the pageant at all. Was he hiding because of the whole presidential run mess? That`s coming up.
Justin Bieber. Chris Brown. Their brand-new video.
(MUSIC)
Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint tonight, with all of Chris Brown`s drama, is Justin taking a huge risk here? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Whoopi Goldberg to host President Obama fundraiser on Broadway. SHOWBIZ first look: Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx in "Rock of Ages."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JULIA ROBERTS, ACTRESS: Did you really want class at 8:00 a.m.? I didn`t. OK, thanks, anyway.
TOM HANKS, ACTOR: Is this Room 217?
ROBERTS: Do you think you`d find yourself a seat?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Some serious star power going on here. Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks - they`re starring together again, this time in the brand-new movie, "Larry Crowne." Tonight, our SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Roberts and Hanks all about their battles against the paparazzi.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And tonight, a crowning moment.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Jill Simonian just sat down with Tom and Julia for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Now, Jill spoke with them just as they were promoting their new film, "Larry Crowne." Let me tell you both Julia and Tom have had it over aggressive paparazzi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JILL SIMONIAN, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Tori Spelling tweeted that she got into a car wreck because paparazzi were chasing her with her kids in the car.
As a fellow mom, of course, I hear this and I feel horrified. What do you think needs to be done to stop this insanity?
ROBERTS: I don`t think you should be able to take pictures of people`s children. I mean, I think if you`re under five feet tall, you shouldn`t be allowed to be put in a weekly tabloid.
HANKS: Yes, I have to go with that. You know, if you`re a minor, you`re not a celebrity and you shouldn`t be subjected to essentially what are, a lot of times, very aggressive, rude people that are -
ROBERTS: Just to be in a weekly cute poll.
HANKS: Yes.
ROBERTS: I don`t even understand that.
HANKS: (INAUDIBLE). You know, I used to say it`s neither fair nor wise for me to thrust my kids into the public eye. And that should be our option. You know, that should be the option of the parents to do that or not.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I totally agree. Julia and Tom have a whole lot more to say about this. Plus, if they had to do it all over again, would they even choose to get into SHOWBIZ? You`ll find out Tuesday. It our full newsmaker interview exclusively here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, tonight, even before the backlash of comedian Tracy Morgan`s anti-gay rant during a comedy show, one band set out to send a message that could really help put an end to bullying gay teens.
The punk rock group, Rise Against, has made a powerful new video in response to a growing epidemic in America. The song, "Make It Stop, September`s Children" has a surprising message. And you`re about to get your first look at what is truly a remarkable video.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: You do not want to miss the surprise ending of this music video. We`re going to show that to you in just a moment.
But joining me right now from Chicago for our SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, I`m so pleased to welcome one of the men behind the music video, Tim McIlrath who is the lead singer for Rise Against. Thanks for being here, Tim.
TIM MCILRATH, LEAD SINGER, RISE AGAINST: Thanks for having me.
HAMMER: Well, I really commend you and your group for making what I found to be such an incredibly powerful music video. You really showed the pain and suffering of these gay teens as a result of bullying.
The video even goes as far as to show these teens contemplating suicide. So why did you guys decide to do this now? What`s the personal connection for you?
MCILRATH: I think that as a songwriter, I felt compelled to put the song together in the wake of the gay teen suicides that hit the headlines in September 2010.
And then, also as a member of the rock scene, the bigger rock scene can be so male-dominated and testosterone driven, I feel like this scene has failed to comment or at least send out a message about where we stand on this.
And I wanted our fans to know where we stood and I wanted to be a part of the solution, really.
HAMMER: Yes. And I think that`s one of the reasons your video will stand out because it is so rare in that scene. You really showed the suffering in this video.
But I was so happy to see the surprising ending, which we`re going to show everybody right now for the very first time. Let`s roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Things get better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It will get better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Life gets better.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It does get better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It gets so much better.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It does get better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Life gets better.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I love that you use these incredible clips from the amazing It Gets Better Project. The video becomes this message of hope as we see at the end there for thousands of teens who are being bullied every day.
Your video is going to make a difference, but do you think there is enough being done out there to get out such a message of hope?
MCILRATH: Not enough. There could be more done, for sure. And certainly, we live in the microcosm of the rock community and the Rise Against community. And we`re doing what we can to talk to our fans, let them know where we stand.
And I hope more bands do that, especially from our world. Because, like I said, I think our world has sort of failed to really get active here and let people know why we need to support gay rights and why we need to support gay teens.
HAMMER: Well, nicely done, Tim. Tim McIlrath, I really appreciate you being here. Make sure you check out the premiere of the entire video for "Make It Stop, September`s Children" on MTV from Rise Against tomorrow.
We move on to a bizarre new development tonight in the Hugh Hefner getting ditched before his wedding scandal. Are Hugh`s runaway bride and one of his exes actually at war over Hugh? Should we even feel sorry for Hef here?
OK. Are you a big time Gleek like me? Well, I`ve got some stunning news tonight about the cast. We`re talking big, big changes that are coming to McKinley High. Could the show be in trouble?
Justin Bieber. Chris Brown. They are in a brand-new music video together. Here`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - is Justin taking a big risk here? 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 tonight.
TEXT: Fmr. NSync member, Lance Bass, to produce reality show to find the next great boy band. SHOWBIZ first look: Britney Spears video for "I Wanna Go."
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: And now, a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with the great Barry Manilow. Barry`s got a new album out. It`s called "15 Minutes." The legend is referencing the 15 minutes of fame that everyone will supposedly have in their lifetimes.
Barry has advice for some stars who have had and earned way beyond 15 minutes. I`m talking Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry. So does Barry think these ladies what it takes to be around for a very long time? I had to ask.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(voice-over) Let me throw a couple of names out there at you, because, again, it`s very rare that somebody sustains a career as you have and granted that things have changed radically.
But a couple of names I want to throw out and tell me if you think they have what it takes to possibly be a legend. And let`s start with Lady Gaga.
BARRY MANILOW, SINGER: Oh, no. She`s got it. I think that she`s got the whole thing. And the thing that makes me think of that was the day that we all watched her play piano and sing.
We`re not just talking about somebody who`s got a really unique sense of fashion and who does dance records. I think that we all went, "Oh, now, we`re talking about a real musician." So -
HAMMER: Yes. And it`s great to know that we`re just at the beginning of what`s to come.
MANILOW: That`s right.
HAMMER: Tell me about Beyonce because I think B is somebody who not only has a spectacular voice, but her presence and personality - and she`s just a wonder to watch.
MANILOW: and she finds some really interesting songs, too, and beautiful - just a beautiful girl. And from what I know, she is really a beautiful girl inside, too.
HAMMER: Yes. I`ve always gotten that from her. Finally, Katy Perry. Katy Perry has this great, anthemic, fun, party summer songs and people love to dance to her music as well.
MANILOW: I think we haven`t seen, you know, even the best of her. I think she is more talented than we`ve seen. I think that she`s just scratched the surface.
HAMMER: This new album, "15 Minutes" - and by the way, I love the title of it. There`s the cover of it right there. I have it blasting in my office, and it was great to see people just walking by the office.
They popped their heads in and say, "What`s the new Barry Manilow album?" And a big smile comes on their face. That`s what you do, Barry.
HAMMER: I love this conversation. I`m so happy to be able to do that. What more of a compliment can an artist be paid than that? Really. It`s not like, you know, it`s my favorite because it`s number one. I mean, putting a smile on your face - that does it for me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: A legend who truly appreciates himself fans. I mean, he`s a truly nice guy, which I think is one of the reasons he`s been around for so long.
Pick up Barry`s new album, "15 Minutes." It is in stores everywhere.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
The big stars that Steven Spielberg reportedly just had fired. Who just got the boot from one of the biggest movie series ever for her comments about Adolf Hitler?
Hugh Hefner`s runaway bride and one of his exes at war over Hef tonight? Should we feel sorry for Hef here?
And Amy Winehouse`s come back tour - has it been cancelled already? What the heck is going on here? 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 tonight.
TEXT: Angelina Jolie visits African refugees on two Mediterranean islands. Justin Bieber to make special appearance at BET Awards on June 26th.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Steven Spielberg`s outrage. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the big star who made Spielberg so furious that he demanded that she get canned.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Recently, controversial pastor in the United States burned a Koran. Should burning of any religious article be protected by the First Amendment in the same way burning the flag is protected?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tough questions for Miss USA. Burning the Koran. Legalizing marijuana. The controversial questions at the Miss USA pageant and another big question tonight, where the heck was Donald Trump?
Chris Brown. Justin Bieber. Their new music video. Just take a look at this.
(MUSIC)
Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, given Chris Brown`s past, is this a risky move for the Biebs?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
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 tonight - Spielberg`s wrath revealed.
Brand-new revelations tonight that legendary director Steven Spielberg reportedly had Megan Fox fired from the upcoming "Transformers" movie.
She had been claiming that she quit, but SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that the real story is a big-time bombshell.
I can tell you tonight that Steven Spielberg reportedly dumped her from one of the biggest movie series ever because she compared the movie`s director to Adolf Hitler.
Right now, in New York, TV and radio host, Michael Billy. In Hollywood tonight, Rachel Zalis, who is a contributing editor for "Life and Style Weekly."
Michael, Rachel, we`re going to get to your reaction in just a moment. But first, let me go out to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter in Hollywood. Kareen, what can you tell us about this explosive new report? This is amazing.
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: It is, A.J. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal that Steven Spielberg, who is producer of the "Transformers" franchise - he reportedly demanded - that`s right, demanded - that Megan Fox be fired.
This after she told a British magazine the movie`s director, Michael Bay, was like Hitler. She told them and I`m quoting here, "He`s like Napoleon and he wants to create this insane, infamous mad-man reputation. She wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is."
Ouch. Well, director Michael Bay made the revelation today just before "Transformers" hits the big screen next month. And Fox had actually been cast, A.J. for the third movie in the series before Steven Spielberg dumped her. A.J.?
HAMMER: Oh, you don`t say that. I`m sorry. Kareen, I definitely get why Spielberg may have fired her. You don`t equate your boss with Hitler. You just don`t do it.
I`m also thinking, though, that she possibly wasn`t thinking about what she said before she said it and it just flew out of her mouth, not that that`s any excuse. But Michael, what do you think? Did Spielberg make the right move if he indeed fired her over this?
MICHAEL BILLY, TV AND RADIO HOST: The absolute right move. I mean, this was idiocy at its best. I mean, she should have been fired for "Jennifer`s Body" to begin with.
HAMMER: Well, yes.
BILLY: Let alone that. But to make a remark like that, from the creator of "Schindler`s List" - I mean, I can`t believe it. Of course, she should have been fired. It was right thing to do.
She`s proving herself to be completely unprofessional and a spoiled brat.
HAMMER: Yes. You think she`s going to learn a lesson. At least I have that feeling. And to be clear, Megan`s generally pretty unfiltered in a lot of her interviews.
Rachel, what do you think? Should someone have sat down and talked with Megan about those outrageous remarks instead of simply canning her?
RACHEL ZALIS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "LIFE AND STYLE WEEKLY": Absolutely. I mean, it`s one thing to be, you know, young, immature and say things, you know, out of context. Do I think she really thinks he`s a mass murderer? No.
But you have to be very careful in this business not to trash-talk your director, and especially in a way that is so sensitive in this town. So I think she definitely need as little guidance in that department.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, let move right now to another big story breaking tonight. So where was Donald Trump at his own Miss USA contest last night?
You know, I`m always watching this thing and he`s usually more prominent at the show than the women themselves. This year, Donald`s high-profile presence strangely dialed down.
Let me get back out to Hollywood. Kareen Wynter, what is the story here?
WYNTER: Yes, A.J. Where was the Don? Well, we have a theory. The Donald is now radioactive after dropping his possible presidential bid. And he didn`t want to damage his own Miss USA brand by stealing the spotlight at the pageant.
But it seems like Trump wanted to make sure his questions packed some real heat. They covered everything from whether it`s OK to burn the Koran to legalizing pot. They could have been a real mine field for the contestants, A.J. Imagine that, huh?
HAMMER: Yes, imagine that. I don`t think that Trump would ever admit it, but I do bet he stayed away because he took such a battering from the media after he pulled out of his presidential consideration following so many weeks of all that big talk and, of course, his big attack President Obama.
What do you think, Michael? Has Donald finally gotten to the point where he himself is afraid and realizes that his own big mouth could damage his brand?
BILLY: But isn`t this guy amazing? He doesn`t even have to be there for it to cause controversy.
HAMMER: Well, yes.
BILLY: I mean - and that pageant was filled with controversy. It was not wholesome. It was Donald Trump at his finest, and the man didn`t even have to be there.
HAMMER: But to the point of why he didn`t actually even show his face, do you think it was, to our theory, that he realizes he is a bit of a pariah right now?
BILLY: Yes, absolutely. Yes, he`s a big social pariah right now. I mean, the only good thing that came out of it was "Celebrity Apprentice." Other than that, I don`t want to hear from the guy.
HAMMER: Yes. And as you mentioned - as Kareen mentioned, the questions in this year`s Miss USA pageant were seriously edgy. There was no shortage of that.
Watch how the eventual winner, Miss California, handled this question about legalizing marijuana.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALYSSA CAMPANELLA, MISS USA 2011: Medical marijuana is very important to help with those who need it medically. I`m not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, you know, with the drug wars.
I mean, if abused today, unfortunately, so that`s the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it. But medically, it`s OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. I`m thinking, obviously, these hot button questions don`t get asked by accident. Rachel, do you think that Trump was looking for another big moment like he got two years ago when Perez Hilton - we all remember - asked about gay marriage?
The contestant said she was opposed to it and that set off that huge controversy?
ZALIS: Yes, and it`s absolutely working. The ratings are up 57 percent. I`ve got to tell you, I`m loving Miss USA now. I mean, it used to be all you had to answer is you want world peace.
And now, we have someone who wants medical marijuana and believes in evolution. So I mean, this is a huge jump in what`s going on in these pageants.
HAMMER: Go Miss USA. All right. There`s more big news breaking late today.
ZALIS: Yes.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today a large portion of the cast of "Glee" - are you ready for this - they will be replaced after next season after their senior year plays out on the show.
Kareen, back out to you. How is this all going to work?
WYNTER: All right, A.J. Check this out. "Glee`s" creator told Ryan Seacrest today that cast members - they are going to follow the regular high school timeline and leave the show once they graduate in the story line. Listen to what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RYAN MURPHY, "GLEE" CREATOR: We didn`t want to have a show where, you know, they were in high school for eight years, you know. We really wanted to be true to that experience.
So we sort of all looked at each other and decided. For the most part, everybody was on board with, yes, it would be really cool if we were true to the timeline. So when we started out, they were sophomores. Last year, which we just finished, they were juniors. And this next year will be their senior year and that group of kids will graduate.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So one more season and we`re going to see a lot of new faces. I`ve got to say, I`m personally going to miss this cast. They are the characters that we all fell in love with.
But I do also believe in this show`s ability to stay great. What do you think is going to happen, Michael? Are you a Gleek, first of all?
BILLY: Am I a Gleek? Come on.
HAMMER: OK. All right. So that said, do you think making a change like this - I mean, we love these characters. Could that possibly sink the show after next season?
BILLY: I have to go back to "Dawson`s Creek." It`s the right decision to make with "Glee," because "Dawson`s Creek" - the people were like 40 years old.
I think James Van Der Beek is like 60 now. It`s definitely the right decision to make. Change is good.
HAMMER: Change is good, according to Michael Billy. But Rachel, what do you think? Should "Glee" do like every other show and keep these kids in high school for, you know, eight, nine years?
ZALIS: All have I to say are two words, "contract negotiations." I don`t believe for a second that they`re going to change out the cast.
I mean, "90210" was high school and I think they lasted until they were grandparents. So I think he`s doing some really interesting strategizing right now.
HAMMER: All right. Well, it will be interesting to see what happens. But wow, do we love this cast. Maybe there will be a spin-off. Michael Billy, Rachel Zalis, thank you both.
Moving now, to Justin Bieber, Chris Brown. Big controversy tonight over the new video for Brown`s single, "Next To You."
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HAMMER: Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, with all of Chris Brown`s drama, is this a risky move for the Biebs?
Hugh Hefner`s bizarre bunny battle. Tonight, his 25-year-old runaway bride, one Hef`s exes at war over him tonight? Should we actually feel sorry for the 85-year-old playboy?
"The Green Lantern," a big flop? Ryan Reynolds` new movie is number one, but also a huge disappointment. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And this is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "Jackass" star, Ryan Dunn, killed in car crash. Sean Kingston sends tweet and picture as he recovers from jet ski accident.
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HAMMER: Chris Brown and Justin Bieber together in a brand-new music video. That`s for Brown`s single, "Next To You." Tonight, a lot of people are wondering did the Biebs make a risky move by teaming up with Brown?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
And tonight, it`s Bieber`s big gamble. Now, up until now, Justin Bieber has made all the right moves. But pairing up with Chris Brown may not be sitting well with some of thinks young fans.
Let`s face it. A lot of people have not forgotten and many people, certainly, are not ready to forgive Chris Brown for beating up Rihanna more than two years ago.
So as can you well imagine, a lot of people were pretty shocked when they saw the ultimate teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber, appearing in Brown`s new music video. That leads to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is it a risky move for Bieber to be in Brown`s music video?
With me Shelley Wade who is a radio host with Z-100 in New York. And from Hollywood tonight, it`s Hyla. He`s the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, "The Hollywood 5 Countdown."
Now, Chris and Justin`s new video has been viewed nearly seven million times in YouTube. So people are checking it out.
I can tell you that the comments on the page are mostly praise, but Chris is still living in the shadow of his mistakes including beating up Rihanna.
Shelley, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, do you think this was a risky move for Justin Bieber?
SHELLEY WADE, RADIO HOST, Z100: I don`t. You know, Justin is like any of those other teen star. They want to make that move into adulthood, eventually.
A lot of people did disagree with what Chris Brown did to Rihanna, but a lot of people really want him to have a second chance.
HAMMER: I think everybody disagreed with what he did to Rihanna, and I hear your point.
WADE: I do think a lot of people did want him to have a second chance. I don`t think this ruins Bieber`s image at all, actually.
HAMMER: Yes. I think it`s a calculated risk. I think, obviously, they knew it was going to get people to talk.
WADE: Yes.
HAMMER: And we did ask our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fans to weigh in on the Justin Bieber teaming up with Chris Brown controversy that has started. And this really sparked a passionate debate.
I want to get to a couple of the comments. I can`t necessarily read all of them on TV. This one from Yokeyna W. who got her point across by writing this, "Justin Bieber is not taking a risk because everyone loves Bieber and the public will not associate Bieber with that negativity.
Now, Grace M. kept it pretty simple, writing, "Justin made a bad decision."
I`m thinking, you know, maybe Justin wanted to lend Chris a hand as he attempts to rehabilitate his image from one artist to another. Hyla, what do you think? To our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, risky move for Bieber to be in Brown`s music video?
HYLA, HOST, "THE HOLLYWOOD 5 COUNTDOWN": You know, I don`t know if this is so much a risky move. It`s just a disappointing move. I`ve had Bieber on my show before along with his manager/big brother in the business, Scooter Braun.
It`s a fantastic team they have around Bieber. Bieber is a legitimate talent. The fact they decided to collaborate with Chris Brown is just disappointing. Chris Brown is so far from having his affairs in order.
We saw that on "Good Morning America." We can read his Twitter every day. The guy has these anger issues. There`s so many other artists that Bieber can team up with that I think would have been a better match. Why Chris Brown? It`s just a disappointing decision.
HAMMER: I agree with that as far as the fact, you know, that he teamed up with Brown. Bieber is such a much bigger star than Chris Brown, so I don`t really get it.
And I also think it`s a crime that they used so much auto-tune in it, but that`s a whole different topic. I want to move on right now from big Bieber music news to big movie news tonight.
"Green Lantern" rakes in the green, but is it a box office disappointment? Also, Hugh Hefner finds himself in the middle of a bunny battle. And Amy Winehouse booed offstage. All making beg news "The Buzz Today."
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(voice-over) Winehouse wobbles. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can confirm that Amy Winehouse has just cancelled her European concert tour after this startling video of hers surfaced on YouTube.
The rehab singer, who just checked into rehab last month attempts to stumble through her performance until fans booed her off stage.
Her reps tell SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "Amy has cancelled appearances in Istanbul and Athens for the coming week. Despite feeling sure that she wanted to fulfill these commitments, she has agreed with management that she cannot perform to the best of her ability and will return home."
"Green Lantern," dim performance? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the Ryan Reynolds superhero flick landed at the top of the weekend`s box office. But the numbers revealed the money stopped rolling in by mid-weekend.
According to the "L.A. Times," the film brought in over $52 million, an impressive number, but still millions less than expected.
Hef`s bunny battle. And Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner`s former long-time love has just gone on a blistering Twitter rant against his runaway bride, Crystal Harris. Holly is steaming mad after Crystal made an appearance in Las Vegas on the day she and Hef were to wed.
The former "Playboy" bunny just tweeted, "That`s disgusting, and whoever booked her is tacky."
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Well, this bunny battle really seems to be striking a chord tonight. And I got to say I totally agree with Holly. Crystal showing up in sin city for a pool party - that is tacky - on the day you`re supposed to get married.
But on the other hand, I can`t say I`m really surprised over it. Hyla, back out to you. Hef spent what was supposed to be his wedding night at home watching, "Runaway Bride."
Crystal partying at a Las Vegas pool party, probably getting paid handsomely for it. But is there any part of you, Hyla, that`s thinking, "Poor Hef," right about now?
HYLA: Oh, yes, poor Hef. I heard that he moved the twins back into the mansion. My heart is bleeding for him, A.J. Yes, poor Hugh Hefner.
HAMMER: OK. I`ll get right to that. And maybe not only the twins. There are reports out there today that Hef has also decided to move on by having Miss January 2011 moving into his bedroom.
Look at this picture right here. Yes, Anna Sophia Bergland - there she is - posing with Hef and his then-fiancee, Crystal, back in April.
Shelley, let`s face it. Hugh Hefner is 85 years old. If he is moving right along and getting somebody else in there the weekend of his wedding, can you blame the guy?
WADE: He needs to get it all in there. But to his credit, he`s getting a little more mature. This girl is now - I think she`s about a whole year - almost a whole year older than the other girl. So he`s getting a little better.
HAMMER: Getting a little more mature. Getting a little more mature at 25 years old.
WADE: Not dating women (INAUDIBLE) grandchildren that you don`t give birth to.
HAMMER: So my question to you, the same that I posed to Hyla, are you feeling sorry for the guy at all?
WADE: Oh, no. I don`t feel sorry for him. I mean, listen, A.J. He already knows why these women are with him. He knows the deal. I wasn`t surprised when she (INAUDIBLE).
HAMMER: OK.
WADE: No, I don`t feel sorry for him.
HAMMER: All right. Fair enough. Shelley Wade, Hyla, thank you both. Moving now to big celebrity tributes tonight for the big man, Clarence Clemons.
The E Street sax player died over the weekend. One of my favorites - I mean, truly a legend. And around the world, stars are celebrating his life tonight. A touching tribute, coming up next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
This is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Marilyn Monroe`s iconic "subway dress" from "The Seven Year Itch" sells for $5.6 million. Did you see this? Weird Al spoofs Lady Gaga`s "Born This Way."
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HAMMER: Many little monsters might know sax legend, Clarence Clemons, from the Lady Gaga video, "Edge Glory." But Clemons, a.k.a. The Big Man, spent most of the last 40 years playing with Bruce Springsteen`s E Street Band. Sadly, he died on Saturday from complications of a stroke.
So tonight, The Big Man is remembered by celebrities around the world. Jon Bon Jovi paid tribute to the 69-year-old sax legend last night in Denmark.
You`re looking at photos of that concert right now. He performed in tribute to Clemons, the Springsteen classic, "10th Avenue Freeze Out." Great sax solo in that by Clemons in the recorded version.
Bon Jovi wrote to all of his Facebook fans, "It was important to us to honor our friend, Clarence Clemons. His passing is a sad loss and we wanted to honor him, his family, his band mates and his many friends. Our performance of `10th Avenue Freeze out` was from all of us, as your fans."
U2 also paid homage to Clarence Clemons at Anaheim Stadium in an emotional tribute. Watch this.
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BONO, LEAD SINGER, U2: There`s a special moment I want to share with you right now. So let`s the lights down. Take out your phones. I want you to think about the beautiful symphonic sound that came out of one man`s saxophone. I want you to think of Clarence Clemons.
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HAMMER: I want to bring in Shelley Wade. Shelley is a radio host with Z100 Radio in New York. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the tributes paid around the world by so many stars to Clarence Clemons.
WADE: Right.
HAMMER: What really made him the legend that became over all of his career?
WADE: He made rock music and saxophone together perfect. I mean, it was so seamless and beautiful the way he did it. Like Bruce said, he wouldn`t have been able to, you know, stand there without him.
And so it really says a lot about how much the industry respects him, people like Bon Jovi and U2 are paying tribute to him. It says a lot.
HAMMER: He was such a talent. And not only was he such a talent, he was immensely fun to watch on stage. He was at one with that sax.
WADE: He was. He was. And he was a person that you just - you looked forward to his solos. He was as much a part of that Springsteen music as Springsteen himself.
HAMMER: Yes. Let me read that terrific Springsteen tribute to Clarence on the Springsteen Web site. He wrote this, "Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. His loss is immeasurable. And we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 years."
Wow. What a legend. He certainly will be missed. Shelley, thank you so much.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We will leave it there. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Remember, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT now seen exclusively at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN. Thanks for watching.
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