Return to Transcripts main page

Showbiz Tonight

Is Casey Anthony Too Hot to Handle?; J-Woww and Snooki`s Explosive Reaction to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT; Conrad Murray Jury Selection; Hugh Hefner`s Marriage Advice to Kim Kardashian; Charlie Sheen`s Shout-Out to Ashton Kutcher

Aired August 08, 2011 - 23:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CARLOS DIAZ, CO-HOST: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - is Casey Anthony too hot to handle?

Tonight, the remarkable brand-new outrage over reports that someone has landed the first interview with her and that Casey may have been paid big bucks for a supposed picture of her. Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, has Casey become way too toxic?

Tonight, SHOWBIZ reality checks. Tonight, a reality check about a "Jersey Shore" SHOWBIZ TONIGHT showdown. Jwoww and Snooki`s explosive reaction to our interview with them. Why is Jwoww not so wowed with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT?

Tonight, a Kardashian SHOWBIZ reality check -

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JUSTIN BIEBER, POP STAR: They`re humble and they`re down to earth and they`re pretty and stuff. So they carry themselves well.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: Even the Biebs tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT he loves the Kardashians. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, can Kim K.`s wedding live up to the hype?

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.

(MUSIC)

How are you doing? I`m Carlos Diaz in for A.J. Hammer with big news breaking tonight - is Casey Anthony too hot to handle?

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is here to tell you that the Casey Anthony hate factor was off the charts today with the needle on the Casey hate-o-meter almost at an all-time high. What got the whole Casey hate thing going again?

Well, reports today that TMZ may have landed the first interview with Casey. Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that that triggered an explosive reaction, which may just prove once and for all that Casey Anthony has become way too toxic.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over) Casey Anthony is quickly becoming like the third rail on a train track - get too close and you could get burned, badly - because right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Casey Anthony remains too hot to handle.

KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Networks, outlets - everyone is sort of understanding that - understanding that there really is a lot of anger that, if they air something with Casey Anthony or if they show something with Casey Anthony, there might be a lot of anger towards them.

DIAZ: TMZ is the latest find that out. The celebrity news and gossip site got slammed today after they unveiled photos that appear to show Casey Anthony out shopping in Ohio, the first known images of Casey since she was released from jail.

SERAFIN: These photos and the video did appear on TMZ and photos also appeared in the "New York Post." They were both credited Splash News.

DIAZ: Splash News is a photo agency which licenses photos of celebrities to media outlets. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Splash News was charging media outlets thousands of dollars for the Casey Anthony photo.

Today, TMZ`s own Facebook page lit up with angry and bitter comments, accusing TMZ of trafficking in blood money and urging a TMZ boycott, all for presumably paying for those photos of the infamous and acquitted murder suspect.

SERAFIN: There are people that are really upset and angry and emotional about this.

DIAZ: TMZ isn`t the on outlet to get burned by Casey Anthony. The big three TV networks were just embarrassed by reports that they were negotiating with Casey Anthony for a big primetime interview. The networks denied reports that they were considering paying Casey for photos and home videos that would be broadcast during the interview, a common under-the- table practice in network news.

SERAFIN: A lot of people saying, should Casey Anthony be making money off of her fame, off of her infamy? Should she be able to profit from what a lot of people think is getting away with murder.

DIAZ: But as the TV networks and TMZ deal with all kinds of flak from people who are furious that Casey may cash in on her infamy, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has news for you - Casey Anthony might, just might, have cashed in already, perhaps on those pricey photos of Casey out shopping.

SERAFIN: But almost to a lot of people, it looks like maybe this was staged.

DIAZ: "In Touch Weekly`s Kim Serafin tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT there`s a lot of online speculation today that Casey might - might have willingly posed for those seemingly candid shopping photos for a price.

SERAFIN: Obviously, this is something that happens in Hollywood all the times. Celebrities - their publicists, who work with various photo agencies and photographers, they give a tip to a photographer the celebrity is out shopping somewhere.

The photographer takes a picture that looks like it`s a secret, a paparazzi-type picture. But really, the celebrity is in on it. They both make money off of selling this photo to various outlets. So it can be pretty lucrative.

DIAZ: Of course, speculation that Casey Anthony posed for and made money from those new photos is just that - speculation. Neither TMZ, Splash News or Casey Anthony`s people are commenting on the controversy.

But with Casey Anthony still seen as a fascinating subject who gets a lot of attention, networks and media outlets are trying to decide whether they should label her too hot to handle or simply handle with care.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

It would indeed seem that the first media outlet to touch Casey could seriously get burned. So here`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - is Casey Anthony too hot to handle?

With me now in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, who is the host of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" right here on HLN. Also in New York, Michael Billy, who is a TV and radio host.

So TMZ was not commenting today on the speculation it could get the first interview with Casey Anthony. But if it did get the interview, should there be such a backlash? I have to wonder whether TMZ, which is known for taking on big, controversial stories, actually might be the best place for Casey to tell her story.

Or Jane, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is Casey just too hot to handle?

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": I think she`s too hot to handle for the networks.

TMZ has said in the past, Carlos - Harvey actually tweeted this - Harvey Levin the head of TMZ - that they`re not going to bid, but that may have changed. I don`t know.

I can tell you one thing. Carlos, you and I both worked for Harvey Levin in his previous incarnation of "Celebrity Justice." If anybody can squeeze the truth out of this young woman, it would be Harvey.

I have literally handed the phone to him when I`ve had recalcitrant interview subjects that I`ve wanted to get to crack and he will crack them every single time. He`ll get them -

DIAZ: No, Jane - I know but I want this to happen. Doesn`t tip off her people, OK? Because Harvey would be great in this interview. You`re right. Harvey Levin is the best when it comes to getting the interviews.

He`s the man and I would love to se him do this interview. But we can reveal today people were telling TMZ off right on their Facebook page.

Donna C. who watches TMZ`s TV show, wrote this on the TMZ Facebook wall, "Shame, shame, shame on you. I did not watch your show last night. You are boycotted off my list of programs. Promoting a baby killer is not good for you."

So Michael Billy, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is that just more evidence Casey may be too hot to handle?

MICHAEL BILLY, RADIO AND TV HOST: No. The more people write in about this stuff, I personally believe, that makes it hotter for television. She`s a person of interest, OK? She`s not guilty. Let`s get over it.

I mean, it`s a wonderful country to be able to say "baby killer, baby killer" all over the Internet. You have that right. She also has the right to move on with her life.

She`s not guilty. We`re going to have to live with that. She`s a person of interest. I, for one, would like to see this interview.

DIAZ: All right. So here`s what we are asking on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll - "Battle Over the Casey Anthony Interview: Is Casey too controversial for TV?" We want you to weigh in on our Web site. Give us a shot on our Web site, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.

Now, there`s been a whole lot of speculation today over those photos of Casey Anthony that surfaced in Ohio last week. A lot of people are saying that they were staged because if it were really Casey walking on the sidewalk looking pretty much like herself, how come she wasn`t bombarded by people?

How come she wasn`t walking - I don`t know - with a bodyguard in case she was threatened. Jane, I`ve got to get your opinion on this, and I`m dying to know. Do you think that those photos were staged so Casey could cash in?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, first, I have to say I don`t necessarily say Casey`s not guilty. I will say a jury found her not guilty.

Yes, I think those photos reek of being staged. First of all, anybody in their right mind, if they happen to be walking down the street and they see Casey Anthony and catch her on tape, what are they going to do next?

They`re going to go up to her and say, "Hey, Casey, why are you here?" "Hey, what happened during those 31 days? Why didn`t you call the cops?"

None of that happened. So that tells you a lot right there, and the fact is, she had been under wraps. Suddenly, she appears and that person is right there with a camera at that specific moment? She`s not with anybody?

You think, normally, if she was going out, she`d be with handlers. She`s in a place where she seems to be sort of loitering at this one window. So yes, it`s staged and it`s a very good chance I think that she got paid.

DIAZ: And the staged part I 100-plus percent agree with you, Jane. I mean, you don`t window-shop if you`re Casey Anthony. You don`t shop in the front of the store so that, you know, photos can be taken.

OK. Speaking of outrageous offers, I`ve got to move on to this brand- new report today that Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky were paid a whopping $1 million to fly to Cannes to attend a sweet-16 birthday party for a middle eastern princess.

Jane, I can`t believe that people are still paying Paris to party, let alone $1 million. Why do you think this is? Quickly.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: It`s sick. There are children starving in Somalia and these two airheads get paid $1 million to show up at party? Shame on whoever did this. It`s just about showing that you`re wealthy and powerful. That`s all.

DIAZ: Jane, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Michael, I`m sure we couldn`t get more of you. Next time, I promise, big guy. Sorry about that.

All right. Moving on, SHOWBIZ reality checks tonight. First up, Snooki and Jwoww are mad at us tonight. Really? You have got to hear their reaction to the explosive headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview we did with them.

Another SHOWBIZ reality check tonight - why in the world is Charlie Sheen thanking - yes, I said "thanking" - Ashton Kutcher? The guy took his job on "Two and a Half Men." Are you kidding me?

And reality checks from the Kardashians. Tyra Banks tells us she loves the K. crew.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TYRA BANKS, SUPERMODEL: I think they`re very relatable. Actually, there`s a certain normalcy and not taking themselves too seriously, being humorous and fabulous, but not too fabulous.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: OK. That`s cool and all, but coming up, we dare to ask will Kim`s wedding live up to all the hype? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: "Twilight`s" Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene win Teen Choice Award for "Scene Stealers." Rebecca Black makes surprise appearance alongside Katy Perry.

(MUSIC)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DIAZ: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Carlos Diaz, in for A.J. Hammer. Tonight, becoming a Jackson juror.

Jury selection is going on right now in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. That`s Michael Jackson`s doctor who`s charged with involuntary manslaughter in Michael`s death.

Tonight, we`ve got an incredible look at just how these 12 men and women will be picked. Here`s CNN Ted Rowlands for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The process for picking jurors for the Conrad Murray manslaughter trial starts with this 30-page, 117-question document that lawyers from both sides came up with a few months ago. Answers that prospective jurors give to these questions will be pored over by the attorneys and their jury consultants.

JO-ELLAN DIMITRIUS, JURY CONSULTANT: Holy cow. I`m just looking at the medications.

ROWLANDS: We gave a copy of the juror questionnaire to Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, who has made a career of picking juries dating back to the O.J. Simpson murder trial. In a case like this, Dimitrius says there will be people who may lie to get picked.

DIMITRIUS: People who have hidden agendas, who want to be on a jury because they want to be able to write a book or want their 15 minutes of fame.

ROWLANDS: The questionnaire lists 136 potential witnesses, including Jackson`s parents, brothers and sisters and his children. It also asks if and even why an individual saw Jackson`s "This Is It."

The prosecution is planning to show this clip from the documentary because they say it proves that Jackson was in good health days before his death.

There`s this question asking about potential jurors` familiarity with a laundry list of 27 different prescription drugs, including propofol, a drug tied to Michael Jackson`s death.

DIMITRIUS: A person who has a lot of personal experience and knowledge of the drugs and medications that are going to be talked about is going to be a better defense juror.

ROWLANDS: Dimitrius says the defense also wants jurors who think Jackson was an oddball. She says prosecutors want the opposite, who`s a Michael Jackson fan and believes the singer was manipulated during his life and wrongly accused of child molestation.

Ultimately, she said the best jurors are those that can stand up to pressure in the jury room.

DIMITRIUS: You want somebody who is strong, who is not going to back down no matter what.

ROWLANDS: It`s likely that at least one question will be added about the Casey Anthony trial. Lawyers on both sides may want to know how much individuals followed that trial.

Murray`s lawyers say they`re concerned about the amount of publicity that Anthony received, suggesting that jurors might have to be sequestered to ensure that Dr. Murray gets a fair trial.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DIAZ: That was CNN`s Ted Rowlands for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Now, the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray is scheduled to begin on September 8th.

And I want to tell you that SHOWBIZ TONIGHT will be covering that trial like no other entertainment news show, and HLN will be covering it like no other network.

There are tons of calls coming into the "Showbiz on Call" tonight about the Kardashians. Kim`s been doing some things to model her wedding after Prince William and Catherine`s wedding.

So we ask, are the Kardashian American royalty? Celia, calling in from Arkansas, says no way.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CELIA, CALLER FROM ARKANSAS: Kardashians are royalty? Absolutely not. No way could they ever represent the United States. You have to actually be classy and respectable to be royalty, and that`s not class nor is it respect.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

DIAZ: All right. Thank you, Celia. But Steven calling from the great state of Indiana says all hail the Kardashians.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

STEVEN, CALLER FROM INDIANA: I really think they are American royalty. They`ve been doing a lot. They`re making a lot of money. They`re the talk of the whole U.S. I really do feel they are the United States royalty and they are to be treated as such.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

DIAZ: Thanks, Steven. What do you think? Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or any other topic that might be on your mind.

The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. The number - 1- 888-SBT-BUZZ. That`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave as a voicemail and we`ll play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

Coming up, some advice for Kim Kardashian from Hugh Hefner. It`s our not-to-be-missed SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Hef. Hugh`s bride-to-be dumped him just days before their wedding, so we had to ask him, how does he think and what does he think about Kim Kardashian`s wedding?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Are you going to be attending Kim Kardashian`s wedding?

HUGH HEFNER, FOUNDER, "PLAYBOY" MAGAZINE: I don`t think so.

WYNTER: Oh, my gosh. What`s your advice to Kim as she gets ready to tie the knot?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: Kim, listen up because Hef says you might want to listen to what he has to say. Your marriage could depend on it.

Tiger`s caddy strikes back. Tonight, the former golf caddy for Tiger Woods gets his ultimate revenge. But we dare to ask, does Tiger deserve it? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories tonight from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: Ethan Hawke welcomes his fourth child, a girl named Indiana. Victoria Beckham tweets picture of daughter Harper with hubby David.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEVE WILLIAMS, TIGER WOODS` FORMER CADDY: It`s the most satisfying win I`ve ever had. There`s no two ways about it. I`m not denying that. For about 13 years, I`ve been incredibly loyal to the guy and I got short- shifted.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: That`s Tiger Woods former caddy, Steve Williams smacking down Tiger on the golf course. You see, Steve`s new boss just won a golf tournament that Tiger totally bombed in. And Steve is making sure he rubs it right in Tiger`s face.

I guess revenge is a dish best served on the 18th fairway. So here`s the deal. Tiger fired his long-time caddy, Steve Williams, just a couple weeks ago. Then, Steve went to went for a golfer named Adam Scott.

Well, Adam Scott just won a huge tournament this weekend. And Tiger, well, he finished 37th. And as you just heard, Tiger`s former caddy wasted no time basically saying, "That is an ace in your face, my brother."

Let me bring in Jenn Hobby, entertainment reporter and co-host of radio`s "The Bert Show" out of Atlanta and Nashville.

Jenn, the unwritten rule is that caddies are supposed to be seen and not heard, keep quiet. But Tiger`s former caddy slammed Tiger in the face with a driver here, which I`m going to point out, is something that Tiger`s ex, Elin, denied doing.

Does Tiger actually deserve this? Or was his caddy, Steve Williams, kind of out of line here?

JENN HOBBY, CO-HOST, "THE BERT SHOW": I say let the win speak for itself, Carlos. You know, I understand he let his emotions get the best of him. He`s a little bitter. He`s a little angry, and he has every right to be.

But I still say let the win speak for itself, tip your hat and give a smile for the cameras, and let it stay right there.

DIAZ: And it`s kind of like, you know, when you break up with - or your girlfriend dumps you as a guy. And then you go out with another girl, and then you go, "That was the best sex I`ve ever had in my life with her. It`s terrible the times we were together."

But you know, the thing is, you look at Tiger and what`s going on. I mean, his wife, Elin and he are divorced, you know, the whole thing with his kids. His life is falling apart.

Golf is the only thing he has left. And now, we`re kind of coming down at him on the golf course as well. I`m going to go there. Should we actually feel sorry for Tiger Woods?

HOBBY: And I`m going to go there and say, absolutely not. I don`t think so. I really don`t. You know, he`s going to have to put this back together and put his career on the forefront of what everybody`s thinking about him, because, right now, everybody`s only focused on what`s happened in his personal life and all of that personal tragedy.

DIAZ: All right. Jenn, thank you so much. And now the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

"Jersey Shore`s" Jwoww and Snooki - they are not happy with us tonight. Their explosive reaction to the headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview we did with them.

And big news about ABC`s "Desperate Housewives" tonight. Why there may be a lot of homes for sale on Wisteria Lane. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: "Rise of Planet of the Apes" tops weekend box office with $54 million in ticket sales. Woman arrested for allegedly sending Marion Cotillard threatening notes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DIAZ: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the SHOWBIZ reality check. Tonight the "Jersey Shore" SHOWBIZ TONIGHT showdown. Jwoww and Snooki take us on after our SHOWBIZ interview with them.

Charlie`s Ashton shout-out. Charlie Sheen thanks Ashton Kutcher for saving his career. Uh, Charlie, reality check, please.

Tonight, Hef`s marriage advice for Kim Kardashian. Will he be attending the nuptials?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WYNTER: Are you going to be attending Kim Kardashian`s wedding?

HEFNER: I don`t think so.

WYNTER: Oh, my gosh. What`s your advice to Kim as she gets ready to tie the knot?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: Hugh Hefner`s shocking message to Kim Kardashian about getting married on TV. Why Hef says Kim had better listen up. It`s a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.

ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.

(MUSIC)

DIAZ: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Carlos Diaz, in for A.J. Hammer.

And tonight, oh, there`s a lot of big news breaking that has us demanding a SHOWBIZ reality check. What`s the real story behind the big headlines?

Tonight, a SHOWBIZ reality check - reality check on "Jersey Shore" and the cast`s explosive reaction to our headline-making newsmaker interview with them. Is Jwoww really hating on us?

Also, tonight, a SHOWBIZ reality check on Kim Kardashian`s big wedding. Is there any way Kim`s big wedding can live up to the hype?

And startling news today Charlie Sheen is thanking Ashton Kutcher for saving his career by taking his job on "Two and a Half Men." Come on, are you kidding me?

Joining me tonight in Atlanta is Jenn Hobby who co-hosts "The Bert Show" on the radio.

Jenn, let`s begin with our "Jersey Shore" reality check. And I can tell you Jwoww is not happy with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It all began when we aired our interview with the cast on Friday night, the day after the new season of the show premiered to huge ratings.

Check out what The Situation, who was with Deena in the infamous smoosh room told us about why they are so popular.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MIKE "THE SITUATION" SORRENTINO, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": People can really reality to us. We`re honest. We`re genuine. Reality television has never seen, like, these bold, you know, characters, you know, named Situation or Snooki, you know, kind of compare it to WWE where you get the Rock and you get those bold personalities.

You don`t get those - this is the first time reality TV has seen these bold personalities with all these sayings and has turned into a pop culture phenomenon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: All right. Our guests didn`t necessarily agree with everything the "Jersey Shore" gang had to say that night. We don`t control our guests. But Jwoww tweeted, "Haters, pathetic to use us for ratings."

OK, Jenn. Wait a second. I love the "Jersey Shore" as much as the next person. I think they do a pretty good job acting all about themselves to get ratings anyway. Why do you think, Jenn, that this got into Jwoww`s skin like that?

HOBBY: I think they get a little upset when there`s negative publicity. But they have to understand is that they are caricatures of themselves. They really can`t take themselves this seriously.

I mean, come on. We`re going to watch a show like this and we`ve got to laugh at them or we`ll cry our eyes out if we don`t.

DIAZ: I know. Jwoww, by the way, if you`re watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT again tonight, we love you, babe, and I think you`re hot.

But let me bring in TV and radio host, Michael Billy. Michael is Jwoww being a little too sensitive here?

BILLY: Way too sensitive. I mean, she brings up ratings. I mean, come on, who isn`t using you for ratings, Jwoww and Snooki? My goodness, this is the best thing that can possibly happen to you. Be a good sport about it. Let it roll and enjoy your 15 minutes.

DIAZ: Yes. I don`t know - what else do you use them for, by the way? It`s all about ratings, right?

BILLY: Who wants to hear about the debt ceiling from them.

DIAZ: Yes, exactly. Can you break down the economy for us, please. I can tell you that the "Jersey Shore`s" new season debuted with enough ratings to last a lifetime. Frankly, we enjoyed them all. Let`s watch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I said, "Stop, leave Nicole alone." She does have a boyfriend.

RONNIE ORTIZ-MAGRO, REALITY TV STAR, "THE JERSEY SHORE": I know Mike will hook up with Snooki, but I don`t know if she will go out with Mike. Hopefully not, like - I kind of like feel I don`t Mike to do that with Snooki.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: The Sitch trying to hook up with Snooks, like there`s actually a love connection there? Well, at least Snooki sort of showed SHOWBIZ TONIGHT some love.

She tweeted this, "Watching SHOWBIZ about us, so interesting." Laugh out loud. Winky face. I don`t know what that means. Jenn, was that a diss or a kiss? I don`t know.

HOBBY: I think it was a kiss. I think she likes the attention. Sure. And I`m really hoping that this season will teach us some new lingo from the "Jersey Shore." We`ve already got "GTL" and "smooshing" and "backpack." What`s going to be next this season?

DIAZ: Well, we can only hope. I have to say that the "Jersey Shore" cast has nothing on the Kardashians when it comes to self-promotion.

Now, as we all know, the Kardashians are willing to put just about anything on camera, from Kim`s psoriasis drama to her big wedding to NBA star, Kris Humphries.

It`s just two weeks away and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there as the Kardashians were on the red carpet at the Teen Choice Awards last night where everyone was weighing in on why America is so obsessed with them. Watch what Justin Bieber and Tyra Banks told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BANKS: I think they`re very relatable, actually. There`s a certain normalcy and not taking themselves too seriously, being humorous, and fabulous but not too fabulous. I think it works for this generation.

BIEBER: I just think they`re, you know - they`re humble and they`re down to earth and they`re pretty and stuff so - and they carry themselves well.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: Now, I don`t make it a practice to argue with the Biebs, so I`ll let Michael do it. Michael, to our SHOWBIZ reality check, will Kim`s wedding live up to the hype?

BILLY: Well, first of all, humble and down to earth? Hello, Justin Bieber. This is costing millions.

DIAZ: Pardon me. Pardon Me. Don`t rip on the Biebs, all right?

(CROSS TALK)

BILLY: I know. I know. It`s like ripping on Oprah. I understand. I`m a big fan.

DIAZ: OK, go ahead.

BILLY: But as I was saying. Look, financial times have never been, you know, so bad, you know. So this could really go either way. They`re spending so much money.

But on the other hand everybody loves their fairytale wedding and this is a fairytale wedding. Not a big fan of celebrities doing their wedding on the air, on television.

It`s not going to be good for them, not good for the marriage, I believe. However, I`ll be there for all four hours with popcorn.

DIAZ: Yes. So you`re saying that this wedding - this marriage is actually going to last. That`s amazing. I dig that. Jenn, what do you think about the Kardashians marriage? Can it live up to all this hype?

HOBBY: Oh, sure it can. They do nothing less than the biggest and the best and the most glamorous. I think this is going to be the wedding of all weddings.

It`s going to be on television, in every magazine. I mean, you name it. We are going to see of angle of it. The Kardashians put it out all out there and the wedding is just going to be just that.

DIAZ: All right. I`ve got to move on now to a SHOWBIZ reality check here on a star who seems to be the most out of touch with reality, Charlie Sheen. Ashton Kutcher just taped his first episode of "Two and a Half Men" featuring the funeral of Charlie`s character.

Well, today, we learn Sheen is thanking Ashton Kutcher for saving his career. Listen to what Charlie told TMZ, "I`ve always been told I have nine lives, so it is going to be amazing to witness my own funeral which is clearly a win-win situation because Ashton has just given me a tenth."

Life, I suppose he means. OK. First, who knew Charlie had nine lives? Secondly, nine lives aside, Michael, what is Charlie talking about? Ashton took his job. Is this the final proof that Charlie has no idea what`s going on, on planet earth?

BILLY: Look, Carlos, have you ever had one of those really bad breakups? Because this is what it`s like, where you get broken up with and you`re out with your buddies and you`re like, "I broke up with her first. I`m better off. I`m lucky."

DIAZ: Yes, exactly, "I thank you for taking my job." TMZ also released brand-new photos of the set of "Two and a Half Men" and they showed the funeral of Charlie Sheen`s character.

Would you believe Charlie is reportedly saying he`s glad his character is being killed off? Jenn, why is Charlie Sheen so happy to see everything that brought him fame and wealth go away forever?

HOBBY: Well, he`s got to make it about his ego, right? He`s got to pretend like he`s still winning. But really, Ashton Kutcher is winning here. He`s the one who is going to be able to pay his bills.

I don`t know how Charlie is going to pay to be able to pay to watch it at home in a little while from now.

DIAZ: Yes, exactly. I agree with Michael, by the way. I think Charlie is trying to spin this, because he was on spin city. He started to spin this in a way to say, "You know what? Hey, I`m better off because of it."

Jenn Hobby, thank you. Michael Billy, I`m sorry I got all Nancy Grace on you.

All right. Coming up, Kim Kardashian had better listen up. You may be less than two weeks away from your wedding, but Hugh Hefner`s got a message for you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WYNTER: Are you going to be attending Kim Kardashian`s wedding?

HEFNER: I don`t think so.

WYNTER: Oh, my gosh. What`s your advice to Kim as she gets ready to tie the knot?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Tonight, it`s our shocking SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with none other than Hugh Hefner.

Kanye West`s Hitler rant. Will Kanye ever learn? Come on. So what did Mr. Put-My-Foot-in-My-Mouth say this time? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has Kanye`s disturbing caught-on-tape moment. You`ve got to see it. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: Tiger Woods loses $10 million deal with Tag Heuer. SHOWBIZ first look: Cover photo of Lady Gaga`s "You and I."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GILLIAN JACOBS, ACTRESS: They seem to be completely willing to open up every aspect of their lives to camera. They`re all really entertaining and funny. I don`t know. They`re captivating.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: That`s Gillian Jacobs from NBC`s "Community" describing to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the coast-to-coast undeniable force it is Kardashian mania. The Kardashian hype machine is going full throttle as Kim gets ready to get married.

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Carlos Diaz, in for A.J. Hammer.

And as Kim prepares to walk down the aisle, we wanted to give her a little gift. So tonight, Hef`s how-to. We caught up with Hugh Hefner as he promotes the highly anticipated NBC drama, "The Playboy Club."

We just had to ask Hef about Kim`s reality TV wedding bonanza especially since he didn`t quite have a storybook ending of his own. You know, he got dumped by his fiancee just before their wedding day.

But tonight, Hef insists he still ended up with his own happily ever after. Yes? You`ve got to hear what Hugh Hefner told our Kareen Wynter in this SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEFNER: As I said, at the time, you know, I think it was, you know, the right decision. It may not have been done in the right way, but I think it was the right decision.

Very clearly, she was not into it the way that she convinced me that she was. That was the surprise. And that was the answer to the rest of it. I think that, you know, someone doesn`t want to be married to someone who doesn`t want to be married.

What I was trying to do, quite frankly, you know, why was I thinking about getting married? It`s because I loved her and I wanted to give the relationship some continuity. And as I said at the time, you know, I really did it for her. When she had reservations, that was enough for me.

WYNTER: We`ve all dealt with heartbreak, but with you, you have such a tough exterior that it seems like you bounced back quickly.

HEFNER: I have a remarkable support system.

WYNTER: Of course.

HEFNER: From Kendra on -

WYNTER: Is there a chance you and Crystal may reunite in the future?

HEFNER: Our friendship would have to be more than that.

WYNTER: But you`re happy now. Tell me what life is like now.

HEFNER: Well, this is a very nice summer. I mean, it is literally the Chinese year of the rabbit. I just opened a major club with a whole bunch of beautiful bunnies in London. I was there for that.

I have two wonderful boys, who are just coming out of college. Family is more important now than ever. And it is a very, very good time to be alive.

WYNTER: Well, are you going to be attending Kim Kardashian`s wedding?

HEFNER: I don`t think so.

WYNTER: Oh, my gosh. You didn`t get your invite?

HEFNER: I`ll have to look at my mail.

WYNTER: Will you be watching the big two-hour spectacular event when they roll it out on television? Come on, it`s the Kardashians.

HEFNER: Oh, my goodness gracious.

WYNTER: Do you even care? Do you even care?

HEFNER: Well, I want her to be happy.

WYNTER: Yes.

HEFNER: You know, I`m glad that, bit by bit, one or more of the Kardashians have settled down. That`s fine.

WYNTER: What`s your advice? You know a thing or two about relationships. What`s your advice to Kim as she gets ready to tie the knot, reality TV style?

HEFNER: Well, I think, quite frankly, that is not exactly the best way to get married. You`ve been watching "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." And the notion of falling in love on television, you know, is not the best way to do it.

But you know, when you`re doing a reality show and if you`re going to be getting married, it`s logical to include the marriage. And indeed, if I had gotten married, I mean, that would have been a TV special.

It turned out to be a different kind of TV special called "The Runaway Bride." And that was fun. A little surprised, but fun.

WYNTER: I`m happy that you have a little bit of humor about it, because you have to. You have to.

HEFNER: The only way you can survive.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DIAZ: Hugh Hefner is getting over his runaway bride with the bevy of blonds at the Playboy mansion. Last night, he hosted the legendary "Midsummer Night`s Dream" party.

And Kareen, you were there. Hef is always keeping busy. And now, he`s got a new NBC show "The Playboy Club," right?

WYNTER: That`s right, Carlos. You know, talking to Hef, he is really excited about its debut this fall. But I have to say he is absolutely outraged by critics who basically want to pull the plug on the show before it even starts. Hef calls the whole thing ridiculous.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HEFNER: It`s simply a censorship group that their problem is obvious. Their problem is simply the name "Playboy." First of all, what is it all about? When it`s "Playboy," it`s a good way to get publicity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: Well, it sounds to me like Hef doesn`t seem to be too worried about the criticism of the show.

WYNTER: Not at all, Carlos. I mean, the one thing can you say about Hef is that his entire empire has been built on criticism, and look at how far that has taken him.

Wait until you see, though, tomorrow what else he has to say about the controversy over the "Playboy Club." You`ve got to see it.

DIAZ: All right. I can`t wait for that. Thanks, Kareen. And I can`t wait to see what Hef has to say about the "Playboy Club" drama, "Defending the `Playboy Club.`" That`s tomorrow on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

Oh, they`re back. The White House party crashers want to be parents, and they might want your help to do it. Outkast`s Big Boi is in big trouble with the law. And the ladies of Wisteria Lane are packing up and moving out. More details in "The Buzz Today."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

"Desperate Housewives" done? ABC has just revealed the ladies of Wisteria Lane are wrapping it up. The network says this season, season eight, will be the show`s last and it will be its victory lap.

Creator Marc Cherry confessed the only thing harder than creating a hit show is knowing when to end it. He told a gathering of TV critics he didn`t want "Housewives" to overstay its welcome and wants to go out in the classiest way possible.

Big Boi busted. The Outkast star was jailed by Miami cops for drug possession. Police say Big Boi illegally had Viagra, ecstasy and other drug paraphernalia when he was arrested. He was released on $16,000 bond. And Big Boi`s attorney says, "I am confident when the entire facts are aired, Big Boi will be completely exonerated."

Salahi baby? The alleged White House party crashers, Michaela and Tareq Salahi have just confessed to TMZ they plan to have a baby using a surrogate.

They say, because Michaela is 45 years old and suffers from multiple sclerosis, the surrogate solution is the best chance for a child. TMZ is reporting that they have already reached out to a northern Virginia surrogacy agency to get the process started.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Kanye West`s disturbing Hitler rant, and it`s all caught on tape. We`ve got the must-see video of Kanye`s latest foot-in-mouth disease moment. That`s coming up. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: Levi Johnston`s sister calls Bristol Palin "evil" in new "Playboy" interview. Flavor Flav and Dee Snyder to appear on "Celebrity Wife Swap."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DIAZ: Tonight, SHOWBIZ caught on tape - snakes on a car. This is not a remake of the Samuel L. Jackson movie, but a real snake on a real car, and it all happened on a car that`s speeding down the highway. Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When suddenly there`s a snake on your windshield, it sort of makes bugs and bird droppings pale.

MOOS: A Memphis couple, Tony and Rachel Fisher and their three kids were going about 65 miles an hour when the snake apparently slithered out of the engine.

TONY FISHER, OWNER OF THE CAR WHERE THE SNAKE WAS FOUND: I don`t like snakes. I`m more scared of snakes probably than my wife is. I want that thing to fall off.

MOOS: Which eventually it did.

RACHEL FISHER, WIFE OF TONY FISHER: Oh my god! Oh my god. Oh my god.

T. FISHER: OK. It`s all over. It just fell.

MOOS (on camera): Snake experts identified the stowaway as a rat snake, not harmful to humans.

(voice-over) But the Fishers were treated like rats by animal lovers after they posted their video to YouTube.

"Are you stupid? Pull over and let the snake go."

"Isn`t it fun to torture animals, stupid people?"

R. FISHER: We didn`t think about pulling over, yes. And we don`t know - you know, we didn`t know what kind of snake it was.

T. FISHER: I just want the thing off the car. I don`t want to have to try to get out of the car and deal with it.

MOOS: But some creatures sit tight. When this driver tried to gently dislodge a bird from his wiper, the bird couldn`t be bothered. Meanwhile, the owner of this parrot got fined by Australian authorities. His owner was charged with animal cruelty for this.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On the bloody freeway going nearly 100 kilometers an hour -

MOOS: Of course, there are worse things that can end up on your windshield than birds or snakes. As for our fake snake -

(on camera) No don`t, don`t touch it.

(voice-over) Only in New York would a panhandler offer to clean the snake off the windshield, a windshield viper.

(on camera) No, sorry. No.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DIAZ: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Kanye West`s Hitler rant. Kanye does it again, shooting off his big mouth and sparking outrage, and it`s all caught on tape. Next, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with Kanye`s comments that you have to see to believe. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DIAZ: Kanye West`s Hitler outburst. It happened at the Big Chill Music Festival weekend in the U.K. In the middle of his act Kanye went on a rant about being misunderstood and underappreciated. So what`s the guy to do? Compare himself to Hitler, of course.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KANYE WEST, SINGER: And I walk through the hotel and people walk look at me like I`m (EXPLETIVE DELETED) insane, like I`m Hitler.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DIAZ: Wow. Somebody in the audience actually booed. I think they were mad because Kanye went on and on and they wanted to get on with the show. I mean, really, how does this guy rap with his foot constantly stuck in his mouth? I wonder.

That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Carlos Diaz. Remember you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Monday to Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.

Stay right here for "DR. DREW," coming up next. Tonight, Drew`s got a preview of the drama we can expect from the upcoming trial Michael Jackson`s doctor, Conrad Murray.

END