Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Smack-down in the Michael Jackson Manslaughter Trial; "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Addresses Russell Armstrong`s Suicide; A Shocking Twist in the Battle Over Kim Kardashian`s Sex Tape; Susan Lucci`s "All My Children" Slam; Chaz Bono "Dancing" Controversy; Gerard Depardieu Spoof
Aired September 06, 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, an unbelievable smack-down in the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson`s doctor. What the judge just told Conrad Murray to stop doing. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
More big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - explosive new "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" suicide fall-out. The new season of the show premieres and addresses Taylor`s husband`s suicide.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think a lot of us have some guilt about not seeing this coming.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - did the housewives handle Russell`s death the right way?
A shocking twist in the battle over Kim Kardashian`s famous sex tape. Why the new push to get rid of the tape for good may totally backfire tonight. Will this make Kim`s XXX video hotter than ever?
Susan`s stunning "All My Children" slam. Susan Lucci goes ballistic on ABC tonight for canceling her soap. Is she right to be angry or should Erica Kane can it?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York and we`ve got big news breaking tonight - torn by tragedy. There`s brand-new outrage today over the premiere of the new season of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Bravo`s hit reality show has really been caught in a major firestorm after, of course, the headline-making suicide of Taylor Armstrong`s estranged husband, Russell. Russell`s family and many critics blame the show for driving Russell to take his life.
There were even calls for the show to be cancelled completely. Well, tonight, we see exactly how the show moved forward, addressing the suicide and then immediately going back to the everyday Beverly Hills drama that has made the housewives a fan favorite.
But the big question tonight, did Bravo handle Russell`s very real drama in the right way?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) It was the big TV question of the week.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can`t talk to you because you`re off your (EXPLETIVE DELETED) rocker.
HAMMER: How does a reality show known for its inflated drama, hyper materialism and bitchy fights -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`re such a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) liar.
HAMMER: Handle an all-too real tragedy that hit close to home? Well, today, we finally have our answer.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think a lot of us have some guilt about not seeing this coming.
HAMMER: The season premiere of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" aired last night. It`s the first new episode since cast member Taylor Armstrong`s estranged husband, Russell, killed himself on August 15th.
Russell was said to be depressed about his marriage trouble, his financial problems and how he was portrayed on the show.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel that this is the time when all the women should get together.
HAMMER: And in the first four minutes of last night`s episode, the housewives, except for Taylor, convened a sort of on-camera support group to talk about the tragedy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There`s plenty of men that, you know, their wives leave them and they don`t kill themselves. She cannot feel responsible for that.
ALEXIS TERESZCUK, REPORTER, "RADARONLINE.COM": It seems like everybody is very sad, very heartbroken.
HAMMER: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that`s not stopping critics from going off on Bravo and the show. Today`s "Los Angeles Times" said last night`s show became, quote, "a creepy necro-party game."
And "Entertainment Weekly" called it a, quote, "hopeless attempt at good taste."
TERESZCUK: Bravo`s has really caught fire right now. They`re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
HAMMER: After the four-minute opening discussion in last night`s episode, Bravo a aired a disclaimer stating everything else we`re about to see was recorded before Russell`s death. Then, it was back to business as usual -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I chose to not talk to Kyle.
HAMMER: With more of the show`s patented drama and fighting among the rich frenemies.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She is very manipulative.
HAMMER: But with one big difference.
TERESZCUK: Russell Armstrong was not in the first episode at all.
HAMMER: Taylor and Russell`s marital trouble had been a big part of the "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills`" first season.
TAYLOR ARMSTRONG, CAST MEMBER, "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS": We are so disconnected. I don`t know what to do to bring it back together.
HAMMER: But after Russell`s shocking death, Bravo has removed scenes featuring Russell from the second season`s first few episodes, something Russell`s family had demanded.
TERESZCUK: They`re very, very concerned about making sure that they treat the situation respectfully.
HAMMER: And Bravo made other cuts.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`m sort of looking for some things to spice up my love life.
HAMMER: This scene was included in an early version of the season premiere sent to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT before Russell`s suicide. In it, we see Taylor shopping for items to help spice up her marriage.
T. ARMSTRONG: Russell and I really discussed whether or not we wanted to work on our marriage and make some significant changes or whether it was time to call it quits.
HAMMER: Bravo cut that scene out of the episode that aired last night. But Bravo left in this now shocking comment one of the other husbands made about Russell and Taylor`s attempts at marriage counseling.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If I had to go to see a therapist to make my marriage better, I would feel weak.
T. ARMSTRONG: Did you just call me weak for trying to work on my own mental health and to save my marriage for my child?
HAMMER: Still, this morning, the "Housewives" cast told the "Today" show Taylor was happy with the episode.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She thought that they handled it respectfully. And in light of the situation, she was pleased with the outcome.
HAMMER: And pointing to the suicide prevention PSA that aired after the show, the housewives say they`re performing a service.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If we could save one life, then our message is getting across.
HAMMER: But in a show known for melodrama and infighting -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`d better watch your step.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: That message may be hard to get across.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Yes. Here`s the thing - a lot of people are wondering if a PSA and a little coffee talk was really enough to address the suicide of Armstrong`s husband especially when this entire season has yet to play out.
TV critics across the board, not happy. Let me read to you what the "L.A. Times" writes, "`Real Housewives` suicide should have scrapped season two."
"Entertainment Weekly" had their headline, "The grotesque `Real Housewives of Beverly Hills` season premiere: Suicide and a very awkward dinner."
All that leads me to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" addresses Russell Armstrong`s suicide - do you think the show handled it the right way?
Let me go right to Kelli Zink in Chicago. She`s the host of "CelebTV.com."
Kelli, to the SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, what do you think? Did "Housewives" handle the suicide in the right way?
KELLI ZINK, HOST, "CELEBTV.COM": You know, there`s really no right way to handle such an awkward situation. I felt a little bit uncomfortable with the fact that Taylor wasn`t in the room.
It kind of felt like she was watching all of her friends talk about her behind her back on national TV. But would it have been more awkward for her there to see the raw emotion? I`m not sure. The whole thing felt a little bit depressing and uncomfortable, and that`s how I see it.
HAMMER: Yes, I agree with you. And I can certainly understand why Taylor would not have wanted to have been there so soon after Russell died. It was a very careful balancing act. And as I`ve said all along, it was a kind of a "damned if they do, damned if they don`t address it" kind of a situation.
The "Los Angeles Times" was particularly critical about the "Housewives" premiere. Writer Mary McNamara wrote about the show`s decision to move forward.
And here`s what she said, "The petty tensions fed, the catty diatribes coddled, offstage, a man was slowly moving toward self-destruction. How can we now watch and think of anything else?"
Here`s how one of the "Beverly Hills Housewives," Kyle Richards, responded this morning on the "Today" show. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KYLE RICHARDS, CAST MEMBER, "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS": It`s very difficult in a situation like this. Yes, we shot this six months ago. And I think Bravo has tried to handle this as responsibly and respectfully as possible.
And it is a very difficult situation, but the show is not just about them. You know, it`s about six women and their lives. And yes, they are a part of it, but there`s also so much else going on in the show.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And it still is reality. So let me bring in reality star, Aubrey O`Day who, of course, stars in Oxygen`s "All About Aubrey." So what do you think, Aubrey? Did they handle it the right way?
AUBREY O`DAY, REALITY TV STAR, "ALL ABOUT AUBREY": You know, the "Housewives" series is a form of escapism. You know, we`re trying to escape from our lives and watch these catty women go back and forth.
And something as difficult to address as suicide is like you said. It`s never going to win. I mean, it`s awkward. It`s uncomfortable. I think, as a reality star, the only persons that should discuss it are the people that were directly affected by it.
I don`t think that I needed to see the girls go around about their feelings. I think if she wanted to discuss her husband`s suicide, I would have appreciated her being honest and real about it as this is reality television.
And if she didn`t want to, then possibly some kind of liner. It`s an awkward situation at best. But I would rather have heard it from her.
HAMMER: Yes, I guess this was the best they could do. And she said she was fine with how they handled it. So, in a way, I kind of guess we all need to be as well.
The suicide of Russell Armstrong will inevitably hang out over the entire season. There`s no ignoring it. There are reports out there today that say the show will even include therapy sessions between Taylor and her husband.
We asked this in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll, "`Housewives` Edited to Address Suicide: Will you watch?" Only 17 percent of you said, yes, it is reality. Eighty-three percent of you said, no, you will, in fact, boycott the show.
All right. We`ve got to move on right now because there`s breaking new reality show drama to talk about that`s playing out in real life, the battle over the Kim Kardashian sex tape.
Now, we know that there`s a mystery buyer out there trying to negotiate a deal for - are you ready for this - as much as $30 million to buy the rights of that sex tape that made her famous to begin with and for the purpose of banishing the video forever, that`s why they want to buy it.
Well, now, there are brand-new reports today that Kim`s sex tape co-star, Ray-J. actually wants a cut of the profits. Add to that, a third party, another porn Web site, reportedly wants to buy the sex tape so they can offer it for free online.
Gosh, it kind of sounds to me like this push to get rid of Kim`s sex tape is backfiring, Kelli. What do you think?
ZINK: I think it`s awesome that Ray-J. is trying to collect, although he did co-star, so he should get some residuals for that, right?
I don`t know why another site would buy it, offer, what, $5 million and then run it for free and they would take that over $30 million. So I don`t think that`s going to happen, especially since it`s a competing Web site.
But I hope Kim gets the tape and we have to freaking stop hearing about this thing once and for all.
HAMMER: And meanwhile we`re talking about people wanting to buy it, it possibly being banished. And you know, traffic on the site that offers this tape now - it is getting inundated with traffic. Kelli Zink, Aubrey O`Day, I thank you both.
OK. We move on now to a blockbuster development in the Chaz Bono "Dancing with the Stars" controversy. Ready for this? There`s a brand-new call to boycott the show over casting Chaz, who, of course, is transgender.
Plus, why famed attorney Gloria Allred is just so fired up about this. She is going to tell us why in a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Susan Lucci goes ballistic on ABC today for canceling "All My Children." Here`s the thing - is she right to be angry or should Erica Kane can it?
And I was right there at "The View" as they kicked off their 15th season today. Joy Behar and Sherri Shepherd, of course, were right there to reveal their big wedding secrets.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Joy, can you actually say it out load. Can you say it? What did you do?
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I got married.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And wait until you hear the extra juice that I got out of them when I visited the set today. That is next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, it`s Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Tito and Rebbie Jackson planning Michael Jackson tribute tour in 2012. Ashton Kutcher, Amy Poehler, Julianna Marguiles to present at Primetime Emmys.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, the brand-new smack-down in the Michael Jackson manslaughter trial. Today, the judge told Conrad Murray`s lawyer - Murray, of course, is the doctor charged with causing Michael`s death - to stop dissing his decisions.
Murray and his legal team have been slamming the judge, including his ruling to not sequester the jury during the trial. Well, Murray and company were told today to shut it or else.
And of course, be sure to keep it here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and HLN for the most complete coverage of this trial anywhere.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, has "The View`s" wedding bonanza.
I was there this morning when the ladies kicked off their 15th season. Not one, but two co-hosts had some really big wedding news to share with everybody. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOLDBERG: Sherri, congratulations on getting hitched!
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
When really the shocker - the shock, shock, shocker of "The View" summer I think is the fact that - Joy, can you actually say it out loud? Can you say it?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What happened?
BEHAR: I got married.
(CROSS TALK)
Well, you know, we had a honeymoon for 29 years and we decided to destroy it and get married.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Everybody knew that Sherri was getting married but, as Whoopi said, Joy getting married the night before Sherri did, that was a true shocker. So, of course, I had to ask Joy what she would say to all those people who actually accused her of stealing Sherri`s thunder. Watch what she told me today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEHAR: How could you steal the thunder from a woman who poses on top of a bus with her wedding gown on? Is that possible? So, no, I really wanted it to be quiet. I had no interest in stealing anybody`s anything.
I just wanted to quietly get married and make it a little secret and then come back today and announce it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Sorry, that didn`t work out for you, joy. But Sherri - she was still celebrating today. She was actually wearing her stunning reception dress for her first day back on "The View."
I mean, check this out. Look at those shoes! Absolutely amazing. So since Sherri was clearly still in wedding mode, I had to ask her to give me a little nugget from the wedding, something that nobody knows about unless they were there.
And here it is. Apparently, bridesmaid Elisabeth Hasselbeck revealed a hidden talent at the wedding.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEPHERD: Nobody had seen Elisabeth do a robot. Elisabeth Hasselbeck has a robot like nobody - I mean, you know, like the robot you see right there.
HAMMER: Good?
SHEPHERD: She does a robot like nobody`s business.
HAMMER: Interesting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I`ve got to tell you, when I spoke with Elisabeth, she downplayed her dancing skills. But I had to ask her, what was Sherri really like right before the big wedding?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": If you have to be a bridesmaid for anybody, Sherri`s the one to be a bridesmaid for. She didn`t panic. She didn`t get crazy.
I mean, there was only one moment during the dance rehearsal where everybody was talking. You have Niecy Nash, who was hysterical. You have a bunch of great personalities in one room.
And we had limited time and space to practice this dance. And at one point, Sherri did say - she was like, "All right, everybody. Everybody focus here. Let`s just listen and get this thing down." And we just lined it up and did it. But outside of that, I mean, she was calm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Apparently, it was a drama-free wedding. Now, Sherri and her new husband stayed celibate for 11 months before their wedding. But as Sherri made it abundantly clear to me, when their wedding night finally came around, it was game on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHEPHERD: You know, it`s been going down. My husband said after we got married - he was like, "Sherri, I`m so tired." I was like, "You`d better get up there and take your clothes off and shut up. Got to climb you like a tree," he`s 6`6". Yes. I don`t want to hear the word "celibacy" ever in my life.
HAMMER: I was going to be a gentleman and not bring it up because it seemed inappropriate.
SHEPHERD: No. We talked about it. No more celibacy. I don`t know how to spell it. I don`t know how to say it. It`s good. You see this glow in my face?
HAMMER: Yes, I do.
SHEPHERD: The sex glow.
HAMMER: I was about to ask you what the best part of the wedding day was. I think we know the answer to that.
SHEPHERD: The sex glow. See that smile?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, how can we not be happy for both Sherri and Joy? This season of "The View" is off to a great start, too. And just in case you didn`t get your fill of wedding talk, Kim and all the Kardashian sisters are going to be on "The View" on Wednesday talking about Kim`s blockbuster wedding.
We move to Oprah`s surprising Facebook chat. Why Oprah Winfrey is going on Facebook live and uncut. This is something out of character for Oprah, so I`ve got to know, why the heck is she doing it? You will find out coming up.
Susan`s stunning "All My Children" slam. Susan Lucci going ballistic on ABC tonight for canceling her soap. Is she right to be angry, or should Erica Kane can it? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Guy Richie and girlfriend Jacqui Ainsley welcome baby boy. Singer Adele opens up about body image in British "Vogue," "I have insecurities, of course, but I don`t hang out with anyone who points them out to me."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GOLDBERG: You have to have a funny person. You have to have somebody that loves the movies. You have to have somebody who is engaged and I think Eddie is engaged. He knows our business. He gets what the audience is like. I love the idea of Eddie Murphy and I hope it`s true.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Whoopi, I`ve got news for you. As Whoopi Goldberg told me just today that she thinks Eddie Murphy would be a terrific host of the Oscars, and she`s been on that stage as Oscar host.
Well, there is big news breaking today. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Eddie will in fact host the 2012 Oscars. SHOWBIZ trending tonight - Eddie Murphy, 2012 Oscar host.
I wouldn`t have thought of that one. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has confirmed that the "Dream Girls," "Beverly Cop," and "Nutty Professor" star is the guy in this gig. He will host the Oscars this February.
Is this move just plain nutty or will it be party all the time? Reference to his single. Join the debate now. Tweet at @ShowbizTonight and #EddieMurphyOscars.
Let me bring in "BET" correspondent and host, April Woodard. It`s great it see you, April.
APRIL WOODARD, CORRESPONDENT AND HOST, "BET": Thank you.
HAMMER: This caught me by surprise.
WOODARD: Yes. It came out of nowhere.
HAMMER: And here`s the thing. We all know the Oscars can be a snooze fest.
WOODARD: Right.
HAMMER: We all know, as much as I hoped it would go well, the whole Anne Hathaway, James Franco trying to stay relevant thing didn`t go well last year.
WOODARD: Yes.
HAMMER: So what do you think? Because Eddie certainly will shake things up.
WOODARD: Yes, I think he`s going to shake things up. And you know, he has a film coming out in January. He also has one in November, right into kicking off, you know, the Oscars.
I think he`s going to do a great job. He`s got that great comedy. He`s got that great live experience. So I really think it`s going to be a good one. In fact, I was watching Twitter and people were saying they`re definitely going to watch in February.
HAMMER: But here`s the thing. OK, they do need to capture a young audience.
WOODARD: Right.
HAMMER: They do need people who, quite frankly, know who Eddie Murphy is.
WOODARD: Well, he`s a donkey.
HAMMER: He has not had a hit film with his face up front in a very long time.
WOODARD: Yes. Yes.
HAMMER: Well, he`s got, well, the ass` face - the donkey`s face up front. So is he relevant enough to do this? Do you have a little concern about that?
WOODARD: Yes, I do have a little concern. I mean, I couldn`t even see if he was on Twitter, you know, what his clout score was and all of those things. I think if he gets on there, I think if starts, you know, tweeting and becoming more relevant, I think that it`s going to be wonderful.
HAMMER: He`ll have to get out there on the Twitter and Facebook.
WOODARD: He`s Eddie. Couldn`t be wrong.
HAMMER: All right. April Woodard, thank you so much. Got to move on. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
We have a blockbuster development to get to in the Chaz Bono "Dancing with the Stars" controversy. Believe it or not, there`s a brand-new call to boycott the show over casting Chaz, who of course is transgender.
Plus, why famed attorney Gloria Allred is so fired up about this. She is right here to tell us why in a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Also, tonight, Gerard Depardieu making fun of himself, spoofing the moment he relieved himself on the aisle of an airplane.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEPARDIEU: I`ve had enough. I can`t wait anymore. I`m hungry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please, sir. Please sit down.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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: My Chemical Romance drummer fired after allegedly stealing from the band. "The Help" wins box office for third week in a row with $19 million in ticket sales.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - bring it on. Chaz Bono`s explosive response to the outrage over him being on "Dancing with the Stars." Tonight, why Chaz says being the first transgender on "Dancing" could change America for the better.
Plus, famed civil rights attorney Gloria Allred is laying down the law on the dance floor. Gloria is right here it tell us how she`s taking Chaz` fight to the streets in headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Susan`s stunning slam. Susan Lucci goes ballistic on ABC for canceling "All My Children." Tonight, the real life drama that could get uglier than one of Erica Kane`s divorces.
Oprah on Facebook? Tonight, why the heck is the queen of all media doing live chat on Facebook.
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 in New York with big news breaking today - bring it on.
Yes. There`s some big drama over Chaz Bono`s new dancing gig on "Dancing with the Stars." The controversy over Chaz being the first transgender competitor is heating up big time just as the very first photos of Chaz with his dancing partner, Lacie, were revealed today.
Let me bring you up to speed on all the developments. An online campaign to boycott the show has begun as a result of Chaz being cast. Chaz Bono spoke out today in a brand-new interview.
And earlier famed attorney Gloria Allred, who, of course, is a victim`s rights attorney, held a press conference to pledge her support for Chaz in this fight.
Joining me from Hollywood for a very special SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview, Gloria Allred. Great to see you, Gloria.
GLORIA ALLRED, ATTORNEY: Thanks for having me, A.J.
HAMMER: Absolutely. And you know, Gloria, I have to say it`s just crazy to me the American Family Association is calling for this boycott of "Dancing with the Stars" because Chaz is going to be on the show.
They claim that this is going to be very confusing to kids as they watch the program. Gloria, I think they`re wrong. You say they`re wrong. What the heck are people really so afraid of? Can you explain that to me?
ALLRED: No. Only they can explain what they`re afraid of. But usually, people are afraid of what they don`t know, what they don`t understand. And this is a wonderful moment, a teaching moment, an opportunity to learn something more about someone who has transitioned from female to male.
And there are many such people throughout our country. And they should not have to be in the closet. They should not have to be stigmatized and become victims of violence and dangerous stereotypes.
They should be out and proud if that`s what they wish. And this is an opportunity for parents to have a dialogue with their children as they watch Chaz dance. That`s what I`m going to do.
And I`m going to then also have a dance party in Los Angeles and there are going to be viewing parties and dance parties for people who support Chaz throughout this nation. We announced that today.
And I personally am going to be dancing with anyone who has transitioned from male to female or female to male or is not transitioning and who comes on September 19th to watch Chaz.
HAMMER: I`ll look forward to seeing video of you dancing. I think that would be terrific, Gloria. But yes, I mean, to your point, I think it`s a teaching moment and parents should be embracing that and really trying to address any o the ignorance that is out there.
And that`s something that Chaz was talking about today on "Good Morning America," answering critics who say that his appearance is going to be confusing to kids watching "Dancing with the Stars." Let`s take a look at what he said
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHAZ BONO, FIRST TRANSGENDER CONTESTANT, "DANCING WITH THE STARS": I think, you know, that I`m just a regular guy, that all these ideas of children shouldn`t watch me - I`m going to be confusing all of this stuff - is just - it`s crazy.
And for all of the, you know, kids and teens out there with gender dysphoria, I think it`s going to have a positive impact. I know that when I was growing up, if I had seen somebody like me on a show like this, it would have made all the difference in the world in my life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, Gloria, obviously, it`s a very powerful statement from Chaz today. We`ve now heard Chaz` mom, Cher, speaking out in support of Chaz. And it confounds me that there are so many moms who are a part of this boycott.
Are you surprised? Because you would think that moms would be right there, like Cher, getting in their children`s corner to do the right thing. Does it shock you how many moms are behind this boycott?
ALLRED: Well, I think, again, that maybe they`ve never met anyone who has transitioned, and so they have something to learn themselves. A.J., I`m a mom. I`m also a grandmom and I was formerly a high cool teacher and credentialed high school principal.
I think what we need is more education, not isolation of persons who have transitioned either from male to female or female to male, but education of those who are afraid, who want to turn their backs, who want to pretend this doesn`t exist.
It does exist. Let`s take this as a moment to meet these young people and to learn something about them and so we can explain then to our families. You know, we`re all part of the human family. That`s what matters.
HAMMER: Yes. I think you hit it on the head right there. And Gloria, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there earlier tonight when you and your client, Robin Tyler, announced that series of dance parties in support of Chaz that you mentioned, the first one, as you said, kicking off the night Chaz makes his "Dancing with the Stars" debut.
You`ve never been one to back down, Gloria, so I`ve got to know what you would say to anyone who may be critical of your pushing this issue even more.
ALLRED: Well, this is really a civil rights issue. This is, again, a learning opportunity. And for 36 years, I have filed lawsuits and did everything I could to protect the rights of individuals who are lesbians, who are gay, who are transgender, transsexual, so that they have equal opportunity with the rest of us.
And if anyone would like to join the viewing party, they can go to Facebook. They can go to Chaz Bono "Dancing with the Stars" viewing party. And they`ll find out more about these viewing parties.
And I hope everyone throughout the nation will have viewing parties in their home and also dance parties. Dance along with Chaz and have your children dance along with Chaz. Nothing to be afraid of. It`s going to be a lot of fun.
HAMMER: Well, Gloria good on you for fighting this fight. And as always, it`s good to see you. Thanks for being with us.
ALLRED: Thank you.
HAMMER: We move now from one TV controversy to another. I`ve got to move on to Susan Lucci`s soap slam. Yes, the daytime diva has some brand-new fighting words for her soon-to-be ex-boss.
Lucci, of course, has played Erica Kane on the legendary ABC soap opera, "All My Children," since the show started 41 years ago. And now, she`s lashing out at the president of ABC daytime in her brand-new autography.
With me, from Chicago, Kelli Zink, the host for "CelebTV.com." From Hollywood tonight, Aubrey O`Day. Aubrey is the star of Oxygen`s "All About Aubrey."
So according to the "New York Post," Susan Lucci has added an epilogue to her paperback version of her autobiography called, "All My Life: A Memoir." In it, Lucci is slamming her soon-to-be ex-boss, Brian Frons, for what she calls some very bad decisions that led to the show being cancelled.
One excerpt reads, "An iconic show was losing out to greed. If Brian Frons could show his bosses that he could save the network 40 percent, he could keep his job even if the rest of us lost ours. I watched Brian Frons` decisions destroy the production of our show and the lives of the people on both sides of the country."
Lucci claiming that her boss saved his own butt by making bad decisions about the show, so it would eventually falter. Kelli, obviously, it`s terrible for all of the people who lost their jobs that this thing has been cancelled.
But are you with Susan, or do you think the show simply may have run its course?
ZINK: I would say both. I`m with her on the fact that she`s going to sell some books by saying this and she`s no idiot. That`s exactly why she edited the book.
But I`m also with the network that if somebody has run its course, maybe it`s time to kind of die out. And Susan Lucci is a classy woman. I think she`s doing this, not to damage her reputation, just to make a little bit of extra dough.
HAMMER: Well, that may be the case. I do think she`s speaking out on behalf of all of those people less fortunate than her who can`t necessarily survive as well without this daily job.
ABC did respond to Susan`s slam. This is what they tell SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "We have all the respect in the world for Susan and are sorry she felt the need to write this epilogue to an otherwise incredible career."
Aubrey, it sounds like they`re basically saying that they thought she should have taken the high road here and not even bring it up. Do you think it was a bad idea for Susan to include this reported slam in her new book?
O`DAY: Are there any high roads in the entertainment industry? Really? I admire her gumption. I think that, you know, there are definitely a few bosses I`d love to tell the truth on, so good for her.
HAMMER: All right. Kelli, do you think this could actually backfire on Susan, a beloved soap star?
ZINK: There`s no way. Susan`s fans lover her no matter what. She`s got - they`ve been following the show for years. It`s not like she slammed some council that she didn`t get all the awards she deserves.
She said something her fans are going to stand behind her and say, "Way to speak out. We love you."
HAMMER: Yes. I have a feeling you`re exactly right. All right. Kelli Zink, Aubrey O`Day, thank you both.
As we move on tonight, look, I get that Oprah Winfrey is exploring a lot of things in life since she ended her show. Well, she`s even exploring Facebook.
Tonight, I`ve got to tell you why Oprah hanging out on Facebook could be one of the best things that has ever happened to you on Facebook. Trust me. It is way better than finding out that high school crush is still after you.
Breaking Madonna news tonight. She`s taking a break to make a movie. She`s done a clothing line. But tonight, we have got new details about Madonna`s new album you have got to hear. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Let`s get to the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Taylor Swift only woman nominated for CMA Entertainer of the Year. SHOWBIZ first look: "Dancing with the Stars" cast in costume!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. New Madonna music is on the way, and Madonna breaks news about her return to the studio.
Also, Oprah Winfrey wants to chat with you on Facebook. Katie Couric`s first ABC interview is revealed.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Katie`s first guest on ABC, SJP. ABC News has just revealed Katie Couric debuts on Tuesday night`s "Nightline" and she`s interviewing Sarah Jessica Parker.
Katie announced back in June that she`s leaving CBS for ABC and made an appearance as a guest host on "The View." But this is her first assignment for the news division.
Madonna making music again. Madge has just broken the news about a brand-new album she`s getting ready to release. She revealed the details at the Venice Film Festival where she`s promoting a new movie she directed.
During an interview with Swedish TV, Madonna said, "I`ve started a little bit of work in the studio." She`ll reportedly finish it up in New York and debut the new music in spring 2012.
Friend Oprah on Facebook. Lady O will be online on Facebook`s live streaming video to answer your questions. According to "Mashable.com," Oprah`s online open call will take place September 8th.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Oprah has gone from being the queen of daytime TV and to the world of basic cable and now to Internet chatting? I`ve got to ask, what the heck is going on here?
BET host and correspondent, April Woodard, is with me in New York. Noelle Nikpour is also with me. She`s a columnist for "The Sun Sentinel."
Also, I can tell you that visits to Oprah`s Web site has taken a nosedive since her show went off the air in May. I guess that would be expected. Her network, OWN, we all know, is still struggling. But it turns out people can`t get enough of her Facebook page.
She`s racked up more than six million fans. So it seems it me that doing chat on Facebook actually is the best move for Oprah right now, April Woodard. What do you think?
WOODARD: Absolutely. I think that she`s got to remain relevant. She`s not on TV every day, so she`s got to put things out there. She`s got to get her content out somehow. And what better way than Facebook and Twitter?
HAMMER: Noelle, what do you think about that? You know, because some people say maybe it`s a little desperate. I think is embracing the technology and the modern age of social networking.
NOELLE NIKPOUR, COLUMNIST, "THE SUN SENTINEL": Absolutely. Social media is the way to go, number one. And number two, she is the 12th followed Twitterer on Twitter. And you`ve got to think about that.
She surpasses someone like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber. She ends that whole stream with them. So the fact that she is turning to do a live stream for Facebook where the people can ask her questions and she answers them is magnificent.
Now, I`ll tell you one thing. If this goes wrong, you really can`t blame Oprah. Look at the big tycoon she has that she has grouped together, the COO of Facebook and the president of Twitter, so it would be on their backs.
HAMMER: All right. I want to put you on the spot for a second, April. What are you asking Oprah Winfrey if you can Facebook friend her and be a part of this thing?
WOODARD: If I can Facebook friend her, I`ll say, you know, what new shows are you working on? Tell me what you`ve been doing lately with all of your time. How come you don`t tweet more than one time every few days?
HAMMER: We want more tweets from Oprah.
WOODARD: She`s got to tweet five times a day. Oprah, get on it.
HAMMER: All right. Well, listen, the person that a lot of people are saying may be the next queen of daytime TV is Katie Couric. And she`s flexing some muscles tonight on her ABC News debut.
Her first assignment for the news division is that interview with Sarah Jessica Parker. Now, I love SJP, but I`ve got to tell you I think it`s a little strange that for her big debut on the news network in a news role in a news show, that`s what she`s doing.
NIKPOUR: Wrong choice, if you ask me. What I remember about Katie Couric`s last big interview was Sarah Palin. And if you ask me she was a little hard on her and she was very snarky and condescending.
I think what she should do is get someone like a Michele Bachmann, interview her to kind of redeem herself from that toboggle interview with Sarah Palin.
HAMMER: I`m going to disagree with you. I don`t think she was snarky and condescending. I actually think she asked very valid questions.
NIKPOUR: She came down hard.
HAMMER: I don`t think she came down hard at all. I think she was a little too easy and Sarah couldn`t handle it. April, who should - first of all, do you think SJP not necessarily the right choice?
WOODARD: Not necessarily. I would say Michele Bachmann. But maybe Michele Bachmann is not ready to deal with Katie. I don`t know. After the Palin experience, you know, perhaps she`s not ready to step into that hot seat.
HAMMER: You know, whoever is going to be stepping into that hot seat is going to be studded up. All right, guys. Noelle Nikpour, April, I appreciate it. Thanks for being here.
Right now, it`s the power of O. Well, we just heard about Oprah`s big new power move on Facebook. But that`s not the only place she is flexing her muscle. "Essence" magazine has just named Oprah Winfrey to its 2011 power list.
Now, Lady O shares the list with Mrs. O. First Lady Michele Obama makes the cut for her influence in the White House and around the globe. And from Washington to Hollywood, the all powerful Jada Pinkett Smith.
The actress, producer, and of course, mom two budding A-listers, she`s getting a nod from "Essence" as well. For the rundown of "Essence" magazine`s 2011 power list, grab the October of "Essence" magazine. It is on sale right now.
And tonight, we have to talk about Gerard Depardieu, making fun of himself, spoofing that moment he relieved himself in the aisle of a plane.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEPARDIEU: I`ve had enough. I can`t wait anymore. I`m hungry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please, sir. Please sit down.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Number one for a second time. That`s right. Wait until you see this. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "Glee" and "30 Rock" star, Cheyenne Jackson, marries his longtime partner. SHOWBIZ first look: Scarlett Johansson`s music video.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Time now for the SHOWBIZ buzz list. These are the things we cannot stop buzzing about this week. Matt Damon and several other Oscar winners are fighting for their lives. Well, at least in the movies. We can`t wait to see "Contagion" opening on Friday.
We`re also hooked on the new Clue Network. This is an entire network dedicated to real life Hollywood mysteries.
Lenny is back. We`re jamming to "Black and White America." It`s Lenny Kravitz` great new album.
We`re also nuts about jewelry by Linda Wolk. It`s beautiful jewelry and it`s made from common hardware. Very cool.
And cops versus zombies. We`re buzzing about MTV`s new comedy-horror series, "Death Valley." This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Who wants to learn how to kill a zombie?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: This zombie has (UNINTELLIGIBLE) than the Kardashians.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REGIS PHILBIN, CO-HOST, "LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY": The date is Friday, November 18th, last day. But don`t worry. The show goes on. Of course, Kelly will begin trying out the new co-host just like 11 years ago when I did the same thing and found her.
KELLY RIPA, CO-HOST, "LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY": Yes, that`s right.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Crazy. After 28 years as one of my favorite hosts, Regis saying good-bye to his hit show forever. As Regis says, "Live" will go on with Kelly Ripa and a yet to be named co-host.
On to Gerard Depardieu getting the last laugh. Remember when CNN`s Anderson Cooper just lost it when he added Gerard to the ridiculous for relieving himself on a flight from Paris to Dublin?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "ANDERSON COOPER 360": They should thank their lucky stars it wasn`t Depard-two. Sorry. It made me giggle every time I read it. He hasn`t commented on this incident. Depar-two.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, the French actor is spoofing himself. Here`s the deal. Stay with me. Gerard Depardieu stars in "Asterix et Obelix" movies, live action series based on beloved French cartoons.
They are kind of like the French version of "Peanuts." Anyway, Gerard plays Obelix who doesn`t call himself fat. Instead he says he`s well covered and loves to eat wild boar. That`s where the spoof comes in.
Gerard and his partner in crime are in full costume, spoofing Gerard`s peeing incident with Gerard making a different kind of a mess.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEPARDIEU: I need a wild boar.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Wait until we take off.
DEPARDIEU: I can`t wait. I need one now. I`m too hungry. Miss, may I have a wild boar?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: After we take off, sir.
DEPARDIEU: I`ve had enough. I can`t wait anymore. I`m hungry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please, sir. Sit down. Please. Please, sir, sit down. Sir, wait until we take off. Sir!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Gerard has kind of a big (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to build to get back at Anderson Cooper. But hey, c`est la vie. What does Anderson think now?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Gerard, nice try. Tonight, we`re all thanking our leaky stars that you`ll always be number one on the ridiculous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Moving on now to Madonna being a diva. Could it be? It`s the too-good-to-be-true caught-on-tape moment causing a commotion for Madonna tonight. That`s next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ caught on tape tonight. Madonna, the meanie. Madonna unleashing her fury after someone does something nice for her.
A fan gave Madonna a bunch of flowers at the Venice Film Festival. She`s there previewing the movie that she directed. Well, let`s just say Madonna wasn`t so appreciative of the flowers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MADONNA, POP STAR: Thank you. Thank you. I absolutely loathe hydrangeas. He obviously doesn`t know that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: She dumped them. Late today, Madonna`s spokesperson told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Madonna meant no disrespect to the hydrangea world, but she still doesn`t like them.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer. Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Monday through Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
Stay right here for "DR. DREW," next. Tonight, the Coronado Mansion death - is the mystery really close? "DR. DREW" on HLN starts right now.
END
