Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
What If Michael Jackson Had Lived?; The Truth About the Alleged Nancy Grace Slip-Up; Stars Sound Off About the Michael Jackson Death Trial; Bristol Palin`s Heckler is Speaking Out
Aired September 28, 2011 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - what if Michael Jackson had lived? Tonight, dramatic developments today at the M.J. death trial and the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview with Jermaine Jackson that has everyone talking. What Jermaine revealed to us about Michael`s future.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JERMAINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S BROTHER: "This is It" wasn`t it. There was much more.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, what if Michael had not died?
Tonight, the stars sound off to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the M.J. death trial.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MELISSA ETHERIDGE, SINGER: We want to know the truth.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Melissa Etheridge, Gloria Estefan, Cheryl Ladd right here tonight in the headline-making interviews you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Nancy Grace sets the record straight about her "Dancing" wardrobe malfunction?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NANCY GRACE, HOST, "NANCY GRACE": I deny it, deny it, deny it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: HLN`s Nancy Grace comes straight to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the so- called slip-up seen around the world.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight - what if Michael Jackson had lived? Yes, what if Michael Jackson had not died from that overdose of propofol that his doctor is now on trial for providing him and accused of causing Michael`s death?
Today, was the first full day of testimony in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you there are already disturbing questions and clues about what might have happened if Jackson had not died.
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is tying together all of those clues. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter, who is at the L.A. courthouse where Murray is on trial - you`ve got to see Kareen`s interview with Jermaine Jackson where he reveals what Michael was planning.
Also with us tonight at the L.A. courthouse is defense attorney Midwin Charles from the law firm, Midwin Charles and Associates. And in Hollywood tonight, we`re so pleased to have Mary Ann Gunn, better known, of course, as Judge Gunn, host of the new syndicated show, "Last Shot with Judge Gunn."
So as I`m watching this trial, one thing that has really surprised me about Dr. Murray`s trial so far is the incredible detail that we`re hearing about what Michael Jackson was planning for his future.
Now, Jackson`s choreographer, Kenny Ortega, was all about that. He was working with Michael on the planned "This is It" comeback concert, of course. And he testified that Michael was preparing for a huge comeback just before he died. Watch what he said in live testimony that was seen right here on HLN.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KENNY ORTEGA, MICHAEL JACKSON`S CHOREOGRAPHER: Michael had hoped that after the London dates that he`d be able to take "This is It" out into the world, perhaps even bring it into the United States and that after that, he wanted to make movies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So we`re hearing that Michael had some big plans, Midwin. Obviously, he`s also being painted as a guy who needed a lot of help.
But what if Michael had not died from that propofol overdose more than two years ago? What do you think? From what we`ve seen and heard, does it seem to you that Michael would have been able to deliver on his big plans?
MIDWIN CHARLES, ATTORNEY, MIDWIN CHARLES AND ASSOCIATES: Well, you know, A.J., that`s such a very good question. I mean, everyone looking at this trial can tell that Michael was not well leading up to the days of his death.
I mean, he was about 110 pounds. He required so much medication just to get through rehearsal. He was 50 years old whereas most of his backup dancers were between the ages of 19 to 24 years old.
So it almost begs the question, would he have physically been able to complete such a rigorous schedule? I don`t know A.J. It`s hard to say.
HAMMER: It is difficult to say and whether or not he made it through those concert dates, it`s an even broader open question - could he have gone on to have some huge success beyond those dates?
I`m really curious to get the perspective of Judge Gunn. Judge, you`re a former Arkansas drug court judge. You work with addicts on your show, "Last Shot with Judge Gunn."
Now, prosecutors played a video in court of Michael rehearsing for the show the night before he died. And he looked and sounded just fine to me and I think to everybody who was looking at this time.
But again, we now know that, at the time, he using some pretty serious drugs to help him sleep. So Judge Gunn, do you think he would have been able to function well enough to achieve the big goals he was planning?
MARY ANN GUNN, HOST, "LAST SHOT WITH JUDGE GUNN": You know, the person that we hoped would answer that question, A.J., was Dr. Murray. He was with him every day. He knew the extent of what Michael was taking or should have known all the different drugs.
He should have known about the Demerol and lorazepam and the other problems that Michael was having. And there was a question in everyone`s mind that was working with Michael at the time about whether or not he could make it through the tour.
And so I think that that decision should have been - Ortega was right. Can he do it? And if he can`t do it, then what do we need to do to save his life because - if he had the drug addiction problem?
HAMMER: Right. Don`t just let the guy push himself too hard but also get him the help that he seemed to so desperately need at the time.
And we learned that just days before Michael died, his choreographer, Kenny Ortega, sent the concert promoters this E-mail that said that Michael was feeling tremendous pressure.
He was worried the plug could be pulled on the tour. So Kenny Ortega happened to read that E-mail on the witness stand. You`ve got to watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ORTEGA: I believe he really wants this. It would shatter him, break his heart if we pull the plug. He`s terribly frightened that it`s all going to go away.
He asked me repeatedly tonight if I was going to leave him. He was practically begging for my confidence. It broke my heart. He was like a lost boy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So we know Michael was under this massive pressure. He was incredibly sleep deprived and he was taking other drugs. Midwin, it`s pretty clear to me that he need help, as I`ve said.
But it seems to me as well, and I hate to say this almost, even if something bad didn`t happen on June 25th, 2009, the day Michael died, perhaps it was bound to happen sooner or later on the path that he was on.
CHARLES: And that`s what it looks like, A.J. You know, you raise a really good point, because not only did he require all this medication just to sleep, he also took these energy pills that consisted of caffeine and a whole bunch of things that would give him that high and that boost that would allow him to continue with these physical demands that these dance moves required.
I mean, I saw the movie "This is It." And it was kind of hot and fabulous. But I don`t know if that`s something that he could have done every single night, day in and day out.
HAMMER: Yes. I want to go back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter right now. Kareen is outside the L.A. courthouse.
So today, Kareen, Jermaine Jackson told you that Michael was planning some big things if he hadn`t died, far beyond the "This is It" concert tour. I want to look at what specifically Jermaine told you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. JACKSON: So "This is It" wasn`t it. There was much more. He was going to do film. We developed and designed three major resort projects that him and I did ourselves that we were going to get busy and get started. There was so much more, so much more.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So, Kareen, I know that we`re going to be bringing more of your revelations from your interview with Jermaine a little bit later in our show.
It really is incredible though how open he was, how honest he was with you about Michael`s big plans. Did you get the sense from Jermaine he did believe that if Michael had not died he was truly on his way to becoming as big as he once was?
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: A.J., not as big, but absolutely bigger. And that`s really the sad part of all of this. Jermaine - and it really shocked me in our interview how revealing Jermaine was talking about this rebirth that Michael was on, that as he mentioned "This is It" wasn`t it.
People thought Michael was going to embark on this tour, do a couple shows, hang it up. Oh, no. He had a detailed five-year plan laid out that included everything from attaching himself to films.
H e had just put a fat down payment down on a house. He had so much to live for, not just with his career and the rebirth that involved that, but also spending more time with his children. But it all came to a tragic end. A.J.?
HAMMER: Yes, and of course, Kareen, all that stands in stark contrast to what we`re learning and what we heard at the trial, particularly the moment that everybody has been talking about, Michael himself talking about the big plans that he had, how big he planned to become again.
Unfortunately, the way we heard this was so disturbing. It was this incredible recording prosecutors say Dr. Murray made on his iPhone of this out-of-it - really out-of-it-sounding Michael Jackson talking about what he wanted his concert tour to be.
Listen to what Michael said. And again, as hard as it is to believe, this is the voice of Michael Jackson.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MICHAEL JACKSON, POP STAR: We have to be phenomenal. When people leave this show, when people leave my show, I want them to say, "I`ve never seen nothing like this in my life. Go. Go. I`ve never seen nothing like this. Go. It`s amazing. He`s the greatest entertainer in the world."
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Judge Gunn, maybe he was just groggy from something that he had taken as Jermaine Jackson had tweeted there in the courtroom. But if you heard somebody sounding that way, would you be pretty sure that something was pretty wrong?
GUNN: Oh, if you heard someone talking like that to you on the phone, what would you do? You`d call 911 if you weren`t right next door. You would do anything you need - you had to or you could do to help them. It is heartbreaking to listen to him.
HAMMER: Yes.
GUNN: And yes, he had hopes and dreams. And we`re not discounting that, but he needed the help in order - he wasn`t ready for that. At least, if he was taking drugs like that or he was that groggy and he was getting high in the day to - in order to perform, it`s tragic.
HAMMER: Yes. Big problem and so tragic. I want you all to stay right where you are, because we have Kareen`s full interview with Jermaine Jackson on the way. More revelations about Michael.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. JACKSON: That day, he was happy. He had a brand-new home. He had a five-year plan after "This is It." So "This is It" want it. There was much more.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Jermaine tells us all about the days before Michael died in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And we`ve got big stars sounding off tonight about Jackson`s death trial. Gloria Estefan right here sharing her personal connection to Michael. Also here tonight, Cheryl Ladd, star of the original "Charlie`s Angels," of course, revealing where she thinks Jackson would be now had he not died. Two must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And there it is - Nancy Grace`s dancing wardrobe slip. Did it really happen? We`ve got Nancy setting the record straight to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, next. 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: Tina Fey, Eva Longoria top list of highest paid TV actresses with $13 million.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: What a remarkable day this has been, because not only have we lost one icon, Michael Jackson, but on this very same day, Farrah Fawcett died. Truly unbelievable.
It`s a flashback to the day both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died, June 25th, 2009. Now, we had just finished putting together a special tribute to the "Charlie`s Angels" star when the news started to break of Michael Jackson`s shocking death. This was a day of double tragedy. We would definitely never forget it.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
So when Farrah Fawcett left "Charlie`s Angels" after just one season, she was replaced by the great Cheryl Ladd. Now, when Cheryl joined the show back in 1977, that`s when the Jackson 5`s "Shake Your Body" was right near the top of the charts.
Let me bring in Cheryl right now. Cheryl, it`s terrific to see you. She`s joining us from Hollywood tonight starring in a great new movie. It debuts on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday. You have to see it. It`s called "Love`s Everlasting Courage." I do appreciate you being here, Cheryl.
CHERYL LADD, ACTRESS: Thanks, A.J. Thanks for having me.
HAMMER: So obviously, Michael Jackson on everybody`s minds right now. And he really was on top of the world when "Charlie`s Angels" was on the air for the very first time.
I`ve got to say, when I listen to this dire picture painted of Michael in the Conrad Murray trial today, the contrast was just shocking to me. When you think about Michael and the Jacksons back then and to see where we are now, what goes through your mind? Hard to believe, isn`t it?
LADD: It`s so hard to believe. It`s just so tragic. Hearing the recordings and - you know, I`m really sad that the pictures are out there. I mean, it must be so devastating for his kids. I just think about his kids and it`s just heartbreaking.
HAMMER: And we`ve been talking tonight about how all the new revelations from the Conrad Murray trial and our interview with Jermaine Jackson are making so many people ask, so what if Michael had lived?
What do you think? Could he have been the superstar he once was? Do you think he could have achieved that?
LADD: I think Michael was capable of anything but not in the condition that he was in or - you know, where he was in his life, I think it was really difficult for him because of these addictions.
And anytime somebody is living with addictions, it`s really hard for all of them to be present and - I don`t know. It`s just so sad all the way around, because a talent like - maybe we`ll never see in our lifetime ever again.
I mean, he was just one of the most incredibly talented human beings on the planet. And he really did have a special light. And it`s just a shame that drugs and his life overwhelmed him and that talent.
HAMMER: Yes, I always felt that if he was able to get a hold of whatever issues he did have - and he certainly had some - that he was capable of achieving anything. I actually thought he was going to be able to pull off all these concert dates that he had planned.
And just like there are so many memories floating around of Michael these days, everybody`s talking about "Charlie`s Angels" again. I`m sure it`s bringing up a lot of stuff for you. Of course, a remake of the show just started airing on ABC. Let`s watch a bit of that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You girls decent?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Yes, just updated Charlie.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: That (UNINTELLIGIBLE) phone records. She texted Eva at 12:35 a.m.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Wow, she wasn`t lying about your mad hacking skills.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I`m not a big fan of the H-word. It`s like telling Picasso he`s good at throwing paint onto a canvas.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Did Gloria talk to you about us?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Say you were the best (UNINTELLIGIBLE) she ever had.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Cheryl, I`ve got to ask you. Are you a fan of the new show or are you agreeing with the critics out there who say it doesn`t really live up to the original at all?
LADD: Well, it`s very different from the original show, but different isn`t bad. I think, you know, I`m going to give it another look.
HAMMER: OK.
LADD: I think the girls are terrific. So, you know, I think - come on, everybody. Take a deep breath.
HAMMER: Yes. That`s what I`ve been thinking. You`ve got -
LADD: Let`s let them have a chance. Come on.
HAMMER: Give it some breathing room. I`m right there with you.
LADD: Sure.
HAMMER: Look, you`ve had such an incredible career since "Charlie`s Angels." Next up for you is this fantastic new movie, "Love`s Everlasting Courage." It`s this Saturday on the Hallmark Channel. I do want to take a look at that right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: If you`ll al excuse me, I`m feeling a bit tired. I`m going to turn in.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: If you`re so tired, maybe you shouldn`t be working at that tailor shop.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: No, I`ll be fine, really. It`s just going to take some getting used to. That`s all.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: You look pale.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Really, I`m fine.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Cheryl, it looks terrific. And I`m encouraging everybody to check out. I do appreciate you being with us tonight. Thank you so much.
LADD: Thank you.
HAMMER: And you can catch Cheryl`s new movie, "Everlasting Courage," on Saturday on the Hallmark Channel.
As we move on tonight, Jermaine Jackson reveals his very last conversation with Michael before he died.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. JACKSON: He said I`ll see you guys in London. You`re all coming, right? And I said, "Yes. We would be there." And that`s the last time I saw him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Jermaine Jackson`s Michael`s secrets revealed. You have got to see the powerful newsmaker interview coming up.
Look, I know Chris Brown has some dance moves. I accept that, but making moves on a fan on stage? Really?
(MUSIC)
Chris Brown getting very close to that fan. What the heck was he thinking? I`m not sure if I want to know. But you have got to see this whole video, and you will. 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: GLAAD names Fox as the most gay-friendly network on TV. SHOWBIZ first look: "New Year`s Eve" with Halle Berry, Ashton Kutcher and Robert DeNiro.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This one magical night is about getting another chance to do more, to give more, to love more.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nancy and Tristan, you`re safe!
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right! Yes. HLN`s Nancy Grace safe again on "Dancing with the Stars." But she`s not safe from all the speculation that she had a major wardrobe malfunction on the show. Is Nancy guilty of the slip up seen around the world?
Nancy`s setting the record straight with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. So did Nancy Grace really have a wardrobe malfunction on "Dancing with the Stars"? Really?
Well, I have to tell you people cannot stop buzzing about the moment that they thought they saw something that they shouldn`t have popping out of her dress after her performance on Monday night.
Now, the show was quick to cut to the crowd when parts of her dress seemed to kind of slip out of place. But when we caught up with Nancy last night after she survived elimination, she claims she is not guilty of a wardrobe slip-up.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NANCY GRACE, HOST, "NANCY GRACE": Basically, there were a couple of light- hearted comments about my cleavage. And I thought that`s what they were talking about. So I just, you know, stood there.
And to this - you know, it`s going to say on my gravestone "that did not happen" because I had on these. I feel like I`m in a strip bar. These are like pasties.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.
GRACE: But here, they dress it up and call them petals and an industrial strength bra - and a bra is sewn into my dress. You know, what could go wrong? Famous last words. So I contend that was the lining of my dress and not a nipple as has been alleged. I deny it, deny it, deny it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. I`ve got to say she`s got a pretty strong defense for her case. But I have to say all this bra talk has Nancy really fired up. Does she really have some message for me or something like at that?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GRACE: OK, A.J., I`ve heard all the things you`ve been saying about my bra, all right? That didn`t happen. It will be on my gravestone "there was no nip-slip at all." I deny it, deny it, deny it. And please vote for me. We made it another week!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. I believe you. Yes, I`ll be watching and I`ll be voting when you dance again on "Dancing with the Stars" Monday night on ABC. Geez.
All right. Let`s move to the SHOWBIZ lineup, shall we? This is what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Jermaine Jackson`s secrets about Michael Jackson`s future.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. JACKSON: Well, the day of his passing, he put a down payment on a brand-new home. He had a five-year plan after "This is It." So "This is It" wasn`t it. There was much more.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight it`s the SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Jermaine Jackson that`s got everybody talking.
Bristol`s heckler is speaking out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEPHEN HANKS, PALIN HECKLER: She`s evil, she`s evil, she`s -
BRISTOL PALIN, FMR. GOV. SARAH PALIN`S DAUGHTER: All right. Is this because you`re a homosexual?
HANKS: Pretty much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, a dramatic about-face from the guy who got right in Bristol`s face and slammed her mom. You`ve got to hear what he`s saying now. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Ninety-two-year-old Andy Rooney ending his regular commentary on "60 Minutes." Shakira named Latin Grammy person of the year.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Jermaine tells all. It`s the SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Jermaine Jackson that has everyone talking. New revelations to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about Michael`s plans for the future.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. JERMAINE: Well, the day of his passing, we put a down payment on a brand-new home. He had a five-year plan after "This is It," so "This is It" wasn`t it. There was much more.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And Jermaine reveals his hopes for his brother`s legacy.
Gloria Estefan`s M.J. Memories. Tonight, the legendary singer talks about her fondest Michael memories. Plus, Gloria unplugged. She is right here with her thoughts as the emotional and shocking Conrad Murray trial gets underway.
Chris Brown gets close. Chris gives a fan some special attention, some very special attention.
(MUSIC)
Yes, it`s the eye-popping new Chris Brown video you have got to see to believe.
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 in New York with big news breaking tonight - Jermaine tells all.
Tonight, in a revealing new interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Jermaine Jackson talks about the very last time he saw his brother Michael and the last words he heard Michael say.
With all eyes on the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray today, Jermaine makes a passionate plea for everyone to remember Michael the artist, activist and family man. The intimate details are also part of Jermaine`s new book "You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother`s Eyes"
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter goes one on one with Jermaine in what`s called a memory room in the Jackson family compound. Jermaine reflects on Michael`s past and shares dramatic new details on the plans Michael had for his future.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT (on camera): I want to talk about this beautiful room. You know, you look around and there are so many memories of your brothers, Michael, you as babies.
J. JACKSON: This room has been very, very special because it just takes you back down memory lane, back to your childhood when we were starting and it`s great.
We laugh because you see a picture that you couldn`t believe you lived that way and things change. You change and we change.
WYNTER: Your book, which is so profound, "You`re Not Alone" - the photos are just amazing here. There`s one photo here, a family photo here - quite profound. Everyone in there and you say this is the last time that you saw your brother alive.
J. JACKSON: May 14th. Janet and I planned this. We were in - the time prior to that, we were in south of France and felt we should do something for our parents because they`d been so great.
And we wanted to do a performance and a special for them. And Janet - my mother would be shy and this and that. So we decided to have a dinner. Michael came. We all came with our kids and everybody.
And so we started singing and then we had food. And the kids were taking pictures and Janet was making a funny sound while we were eating and Michael was cracking up. And I love to see him laugh because I make him laugh, too.
And when we finished, we took this photo and then he said, "I`ll see you guys in London. You`re all coming, right?" And I said, "Yes, we would be there." And that was the last time I saw him.
WYNTER: You said this wasn`t it for Michael. The name of this tour, "This is It," but you said that Michael had a huge plan into the future. What was that plan?
J. JACKSON: Well, the day of his passing he put a down payment on a brand- new home. He had a five-year plan after "This is It," and he was looking forward to taking his kids to visit the Charlie Chaplain`s home, because he was one of his greatest inspirations.
And so "This is It" wasn`t it. There was much more. He was going to do film. We developed and designed three major resort projects that him and I did ourselves that we were going to get busy and get started. There was so much more, so much more.
WYNTER: Just in closing, there are many people who are going to pick up this book and they`re going to learn a lot. It`s going to make them laugh. It`s going to make them cry. What do you think Michael would think of what`s in here?
J. JACKSON: I think Michael`s so happy that I`ve documented the truth. What he is, is an incredible human being. Look at the charitable side. Look at the blessings that God gave him and what he did with them.
He wrote "Heal the World," "Man in the Mirror," "Earth Song," "We are the World." This is the Michael that I want them to remember, a good human being. And he was a father. He was a son, a brother, an uncle.
WYNTER: And a man you believe would be alive today had he not been under Dr. Conrad Murray`s care?
J. JACKSON: Yes. Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Just incredible insight. Kareen Wynter joining me now from the L.A. courthouse where Dr. Conrad Murray is on trial for allegedly causing Michael Jackson`s death.
And Kareen, it really - to me, it was such a fascinating interview with Jermaine. And again, you can read more about Jermaine`s revelations about Michael in his new book "You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother`s Eyes."
So Kareen, you have been in contact with Jermaine Jackson`s camp today. What are they saying about these first two days of the trial?
WYNTER: Well, A.J., they told me it`s an incredibly - incredibly emotional time for the entire family. But the big message Jermaine really wants to get across - no one should jump to any conclusions here based on what was said in opening statements.
You know, Jermaine wants people to know this trial has really just begun. And A.J, Jermaine is specifically pointing out that eerie audiotape we heard of Michael which he says should not be misinterpreted.
According to prosecutors, Michael was under the influence of an unknown agent or agents at the time Dr. Murray made that recording. And by the way, A.J., Jermaine is no way shying away from the fact that Michael had a serious drug addiction in the past.
But what Jermaine wants to make clear now is that we need to get to the heart of the truth in this trial and that`s finding out what killed his brother and says we`ll only be able to connect the dots as this trial really, really plays out.
HAMMER: And as the trial is playing out, I can`t help but think of the families sitting right here listening to these horrifying details about Michael`s life. Did you get any indication, Kareen, of the emotional toll the trial has to be taking on the Jackson family?
WYNTER: As for the family, sitting through this trial, and I`m quoting here, "haunting" for them, A.J. Tuesday was absolutely devastating, a devastating date for the entire family, for mom Katherine, for sisters Latoya and Janet - everyone.
Jermaine`s camp says he was in a state of despair last night with all the graphic exhibits that were laid out in court on day one.
This is a trial that would be difficult for really anyone to sit through. Now, imagine what it must be like for the family. Just really gut-wrenching here.
HAMMER: I can`t even imagine. I want to bring in Judge Gunn now from Hollywood. Her great TV show, "Last Shot with Judge Gunn," is all about trying to help addicts get clean, so I`m so glad you`re here, Judge Gunn.
Everybody was trying to get to the truth today at the Michael Jackson doctor trial. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has been talking with so many stars who want just that. They want the truth.
We were with Melissa Etheridge. She just got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You`ve got to listen to what she told us.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ETHERIDGE: We want to know the truth. We are tired and done with reading the fairytale. We want to know the truth. We want to know - OK, Michael Jackson who had everything, who had everything that we consider every thing, every material thing.
He could go in and buy anything, so he must have been happy. Why? What happened? We want to understand.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So Judge Gunn, people just want the truth about what happened to Michael. Do you think this trial will get to the heart of the truth?
GUNN: You know, A.J., that`s what trials are all about. They are the search for the truth. And the fact finder is the jury, who the jury believes and what the jury determines to be the credible evidence.
Everyone can expect that the defense will continue to have to bring up things that are painful and hurtful for everyone involved. But they also are looking for reasonable doubt because the burden of proof on the prosecution is beyond a reasonable doubt. It`s a criminal trial.
HAMMER: Right.
GUNN: Dr. Murray`s freedom`s at stake. And so they`re going to bring up things for the jury. They`re going to bring up issues for the jury to wonder about. And so, yes, hopefully, we`ll get to the truth in this trial.
HAMMER: Let`s hope that happens. Judge Gunn, I do appreciate you being here. Thank you so much.
And tonight, the stars are sounding off all about the M.J. death trial. Coming up next, Gloria Estefan, right here. It`s a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Now, tonight, a dramatic about-face from the guy who verbally attacked Bristol Palin. You remember, he was talking smack about her mom? It was all caught on tape.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HANKS: She`s evil. She`s evil. She`s -
B. PALIN: All right. Is it because you`re a homosexual?
HANKS: Pretty much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You will not believe what he`s saying now. That is coming up.
And Chris gets close. Chris Brown`s wild on-stage romp with a fan.
(MUSIC)
It is the eye-popping new Chris Brown concert video. It`s almost too hot for TV. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Fashion publicist, Kelly Cutrone joins "America`s Next Top Model" as a judge. Rob Kardashian on whether he`s better than sister, Kim, on "Dancing with the Stars."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROB KARDASHIAN, CONTESTANT, "DANCING WITH THE STARS": This is a competition and she wants to see me succeed and go far and obviously further than her. So I got all the support.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: That, of course, is the legendary Gloria Estefan in a brand-new video for her single, "Wepa," the first from her brand-new hot album "Miss Little Havana." Now, this is Gloria now.
But take a look at this. Gloria, are you paying attention? That is Gloria Estefan when? I will have to ask Gloria what she remembers about that photo in just a moment.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with a very special SHOWBIZ newsmaker. Gloria Estefan is in the house. We couldn`t be more excited. Everybody`s thrilled to see her.
GLORIA ESTEFAN, SINGER: Yay! Thank you.
HAMMER: Her brand-new album is great. It`s called "Miss Little Havana." Her daughter Emily Marie making her guitar debut on the album. That makes it extra special. The legendary Gloria Estefan is joining me right now. It`s always great to see you.
ESTEFAN: Thank you so much. I love seeing you, too. It`s like we go far back.
HAMMER: We`ll get to that in just a second. We do need to talk about Michael Jackson because, obviously, he`s dominating the news.
ESTEFAN: Yes.
HAMMER: And you have a lot of connections to Michael. You knew him for decades. You had the opportunity to work with him on a few occasions. But I also know you are a huge fan. "Ben" one of your favorite Michael Jackson songs.
ESTEFAN: Oh, my god. Yes, and "One Day in Your Life" as well.
HAMMER: So I have to ask from your unique perspective, we`re sitting here at the very beginning of the trial of the man accused of involuntary manslaughter of Michael`s death. What`s going through your mind right now?
ESTEFAN: So many things. First of all, the loss, because, you know, it`s - I always told my family that I didn`t think Michael would make it to 50 because he just had such a difficult time having a personal life growing up.
He was always a kid. To me, when I thought of Michael, he was a little kid. He wasn`t a 50-year-old man. To this day, to me, it`s the same.
So it`s painful, you know, that we lost such an amazing artist. And he was a very sweet and wonderful guy. And it just brings to light, you know, how quickly things go.
HAMMER: How fragile everything is.
ESTEFAN: Yes.
HAMMER: One of the connections I have to you and Michael was - I think it was back in the year 2000 when you performed at his 30th anniversary benefit concert, a concert that aired on CBS. You performed with James Ingram.
ESTEFAN: I did.
HAMMER: It`s his massive hit "I Just Can`t Stop Loving You." Let`s take a little look at a bit of that and remember that.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: So what is your most profound memory of Michael that stays with you to this day, Gloria?
ESTEFAN: My most profound memory is he came to our studio because he was getting ready to do an album. I`m trying to think back exactly what year it was. The album never got made.
But I had written a song for him called "I Wish I Could Be More to You," which was kind of like from his perspective to the fans. And he was the sweetest thing. We were going to get this song made and it was never to happen. And he was just a wonderful person. And he`s like a kid, really like a child.
HAMMER: And it`s hard to overstate his reach. I`ve tried to articulate this to people who are constantly talking about him now that this trial is underway, his massive influence. I`ll tell you where the influence is. It`s right here.
ESTEFAN: Yes, it is.
HAMMER: I mean, it`s amazing. It`s amazing to me. You know, I was listening to the album just before you went on. And there`s a song in here called "I Can`t Believe."
I know the album was produced - you and Pharrell Williams did this together. Pharrell obviously a huge Michael Jackson fan as well.
I`m hearing Michael`s influence on the album. Is it basically unavoidable for any pop artist to include Michael some way in what they do?
ESTEFAN: I think so. I mean, everything that goes through your brain and your heart when you love music is going to be a part of your writing. And I grew up listening to Michael. Pharrell, of course, loves me. And there`s a song in there called "Can`t Believe" where he actually does that little Michael "ooh."
HAMMER: That`s right.
ESTEFAN: Exactly, and it`s an homage, you know, because no matter where you were, somewhere in your life, you`ve listened to Michael Jackson. And he blew me away. I mean, used to wait for his releases, especially the great Quincy Jones working with him.
Just to hear - he was always on the cutting edge technologically, artistically. He pushed the envelope. And there will never, ever again be a star as big as Michael Jackson. That`s not going to happen.
HAMMER: Well, you have Michael`s influence and you have your daughter influence, as I mentioned.
ESTEFAN: Yes.
HAMMER: I can`t believe she`s old enough to be working with you on this.
ESTEFAN: Yes, I know.
HAMMER: I mean, it really, you know - come on. I`m at that point where I`m saying that. Best part of working with Emily for this?
ESTEFAN: Oh, my gosh. Just having her part of the process, because she would come after school every day and sit there and watch this master class, watching Pharrell and I writing.
And when she would get there, there was no song. And at the end of the night, there was a song recorded and all kinds of - it was a great experience for her. And on one of the songs that we did with Black Dada, an amazing Haitian artist - he invited her to do a solo. I had wanted her to play on the Pharrell song.
HAMMER: Perfect.
ESTEFAN: She goes, "Mom it doesn`t fit. The guitar doesn`t go." And she was right. But on this track, she`s burning it up, shredding it.
HAMMER: All right. I have to take a moment. Can we throw this photo up for me, Charles?
ESTEFAN: Oh, no. Yes.
HAMMER: I`m going to give you $10, Gloria, if you tell me when that was and where that was. Any guess?
ESTEFAN: Is that the Olympics?
HAMMER: No.
ESTEFAN: Where was that?
HAMMER: What year do you think it was, first of all, based on hairstyle, anything else?
ESTEFAN: I would say maybe `95, `96?
HAMMER: Exactly.
ESTEFAN: Yes.
HAMMER: I believe it was backstage in Austin, Texas.
ESTEFAN: OK, because that`s why I said the Olympics, because that`s the tour that I opened.
HAMMER: All right. I`ll give you $5 and I`ll you`re your album again. Gloria, it`s great to see you.
ESTEFAN: Thank you so much. It`s really wonderful to see you.
HAMMER: "Miss Little Havana" is the album. That`s the cover right now. Love the cover as well. Grab it because it`s on sale right now.
ESTEFAN: A little skinny there.
HAMMER: Yes. As we move on tonight, all kinds of breaking George Clooney news to talk about. Now, you may want to hold on to your hat or your PJ`s as the case may be at the time of night.
This report involves his reported girlfriend, a semi-naked CNN contributor and one very funny Italian night. Now, first, it`s breaking couple`s news at the Los Angeles premiere of George`s new movie, "The Ides of March," kind of.
Stacy Keibler, George`s reported lady love, walked the red carpet. Now, she walked it so low, but I`m sure George and Stacy are going to set the record straight on that romance soon. At least, that`s what people are hoping.
Well, George did set the record straight about getting several legendary newsmen to strip down and jump into Lake Como by his Italian village.
All this started when CNN political analyst, David Gergen, tweeted about a wild night of drinking after he interviewed George for an article in "Parade" magazine. I love this story.
One thing led to another. And then, let`s just say David Gergen is now part of a very special (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: Let me just say I got Charlie Rose to jump in the lake a few weeks ago. It started with Walter Cronkite about six years ago. And he was 89 years old.
And we all were drinking whiskey and we all jumped in the lake at about 1:00 in the morning. And then - so then I said to David Gergen, "Well, you know what? Walter Cronkite jumped in the lake." And then I got Gergen to do it.
And then I got Charlie Rose to do it as well. So I`m getting all these world class journalists drunk and dumping them in the lake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nice, George. Hey, I`ll be in Italy next summer, by the way, I`m just saying. I may bring Gloria Estefan with me.
Moving on to Chris Brown getting awfully close, giving a fan some very special attention on stage at his concert.
(MUSIC)
Now, Chris has taken fan appreciation to a whole new level. 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: Report: "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" advertising for new cast members. Beverly Hills "Real Housewife" Kyle Richards meets President Obama.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Well, I don`t know about you, but I often wonder what will happen to the young beauty queens on "Toddlers and Tiaras" when they outgrow their hair extensions. Well, the guys over at "Funny or Die" have some ideas.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, Mackenzie still does compete with five to seven- year-old group, but we feel that she really does shine. It was taking her groove.
ASHLEY TISDALE, ACTRESS: Woman, you are driving me nuts. My name is Mackenzie. I`m 25 and three quarters and I`m still competing today.
LEAH REMENI, ACTRESS: Twenty-five, huh? That`s a little old. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) like a special Olympics or pageants.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Pretty funny. By the way, that was Leah Remeni and Ashley Tisdale as "Toddlers and Tiaras" fan favorite, Mackenzie.
Well, tonight, got to talk about Bristol`s heckler making a big about- face. This is the guy who heckled Bristol Palin in a bar and he`s now saying he`s so sorry. All of it started when this guy made a pretty vile remark about Bristol while she was bull-riding at a bar in West Hollywood.
Then, things went from bad to worse when he started bashing Bristol`s mom, Sarah Palin. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How old are you?
HANKS: Forty-seven years old.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, then, leave her alone!
HANKS: What? She came up to me.
B. PALIN: You said it first. Why does she deserve to die?
HANKS: she lies. She can`t complete a sentence.
B. PALIN: Can you give me one example because you haven`t yet.
HANKS: Everything about Obama she lies.
PALIN: oh really? You`re going around in circles, sir. You haven`t given me one example as I`ve asked. So if you`re going to call my mother a whore, I`d love to hear one example.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Stephen Hanks - that`s the guy`s name - has formally issued an apology to Bristol and Sarah Palin saying, "Having had an opportunity to view the camera footage of the incident, I`ve come to the conclusion that no matter what my feelings are towards Sarah Palin, I should not have expressed them towards her daughter, Bristol Palin."
"I`m very passionate about politics and believe in equality for all Americans. I expressed my feelings in an improper manner in the heat of the moment and allowed my emotions to get the better of me." Hanks` attorney also says Hanks had no idea cameras were rolling during that fight.
Moving on to Chris Brown`s wild, on-stage romp with a fan.
(MUSIC)
The eye-popping new Chris Brown concert video, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Did you see this? Chris Brown gives a fan some special attention during a recent concert in Detroit.
(MUSIC)
There you go. As you see there, Chris Brown licking the woman`s knee after stripping off his shirt and getting so close to her face it looks like they could have kissed but apparently, they did not. I`m guessing she was bumming out on that.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Don`t forget you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Monday to Friday. We`re on at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
And stay right here for "DR. DREW," coming up next. Tonight, Dr. Drew uses his expertise in medicine and addiction to break down the day number two of the Conrad Murray trial. "DR. DREW" on HLN starts right now.
END
