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Showbiz Tonight
Dan Wheldon Dies on the Track; Giuliana Rancic`s Breast Cancer Bombshell; Show Me the Money; Porn on "Sesame Street`s" YouTube Page
Aired October 17, 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 - tragedy on the track. The remarkable, heartbreaking response today to the fiery crash that killed Indy race car champ, Dan Wheldon.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He`ll be missed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the shocking new video of that terrible moment in Las Vegas. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is in Vegas tonight with disturbing new details about the death of Dan.
Breast cancer bombshell. Reality star, Giuliana Rancic`s startling revelation today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GIULIANA RANCIC, HOST, "E! NEWS": I have the early stages of breast cancer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the surprising way Giuliana found out and her powerful message about bouncing back.
Show me the money. Tonight, SHOWBIZ reality secrets about the reality shows helping people who are struggling with money and can`t pay their bills.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So your dad and I were talking about trading my ring in for some cash.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: TV`s most provocative TV show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight - tragedy on the track, the news that one of the biggest stars in racing history has died in a fiery car crash.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you it`s hard to describe the emotional, heartbreaking disbelief today that Indy 500 champion, Dan Wheldon, was killed in a 15-car smash-up at the Las Vegas motor speedway.
And sitting in the stands, watching the terrible crash was Ashley Judd, whose husband, race car driver, Dario Franchitti, was racing against Wheldon. Judd is naturally just devastated.
She tweeted this today, "As we continue to absorb Dan`s accident, we forget, remember, re-experience shock denial, anger, pain."
Dan Wheldon was only 33 years old. He was at the top of his game, and he was sponsored by Justin Timberlake`s clothing line, William Rast.
Justin Timberlake publicly reacting for the very first time today, telling this to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "I was deeply saddened to hear the news on Dan Wheldon`s unfortunate and untimely death. He was a great driver and a strong supporter of William Rast racing. My thoughts are with his family in their time of loss."
Someone who knew Dan Wheldon well is HLN`s own Carlos Diaz, who is seen every day on HLN`s "MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE." Carlos is in Las Vegas tonight for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with his brand-new and personal revelations. Carlos?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE": Yes, A.J. A horrible loss for racing fans all over the world. I got a chance to know Dan Wheldon very well being in Indianapolis for so many years.
And Dan Wheldon really had kind of a Hollywood, movie-star lifestyle, if you will, as far as the way that his life unfolded. He won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 as a young, brash person from Britain, which everyone said he`s like the little brother that we never wanted.
You know, he was that kind of, you know, cocky guy. And then he seemed to get grounded as he went on. He married his love, Susie, in 2008, had a child two years ago, and then another child last March, and then, out of nowhere, won the Indianapolis 500 in May with Justin Timberlake`s William Rast label on his car.
And it was basically an underdog story. That all stopped yesterday right here in Las Vegas. Some of the people who watched the crash said it was like seeing a movie scene.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEVE BODEMAN, WITNESS OF WHELDON`S FATAL CRASH: The one car went into the wall and then it was just a chain reaction - cars flying and flipping and fire. I mean, I`ve been going to races since I was a kid, and this was the scariest crash I have ever seen.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DIAZ: Several tweets coming down, remembering Dan Wheldon today. Alyssa Milano writes, "Drivers remember Dan Wheldon, the reigning Indy 500 champion who died on the race track."
LeBron James writing, "RIP to Indy car driver, Dan Wheldon. Dies in 15-car crash at Las Vegas race. #Tragedy. You`ll be missed from sports."
And A.J., I can tell you firsthand, I got to know Dan Wheldon in Indianapolis. And after he won the Indianapolis 500 this year, he went to a nightclub with a bunch of his friends to celebrate.
And we`re so used to seeing these stars kind of sneak into clubs and not talk to anybody. Dan Wheldon went into the club, basically walking down the street with 20 people, 20 of his friends behind him.
And he went to the guy at the front door, the bouncer, and made sure that everyone in his party got into the club before he went in. And that really does encompass the person Dan Wheldon was, making sure that everyone around him was taken care of and was happy before he was.
A great person, a great father, a great husband, a great loss to everyone in Indy car racing. A.J.?
HAMMER: Yes, Carlos. Dan will certainly be missed so, so much. Carlos Diaz in Las Vegas tonight for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much, Carlos.
Well, Dan Wheldon`s death comes as a shock to all of his fans around the world. One of the very last interviews Dan did just days before his death was with Terri Seymour. Terri is a correspondent for "Extra" and she joins me tonight from Hollywood. I appreciate you being here, Terri.
Now, when you spoke with Dan Wheldon, you asked him about this new race car he was working on and helping to design. He did stress to you just how dangerous racing can be. Let`s watch what he told you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN WHELDON, INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHAMPION: It`s a job that - some people look at it as one of those things that you can just do. But you know, for me, you know, I take it very seriously. There`s a lot of responsibility with that.
You know, these Indy cars travel around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at speeds in excess of 230 miles an hour. You know, they need to be safe.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So obviously, the danger comes with the territory, Terri, and he knew that. But he told you these cars needed to be safe. Did you get the sense he truly always wondered if he was in some serious danger every time he got on the track to race?
TERRI SEYMOUR, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Well, Dan did say, you know, every time he goes out there, he knows the danger he`s in because it`s such a dangerous sport. But he was honored to be working on this car for 2012 because as a driver, you know, and the speed they go at - the excess speed they go at, he just wanted to make - you know, make sure that it`s so safe.
So as you heard him say, he took it as a huge responsibility. But at the same time, he was honored to be working on this car.
HAMMER: How sad that that car wasn`t there to protect him. Dan, of course, we know had this connection to so many Hollywood stars, Justin Timberlake among them. In fact, Justin`s clothing line, William Rast, sponsored him.
You know, Terri, Dan told you that Justin reached out to him after he won the Indy 500 earlier this year. Let`s watch that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHELDON: He sent, you know, a very nice note, via Twitter, as everybody does now nowadays. But I think he`s a big advocate, obviously, of the Indianapolis 500 and particularly the Indy Car series. So it was nice to get his support.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Justin Timberlake told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT late today that he was deeply saddened to hear about Dan`s death. Terri, Dan has great reputation. Such a nice guy. What were your impressions of him sitting down with the guy?
SEYMOUR: OK. I can`t believe that we were just chatting last Tuesday. Just the nicest guy. He even brought along a race suit for me. We were joking about me coming to Vegas.
He invited me to Vegas for Sunday to watch him. He invited me next year to come to a race in 2012. Just so down to earth, fun, friendly. And my thought and prayers go out to his wife, Susie, and their two children. It`s just so tragic, so sad.
HAMMER: What a terrible loss. Yes. And shocking all around. Terri Seymour, I really appreciate you being with us tonight. Thanks so much.
SEYMOUR: Thank you.
HAMMER: Well, we also got another shocker today, this one from Giuliana Rancic. The reality show star and "E!" host revealed today on NBC`s "Today" show that she has breast cancer.
Giuliana is 37 years old and she`s been trying to get pregnant with her husband, Bill Rancic, through in vitro. They`ve tried three times now. But now, she says she needs to hold off on trying to conceive until she beats the cancer, which she fully intends on doing.
Joining me right now in New York, E.D. Hill. E.D. joins us from the set of HLN`s "THE JOY BEHAR SHOW." E.D. is guest-hosting for Joy all this week at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. Nice to see you, E.D.
E.D. HILL, GUEST HOST, "THE JOY BEHAR SHOW": Thank you. Good to see you, too, A.J.
HAMMER: So Giuliana Rancic told "Today" this morning and the "Today" show host, Ann Curry, that she discovered the cancer while trying to get pregnant for a third time through in vitro.
Her doctor insisted she get a mammogram, which she did, even though she said she went kicking and screaming. And now, she says she understands why it has been such a difficult battle for her to get pregnant. Let`s watch that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
G. RANCIC: I`m due for surgery this coming week. Then I go to radiation for 6 1/2 weeks. And then - yes. I mean, I`m not going to give up. You know, I want that baby.
And what`s amazing is that that baby will have saved my life, because I always said that this all happened to me. There was some master plan of why my IVFs didn`t work, why I never got pregnant.
And now, I truly believe that, you know, God was looking out for me. And even when I would ask him, "Why is this happening to me? Why can`t you give me a baby?" Now I know he was actually looking out for me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I`ve got to tell you, I`m so impressed with how Giuliana is handling all this news. She only found out the news a couple of days ago. I realize she likes being on television. She told me that herself in the past.
But E.D., I`ve got to get your take as someone who has lived with the threat of breast cancer yourself. How hard do you think it was for her to actually make this announcement so publicly in the midst of dealing with it head on?
HILL: I think that it probably helped her cope with this. You know, I talked about my decision to have a prophylactic double mastectomy when I was on "The View" with Joy and the other girls.
And it was by doing that and being public - I`m not - generally, with my own personal life like that, I`m not such a public person. But it gave me the strength, you know.
It`s like you say, "I`m going to do something," and you make it public, you do it. You feel the support. And so I`m guessing that that really was a way for her to help herself cope.
HAMMER: Well, and she also fortunately has the support system of her husband, Bill Rancic -
HILL: Yes.
HAMMER: I`ve gotten to meet Bill several times over the past few years. What a good guy. What a rock for her to have.
HILL: Yes.
HAMMER: And E.D., I appreciate your perspective on this tonight. Thank you so much.
HILL: You`re welcome.
HAMMER: Make sure you watch E.D., filling in for Joy Behar all this week at 10:00 p.m. Eastern, right here on HLN.
Well, tonight, as we move on, show me the money. Can a reality show really help people who can`t pay the bills?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re redefining what life is as a middle class American. And they`re getting that information from TV.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ reality TV secrets for people who are struggling with money. You`ve got to see this.
Also, "Sesame Street`s" YouTube site hacked to show porn. This is unbelievable. So should the person who did this be punished in a major way?
And KISS has been rocking all night long for almost 40 years. I can tell you there`s a secret to the band`s success.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The fundamentals of how KISS is run are the fundamentals that make for a successful business.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Look at heels. Look at these heels.
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HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with your first look at the secrets to KISS` multimillion dollar empire. This is amazing. 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: George Clooney and Stacy Keibler debut as a couple at "The Descendants" premiere. "Star Trek" star, Zachary Quinto, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about publicly coming out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ZACHARY QUINTO, ACTOR: It was the right time in a lot of ways for me. It was my time. I did it in my own way and on my own terms. And that`s always the way that I wanted to do it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And tonight, I cannot wait to show this to you - a business KISS exclusive.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT brings you a remarkable, no-holds-barred look at the secrets behind the incredible money the rock band KISS makes. CNN reporter, Poppy Harlow, got an unprecedented look at the way KISS cashes in 38 years after they first took to the stage with their painted faces.
Now, I`m telling you, this is going to blow you away. It`s all part of a special report, "KISS, Inc. It`s airing as part of "CNN Presents" this Sunday at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. Eastern. And tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT brings you the very first look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right, rock, USA! You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now the fun begins.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: KISS!
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thirty-eight years ago, we put together that band that we never saw on stage, but wanted to. And we did it by the seat of our pants. We were not marketing gurus. We didn`t know what a brand meant. Fundamentals of how KISS is run are fundamentals that make for a successful business.
POPPY HARLOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Look at these heels. Look at these heels! What man gets to put red lipstick on nightly? How many people can say that they have done Gene Simmons makeup?
GENE SIMMONS, KISS BAND MEMBER: I would say none.
HARLOW: Gene, is this all your hair? Where did that hair come from?
SIMMONS: That`s a good question. I carry my lunch in there.
(SINGING)
Watch this.
HARLOW: Wow!
SIMMONS: I have no problem wearing the suit here and getting up on stage and looking like your mom`s worst nightmare. And I know your mom, so cut it out. We literally invented the idea of licensing and merchandising. Come on in. You`ll see what I mean.
HARLOW: This is what we heard about - the KISS shrine, right? Oh, my goodness.
SIMMONS: We have KISS lotteries. Scratch, but you don`t sniff. Kiss Mr. Potato heads. The KISS boots. You know, you kind of go like that. One foot forward then put all your weight forward.
HARLOW: Is that good?
SIMMONS: That`s really good.
HARLOW: Am I rocking?
SIMMONS: Not so much, but pretty good.
HARLOW: I heard there`s a kiss coffin. Is that true?
SIMMONS: It is true. Would you like to crawl in it? Look at the quality. They also double as coolers. And of course, the KISS condoms, and it`s my face.
We have created four iconic images known around the world. Have we always been on top? No, but we always stuck to what felt right. For 38 years, we`ve defied the odds. We buried all the critics in our backyard. We were mythic gods who do actually walk the face of the planet. We are rock gods.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Wow! This is absolutely incredible. I cannot wait to see this. It`s a one-hour special on CNN, taking you backstage with KISS. This is unbelievable.
Make sure you watch CNN presents "KISS, Inc." The special premiers this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. and it airs again at 11:00 Eastern on CNN.
Moving on now to Kelly Osborne, firing up her fat feud with Christina Aguilera again. Tonight, Kelly`s unbelievable war of words over Christina`s weight.
And I`ve got to show you this. It`s SHOWBIZ trending tonight - the baby who can`t tell the difference between a magazine and an iPad.
A scary sign of the times. 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: George Lucas putting up nearly $100 million to finance film about WWII`s Tuskegee airmen. NBC "Prime Suspect" star Maria Bello speaks out to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about bullying.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIA BELLO, ACTRESS: What I can do is teach my son values and to stand up for people who are being bullied and to stand up for himself and tell other kids that it`s wrong.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ trending tonight. This cute little girl can`t seem to tell the difference between an iPad and a real magazine. Are you kidding me?
Well, it is 2011, and I love my iPad, but I`ve got to tell you, this scares me a little bit. With over two million hits on YouTube, I`m thinking there are a lot of people who may feel just like I do.
This adorable one-year-old baby girl sparked an online frenzy when she appeared to think glossy magazines were just a bunch of broken iPads. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TEXT: This one does not work. Is it broken or what? For my one-year old daughter, a magazine is an iPad that does not work. It will remain so for her whole life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I think we should be afraid for the next generation. Very afraid. We turn now to a heated debate going on over the Michael Jackson death trial that`s happening on our Facebook wall.
And it`s been going on all weekend long, everybody debating the role of Conrad Murray and even Michael Jackson. What role they played in Michael`s death.
Nakieda K. writing, "For everyone who says M.J. was an addict, that may be the case, but is it your doctor`s job to enable you? I don`t think so. They`re supposed to try and help you."
Sue V. writes, "Bottom line is Michael Jackson wanted the drugs this man offered. Physician negligence and irresponsibility? Absolutely. Did Michael seek these drugs in his life? Sorry to say, absolutely."
Keep tuning in to HLN for the latest Michael Jackson death trial coverage. Join Nancy Grace, Jane Velez-Mitchell, Dr. Drew, Joy Behar, Vinnie Politan and me. And join our debates on Facebook. Follow us on @ShowbizTonight on Twitter as well.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Tonight, show me the money. Can reality shows really help people who are struggling with money?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re redefining what life is as a middle class American. And they`re the getting that information from TV.
SHOWBIZ reveals the secrets of how reality TV is helping people face their financial reality.
Also, Jennifer Lopez, Bradley Cooper spotted together again? Are they together? Aren`t they? 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: Justin Bieber to perform on Dick Clark`s "New Year`s Rockin` Eve." Beyonce debuts video for hit single "Love on Top."
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Big Bird`s big red face. "Sesame Street`s" YouTube page hacked and showing porn.
Show me the money. The explosion of reality shows helping people who are struggling with their bills.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re redefining what life is as a middle class American, and they`re getting that information from TV.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ reality secrets. Could reality TV be the golden ticket for some people trying to beat the recession?
Jennifer Lopez and Bradley Cooper spotted together again. Last time, it was business, but what were they doing this time?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with SHOWBIZ reality secrets, "Show Me the Money."
So if "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" is making you crazy, there`s a new wave of reality TV shows that are keeping it real. You could call it recession-ality.
It`s like a reality check on TV for anybody who`s having trouble paying their bills, finding a job or keeping a roof over their heads.
But is this depressing? Or is it right on the money? Here`s CNN`s Christine Romans for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROMANS (voice-over): From the Kardashians to the housewives and the millionaire matchmaker.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK, girls. Are you ready to meet a millionaire?
ROMANS: We know Americans love shows about people with money, but when did watching economic struggle become entertaining?
HAMMER (on camera): Now, reality television is reflecting something so major that`s going on in virtually everybody`s lives, the economic downturn.
ROMANS: Call it Recession TV. There`s "Pawn Stars" -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Fifteen?
ROMANS: "Downsized" -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK. It says -
ROMANS: "American Pickers" -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A lot of people look at this stuff as their savings account, like, "Hey, I bought this. I think it`s worth more money.
ROMANS: "Repo Games" -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Recall it in the morning.
ROMANS: A & E Network just shot a pilot called "Job Whisperer," a show about finding a job. And even "Sesame Street" introduced Lily, a Muppet struggling with hunger.
LILY, MUPPET, "SESAME STREET": You don`t even know whether you`re going to have a next meal or not. That can be pretty hard.
ROMANS: So is reality TV becoming too real to watch?
JEFF GARDERE, AMERICA`S PSYCHOLOGIST: There will always be the escapism type of TV, whether it`s scripted, whether it`s reality, where people are just frivolously just spending money and having a lavish lifestyle.
Sometimes we need that, but I think we`re redefining what life is as a middle-class American, and they`re getting that information from TV.
ROMANS: For now, many Americans will dream of a fairytale wedding through our TV sets.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: So why is it that shows about people who are down on their luck really seem to be popping up everywhere these days? Why would anybody want to see someone else struggling to pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads?
Well, one of those shows is called "Downsized." It`s a terrific new show on the We TV Network. Todd Bruce stars on "Downsized."
He`s the patriarch of the Bruce family. It`s a blended family of nine trying that are trying to stay above the poverty line. Todd joining us from Phoenix, Arizona. Great to see you, Todd.
Your show, I think, does show just how your family suffers and struggles, warts and all, in such a real, real way. This is obviously something that millions of people can identify with.
We`re so used to, Todd, seeing shows featuring the likes of the very rich - Kardashians, for instance. So why do you think your show took off? Not having money is not exactly sexy and a whole lot of fun to watch on reality TV in a lot of people`s minds.
TODD BRUCE, CAST MEMBER, "DOWNSIZED: Well, I think that - first of all, I think we`re good looking, maybe not sexy, as you put it. But I think people have a connection with us because we are the all-American family that didn`t live an exorbitant lifestyle.
But we had nice things and lost those things. So people are - you know, they can connect with us because so many people have gone through it.
HAMMER: Yes, it`s so identifiable, and your family`s struggle with money is truly at the core of every episode of "Downsized."
There was one scene in particular that really attracted a lot of attention. This involves you telling your wife, Laura, that you bought a truck, Todd. Let`s watch what happened there.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
T. BRUCE: Well, I just bought a truck.
LAURA BRUCE, TODD BRUCE`S WIFE: What?
T. BRUCE: You`re a proud owner of a truck.
L. BRUCE: I`m a - what?
T. BRUCE: I mean, this is a really good deal and it`s a good owner truck with diesel in it. You can drive the van get the kids back and forth when I put all the miles on it, so that`s our first home vehicle. This I can use for work, throw the garbage in the back, all the stuff that I need to haul all my materials.
L. BRUCE: Well, congratulations for you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: See, Todd, I`m the guy who loves another guy buying a truck, but this buying that truck really kicked up a whole bunch of controversy on your show`s Web page.
I want you to listen to what someone named K Sharp7(ph) wrote to your wife, Laura, on the page, "He wastes money trying to fix the massive van you don`t need, and then buys a truck. You spent $1,000 on clothes from your bonus and he was ticked."
"The truck should have gone back and have been put up for sale. Why are you cleaning houses, doing fitness, tutoring, waitressing and teaching, and all he does is small jobs? Why doesn`t he wait tables, too?"
I`ve got to imagine how that doesn`t feel so good. So I`m curious what the secret is to you to dealing with all the negativity and criticism that so often comes with doing a reality show?
T. BRUCE: Well, I think you develop some thick skin, but you have to remember the good that goes along with the bad. Typically, people don`t chime in as much to tell you all the good that we`ve done.
But you know, we get E-mail where is, you know - Rex had an asthma attack. One of the sons had an asthma attack and we have people writing in or blogging saying, "We appreciate your guys putting that out there."
So you just try to focus on the good things that we`ve done for the community, sharing our story, and letting people know that they`re not the only ones in the situation.
HAMMER: Well, Thankfully with the negative come the positive. You guys aren`t doing the reality show for free, obviously. So you`ve got to tell me, has this show helped you and your family actually get back on your feet financially? What kind of secrets can you reveal to us about that?
T. BRUCE: Well, I think that the show does a good job of depicting where we are as things progress. But you always - for example, you how to answer the question about the blogger that wrote in.
You know, you don`t get to see all of our life, for example. I have washed dishes in a local restaurant. I`ve installed satellite TVs on the side.
But you go out there and I think, Dean, our financial planner, was good about kind of slapping me in the face and saying, "Hey, you`ve got to get back out there. You have to get it done for your family." So it doesn`t matter what you find to do. You have to do something.
HAMMER: So I`m curious now because your show is about you having to survive. And as your show becomes more successful, you`re going to make more money.
Are you at all concerned that you`re going to become too successful and you might actually lose the show as a result? That`s kind of a catch- 22 the way I see it.
T. BRUCE: It is a catch-22. But we set out with a goal, to help - even if we helped one person. I share this story a lot with - here in Phoenix, there was a gentleman that shot his two young sons and himself because he was so distraught over losing his cars and his houses and all of that.
So we set out with a goal to help people and we think we`ve done that. And if we become so successful, the business turns around and the economy gets better that we no longer fit the profile of the show, then we`ll be happy for that.
HAMMER: Oh, well. Yes, I mean, really, in the end, you`re doing well and, hopefully, it will mean bigger and better things for you. I think you`re doing a great job.
T. BRUCE: Yes.
HAMMER: Todd Bruce, thank you so much -
T. BRUCE: I mean, hopefully -
HAMMER: I do have to end it there, Todd.
T. BRUCE: Go ahead.
HAMMER: But I want to make sure that people check you and your family out tomorrow night on the season finale of "Downsized" on We TV. Thanks again.
We move now from money matters to matters of the heart in "The Buzz Today." "Beverly Hills 90210" star, Shannen Doherty gets hitched in Malibu, 90263. So was Chris Martin really possibly a loser in love until Gwyneth Paltrow? And Lady Gaga, President Clinton and a whole lot of sexy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
Gaga for Bill Clinton. Lady Gaga rocked the house this weekend at Bill Clinton`s birthday celebration. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there.
The concert, which also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Bill Clinton Foundation, drew big names like Babra Streisand, Ellen DeGeneres, Stevie Wonder and Bono. But it was Lady Gaga`s Clinton serenade that stole the show.
LADY GAGA, POP STAR: If someone had told me so many years ago that I would be doing that right in front of you, you wouldn`t have believed them. I would have given them a good American "(EXPLETIVE DELETED) you."
HAMMER: Marriage number three for "90210" alum Doherty. Shannen Doherty said "I do" with Kurt Iswarienko in Malibu over the weekend, according to "People.com." The ceremony will reportedly be a part of the star`s upcoming reality show for We TV. The 40-year-old Doherty has had two previous marriages.
Gwyneth`s rock star hubby hits the jackpot. Coldplay rocker, Chris Martin, claims his Oscar-winning spouse Gwyneth Paltrow is no trophy wife. The notoriously private Martin told CBS "Sunday Morning" that Paltrow is the only serious relationship he`s ever had.
CHRIS MARTIN, LEAD SINGER, COLDPLAY: It is big leap from being a loser to going out with an Oscar winner. It`s a giant leap. Let`s face it. It`s like winning the lottery.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Kelly`s claws are out and the F-word is flying tonight. Kelly Osbourne on the attack against Christina Aguilera again. That leaves old grudge touches off a whole new war.
And P is for porn on "Sesame Street." Well, at least it was for a little while. "Sesame Street`s" YouTube page got hacked. I`m thinking poor Grover. 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: Robert Downey, Jr. gets 25th Annual American Cinematheque Award. Zachary Quinto tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the real story behind his coming out statement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ZACHARY QUINTO, ACTOR: I had to stand up and I had to say something more than just "I support you." I had to say, "I support you because I understand."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: I`ve been with the "Today" show for over 14 years. I cannot tell you the joy that my time here has brought me, sitting besides the likes of Katie, Meredith and Ann. Well, I decided it`s soon going to be time for me to say goodbye. So this November, I am leaving.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right, Matt. Did you see this? A huge surprise announcement by Matt Lauer on "Today" this morning. Another shake-up? It`s just too much. I can`t handle it. Or is it?
Well, you know, it`s been barely four months now since Ann Curry took over for Meredith Vieira in the anchor chair. Now, we`ve got this is going on - Matt is taking off. But watch the rest of his big surprise announcement this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAUER: Well, I`ve decided it`s soon going to be time for me to say goodbye. So this November, I am leaving.
AL ROKER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: What?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is news to me.
LAUER: On my special 10th edition of "Where in the World is Matt Lauer."
ROKER: Oh, suckers!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. So Matt`s not leaving today for good, but he did get the chance to punk really the entire nation for a little while this morning.
I actually think Matt had a lot of people fooled. The "Where in the World" franchise has taken Matt all over the place - Nepal, South Africa, Dubai, so many other exotic locations. Matt`s going to start his globe trotting once again in November.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with romance, Hollywood style.
First off, Jennifer Lopez and Bradley Cooper spotted out and about together for the second time in just two months.
And next up, Ashton and Demi divorce drama? Could it be? Ashton showed up at a gala concert for President Bill Clinton and Demi was nowhere in sight. Is that just proof that they`re on the out?
With me right now to break it all down, reality TV stars, Matt Nordegren and Courtney Kerr from Bravo TV`s "Most Eligible Dallas." Great to see you guys.
COURTNEY KERR, REALITY TV STAR, "MOST ELIGIBLE DALLAS": How are you?
HAMMER: I`m great. It`s nice to have you here.
KERR: Thanks for having us.
MATT NORDEGREN, REALITY TV STAR, "MOST ELIGIBLE DALLAS": Thank you.
HAMMER: We`ve got to talk about this deal with J. Lo and potentially Bradley Cooper. Now, they had what appeared to be a romantic rendezvous.
Last month, they dined in New York City. No canoodling involved there. They were just talking business, according to the reports.
Today, however, we learned that J. Lo and Bradley were spotted together again over the weekend. A paparazzo snapped this shot of them in Bradley`s car in Los Angeles. So that`s twice now.
These guys are single. They`re sexy superstars. Courtney, I`ve got to go to you first on this. Are we talking true love here or no match?
KERR: I mean, I`m going - there`s going to be a broken heart. Someone is going to cry. There`s going to be tears and it`s going to be all over the tabloids.
It`s a recipe for disaster. I mean, come on. Do you think the woman would learn not to date high-profile men? I mean -
HAMMER: Yes. So at the minimum, I`m watching you thinking, well, at least you`re acknowledging that there is something going on.
KERR: Yes. I mean, it looks hot and heavy. I mean, you know, perception is reality. So what we see, I think, you know, might be true. But you know -
HAMMER: Let`s get the male perspective on this. Matt, true love or no match here?
NORDEGREN: I`m going to say no match, too. And one thing I learned through Courtney and others is perception is reality, so you`ve got to be careful.
But I`m a firm believer and I don`t take anything, you know, to the grave until it comes out of their mouth. And Bradley, I think, has a good run ahead of him still. He`s just getting started.
HAMMER: Yes, the women love him.
NORDEGREN: Yes.
KERR: I`m having - he`s not. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) why is my phone not ringing? Come on, Bradley. Give me a call.
HAMMER: After he sees this maybe.
(CROSS TALK)
KERR: Who knows? Yes.
HAMMER: Let`s move on right now to the Demi-Ashton divorce drama or potential divorce drama. I was surprised by this. Ashton appeared at this gala concert with President Bill Clinton and all the stars over the weekend, but he was all by himself.
Demi was nowhere in sight. We know that the noise about their problems hasn`t calmed down at all. Matt, I`m going to start with you on this one.
Do you think this is a clear sign that there really is trouble in paradise? Maybe they`re headed for divorce? Or is there still some true love involved here?
NORDEGREN: I`m going to go with I think there`s true love involved here because I never want to judge people until they themselves come out and say, "Hey, we`re not together and there`s something going on."
HAMMER: Yes.
NORDEGREN: You know, you never want to stir up controversy with people that have had a great relationship up until this point. They`re going through some things probably, but I`m going to say that I`m a believer in love.
And I think they have it and they`ve weathered a lot of storms up to this point. So I`m going to hope that they stay together.
HAMMER: See, I`m with you and it`s interesting because we`re all rooting for that.
NORDEGREN: Yes.
HAMMER: Every time I talk about this story, I do it with that sense of - I hope none of this is true. It`s just that the noise has gotten so loud it`s impossible to ignore.
But speaking of true love, look, I know that you guys have now been the best of friends for, what, about five years. And on your reality show -
KERR: It`s too long.
HAMMER: On your reality show, "Most Eligible Dallas," you actually take your friendship one step further now and propose a date. Let`s see how this happened.
KERR: He proposed the date.
HAMMER: Let`s watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KERR: Are you excited about the charity?
NORDEGREN: I mean, mix of emotions. It`s excitement - nervous. I was wondering if you would be my date. You`re the most important woman in my life. Why wouldn`t I want you there by me?
KERR: Of course, I`ll be your date.
NORDEGREN: You know there`s a wide variety of options for beautiful women I could bring to my event, but that`s not what this is about. This event is extremely important to me and there`s nobody I would rather have there than Courtney.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Hold on a second. First, you said - I`d only (UNINTELLIGIBLE) - I watched that early. You said, "But there are a lot of beautiful women I could take, but that`s not what this is about."
KERR: But that`s not about - "That`s not about dating beautiful women, so I`ll take Courtney instead."
HAMMER: No, no. But seriously, I mean, actually, things are looking pretty nicely between the two of you. But here`s the thing and I want to ask you, Matt.
You know, transitioning from a friendship of five years to potential romance, on reality TV, that`s got to be tough, because, you know, having the cameras there all the time has got to add to the pressure for you.
NORDEGREN: It does. But the good thing about having Courtney going on this ride with me and me with her is we`ve been best friends for so long.
And if you ask anybody who`s had a successful relationship for a long period of time, they`re probably going to tell you that the most important thing is their friendship.
HAMMER: Yes.
NORDEGREN: And I`m a firm believer and you can`t build a house without a foundation or it will fall apart. And we have what`s most important. And so I think we can weather any storm together.
HAMMER: Courtney, I think you`re thinking the same thing. Even if it doesn`t work out, I`m guessing the friendship will transcend any attempt at a romance.
KERR: You know, our friendship is not built on, like, "How much money do you have?" You know, "How beautiful are you? How beautiful you`re not?"
It has always been built in our families and friends. You know, we know each other. We know each other`s parents. So there`s a lot of - there`s a lot of core there.
HAMMER: Well, great to see you both.
KERR: Thank you for having us all.
HAMMER: I really appreciate you being here.
NORDEGREN: We really appreciate it.
HAMMER: Got to move on now, because "Sesame Street`s" YouTube page has been hacked. And now, it`s showing porn. That`s right.
Tonight, the outrage and the fallout over some perv trying to make "Sesame Street" sleazy. 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: Larry Hagman to get cancer treatment while filming "Dallas" reboot. Selena Gomez to host 2011 MTV European Music Awards November 6.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SELENA GOMEZ, ACTRESS AND SINGER: Finally, I get to host the EMAs. Wow.
Seriously? Shut your face! Who else could it be? Who else if it isn`t me to be hosting the show? People know who to (UNINTELLIGIBLE), I`m a pro. You guys (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I`ll say it.
Congratulations to me. So here we go another page in my legacy. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) wait until they get a load of me. AMAs - that`s where all the stars are going to be. But most importantly, congratulations to me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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HAMMER: I never thought I`d say this in my life - "Sesame Street" sex- capades. Yes. The YouTube of the beloved show was hacked. The content was replaced with porn.
Yes, the adult videos were reportedly up there for less than an hour, but apparently, it was long enough to spark outrage tonight.
I`m here with Cathy Areu, who is the publisher of "Catalina" magazine. She`s also a former high school teacher, has nothing to do with these videos going up there.
CATHY AREU, PUBLISHER, "CATALINA" MAGAZINE: No.
HAMMER: I`m thinking this was done by somebody who obviously still thinks like a high school student, on the lowest maturity level possible. Is nothing sacred anymore?
AREU: Awful.
HAMMER: I mean, what should be done to this person?
AREU: Awful. Well, they think it was a teenager, so it was someone of that maturity level. They should go to jail. This is a crime. It could be a felony. It depends on what state they did it in. They could throw the book at this person.
HAMMER: They should be forced to live in a garbage can.
AREU: They should, and not eat cookies.
HAMMER: No. I mean, I just don`t understand this. And this really does remind us -
AREU: Yes.
HAMMER: You`ve got to watch what your kids are looking at. You know, we should feel like, "Oh, it`s OK. I`m going to guide the kids over towards the YouTube page for "Sesame Street" while I go have a glass of wine. But you can`t do that, can you?
AREU: No, no. That computer has to be in your kitchen. It has to be in your family room. It has to be somewhere where you can watch what the kids are watching. The kids cannot be in their room watching alone.
HAMMER: And how do you react as somebody who has worked with high school students obviously before -
AREU: Right.
HAMMER: When you find out a high school kid is putting up hard core porn? I mean, this was, from what I understand, you know, nothing light and easy.
AREU: Sadly, I believe it. They don`t understand consequence. They didn`t understand that they were going to show these videos to children.
That is illegal to show this kind of stuff to children. They don`t understand consequence. I could see that a teenager would do something like this.
HAMMER: You see, I`m going to stay away from the Big Bird jokes. I know there`s one out there. I can`t even come up with it.
AREU: Oh, no.
HAMMER: No, no. Honestly, I was sad when I heard this story.
AREU: Awful.
HAMMER: It`s just terrible. All right, Cathy Areu. I appreciate you being here. May it never happen again.
We must move on to Kelly Osbourne`s TV F-bomb. Now, Kelly you would expect it from. Tonight, a nasty new war of words as Kelly goes off on Christina Aguilera`s new look. I`ve got to tell you, this time she`s going literally below the belt. That is coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Well, tonight, the F-word is flying. Kelly Osbourne is slamming Christina Aguilera again over her weight on her "E!" show, "Fashion Police."
Kelly went off on Christina`s outfit at the Michael Jackson tribute show last weekend. Now, Kelly has publicly struggled with her weight and lost nearly 50 pounds when she was on "Dancing with the Stars."
But smaller Kelly must be the meaner Kelly. She seems to hold a grudge against Christina Aguilera saying, "She called me fat for years. I was never that fat."
That`s not the first time Kelly has vented on TV. She railed against Christina`s figure on another episode of "Fashion Police." Let`s all be friends, shall we?
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer. Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Sunday through Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
And stay right here for "DR. DREW," coming up next. Tonight, more questions about the mysterious disappearance of 11-month-old, Lisa Irwin. "DR. DREW" on HLN starts right now.
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