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Showbiz Tonight
Davy Jones Passes Away; Donald-Sacha Smackdown; James Cameron`s Undersea Voyage; Is Snooki Pregnant?; Revelations in the Whitney Houston Death Investigation
Aired February 29, 2012 - 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 - Donald- Sacha smackdown.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, BUSINESS TYCOON: You would have been punched in the face so many times.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Why did Donald Trump just go nuclear on Sacha Baron Cohen for his red carpet stunt as The Dictator at the Oscars? Tonight, the Donald explains himself to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) You pulled no punches there about Sacha. Why did you let him have it so strong?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
The Donald is right here in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Tonight, a SHOWBIZ exclusive. James Cameron`s mind-boggling voyage to the bottom of the sea. We`re with the director of "Titanic" and "Avatar" half a world away for an extreme, death-defying feat boldly going where few men have gone before.
Snooki, a mom? Startling reports today that Snooki is pregnant. Will the "Jersey Shore" star be trading back flips and bars for bibs and binkies.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, could this mean the end of "Jersey Shore"?
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 - and sad news, the death of Davy Jones.
We`ve got the tragic news that Davy Jones, who starred in the iconic 1960s TV series, "The Monkees," the show that made the band a worldwide music phenomenon, died today apparently from a heart attack.
Davy Jones was 66 years old and his death really brought back a flood of memories day for the much-loved lead singer of the Monkees.
With me tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. With me, in New York, "Inside Edition" correspondent, Megan Alexander.
Guys, I had the great pleasure of hosting a concert with the Monkees when they first got together several years ago. And the one thing I vividly remember about Davy Jones - he was the spectacularly nice and positive guy.
And I cannot overstate what a frenzy the Monkees and Davy Jones created back in the `60s. I mean, think about Justin Bieber today times 10.
Megan, this death of Davy Jones has really hit home for so many people, so unexpected and shocking.
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Oh, absolutely. The Monkees were all-American, family friendly entertainment. A.J., I can`t tell you how many times I`ve explained to people that my middle name is Jean because of the song -
HAMMER: Really?
ALEXANDER: Oh, absolutely. "Cheer up sleepy jean," "Daydream Believer," yes. So I mean, and you`re right. I mean, they`re all known to be wonderful people.
And how neat that must have been for you to do that concert. He was the Justin Bieber of his day, and very talented. You know the back story, of course, on their show is that they were trying to capitalize in the fame of the Beatles.
They create the show called "The Monkees." And they not only become a TV sensation, but do indeed go on to have music hits as a group called the Monkees. I mean, it`s a really neat story.
HAMMER: Yes, it was so wildly popular. And for me, when they got together and did this little reunion show that I hosted, I had never thought in my wildest dreams I`d be introducing the Monkees on stage.
ALEXANDER: Yes.
HAMMER: But they would get together from time to time and do these shows. And they always sounded as good as ever. And it happened to be right at the base of where the Twin Towers once stood.
So it was really quite a strong memory for me. But remembering Davy Jones and just what a good guy he was is something that always stood out to me.
Nischelle, what`s your take today on why this has really resonated truly across generations? Because they remain a bestselling band to this day.
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Yes. Absolutely. You know, A.J., one of the things that I noticed today just kind of perusing the Internet and Davy Jones fan sites that people say exactly what you just mentioned - the nicest person you`d ever meet.
You know, he was still touring up until recently. And a lot of his fans were saying, "You know, Davy Jones, after every concert, would stay and talk to us and take pictures with us, and he was just so lovable."
And he loved his fans. And to be perfectly honest, you know, he was still a bit of a dream boat and ladies love that dream boat kind of good kid look and just really like a special guy. So that`s why it`s resonating so much with fans.
HAMMER: Yes. And the thing, you know, you mentioned dream boat. I`m not going to speak to that. But what I`ll say is he was so young at heart. And that`s why I think this is all the more shocking.
Usually, you know, if somebody is a star early in their life, early in their career and they age gracefully perhaps. But Davy is one of the guys that just didn`t seem to age.
Obviously, there`s been a lot of outpouring and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has been hearing from all of Davy`s fellow members of the Monkees.
I want to read what Mickey Dolenz posted on his Facebook page just today. Here`s what Mickey is saying, "Still can`t believe it. Still in shock. Had bad dreams all night long. My love and prayers go out to Davy`s girls and family right now."
We also hear from Peter Tork who took to Facebook as well. Here`s what he said, "It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow adventurer, Davy Jones. His talent will be much missed. His gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathies for Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios to the Manchester cowboy. Peace and love, from Peter T."
Just as Paul McCartney was then referred to the cute Beatle - I mean, we were just talking about this a moment ago, he was the cutest Monkee of them all by everybody`s accounts.
ALEXANDER: Oh, my gosh. Do you remember in those episodes when he would se a cute girl and his eyes would twinkle? They would have the cute little stars in his eyes and I think women all across the world, stars in their eyes when they see Davy Jones, still to this day. Do you agree with me, Nischelle?
HAMMER: The stars. I just realized lately -
ALEXANDER: Yes.
HAMMER: Like, those weren`t real, but it was a lot of fun.
ALEXANDER: Yes, exactly, but so many good mornings watching the Monkees on TV. So many memories.
HAMMER: Megan and Nischelle, I thank you both. And now a SHOWBIZ exclusive - James Cameron`s incredible voyage right now, half a world away. The man who made the two most successful movies of all time, "Avatar" and "Titanic," is getting ready to do something so titanic himself this almost defies imagination.
And it does come with some danger, serious danger. James Cameron will literally make a voyage to the bottom of the sea. I`m talking about the deepest part of the ocean on the planet. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you this may be more dramatic than any movie James Cameron has ever made.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) James Cameron took us under the sea in "Titanic" -
KATE WINSLET, ACTRESS: This is where we first met.
HAMMER: And to the ocean`s abyss in "The Abyss." But now, James Cameron is on a shocking real life under sea adventure. This director is heading to the deepest known part of the ocean in the world.
And when he does, CNN`s Jason Carroll will be onboard Cameron`s ship exclusively making CNN the only news network with Cameron on this super- dangerous adventure.
Right now, Carroll is with Cameron off the coast of New Guinea where Cameron is doing final testing. On CNN this morning, Jason talked about the amazing adventure.
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Whether you talk about adventure and exploration and advances in science and technology, it does not get any better than the chance to try to go down to Challenger Deep.
HAMMER: Here`s the mission - the Oscar-winning director plans to take a specially-outfitted sub deep under the Pacific, to what`s known as the Mariana Trench. Once there, he`ll head down to the deepest part of the trench called Challenger Deep.
CARROLL: It`s 36,000 feet deep approximately. That is seven miles down.
HAMMER: And exactly how deep is that? Well, you`ve heard the Mt. Everest, the world`s tallest mountain, right? To go as deep as Cameron is going, seven miles or 36,000 feet, you`d have to turn Mt. Everest up side down and then add another mile. Talking about rolling in the deep.
CARROLL: You know, in those depths, there`s no sunlight. The water is extremely frigid.
HAMMER: And there`s a lot of pressure, literally, 16,000 pounds per square inch. Now, try to imagine 50 jumbo jets on top of you and you`ll get the idea.
CARROLL: The pressure is so great it would instantly crush a human being. Cameron would only be the third person ever to visit Challenger Deep. More men have walked on the moon than have done that, but Cameron is up to the task.
CARROLL: Many people don`t know that Cameron is also an accomplished deep sea explorer.
HAMMER: He spent plenty of time underwater filming "Titanic" and "The Abyss" and the Disney documentary, "Aliens of the Deep."
In fact, Cameron once told Jason Carroll the aliens we saw in his monster hit, "Avatar," were based on what he saw in the undersea travels.
JAMES CAMERON, MOVIE DIRECTOR: Every time we try to come up with an alien creature that`s beyond our wildest imaginings, we find some examples on earth, you know, in the ocean.
HAMMER: That`s all well and good, but why is this Oscar-winning director going on this super-dangerous deep sea dive to Challenger Deep?
One reason, he`s competing with another big time explorer, Richard Branson, who is also mounting a mission to Challenger Deep. First one down collects a $10 million prize.
That`s enough to send anyone off the deep end. But there`s another reason for Cameron`s undersea adventure, science.
PHILIPPE COUSTEAU, JR., CNN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT: We`ve only scratched the surface, having explored far less than 10 percent of our oceans.
HAMMER: Philippe Cousteau is a CNN special correspondent and the grandson of famed undersea explorer, Jacques Cousteau. And not to get too "Star Trek" on you, Cousteau says Cameron is literally exploring strange new worlds and seeking out new life.
COUSTEAU: Not just small microbes and crabs and tube worms but potentially very, very large creatures. Nobody has any idea and that`s what`s so exciting about this.
HAMMER: Right now, Cameron is doing practice dives and the final dive will happen in March when Cameron goes into the abyss.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
So cool. I cannot wait to see this. What an amazing journey it`s going to be. And you want to join us right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tomorrow when Jason Carroll joins us live from the site of this amazing voyage that is planned by James Cameron.
As we move on tonight, Donald trump is ticked. Trump tears into Sacha Baron Cohen for his red carpet stunt as The Dictator at the Oscars.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: This third-rate character names Sacha Baron Cohen thought he was being cute and funny when he threw ashes at Ryan Seacrest. It was disgraceful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Trump is just getting warmed up. Donald right here breaking big Sacha showdown news.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) Wow. So you pulled no punches there about Sacha. Why did you let him have it so strongly?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
It is a Trump-sized SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Lindsay`s new leaf? She`s got a new gig with "Saturday Night Live," and now she`s spilling her guts on the "Today" show. You`ve got to see this. Is Lindsay back and better than ever?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: Simplest, blunt question, are you clean and sober?
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: Yes, I`m good. And I`m clean and sober now.
LAUER: Yes. How long has that been?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Lindsay Lohan in her own words about her past and the future, next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
This is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Meryl Streep donates $10,000 to school in Viola Davis` hometown. Jennifer Lawrence says she thought hard before deciding to star in "The Hunger Games."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAUER: I also thought about you not long ago when Whitney Houston passed away, someone with so much talent, such raw talent and who went through such a tough time.
And obviously, the end came way too soon. When you heard the news of her death, did any of it register on a personal level with you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That is Matt Lauer, of course, grilling Lindsay Lohan this morning on the "Today" show. You have got to hear her stunning new revelations. But even with the new image, even with the new attitude and it seems a new outlook, the question is, is Lindsay really going to put her troubled past behind her?
Well, we sure hope so. I have high hopes for Lindsay Lohan. But we certainly have seen this before, right?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, Lindsay tells all. Is she still sober? Has she finally turned it around just weeks before she`s about to finish probation for shoplifting conviction?
And after six headline-making years of legal troubles, repeated time in jail and rehab after rehab, has she finally gotten a reality check?
With me in New York, TV host, Megan Meany. Great to have you here, Megan.
MEGAN MEANY, TV HOST: Good to be here.
HAMMER: So even though Lindsay is on probation, even after all that rehab, she is still seen out at night, still going to clubs. So Matt Lauer asked her this morning the question that everyone wanted the answer to and here`s what she said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAUER: Simplest, blunt question. Are you clean and sober?
LOHAN: Yes, I`m good and I`m clean and sober now.
LAUER: Yes. How long has that been?
LOHAN: It`s been a while. It`s been a long time. But I - it`s nice to feel that I also have a lot of great people in my life that are in the same position so I can always turn to them. And I`ve had great people that I can talk to at any time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. So she says she`s sober, even a home body. Unfortunately, I`ve heard this song before over and over. So here`s our SHOWBIZ flashpoint - is Lindsay finally turning her life around, or do you really just think it is more of the same? What do you think?
MEANY: You know, time will tell. I`m rooting for her. We all think of the "Parent Trap" Lindsay Lohan, you know, the cherry cheeks and strawberry blonde hair. I think we hold a special place in our heart for these child stars.
We want him to do well. We`ve certainly seen comebacks before. We`re always rooting for one in Hollywood. But right now, it`s all talk.
HAMMER: Yes.
MEANY: It`s going to come down to actions. She`s got this new role. She is playing Elizabeth Taylor in a Lifetime movie. She`s going to be on "SNL." Two good gigs here.
You know, she needs to perform. She needs to show up on time. She`s got some court orders she is still dealing with, community service.
You know, and it`s all about environment. We`re hearing from all these people certainly on the Whitney Houston story. I think Mary J. Blige is out there saying, it`s all about environment.
How do you stop partying? It`s who you`re with. It`s who your handlers are. You know, she`s young and she got a bad rap. You know, not great parenting. I think there is still time for her to turn it around.
HAMMER: Well, and you bring up a good point with Whitney Houston coming to mind, because, obviously, through all of this, we have worried that maybe she was going down some kind of a fatal path.
MEANY: Right.
HAMMER: And as a matter of fact, Matt Lauer asked her this morning if she understands why people think her troubles have been similar to Whitney Houston`s. Watch this with me.
LAUER: But abuse also. I mean, you know, in terms of substance abuse. It can rob talent.
LOHAN: Yes, I know. I completely agree. Yes, and you can just kind of completely fall into that world and that`s a really scary thing. And I`ve experienced things like that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. I think this is the first time I`m hearing her say -
MEANY: Right.
HAMMER: "I`ve experienced things like that," so at least that gives me hope that perhaps she at least gets how dangerous a path she`s been on.
MEANY: A little accountability here -
HAMMER: Yes.
MEANY: She`s finally admitting to. So yes, I think that`s a step. I mean, just looking physically at how she`s transformed, I have my concerns. She`s obviously a girl that is insecure and impressionable.
HAMMER: Right.
MEANY: I mean, she doesn`t look like the Lindsay we know. She doesn`t look that healthy, so I`d like to see, you know, she`s got - but she has acting chops.
HAMMER: Yes.
MEANY: And she`s an insightful girl.
HAMMER: And I think we`ll get a better sense of how she looks and how her acting is doing -
MEANY: Right.
HAMMER: When we see her on "Saturday Night Live" this week.
MEANY: Yes.
HAMMER: And we just got at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the "SNL" promos that were just released. Roll it out, Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s so good to be back in the spotlight.
LOHAN: Yes. I mean, people are probably wondering what I`ve been up to.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s unfortunate that everyone`s paid so little attention to you over the last few years.
LOHAN: I know. If only magazines and Web sites would have documented my activities more closely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I think the way to go for it this weekend is even if she is the butt of all jokes, do it. And she said she will.
MEANY: I mean, "SNL" - that is a career turnaround right there.
HAMMER: As self-effacing as she can be -
MEANY: We`re rooting for her.
HAMMER: I think it`s going to serve her well. All right. Thank you so much. And you know, Donald Trump is somebody who has known Lindsay Lohan for a long time.
I asked him today if he thinks Lindsay can really pull off a big comeback this time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) Now, it appears she`s doing well. She`s near the end of her probation. She`s hosting "Saturday Night Live." But there are a lot of people, of course, who have reservations because we`ve seen this before.
Any reason in your mind why we should be more hopeful about Lindsay`s future now than we have in the past?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Wait until you hear what the Donald told me. He had a lot to say. I go one-on-one with Donald Trump in just a few minutes. Megan Meany, stay right where you are, please.
Well, Donald has always got something to say, right? But I want to hear from you tonight. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll, "Lindsay Lohan Says She is Sober: Do you think she is finally turning her life around?"
Please go to HLNTV.com/ShowbizTonight to vote. And you can always E-mail me. That works, too. Our address, ShowbizTonight@HLNTV.com.
Mamma Mia! "Jersey Shore`s" Snooki, pregnant. Wow. I just said that out loud. And now, I`m starting to believe that whole Mayan calendar thing about the world ending is true.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": I kind of want to, you know, like, break a law or two tonight. So hopping the fence is one.
Let me just touch the ocean. Let me just touch the ocean.
Being on the beach when you`re not supposed to is another. So I feel like a legit criminal and it`s kind of like thrilling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. So if Snooki is about to give up drinking from bottles to feeding them to her child, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has got to ask, could this mean the end of "Jersey Shore"?
Also coming up, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news about Whitney Houston`s death investigation. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
This is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Celine Dion cancels Las Vegas shows through June because she has a virus.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Add drama and stir. Paula Deen under fire again. Tonight, celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain, is still hot under the collar about Paula holding out on her diabetes revelation and later endorsing a diabetes drug.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner tells us what is cooking now. What`s going on here, Nischelle.
TURNER: Oh, A.J. This is never ending. "People.com" reported today that this latest dustup went down at the South Beach wine and food festival during a cooking demonstration.
Anthony was asked this, "Aren`t you a hypocrite smoking on your show and making fun of this nice, old lady with diabetes?" Of course, they were referring to Paula Deen.
Anthony shot back saying, "You`re right. I did smoke cigarettes for a lot of years on my show, but I wasn`t selling any (EXPLETIVE DELETED) cigarettes. And when I found a spot on my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) lung, I didn`t wait three years so I could get a deal selling the patch. Ouch."
HAMMER: Yes. Obviously, no love lost between Anthony and Paula there. But I`ve got to tell you, I`m listening to it and I think Anthony was spot on pointing out the holes in that question that he was asked.
I don`t think he is hypocritical at all. But do you think that Anthony is really still saying what a lot of people are still thinking? Or do you think, you know, that some time has passed, people have actually forgiven Paula Deen?
TURNER: You know what, A.J.? I actually think most people have forgiven Paula Deen, because she`s just so lovable. It`s hard to stay mad.
But make no mistake about it. As many people that love her, there is still that faction of people who say maybe she sold out a little bit.
But listen to this - Paula got her licks in, too. She was at a different cooking demonstration. And according to people, she had this message for Anthony and all of her critics.
She said, "There have been two or three haters. I don`t know why they`re mad at me. I didn`t choose my diabetes."
HAMMER: You know what? I`ve got to tell you, at this point - I mean, look, I think she made an error in judgment. I think she could have handled it a lot better.
TURNER: Yes.
HAMMER: But at this point, I`m with Paula, Nischelle. She should forget the haters and basically take care of herself, right?
TURNER: Keep moving. Yes. Move on.
HAMMER: All right. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner - thanks, Nischelle. Here now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - this is what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Wait until you hear Donald`s Sacha smackdown.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: This third-rate character named Sacha Baron Cohen thought he was being cute and funny when he threw ashes at Ryan Seacrest. It was disgraceful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Here he goes again. The Donald going nuclear on Sacha Baron Cohen for his red carpet stunts at the Oscars. Tonight, Donald explains why in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. You`ve got to see this.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news about Whitney Houston`s death investigation. We`re here to set the record straight after some shocking reports surfaced today. Wait until you hear what they`re saying now. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It`s time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Actress and singer, Kristin Chenoweth, launches first concert tour. The late comedian Bernie Mac gets street named for him in Chicago.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: This third-rate character named Sacha Baron Cohen thought he was being cute and funny when he threw ashes at Ryan Seacrest. It was disgraceful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the Donald`s brand- new celebrity feud. Well, I`m going one-on-one with Donald trump to find out why he is so furious about Sacha Baron Cohen`s red carpet stunt at the Oscars.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) Wow. So you pulled no punches there about Sacha. Why didn`t you let him have it so strongly?
HAMMER: Tonight, Donald Trump tells me why Sacha is now enemy number one on his celebrity hate list.
Also, the Donald`s surprising advice for Lindsay Lohan as she nears the end of her probation. It`s a colossal SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Donald Trump.
Plus, this is how we all know Snooki -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POLIZZI: I kind of want to, you know, like, break a law or two tonight. So hopping the fence is one.
Let me just touch the ocean. Let me just touch the ocean.
Being on the beach when you`re not supposed to is another. So I feel like a legit criminal and it`s kind of like thrilling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: But is the "Jersey Shore" bad girl about to transform the Seaside Heights smoosh room into a nursery? The brand-new reports that Snooki is pregnant. Is it time to get ready for "Jersey Shore," the next generation?
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 the Donald unplugged, and I do mean unplugged.
I went one-on-one with Donald Trump just this afternoon. Let me tell you, he held nothing back, especially about the outrageous new video he just made ripping to shreds Sacha Baron Cohen for his over-the-top stunt at the Oscars showing up on the red carpet dressed up as the character from his upcoming movie, "The Dictator," and spilling ashes all over Ryan Seacrest on live TV, supposedly of the late Korean dictator, Kim Jong-Il. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SACHA BARON COHEN, COMEDIAN: The interesting thing is actually it`s a - sorry. No, no, no. Sorry, wait a minute. We have to clean this up. It`s OK for you. If somebody asks you what are you wearing, you say Kim Jong- Il.
RYAN SEACREST, TV PERSONALITY: Have fun this evening.
SEACREST: You know, part of me thought he would be up to something, Giuliana. I had an idea something was coming. I didn`t know in what fashion or form.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, there you go. I actually thought it was a great publicity stunt. But now, watch Trump`s rant on YouTube.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: This third-rate character named Sacha Baron Cohen thought he was being cute and funny when he threw ashes at Ryan Seacrest.
Now, I know Ryan Seacrest. He`s a great guy, and you could see he was visibly upset. It was disgraceful. And the security guard that was standing to the right, he ought to be fired immediately. That guy had nothing. He is not capable.
He allowed this guy to get away with so much. Believe me, if that ever happened to somebody with real security, Sacha Baron Cohen would not be in good shape right now.
He`d be in a hospital. He would have been punched in the face so many times. He wouldn`t have known what happened. I only wish that Ryan took a swing at him.
And I only wish that the security guard that allowed it all to happen, number one, gets fired and number two, go to school, learn about being security. You don`t know, man.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow! Come on, man. Can`t you just say, "You shouldn`t have done that"? No. That is what we call a classic Donald smackdown. Why, Donald, why?
Well, I asked him today when we talked about everything, including "Celebrity Apprentice," Lindsay Lohan and, yes, Sacha Baron Cohen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera): So you pulled no punches there about Sacha. Why did you let him have it so strongly?
TRUMP: Because Ryan Seacrest is a great guy. He`s a friend of mine. And I didn`t like - he was accosted by this moron and I didn`t like it.
I didn`t like watching it. And a lot of other people felt the same way. And the security guard should be ashamed. He was so pathetic, the security guard.
HAMMER: I think that was his security guard though.
TRUMP: I don`t know whose guard it was. I think it was. Actually, Ryan said it was not his. He was somebody`s security guard, but he was pathetic.
So it was too bad. And I will tell you if it happened to me or if it happened to people I know that, guy would have been unconscious, lying on the ground and nobody would have blamed us.
HAMMER: I don`t imagine that wouldn`t be true. From one master of publicity though to another, you kind of have to give it to Sacha a little bit. I mean, we`re talking about him right now.
TRUMP: Only because he got away it with. He should never have been allowed to do that. He dumped ashes all over a great guy. And he should have never been allowed to get away with it. He should have really been - he should have been put down fast.
HAMMER: Did you even know there was a movie called "The Dictator" before last week?
TRUMP: No, I`m not knocking him. Look, I know him. He came in and interviewed me years ago when he was Ali G.
HAMMER: Ali G., right.
TRUMP: And he misrepresented. They said it was BBC and it was a major interview. And they had somebody dressed up like this, you know, good- looking guy from BBC.
Then, when I sat down for the interview, it was Ali G. And he asked me some absolutely ridiculous questions. After two questions, I left the interview.
And I was very proud of myself. I was the only one that left, because he dealt with politicians and they didn`t leave.
HAMMER: Right.
TRUMP: They went through a 45-minute interview asking all of this nonsense. I left. I never got credit for that because they never showed that.
But he`s a bad guy. He`s a moron and he should have been - I wish I was the security guard just for that one moment. I guarantee you Ryan would have been very happy. Very unfair what happened to Ryan Seacrest.
HAMMER: Now, if you had a change of feelings or put this behind you, would you be willing to have Sacha Baron Cohen on "The Apprentice" as Sacha Baron Cohen?
TRUMP: No, I wouldn`t do that. No. He would get no ratings. I like people that get ratings. No, he wouldn`t be very good. Nobody cares. Nobody cares about him.
HAMMER: You told us before the season that Clay Aiken is the one guy on the show who really surprised you the most -
TRUMP: Right.
HAMMER: Was much different than what you expected. Who else has really stepped up in a way that you might not have expected?
TRUMP: Well, I think Arsenio Hall is fantastic. I think he`s really been great. And I think that, frankly, Paul Senior has been amazing. He`s tough. He`s smart. He`s sharp.
And actually, Victoria Gotti was excellent. She made a little mistake and, unfortunately, she got fired. But she`s a very capable person - tough.
HAMMER: Has anybody not stepped up in a way that you would have imagined they would have, maybe a disappointment to you?
TRUMP: Yes. I would say I have two of them, but I can`t tell you those names because, you know, they may be going pretty soon.
HAMMER: You`ve always been very hopeful for Lindsay Lohan. In fact, we`ve talked before about how great it would be to have her on the show, because it would give her structure. Now, it appears she`s doing well. She`s nearing the end of her probation.
TRUMP: Right.
HAMMER: She`s hosting "Saturday Night Live." But there are a lot of people, of course, who have reservations because we`ve seen this before. Any reason in your mind why we should be more hopeful about Lindsay`s future now than we have in the past?
TRUMP: Well, I know Lindsay. I like her a lot. She is very talented. I hope she can get back. But you know, it`s very tough. When you start drinking or when you start drugs, it`s very, very tough. Not just Lindsay, everybody.
I hear so much about the different clinics, the different places, and they seldom work. And you know what I tell people? Before they start, don`t. Just don`t. It`s always like I don`t drink. I have no problem. I don`t understand.
When people hear I don`t drink, they can`t even believe it, if they drink. If you don`t drink, you don`t even think about it, if you don`t take drugs. So Lindsay`s got a problem because she started.
If you have kids, tell them not to start. It`s real easy not to do it when you don`t start.
HAMMER: So now that she really has the potential to succeed, what do you think she really needs to pay close attention to doing right now so she doesn`t have a setback?
TRUMP: Well, I just hope she doesn`t have the setback. Get the career going. Everybody tells me how talented she is, and I like her. To me, she has always been very nice. I really like her a lot.
I think she`s a terrific person. Frankly, you know, I`ve met the mother numerous times. And you know, there are all sorts of stories. But I think the mother is terrific. Look, Lindsay, go back there, work, get your career going, and leave the drugs alone.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: From the mouth of Donald Trump, Lindsay. Now, you don`t have a choice. You can catch Donald Trump, of course, on "Celebrity Apprentice" every Sunday on NBC.
We must move on now to Momma Snooki?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POLIZZI: I kind of want to, you know, like, break a law or two tonight. So hopping the fence is one.
Let me just touch the ocean. Let me just touch the ocean.
Being on the beach when you`re not supposed to is another. So I feel like a legit criminal and it`s kind of like thrilling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Is the "Jersey Shore" party girl getting ready to trade in her bonkers beach life for a box of diapers and a bay bottle? Tonight, the brand-new reports that Snooki is pregnant. SHOWBIZ dares to ask, would that mean the end of "Jersey Shore"? Oh, no!
Plus, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news on Whitney Houston`s shocking death. Will it be ruled accidental? Well, we`re here to reveal the truth about the investigation, next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
This is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "The Godfather" returns to the theaters for one day to celebrate 40th anniversary. Taylor Swift has tea time with kid sensations Sophia Grace and Rosie on "Ellen."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SOPHIA GRACE BROWNLEE, CHILD SINGER: Do you have a boyfriend?
TAYLOR SWIFT, SINGER: I don`t.
BROWNLEE: Oh.
SWIFT: Yes. Do you?
ROSIE MCCLELLAND, SOPHIA GRACE`S COUSIN: I don`t have a boyfriend.
SWIFT: Me neither. That`s exactly how I look when people ask me that, too, like that terrified look.
BROWNLEE: I don`t have a - no.
SWIFT: No. No, I don`t have a boyfriend. Yes, definitely not. So we`re just a bunch of single girls having tea.
MCCLELLAND: I used to, but - no.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you ready to go?
POLIZZI: I`m so hot.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don`t need to get arrested for this (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
POLIZZI: I just want to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) this time. I will start a party.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I have some potentially bad news for you right now. That may be the last we`ll see of a drunken Snooki, if that brand-new bombshell report today that she`s pregnant is true.
So would a Snooki baby, which is just fun to say - would a Snooki baby mean the end of the most popular reality TV series in history? Perish the thought.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, Momma Snooki?
Well, there are brand new reports today that the "Jersey Shore" star, Nicole Snooki Polizzi, is having a baby. In fact, reports say she is already three months pregnant, the reality queen first having denied the baby claims earlier this month. And here`s what she told everybody.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POLIZZI: Being pregnant should be, you know, a real thing and a happy thing and I`m not. I definitely do want kids. But I`m not pregnant.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You`re saying no to this obviously?
POLIZZI: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. There you go.
POLIZZI: And obviously, you`re just calling me fat, so I hate you.
WENDY WILLIAMS, HOST, "THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW": So you`re not pregnant. That was the pregnancy setup, so you`re not pregnant.
POLIZZI: I told everyone I`m not pregnant.
WILLIAMS: It`s OK. Talking is one thing. Drinking is a whole other, right, everyone?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Well, after all that denying, Snooki is still not fessing up and still, it looks as if it`s a sure thing and the truth has finally been revealed. But what could Snooki`s bombshell baby news actually mean for the future of "Jersey Shore"? I need to know.
With me in New York, "Inside Edition" correspondent, Megan Alexander and TV host, Megan Meany.
So these reports were rampant today that Snooki is, in fact, pregnant. Let me just say, we reached out to Snooks. We got a big fat no comment. We didn`t get a denial. We got a no comment.
Snooki is a major player, obviously, on "Jersey Shore." The cast, of course, is known for partying and for drinking and not for parenting. So that leads us to our SHOWBIZ flashpoint, could a Snooki pregnancy mark the end of "Jersey Shore"? Megan A., I`m going to start with you.
MEANY: Oh, come on, the spin-offs. I mean, who is not going to watch Snooki, the mom? She`ll have a lot less time for the gym. She`s going to have a lot more laundry do, could be some time-outs for this tot in a tanning bed.
I mean, we don`t watch these shows because, you know, we see ourselves. We watch because we love to see a train wreck. And we love bad parenting, right? So this isn`t the end of "Jersey Shore" because it`s just more shows, more money, more spin-offs.
Now, obviously, they`ve got some issues, because they`ve got this spin-off show now with J-Woww.
HAMMER: Well, yes.
MEANY: She`s supposed to, you know, be living the single life. All the adventures these girls, you know, undergo, so there`s definitely going to be a little rewriting there.
But there is more shows to come now if she`s really going to become a mom. I mean we love "Nanny 911," "Bethenny Happily Ever After." We love all these spin-offs. We`re going to watch still.
HAMMER: So you`re suggesting she wouldn`t be a great mom? Is that what I`m reading here?
MEANY: I got some concerns about the binge drinking. Hey, she likes pickles. Maybe that`s -
HAMMER: Here`s the thing -
MEANY: You know now why -
HAMMER: But here`s the thing. You know, you mentioned the spin-off show with J-Woww. That deal is set and they`ve actually started shooting for that show.
And I`m thinking there is no way that show could continue with its original intent to be a true-to-form "Jersey Shore" type of a spin-off. I`m thinking there is no way that MTV would have her pull this off by herself, do you? I`m talking about J-Woww doing the show without Snooki.
ALEXANDER: A.J., there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It could possibly be the end of "Jersey Shore." Who would have ever thought that Snooki getting pregnant would signal the end of that show?
I think MTV has a bit of a dilemma. I think that folks do not tune in to see Snooki change diapers. I also think, on a serious note - I don`t think people are going to be overly excited to watch her be a bad mother.
This is going to change her life if she is indeed pregnant. So I think they have a problem. I think this could be the end.
MEANY: Think of the book that Jenny McCarthy wrote, "Belly Laugh." Now, MTV could have a real opportunity here. Going through pregnancy with Snooki could be hilarious, especially with the girl friend in the room.
HAMMER: I do agree with you, but talking about the J-Woww spin-off show which is a reality at this moment.
MEANY: Right.
HAMMER: And again, I don`t think MTV could continue with the show as it is, but even if they have Snooki onboard for the show without Snooki drinking, without her carrying on the way people expect - and I`m talking about before she gets too far along in her pregnancy -
ALEXANDER: Exactly.
HAMMER: I don`t think they have the show that people want to see.
ALEXANDER: No, they don`t.
MEANY: But they have so many more shows coming, so it`s not a huge concern.
HAMMER: Oh, goody. Listen, Snooki may well have to bow out of the new MTV show. But it also could be the beginning of a whole new part of her career separate from television.
You know, Kourtney Kardashian and Bethenny Frankel have both capitalized on becoming new moms. And I`m not saying this is a bad thing. This leads us to our next SHOWBIZ flashpoint - could a new baby mean business gold for Snooki?
She`s reportedly already sold her story to "Us Weekly," kind of like Kourtney Kardashian, Megan. So I think she`s got the right thing in mind here. Why not Snooki having a big baby boom career?
ALEXANDER: Listen, it could happen. I will be very surprised if it does indeed work for her that way. I think it`s a little bit different looking at the Kardashians, although, yes, they`re crazy in their on right.
I just think the "Jersey Shore" is hard partying, clothes coming off, chugging beer, being wild. I`m just not sure that it could transfer over. However, crazier things have happened, so maybe it will.
MEANY: "Teen Moms" - people love to watch it, you know. "Nanny 911" - bad parenting going on there. I mean, I think people like to see bad parenting shows, but people will watch.
(CROSS TALK)
ALEXANDER: It`s true. It`s true.
HAMMER: We take such comfort in seeing Snooki doing Jell-O shots, rolling around on the beach, making a fool of herself. I don`t think we would take as much pleasure seeing her do things like that once she has a baby. I`m sorry. I`m sorry.
ALEXANDER: No, new things.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: Got leave it there. Megan, Megan, thank you both, Megan, so much.
MEANY: She won`t be able to handle it.
HAMMER: Well, we must move now from Snooki`s baby drama to Camille and Kelsey`s custody battle, and fortunately, it`s gotten better. Tonight, Camille and Kelsey Grammer settled their two-year long fight over their kids.
Plus, Julia Roberts` surprising support from young Hollywood. And Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner`s big baby news today. That story tops "The Buzz Today."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) It`s a boy for Ben and Jen. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have just become proud parents for the third time. This time, it`s a boy.
The couple, who have been together for seven years, welcomed their little one in Santa Monica, California. Baby Affleck joins big sisters, Violet and Serafina. Congratulations, Ben and Jen.
Camille keeps the kids. Camille and Kelsey Grammer finally made nice, settled their custody battle over their two young children. The two divorced last year and have been fighting over custody ever since.
The children will live with Camille while having meaningful, quality time with their dad, Kelsey.
Julia`s love for young Hollywood. Julia Roberts just revealed in a brand-new interview with "Vanity Fair" that she thinks fame is much harder these days for young stars.
Julia, who got her big break at age 22 in "Pretty Woman," says young stars aren`t given a chance to get it right, "The business is so different. You can never be that new girl that has that moment of `Where did she come from?`"
"There`s the express elevator and rehab. It`s so awful. Nobody gets a fair trial-and-error period that everybody deserves and everybody needs."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
No question about that. Well, there is also big breaking news tonight in the Whitney Houston death investigation. Will her death be ruled an accident? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news on Whitney`s tragic death, coming up next. 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`s" creator developing musical comedy starring Beyonce and Cameron Diaz. SHOWBIZ first listen: Madonna premieres her new single, "Girl Gone Wild."
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ breaks news about Whitney Houston`s death investigation. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has brand-new information about that explosive report which claims Whitney`s death will be ruled an accident.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter has been on top of this story from the start. Bringing her in now from Hollywood. Kareen, what did you find out about all this?
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J., here`s the deal. "E! Online" is reporting that Whitney`s shocking death is going to be ruled an accident by the L.A. County Coroner`s Office.
The Internet, I can tell you, is blowing up with speculation about that report. The big suggestion is that this rules out the possibility Whitney intentionally took her own life, taking an overdose of prescription pills.
But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has just learned the "E! Online" report that Whitney Houston`s death will be ruled an accident is false. The L.A. County Coroner`s Office tells me, A.J., any reports at this time making that claim are just flat-out untrue.
HAMMER: Yes, but it does all really seem to line up based on everything we`ve been hearing and seeing about Whitney Houston from people close to her -
WYNTER: Yes.
HAMMER: In the weeks leading up to her death. There`s no way she took her own life. But of course, all of this now puts us kind of right back where we started waiting for an official ruling on Whitney`s death. What can we expect to see that?
WYNTER: Well, you know, everything really hinges on the toxicology reports. At the time of Whitney`s death, several bottles of prescription pills were discovered.
And investigators, they need to know what was in her body, A.J., at the time of her death. And officials tell me they`ve been working double time to speed up the process. But it`s still going to be another month before they complete all of those toxicology tests.
HAMMER: And we are sure that they want to make sure that they`re doing everything exactly right. So at that point, once the tests are in, that is when we do get the official ruling on exactly what caused Whitney`s death?
WYNTER: Exactly, A.J. Then you know the big mystery will be over.
HAMMER: Yes, of course, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT will be right there once that official ruling on Whitney`s death is made. Everybody is eager to see, but I have a feeling it will line up with these reports, as I said, that we`ve been seeing that she did not take her own life and it was accidental.
All right. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s" Kareen Wynter, I thank you very much.
And I move on to the surprising cover girl who is raising eyebrows. Look at this picture. Can you tell who this face belongs to? I`ll tell you, coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Katy Perry, cover girl. Put it up now, Charles. There we go. Katy Perry, that is her, absolutely amazing on the cover of "Interview" magazine`s spring fashion issue.
This, I think, is a surprising new look for a familiar face. A lot of people are saying Katy`s kind of channeling Amy Winehouse for this shot. I`ve got to say. I mean, take a look at that. You can kind of see the resemblance.
Now, this is Katy`s first magazine cover since her divorce from Russell Brand. Katie sure doesn`t seem to be slowing down at all. She`s interviewed for the magazine by funny girl, Kristen Wiig, in this article and I quite frankly can`t wait to see what they have to say. It should be terrific.
You can grab the March issue of "Interview" and read it all for yourself.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Monday through Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific here on HLN.
"DR. DREW" is coming up next. Tonight, Tom Arnold`s sister - she ran a meth empire and she is talking with Dr. Drew all about it. And that starts right now.
END
