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Showbiz Tonight
Tom`s Shattered World; Stallone Death Mystery; Who Should Be Hef?; Rush Limbaugh vs. Batman; Baby Bump Controversy; Jessica`s Weight Struggle; Pass the Bill
Aired July 18, 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: Tonight, searching for answers. The Sage Stallone death mystery deepens. Sly Stallone has just hired a famous private investigator to help crack the case of his son`s death. But what clues are they looking for? And just what is the surprise investigation trying to figure out?
Hello, and thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer, and tonight we are counting down the top five most controversial stories of the day, including Rush Limbaugh taking on Batman. That`s right. Rush actually thinks that the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," is going after Mitt Romney. Trying to associate him with an evil villain as Romney runs for president.
Yes, it sounded ridiculous to me, too.
Countdown is coming up. But first, Tom`s shattered world. We learned remarkable new details today about what Tom Cruise is really going through after getting blindsided by Katie Holmes who divorced him out of the blue.
Now look at this. Tom seemed to be all smiles in this brand new picture of him, visiting his 6-year-old daughter Suri in New York. For the very first time since Katie kicked him out the door. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that what we learned today is that Tom`s world has been shattered.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATT LAUER, "TODAY" SHOW ANCHOR: We begin this half hour with Tom Cruise reunited with his daughter Suri.
HAMMER (voice-over): So when does a daddy-daughter outing become national news? When the daddy is Tom Cruise and the daughter is Suri.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Tom Cruise sees his daughter Suri for the first time since the divorce settlement with Katie Holmes.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, ABC NEWS: Tom Cruise reunited with Suri. Brand new details.
HAMMER: Tom Cruise`s reunion with his 6-year-old daughter touched off a paparazzi tsunami.
LESLEY MESSER, STAFF WRITER, PEOPLE: Everyone was waiting to see what it would be like when he finally reunited with his daughter.
HAMMER: Tom and Suri went to gymnastics and art lessons and today a helicopter ride for their very first face-to-face meeting since his wife Katie Holmes filed for divorce.
MESSER: Seeing her brought a new life to him. And sources were telling "People" that he looked so happy during the reunion. Being away from his daughter was incredibly difficult. He talked to her all the time. So it meant a lot for him to finally be able to see her.
HAMMER: Of course, having a legion of paparazzi tag along on a daddy- daughter outing isn`t exactly common, but today Cruise, Holmes and Suri are coping with something that`s very common, life after divorce.
MESSER: Katie`s been really focused on creating a normal life in New York for her daughter. Her mother has been here and the three of them have gone to the zoo. They`ve gone for ice cream and grocery shopping, and doing everything they can to make life as normal as possible.
HAMMER: And according to the new "People" magazine, Tom`s shattered world, it`s been a difficult adjustment for everyone, including Tom.
MESSER: Tom Cruise`s longtime lawyer and friend Bert Fields told people that he`s not bitter. He`s not angry that Katie filed for divorce. That he`s incredibly sad and grief stricken. The divorce filing really caught Tom by surprise. He was in a state of shock and asking himself what didn`t I see? What did I miss? Tom really didn`t realize that Katie was as unhappy in the marriage as she was.
HAMMER: Part of the strain on the marriage may have been Tom`s job. The new "People" magazine reports Cruise spent almost half of last year away from home on movie sets, while Katie spent much of her time at home with Tom`s family.
MESSER: He was away for a long time, and our sources tell "People" that one factor for her was that she was basically living with his sisters, and while he thought it made them even closer, it was a sour point for Katie. She didn`t like that she was spending more time with Tom`s family than with Tom.
HAMMER: In fact, Tom reportedly was in Iceland filming his movie "Oblivion" on June 28th when Katie called to tell him she was filing for divorce. But during that difficult time, Tom couldn`t get away to see his daughter.
MESSER: It wasn`t for lack of wanting to see her. Tom talked to Suri all the time, was desperate to see her, but unfortunately for him, the production of the film "Oblivion" needed to take place. He didn`t want to shut it down and cost people their jobs, cost people their livelihood. So he did his job and then when he was done he found time to come to New York to see his daughter.
HAMMER: Tom`s reunion with Suri in New York came with another potentially awkward moment, coordinating the visit with his estranged wife.
MESSER: Tom and Katie understand that even though their marriage is over, they`re going to have to be in touch for years and years to come. Because both of them want to prioritize Suri. So they`re working hard to make sure that his camp and her camp are getting along well and doing what`s best for her.
HAMMER: Such is life for this once picture perfect Hollywood family, now going through the sometimes awkward and painful ordeal of readjusting after a divorce.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And while Tom is now on a mission to get his life back in order, it is certain to be a long and difficult road back to normalcy for a man who, of course, lives life in the spotlight. But just how tough has it been for him?
From his stunning divorce to a month-long separation from 6-year-old daughter Suri, "People" magazine today revealed all the new details of his struggles.
Joining me in New York, "People" magazine reporter Carlos Greer. Jenn Hobby is with us from Atlanta. She`s an entertainment reporter and co-host of "The Bert Show."
OK, so Tom Cruise, he`s been seen all over the place here in New York City with Suri now, and really, you think about it. I mean his life changed almost in an instant. Almost 11 days after the divorce.
Carlos, take us inside Tom`s life right now. How is he doing?
CARLOS GREER, REPORTER, PEOPLE MAGAZINE: Tom is still grieving. You have to keep in mind, he was shocked, he was blindsided by this divorced. And he`s still asking what happened. But he`s in New York right now. He`s been away from Suri for a month so he`s very happy to be with his daughter. He loves Suri and he`s spending time with her in the city.
HAMMER: Yes, regardless of the circumstances, I cannot imagine what it is to deal with something like divorce when you`re in the public eye. Divorce worse than death in many cases. And worse than going through that kind of grieving experience. Really not an easy time for anybody in the family.
But we`re talking about two adults, of course, and the child, Jenn. Do you think that Suri is in any way being hurt by all this added attention that, you know, most families don`t have obviously?
JENN HOBBY, CO-HOST, "THE BERT SHOW": That`s true, A.J. And I think that Suri is pretty protected by her parents. Like you can see in these photos from "People" magazine, they`re still doing her everyday routine, taking her out, spending time with her. This daddy-daughter day seems like a really great time that they`re spending together because you don`t know, how are they communicating and what`s going on with mom and dad, with Suri? You`re not sure if they`ve even had that conversation with her yet.
So I think this extra attention from the paparazzi is going to be tough. But Suri is a famous kid, she`s probably pretty used to that.
HAMMER: Yes, I imagine she is and she`s not feeling it the same way we all imagine she might be feeling it. And we also, of course, wonder about the support that each Tom and Katie have. Of course, Katie`s dad was involved in getting this divorce pushed through. We`ve seen Katie`s mom out and about in New York City with her.
Carlos, has Tom had a similar circle of family or perhaps friends on his side to give him the support that I am sure he needs right now?
GREER: He has. It`s a similar situation. He`s relying heavily on his family. Conner and Bella, his children with Nicole Kidman, they`ve been by his side. His sisters have been with him. His parents have been with him. So he`s been with his family right now.
HAMMER: I think that is so, so important. And it`s good to hear that neither Katie nor Tom has spoken publicly about the divorce, of course. But look, we have seen a lot of Katie out and about in New York City. And now we`re getting to see Tom as well.
Jenn, and this is something I`ve been coming back to quite a bit since all this started to unfold. Do you think, perhaps, as much fun as Suri may be having, they should both perhaps lay low for a while and just stay completely out of the public eye?
HOBBY: I think they could try to. But it might be a futile attempt. These two are going to be followed by the cameras regardless right now. I mean it`s going to be a headline story for a long time. And I think that they`re just trying to keep it normal for Suri. And normal days for her are going to the museums and the parks and going to the zoos. So I think they`re just trying to keep her life as normal as possible.
HAMMER: Yes, I guess that, but I keep coming back to this, Carlos. It`s a tough balancing act. Because on the one hand, yes, you want to have that normal life. On the other hand, it`s a frenzy, and I don`t care how adjusted you are to being a child, you know, a child of two of the biggest stars in the world and Katie really because of her relationship with Tom. It`s got to be tough.
What do you think about the idea that they just stay out of the public eye all together?
GREER: Well, I mean, that`s impossible. I mean Suri has been in the public eye since the day she was born. And this is their life. This is normal for them. I mean it`s unfortunate but Suri is probably used to seeing all these cameras, actually.
HAMMER: Well, I will continue to wish them all the best.
Jenn, Carlos, thank you both so much.
You can read all about Tom Cruise`s transition from married man to single dad in the new "People" magazine. Look for it on newsstands this Friday.
And now pow, bam, zonk. I`m talking about Rush Limbaugh versus Batman. That`s right. Tonight Rush is claiming that there`s a dangerous bat signal in "The Dark Knight Rises", a plot against Republicans.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUSH LIMBAUGH, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: The villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" is named Bane. B-A-N-E.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. You`re going to find out why Rush insists that the new Batman villain is doing a hit job on Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney`s reputation. So the question is, where will the Rush conspiracy theory end up on tonight`s "SHOWBIZ Countdown, Biggest Controversies."
Plus Jessica Simpson`s slim down drama. The Weight Watcher spokeswoman who may be struggling to lose the pregnancy weight. Is it fair she`s being so scrutinized?
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight why some are saying Kiefer Sutherland might be desperate for a paycheck. I want you to look at this. Kiefer narrating a brand new ad for Axe Body Spray. The renowned actor, of course, best known for his amazing run on "24" is now shilling for a deodorant spray marketed to teenagers. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEIFER SUTHERLAND, ACTOR: She embodied every desirable quality that I`d ever wanted. In my mind I was a peasant before a queen. And so Susan Glenn and I, and everything. If I could do it again, I`d do it differently.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Kiefer`s series on FOX called "Touch" was just renewed, so a lot of people are wondering why he would do a spot like that. Personally I think it`s cool that Kiefer does whatever the heck he wants.
Coming up next, why did Sly Stallone just hire a famous private investigator to solve his son`s mysterious death?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, searching for answers. Sylvester Stallone`s family is understandably still reeling from the sudden death of Sly`s 36-year-old son Sage. And tonight there`s a brand new report from TMZ that says Sly has now hired a private investigator to help find out what led to this awful tragedy.
Joining me in New York, criminal defense attorney Midwin Charles, from Hollywood tonight, it`s chief news correspondent for E! Ken Baker.
So the L.A. Police Department is telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the investigation into Sage`s death is still ongoing, but there were no signs of forced entry.
Midwin, from your perspective as an attorney, why would somebody bring in a private investigator at this point when you have an investigation still under way and the police are obviously still doing their job?
MIDWIN CHARLES, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, as you can imagine, a family going through this is dealing with a lot. And one of the things that they want is answers. You`re right. There`s an investigation going on. However, it`s an investigation being carried on by the state with limited resources. There`s only so much they can do. And there`s only so much time they can devote to this one case.
So by hiring a private investigator, what they do is they assure that all hands are on deck and that someone is being paid to do this particular job and look into the death of this young man. And do it at no costs.
HAMMER: Obviously --
CHARLES: At all costs.
HAMMER: Well, at all costs.
CHARLES: At all costs.
HAMMER: And to that point, obviously Sly Stallone is a person of means.
CHARLES: Right.
HAMMER: Is this pretty typical for this kind of a case when you`re dealing with a wealthy person who can afford to hire somebody to perhaps do a little legwork?
CHARLES: Yes. Absolutely. Very typical. Whenever you have someone who has died, there are always going to be questions that surrounds that death. Especially if it isn`t a natural death. This is a young guy. You know, someone at the age of 36 typically doesn`t die. And so what they are doing by hiring a private investigators is to look into who is the last person who saw him alive. What was he doing? What was he involved in? And all those kinds of questions that they have that they can hopefully get answers to.
HAMMER: Ken, I want to get to you on this. You know, Sly obviously grief stricken. Understandably having a very difficult time dealing with all this. What do you make of the report that Sly is taking the investigation into his own hands? I mean knowing Sly, does this surprise you in any way?
KEN BAKER, CHIEF NEWS CORRESPONDENT, E!: Well, he may be involved in some way with helping this investigation with some sort of private work, but we actually -- just -- this just came in. We just spoke to a rep for Stallone who said that that report that he`s hired that particular private investigator is false. So that`s not to say that there might not be something else going on. But that`s just the latest from this newsroom.
But what I can say is that he is grief stricken, like you said. This has been very, very hard on him. They`ve been very public about saying that. We have not seen Sly since this all went down. We told -- we`ve been told there`s a funeral in the works in the next few days. Perhaps we`ll get our first public glimpse of him at that point but this was his eldest son. They were very close. This is just totally devastating.
HAMMER: Yes.
BAKER: Understandably for him.
HAMMER: And then when Sly has reportedly hired a very high profile investigator, who`s worked on these types of cases before, I have to imagine the police will be very happy to hear about whatever they may learn.
CHARLES: Of course. I mean I don`t think that Sylvester Stallone is doing this to kind of one up police investigators. He`s hoping to, at least that`s my guess, to hire private investigators so that private investigator can work in concert with the investigators, so that basically you have more people, more hands on deck.
HAMMER: They can work hand in hand.
All right. Midwin Charles, Ken Baker, thank you so much.
And now Kim K.`s ex turns the tables on Kanye West. Kanye got the girl. But Kris Humphries just got the last laugh. Wait until we tell you how he did it. Will Kris Humphries` surprise move land him in the number one spot on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown, Biggest Controversies?"
Plus the L.A. Lakers star who`s now a YouTube star.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT: Just because it`s called a passing lane, doesn`t mean someone should pass you a beer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, why was that carload of Lakers fans trying to give Steve Nash a road beer? This is the must-see SHOWBIZ viral video of the wild high- speed assist on an L.A. freeway.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HUGH HEFNER, PLAYBOY ENTERPRISES: What`s up, doc?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re talking about losing our virginities.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was 14, 20.
HEFNER: I was in college but I had already been in the army for two years. I`m going to guess, maybe 21, 22?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh my god.
HEFNER: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Really?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think everyone was surprised to find out that Hef didn`t lose his virginity until he was married, but you know, he`s made up for lost time. I think it`s safe to say.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Everyone was surprised, right? Yes, you remember that show. "Girls Next Door?" The wild reality show that took us inside Hugh Hefner`s Playboy mansion? Well, now there`s a movie about the legendary Playboy king in the works. So of course, that got us thinking, who should play Hef?
Here`s the deal. The Oscar nominated screenwriter behind "The Queen" and "Frost Nixon" is already speaking with Hef about doing this movie. I say it`s about time. Right? The guy is 86 years old. There really hasn`t been a single, major film about his life yet. For now the cast is still completely up in the air. So we are going to do the casting ourselves before Hollywood even gets the chance.
And I`m here to tell you we turned Hollywood upside down for our casting call. And we found these three top contenders to play Hef on the big screen. And here`s contender number one. Charlie Sheen. Of course, he is the former king of the party. That has got to help with this role.
Contender number two, Leonardo DiCaprio. Seems that he`s got a new model/girlfriend every few years. We figured he`d have the Playboy bunny thing down. And last but not least, our third contender is David Duchovny. This is a man who does know the dark side of living the high life.
Joining us now for the SHOWBIZ casting call, E! chief news correspondent, Ken Baker.
All right, Ken, from these picks I need to know for you, who would be the best Hef?
BAKER: OK, I`m going to pretend to take this seriously. OK.
HAMMER: What else could you possibly do with this?
(CROSSTALK)
BAKER: First of all Charlie --
(LAUGHTER)
BAKER: Charlie Sheen obviously wouldn`t have to do any extra research. I`m sure he`s very familiar with the confines of the Playboy mansion. So he would be a contender. He also has a pretty good resemblance to Hef back in the day. So he`s definitely at the top of my list. But Leo DiCaprio, great actor, he could pull it off. He also knows how to be a lady`s man. David Duchovny, not feeling it. But, you know, I think yes, he could be in third place. And if those other two aren`t available.
HAMMER: OK. So you`re going with Sheen as your top pick for a movie I`ve already dubbed in my mind, "The Grotto." How does that sound?
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: Behind the grotto, I don`t know. Listen, the Playboy lifestyle, we all know, it`s actually somewhat of a contradiction, because it`s all about cool and sophistication, and it`s also about smoking jackets and these wild parties and of course the beautiful women.
What do you think it takes to make a great Hef for this movie?
BAKER: Well, you missed something. I think it`s also about Viagra. Allegedly. We don`t know exactly. But at this point least. I think that, you know, you pointed out in the introduction to this that, you know, he had -- he has led a very fascinating life. It`s kind of shocking that there hasn`t been a significant film made about him.
And I think that if you really look at his life, you take out the personal side of it and just professionally what he did at the time he did launching Playboy back in the early days, the `50s and `60s, so it was very, very edgy for him to be doing what he was doing.
HAMMER: Yes.
BAKER: It`s a fascinating story. Of course, all the women he`s had relationships with, I think it would definitely be a great movie if they pulled it off in the right way.
HAMMER: How about this one, Charlie Sheen in Viagra in the grotto? No.
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: I don`t think -- that`s not going to be it either. I can`t wait to see what this ends up being particularly when you have, you know, the people behind it who seems to be getting involved in this kind of a project. It will be fascinating. I love Charlie Sheen in this movie.
All right, Ken Baker, always a lot of fun. Thank you so much.
Well, here now is what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LIMBAUGH: The villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" is named Bane. B-A-N-E.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes? Well, so what? Tonight we`re talking about a rush to judgment. Why is Rush Limbaugh claiming that "The Dark Knight Rises" is actually a hit job against presidential candidate Mitt Romney. This is the conspiracy theory that some people are saying is more farfetched than a super hero blockbuster.
So where will Rush`s Batman bashing land tonight on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown, Biggest Controversies." Wait until you hear the story and find out where Rush lands next.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Rush Limbaugh battles Batman. Rush`s outlandish claims that "The Dark Knight Rises" is taking a pot shot at presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LIMBAUGH: The villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" is named Bane. B-A-N-E.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: But will this rush to judgment top the "SHOWBIZ Countdown, Biggest Controversies" of the day. Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Kim K.`s ex are also stirring up trouble. Tonight the "SHOWBIZ Countdown, Biggest Controversies."
Inside Jessica Simpson`s weight battle. The pressure to slim down after her baby. Is Jessica regretting her big money diet deal?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues right now.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer.
Tonight in the "SHOWBIZ Countdown," we are counting down the top five controversial stories making big news today. But which will be number one? Well, kicking off our countdown, is the new Batman movie really a conspiracy to influence the presidential election?
I kid you not. That is actually what Rush Limbaugh seems to be suggesting. In at number five, Rush Limbaugh just claimed on his radio show that it is no accident that the name of the villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" is Bane. Spelled B-A-N-E. The implication is that it was a politically motivated reference to Mitt Romney`s one-time venture capital firm Bain Capital. B-A-I-N.
You`ve got to hear Rush telling his listeners how the new Batman movie is all part of a liberal media conspiracy to get President Obama reelected.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LIMBAUGH: The villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" is named Bane. B-A-N-E. What is the name of the venture capital firm that Romney ran and around which there`s now this make believe controversy? Bain.
The movie has been in the works for a long time and release date has been known, summer 2012, for a long time. Do you think that it is accidental that the name of the really vicious fire breathing, four-eyed whatever it is villain in this movie is named Bane?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Really? Listen. I appreciate a good conspiracy theory as much as the next person but this really is one of the most ridiculous things I`ve ever heard. So I got a good laugh out of it.
Yes, the coincidence, it is undeniable. But here`s the thing. Let`s take a look at the SHOWBIZ newsline. The character Bane was created in the comics back in 1993. Four years later he was featured in "Batman and Robin" battling then Batman George Clooney. And the plot for the "Dark Knight" was reportedly outlined back in 2008. Of course, that is long before Mitt Romney was the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
With me in New York tonight, TV and radio host, Michael Billy, and in Atlanta is Jenn Hobby, who`s the entertainment reporter and co-host of "The Bert Show."
Michael, I know you are buying into Rush`s theory that this had to be a conspiracy against Mitt Romney by the makers of "The Dark Knight Rises." I mean, come on.
MICHAEL BILLY, TV AND RADIO HOST: Is he on pills again? This is ridiculous. I used to host a show. I used to host a political talk show. Look, this is another sign that the Republicans, the right wings, the talkers, just have not a leg to stand on. I mean to pull this out of their arsenal? This is ridiculous. It`s completely made-up. Non-fact.
The comic book guys, anybody who`s a fan or a nonfan knows, look, obviously, you said it yourself, the character has been long -- been around for a long time.
HAMMER: Yes.
BILLY: Totally ridiculous.
HAMMER: Yes.
BILLY: It`s nonsense.
HAMMER: Yes, I actually love that he said this. And regardless of your political affiliation, it just makes him look silly.
Jenn, what are you thinking about this?
HOBBY: I`m actually impressed that he knows anything about "The Dark Knight Rises" and that he was able to connect his show to pop culture. I think as a radio person myself I`m impressed how he could tie the two together and actually talk about pop culture on his political talk show.
So kudos to Rush for knowing what`s going on in pop culture. But I think this is a stretch, a serious stretch. And come on, really?
HAMMER: Yes. Of course, really the kudos go to whoever fed him the information. But let`s move from Rush`s rush to judgment to a real Twitter zinger. Let`s get right to number four tonight on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown" of controversies.
Breaking today. At number four it`s Kris` big diss. Listen to this. Kim Kardashian`s ex, Kris Humphries, just took a shot at Kim`s new boyfriend, Kanye West, after basketball`s Brooklyn Nets re-signed Kris Humphries to a two-year, $24 million deal. Who co-owns the Nets? Well, Kanye`s good friend Jay-Z.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner is in Hollywood tonight. Why is Kris dissing Kanye, Nischelle?
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J., this is actually more like a crack back than a diss. And this all goes back to Kanye West`s song, "Way Too Cold." In the song West refers to his romance with Kim, and he threatens to use his close friendship with Jay-Z to have Kris drop from the team. So listen to this. Listen closely.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KANYE WEST, SINGER: And I`ll admit I fell in love with Kim, around the same time she fell he talks about his affections for Kim. Listen to this. Listen closely. And I`ll admit I fell in love with him. Well, that`s cool, baby girl, do your thing. Lucky I ain`t have Jay drop him from the team.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: All right. Well, Kris decided to dish his own -- diss to Kanye in a tweet to his fans, and here`s what he said. He said, I`m up at Brooklyn. Lucky I didn`t have Jay drop me from the team. LOL.
HAMMER: All right. Let me go to you on this, Michael. It`s all fair in love and war, I mean, what do we make of this?
Do we really think Jay-Z is taking business advice from Kanye West? He`s a brilliant businessman. I highly doubt it.
BILLY: Look, Kris, tweet all you want. Fight all you want. He deserves the $25 million. He was married to Kim. Let it go. Let her have Kanye West, please.
HAMMER: Yes.
BILLY: He deserves it.
HAMMER: Why do people feel the need to get on Twitter and have these conversation?
BILLY: I don`t get it.
HAMMER: Use e-mail if you want to get this message out. But let`s go now from a Twitter zinger to Lady Gaga`s attention grabber. At number three tonight on SHOWBIZ`s countdown to controversy, get a load of Gaga`s near naked new ad. This is for a perfume. That`s Gaga naked except for the dozen or so miniature men hanging on to every part of her body. Now Gaga is holding a bottle of her new perfume called Fame.
Jenn, do you notice the perfume at all? I`m looking.
HOBBY: What? There`s perfume in there?
HAMMER: What?
(LAUGHTER)
HOBBY: I didn`t notice it at all. I actually had to look two or three times to find the perfume in there. I mean, it`s such an incredible photo. And Gaga is always pushing the limits and pushing the boundaries. I think this sort of reinforces her brand, but I`m not sure that this is going to sell perfume. I guess it will. I didn`t even notice the perfume.
HAMMER: Well, she is a marketing genius after all. And as you can see, by the way, I think -- part of the intention obviously of having the miniature men, it helps Gaga keep this new ad a little more PG, by the way, they`re hanging onto her.
Michael, I`d stopped trying to figure out what naked miniature men hanging onto Lady Gaga has to do with perfume. But that doesn`t really matter. It`s still going to work because it`s Gaga? I`m trying to --
(CROSSTALK)
BILLY: She`s a marketing genius. But what does it smell like? To me all I have to do is go to the gym to smell like a sweaty gay man. And from the looks of the poster, it looks like it smells like a sweaty gay man. Sorry. But she`s a marketing genius so trust her. She`s a business genius. It`ll do great.
HAMMER: Well, from one marketing genius, from Gaga`s attention grabber, to another marketing genius, it`s Madonna`s shocking show stunt. This time she actually pulled a gun on herself. This is number two on the "SHOWBIZ Controversy" countdown. Madonna`s got a gun. No secret that Madonna is on an ongoing mission throughout her life to shock at her shows.
She flashed her breasts in Turkey a couple of days ago. Almost sounds like a sandwich. Then her rear in Rome. But get a load of this, Madonna holding a gun to her head during a concert in the U.K. last night.
Jenn, do you think Madonna perhaps is trying a bit too hard at this point?
HOBBY: I would agree with you, A.J., if we`re just talking about the rear end and the flash of her breast, because that does seem to me -- for her to be a little bit trying too hard. But I think you can see some artistic symbolism or some more meaning in the gun. So I`m more on board with the gun than I am the flashing of the body parts.
HAMMER: The body parts, the breasts, the rear, you know, and she has a 15- year-old daughter, let`s not forget that. Some would question what kind of message that may send. But I always answer these stories by saying, it`s Madonna. All right. There you have it.
Only one story, however, can be number one on tonight`s "SHOWBIZ Countdown, Biggest Controversies." And we have got the big reveal in just a minute.
But first, there is something that always gets me very riled up. People putting pressure on Jessica Simpson to shed her baby weight. I can`t believe this is still going on. Her baby not even three months old yet. Yes, I know that Jessica signed on for this big money diet deal. But you know, so what?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, should everyone just back off?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is counting down the top five most controversial stories that are making big news today. Let me give you a recap and tell you where we are so far.
At number five, Rush Limbaugh`s ridiculous claim the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," takes pot shots at Mitt Romney in his run for president. At number four, Kris Humphries taking a shot at his ex-wife`s new boyfriend, Kanye West. Number three tonight, Lady Gaga`s attention grabbing ad for a new perfume. And number two, Madonna`s shocking show stunt. She actually pulls a gun on herself.
But of course only one story can be number one on the SHOWBIZ Countdown. And here it is. Yahoo, 37-year-old Marissa Mayer who is six months pregnant was just named as the new chief in charge of Yahoo. But here`s the belly rub. She`s only planning to take a couple of weeks of maternity leave.
Well, that announcement sparked big controversy. You`ve got to take a look at these, the result of "People" magazine`s poll. This is what they asked. What do you think of Mayer`s decision to take a shortened maternity leave? And look at this, 14 percent voted it`s reasonable. She`s in a position of power. Twenty-two percent voted, it`s unrealistic. She`ll get it once the baby arrives. Now 64 percent voted it`s no one`s business but hers.
Back to Jenn Hobby, entertainment reporter and co-host of "The Bert Show." Jenn, do these results surprise you?
HOBBY: I am pleasantly surprised by these results that everybody says, listen, it`s her business. She`s this new CEO, starting this new chapter of her life in business and at the same time starting a family. What she wants to do with that is her decision. I`m so glad to hear these results of people are saying, listen, this is her business. And by the way, I am a super fan. I cannot wait to watch her career and watch her family grow at the same time.
HAMMER: This is a woman in a position of influence, TV and radio host, Michael Billy. So do you think that Marissa Mayer is setting this unrealistic standard for women who are out there and maybe watching what she`s doing?
BILLY: I don`t think real women care what the CEO of Yahoo! is doing. Is there a poll as to what her husband is doing and how he plans to take care of the baby? What is this? 1950? I mean, it`s up to her. It`s her choice. Women`s fight. Hello? Where do we live? Let her have her baby. She`ll make the right decision and -- to take care of the baby.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: But I totally agree with you. But you get the fact that, you know, people look at this woman and they perhaps put her up on a pedestal and want to follow her example.
BILLY: Yes, she`s in a different tax bracket. Things that she can do are certainly not the things that the everyday other women can do. She can do a nannies, daycare.
HAMMER: Fair enough.
All right, Michael Billy, Jenn Hobby, I thank you both.
And we move now from mom-to-be to new mom. Jessica Simpson`s weight struggle. It has been just two and a half months since Simpson gave birth to baby Maxwell Drew. But now she`s reportedly sweating bullets about dropping her pregnancy pounds after signing off on that reported $4 million deal as a spokesperson for Weight Watchers.
Well, today "People" magazine revealed all new details in Jessica`s struggle to slim down.
"People" reporter Carlos Greer is with me in New York tonight.
There is so much pressure on these celebrity moms to lose weight very quickly. So much so that I really got to wonder why Jessica would actually sign a weight loss deal where, you know, she`s expected to share with the world how much she`s lost.
Let me show you this photo of Jessica. It was taken three weeks ago. Jessica on her way to a workout session, naturally, this is not going to be an easy process for her, Carlos. But from what "People" has learned, is Jessica regretting the decision to sign on and do this deal?
GREER: Jessica is not regretting it at all. She`s actually approaching it in a very healthy way. She says she feels no pressure. Her goal is to lose a pound a week. But she wants to do this for herself.
HAMMER: And I`ve got to say, she was just beautiful before the baby. She`s still a beautiful woman. But this weight loss deal is clearly something she wanted after gaining a reported 70 pounds.
Carlos, what has "People" learned? Is she making the progress that she had hoped to make at this point?
GREER: She said that she is making progress right now. Again, she wants to lose a pound a week. And so it`s her goal, it`s not to fit into some bikini. She just simply wants to get back into the jeans that she was wearing before she was pregnant.
HAMMER: So any other celebrity who`s thinking about doing a kind of -- you know, weight loss deal with whatever the company is, you know I would think they might be looking at Jessica thinking there`s a big struggle and all this regret and thinking maybe I shouldn`t do that. But that`s not really the case here.
GREER: No, it`s not the case at all. You know, Jessica she`s ready to face the scrutiny. Again, she said that she`s going to do this for herself. Her whole goal is to be healthy and to just get back to her normal weight.
HAMMER: So what about the people who say that she brings the scrutiny on herself? I mean I`ve been saying on and on since we`ve been talking about Jessica Simpson`s weight battles how ridiculous it is that that anybody would scrutinize her. But you know, she`s in the public eye. It`s part of the deal.
GREER: Well, you know what, Jessica, she`s one of those celebrities who can also handle the scrutiny. She doesn`t take herself too seriously. And that`s the thing like people they love celebrity weight stories. They love pregnancies and babies. So it`s only, you know, people are going to want to pay attention to her and know every detail.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: Yes. And they`re not going to back off, are they?
GREER: They`re not. Yes.
HAMMER: It`s just going to be part of pop culture in the way things are.
GREER: It`s a part of pop culture.
HAMMER: All right. Carlos Greer, thank you very much for that. Glad to hear Jessica has no regrets and you can read all about Jessica Simpson`s weight loss battle in "People". It`ll be on newsstands on Friday.
Well, you know, you shouldn`t drink and drive so what the heck is going on here?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Just because it`s called the passing lane doesn`t mean someone should pass you a beer?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, they really are offering a cold brew to someone in another car while flying down in L.A. Expressway. What until you find out who these guys are sharing their beer with and why this viral video could give all new meaning to the term, "Welcome Wagon."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: I`m thinking that today`s SHOWBIZ viral video would make Dirty Harry proud. Take a look at this, and keep your eyes at the top of the screen. Two guys tried to hold up an Internet cafe in Florida. Everyone was terrified they`re fleeing for their lives until 71-year-old Samuel Williams has decided he was mad as hell. And wasn`t going to be stuck up.
Look at the guy, go. Samuel Williams pulled out his gun and started firing at the would-be robbers. The guy were was arrested has charged. The cops say the elderly hero had a legal gun and he is not expected to face any charges.
Well, I don`t think that gun-totting guy would stand for the behavior in this next SHOWBIZ Viral Video either. A couple of knuckleheads in California decided it would be a great idea to offer a cold beer to the hot new L.A. Lakers` Steve Nash. Cool right? Yes, except for the fact that they were passing the beer while speeding down the highway. And yes, of course they recorded the entire thing.
Here now is CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with a story you`ve got to see to believe.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Just because it`s called the passing lane doesn`t mean someone should pass you a beer. That`s just what an SUV (INAUDIBLE) Los Angeles Lakers fan did when they spotted the Lakers` newest star. Steve Nash in a taxi on three-way 110.
Now the guy shooting this is none other than point guard Steve Nash himself. And when they finally completed the hand off, Nash just swung the camera around and added a comment.
STEVE NASH, L.A. LAKERS POINT GUARD: That`s been petty good so far.
MOOS: Nash later twitted out the video saying thanks for the warm welcome, we were hoping the can of Keystone Light was cold.
The rowdy fans opened their own Twitter account calling themselves, L.A. Beer Bros, and they posted video of the view from their SUV, then a celebration following the hand-off.
The L.A. Beer Bros twitted that they were on the way to the Dodgers game. A guy in back said, that`s Steve Nash. Slowed down to check, sure enough.
(On camera): One guy posted to YouTube that the video would be a great commercial. Keystone Light, good enough to make Steve Nash open his window.
(Voice-over): But the makers of Keystone Light seemed to distance themselves, telling CNN we had nothing to do with this video. Some online distanced themselves from Keystone Light. Not exactly a premium beer. Nash should have realized it was a Keystone and thrown it back, posted one.
Of course, there could have been more razzle-dazzle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, pass me a beer.
MOOS: Like the two guys who made an entertaining video catapulting a beer, kicking a beer, skateboarding a beer and bouncing one. But nearly passing a beer between cars wheezing along the freeway is already unsafe and illegal, but so far there have been no charges.
(On camera): We haven`t seen a product handoff like this since -- Grey Poupon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pardon me. Would you have any Grey Poupon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But of course.
MOOS: These two would have pouponed their pants if they did this at say 60 miles an hour.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And they say we`re bad drivers in New York. Come on. That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, the queen of soul may want to be on "American Idol," but the show`s reality rival "The Voice" has scored a queen of its own. The 411 on that is next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Fifty years and still going strong. The legendary Bob Dylan is marking a major milestone with a gift for fans. Also an Oscar winner is set to swim on to the big screen again. And the queen of hip hop soul gets a new reality.
Those are the stories making big news in the "Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Mary`s voice. Mary J. Blige has just signed on to join NBC`s "The Voice." The Grammy-winning singer will be an adviser to Adam Levin`s team for the show`s third season. Blige joins Michael Buble who has recently announced as a member of Blake Shelton`s team. "The Voice" premiers on September 10th.
Bob Dylan`s big return. Bob Dylan and Columbia Records have just announced the legendary singer will be releasing a brand new album "Tempest." The album would be Dylan`s 35th studio set. It marks the 50th anniversary since his debut album. Tempest releases on September 11 and will feature 10 new and original songs.
Where is Nemo? Could Nemo be swimming to a theater near you? Well, according to the Hollywood reporter, a sequel to Disney Pixar`s Oscar- winning animated film "Finding Nemo" is in the works.
ELLEN DEGENERES, "DORY": You want a piece of me? Yes, yes. Oh, I`m scared now.
No word yet if Ellen DeGeneres will reprise her role as Dory. The film is expected in 2016.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And as we move on tonight, it`s sex and relationship Wednesday on the Dr. Drew show. A woman seeks revenge on her cheating ex-husband by putting her house up for sale. Now the sign on the front lawn reads, house for sale. Adulterers need not apply.
Dr. Drew talks to that woman right now.
(END)
