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Showbiz Tonight

Katherine Jackson Out as Guardian of Michael Jackson`s Children; "Twilight Bitten By a Cheating Scandal"; War on "Modern Family"; Christian Bale`s Kindness

Aired July 25, 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: Katherine Jackson is out as guardian of Michael`s three children. Who will take care of them now? Will this end the non-stop family infighting? Or has the real Jackson battle just begun?

(MUSIC)

Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer. And tonight in the SHOWBIZ countdown of today`s buzz-makers, "Twilight" star, Kristen Stewart and her incredible confession today that she not only cheated on her longtime boyfriend and costar, Rob Pattinson, but she cheated with the married director of her new movie.

But first, tonight, what the heck is going on with the Jacksons? The all- out, non-civil war involving the family of Michael Jackson took a bizarre new turn today, many of them, including an unexpected all-out battle in court over Michael`s three children.

And it ended with a real shocker - a judge ordering Michael`s mother Katherine not to be the guardian of his kids.

Tonight, only SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is bringing you Thomas Mesereau, the attorney who represented, of course, Michael Jackson when he was found not guilty of charges he sexually molested a young boy back in 2005.

I`ll be speaking Tom in just a minute to get his fascinating insight on what is going on. But first, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the head-spinning developments today in the Jackson family feud.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Janet Jackson slapped Paris Jackson in the face. After the slap, Janet Jackson told Paris Jackson you`re a spoiled little (EXPLETIVE DELETED).

HAMMER (voice-over): This morning "Good Morning America" ran wild with TMZ`s report of a tussle between Michael Jackson`s famous sister, Janet, and his 14-year-old daughter Paris at the Jackson family home.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Paris Jackson slapped Janet Jackson back.

HAMMER: A rich family engaging in a slap fight in front of a mansion. Sounds look something you used to see on "Dynasty." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned Janet was trying to take away the cell phone Paris has been using to tweet about the family troubles. But now, Paris is disputing reports of violence.

ALEXIS TERESZCUK, "RADAR ONLINE": She has denied that there was an altercation. She said she didn`t slap anybody.

HAMMER: On Paris` tweeter feed, a follower asked "Did Janet really slap you?" to which Paris tweeted, "No." A slap fight or not, it`s clear the Jackson family dynamic remains as explosive as ever in apparent feud over three big issues, Michael Jackson`s 82-year-old mother, Katherine, Jackson`s three kids and Michael`s billion-dollar fortune.

TERESZCUK: It`s all about Michael`s money that he did not want his siblings to have.

HAMMER: The first fight over Michael Jackson`s children exploded today. A Los Angeles court suspended Michael Jackson`s 82-year-old mother, Katherine, as guardian of Michael`s kids, Paris, Prince and Blanket.

The kids will now be looked after by Michael`s 34-year-old nephew, T.J. Pop culture trivia - T.J. dated Kim Kardashian in high school.

In suspending Katherine`s guardianship, the judge ruled that Katherine may be prevented from acting as a guardian because of the acts of third parties.

TERESZCUK: She`s been missing for nine days.

HAMMER: Earlier this month, some of Michael`s siblings reportedly whisked the 82-year-old away from her home in and grandchildren in California to Arizona in what some are calling a plot to get their hands on the King of Pop`s fortune.

Katherine and kids are beneficiaries of Michael`s billion-dollar fortune. As for the siblings -

TERESZCUK: None of them received any money after Michael`s death.

HAMMER: This morning on "Good Morning America," Michael`s brother, Randy, denied participating in a money grab.

RANDY JACKSON, BROTHER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: This is not about money. This is not about money. This is my brother.

HAMMER: Randy adds Katherine was not missing at all. She just went to Arizona to get some much-needed rest.

R. JACKSON: It was under doctor`s orders that she - her health was really bad.

HAMMER: But apparently, the rest of the family didn`t get the memo. Jackson`s daughter, Paris, spent much of the past few days tweeting her grandmother was missing.

Today, an attorney for Katherine Jackson claimed that Katherine was being held against her will.

MARLON JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S BROTHER: I don`t know where my mother is. I don`t know where my mother is.

HAMMER: And on "The Insider" yesterday, another Jackson brother, Marlon, appearing with brothers Jackie and Tito, got emotional talking about what his siblings did with his missing mom.

MARLON JACKSON: Whatever the doctor said, I can`t talk to my mother. You call me.

HAMMER: But the battle over Jackson`s kids and money continue. For now, Michael`s kids are no longer under his mother`s care and the famously- talented Jackson siblings are now divided into two camps, with one faction, including Jermaine, Janet and Randy, trying to fight the Michael Jackson will that left them with nothing, and the rest of the siblings just wanting the infighting to stop.

TERESZCUK: The Jackson family is in incredible turmoil.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HAMMER: And of course, caught in the middle of this family feud, Michael`s three young children, who we all remember he kept so carefully protected while he was alive.

I can`t even imagine he would have ever expected this turn of events.

Joining me now for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, a real Jackson insider, criminal defense attorney Thomas Mesereau, who, of course, famously defended Michael Jackson in his 2005 molestation child trial that ended with Michael being acquitted of all charges. Tom, I really appreciate you being with us tonight. Thank you so much.

THOMAS MESEREAU, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Thanks for having me.

HAMMER: Well, listen. First, we have to talk about this. I need to get your take on the breaking developments today - Michael`s mom, Katherine, being suspended as guardian of Michael`s three children.

And I understand that may have been necessary given her absence. But I know you saw Katherine before all of this went down, Tom. Does this turn of events surprise you?

MESEREAU: It does surprise me because what`s being reported is very disturbing. I know Katherine as a decent, wonderful, loving, kind, spiritual caring person.

She`s one of the most lovely women I`ve ever met. Everyone who knows her loves her. And I`ve always known her children, you know, Michael`s brothers and sisters, to treat her with love and respect always.

Her grandchildren are being raised beautifully. They`re very well adjusted, very bright young children. And T.J., I know also - he`s a very, very responsible, kind, loving young man, very devoted to Katherine and very devoted to Michael`s children.

So this is not the kind of family you would expect any of these things that are being reported to experience. So I`m hoping that everything gets straightened out very quickly, that everything gets back to normal.

My understanding is Katherine`s returning and I bet she`s reappointed, you know, to take care of the kids, to be their guardian. And I hope things get back to normal because they`re a nice family.

HAMMER: Yes. And that`s the thing that was so strange to me, Tom. And I think you really hit the nail on the head. We always heard the family members, the kids, always speaking with the utmost respect for Katherine.

Everybody was saying when she was appointed guardian of Michael`s kids that she was absolutely the right person. And then we hear Katherine`s grandson, T.J., saying in court today that he had this disturbing conversation with Katherine that she didn`t even sound like herself on the phone.

And the attorney is saying she has been taken against her will - that`s Katherine`s attorney. So I imagine when you heard that, that just didn`t make any sense to you.

MESEREAU: I can`t imagine her children kidnapping her. It makes absolutely no sense to me. Now, listen, she`s 82 years old. She`s involved in a wrongful death lawsuit involving Michael`s death, which has to be very, very draining for her and very disturbing for her.

She`s raising three beautiful children. That`s got to have its rigors, you know, and difficulties. So maybe she was tired. Maybe she weary. Maybe she had a medical issue.

I just don`t know. I just know that this is not a family that does the kinds of things that are being reported.

HAMMER: Yes.

MESEREAU: Now, every large family has differences. Any large family is going to have differences of opinion. There are going to be some conflicts here and there. To think there wouldn`t be would be unrealistic.

But nevertheless, these are fundamentally nice, kind people. They`re talented people the world loves to look at. And of course, when the media is all over you, that creates pressures as well. So I`m hoping everything gets back to normal. They`re good people.

HAMMER: OK. So then, given all of that, Tom, you know, what do you actually think is going on here? We`ve heard the reports a lot of people have been suggesting this is all about a will, a will that some of the brothers - some of the family members are saying was not even a real will.

Some people are saying it`s all about money. You`re a real Jackson insider. You`ve known these guys for a long time. What do you think the bottom line is here?

MESEREAU: Well, certainly, there is tension over the will and the estate. I know that Michael`s brothers and sisters are very suspicious of this will, very suspicious of how it originated, where it was executed, whether his signature is correct.

You know, they`re watching lawyers make lots of money on their brother`s estate and they`re not really being included as they think they should have.

But this is not unusual on a big estate. This is not atypical. You know, very often, siblings, heirs, people who are not included are very suspicious of what happened and when things happened and who influenced the deceased.

So this is not an unusual development. What`s unusual is that the estate is so large and the family so famous. So to have tension would be expected. It would be normal.

But this idea of kidnapping and abuse and that kind of thing just makes no sense to me and I hope it`s not true. I don`t know what happened at the estate.

If there was some bickering or arguing, you know, so what else is new among large families? But I`m just hoping that none of it as at the level that`s being reported.

HAMMER: Well, there`s still one very big burning question about this Jackson family feud that crazy surveillance video of Michael`s teenage daughter, Paris, getting into a confrontation with her aunt, Janet Jackson. Who released that video? It just had to be someone inside the Jackson family, right?

Tom, I want you to stay right where you are. I`m going to get your take on that in just a moment.

But first, tonight, we`ve got to move on from "Twilight" to scandal spotlight. Kristen Stewart reportedly cheats on her boyfriend, Robert Pattinson, with a married man.

And then, in another shocking twist today, Kristen actually issues a public apology. What`s the deal here? We`ve got the late-breaking details.

Plus, "Modern Family" feud. The stars of one of the hottest shows on TV saying, "Show me the money." But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, do you have any sympathy for the "Modern Family" plea for millions?

And while you think about that, ponder this - will the "Modern Family" feud top the SHOWBIZ countdown of the day`s biggest buzz makers? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Lady Gaga, a doll diva? Well, that`s the claim by the company that makes Bratz dolls. A Gaga doll is currently in the works.

But now, the company is suing the superstar for $10 million. Why? Well, they say Lady Gaga is purposely nitpicking details about the doll, like allegedly saying that it should be more supermodel-like.

The suit claims it`s all part of a plan to have the dolls` release delayed until next year just in time for Lady Gaga`s new album and perfume. Reps for Lady Gaga and her record company call the suit meritless.

Up next, more with Jackson family insider, Tom Mesereau, his thoughts on the caught-on-tape altercation between Janet and Paris.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Caught on tape, you are looking at surveillance video inside the Jackson family compound. Clearly, something happened between Janet Jackson and Michael`s teenage daughter, Paris.

This all went down while the matriarch of the family, Katherine Jackson, was mysteriously away from home. That surveillance video of Janet getting into what looks like a shoving match with her niece, Paris, has sparked so many questions. What happened? Who would want that video to be released?

Back with me now for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, criminal defense attorney, Thomas Mesereau, who famously defended Michael Jackson in his 2005 molestation trial that ended, of course, with Michael being acquitted of all charges.

And Tom, I`ve got to get your take on this surveillance video. Someone inside the Jackson family released the video. What does it say to you about how fractured the Jackson family is right now?

MESEREAU: Well, first of all, just because there was a little argument doesn`t mean anything unusual happened. All families have arguments once in a while.

People start to yell. Things get heated. It doesn`t mean anything really unusual happened as far as I`m concerned. It`s just that it happened to be the Jacksons who are under a fish bowl.

So if Janet and Paris - if they had arguments, they had arguments. I mean, I don`t know what it was about. And as far as who took the video and who released it, it could only be family members, the sheriff`s department or the media somehow sneaked in and got a hold of this.

I don`t know what happened. Somebody wanted to publicize this. Somebody wanted to make a big issue out of it, and I honestly don`t know who did it.

HAMMER: OK. Yes. Well, it was released from a Jackson family member. But listen, we all know that Michael, Tom, was known to be worried about someone being out to get him.

We know that Michael trusted his mother with his children. But did you get the sense that he trusted his siblings or was there some mistrust there?

MESEREAU: Well, Michael was very protective of his children at all times. He was a dedicated, devoted, loving father. He wanted them protected. He wanted them to grow up educated, well-read, well-traveled, well-balanced.

He wanted them to understand the pressures of the media, being a Jackson. And I never saw him say or do anything that suggested he didn`t want his siblings around his children. Never.

You know, Michael was a family person. As I said before, all families have differences. And when you have fame and fortune involved, things get exaggerated repeatedly.

But Michael never said anything to me that suggested he didn`t want his siblings around his children. Never.

HAMMER: Well, obviously, you can`t know for sure, but you obviously know the family well. With that inside knowledge, how do you see this drama getting resolved, Tom?

MESEREAU: I hope it gets resolved very quickly. I understand Katherine is returning. I hope her health is OK. You know, she`s 82-year-old with a lot of responsibilities.

She`s a loving, kind person. Hopefully, if she`s having physical or any other type of illness that it gets straightened out.

I hope they go back into court, she gets reappointed, and I hope everybody calms down and continues to be the nice people that I`ve always seen them as being.

HAMMER: Well, it`s good to hear you saying that. And it gives us some hope that, you know, perhaps things will be restored to normalcy as far as normalcy can exist within the Jackson family.

I really appreciate your special and unique insight into all this. Tom Mesereau, thank you so much.

MESEREAU: Thanks for having me. I really appreciate it.

HAMMER: Absolutely. Well, tonight, we have the overwhelming reaction to Christian Bale`s visit to survivors of the Colorado movie shooting.

"The Dark Knight Rises" star has become a real life superhero for a whole lot of people in Aurora today. And Christian`s heartwarming gesture is definitely in the running for the top five on the SHOWBIZ countdown, today`s biggest buzz makers. Will Christian`s courage make the top spot?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is where all of the books on pigs are. So anyone looking for information on pigs would start here. Let`s see. Here`s what - hey, you`re Kermit the Frog, right?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: I love it. For over two decades, the great LeVar Burton taught children on the award-winning "Reading Rainbow" on PBS. And now, he`s determined to help talk to kids about the tragedy in Colorado.

Of course, we were all horrified by the massacre at the movie theater during a showing of the new "Batman" movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." And if adults feel like that, can you just imagine what our kids are going through right now?

LeVar Burton has a new PSA that deals with just that and offers parents some help on talking to their kids about this terrible tragedy.

Actor LeVar Burton is joining me right now from Hollywood for the SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. So great to have you here, LeVar.

LEVAR BURTON, ACTOR: Always a pleasure.

HAMMER: Well, let`s watch some of that powerful message together.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BURTON: We all know children are often much more aware of what`s going on around them than we sometimes give them credit for.

Getting together as a family, talking about it, and then returning to the normal routines of life is a very good way of dealing with this terrible, terrible tragedy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: I mean, you`re sending such an important message here, LeVar. We are also affected by what happened in Colorado. And kids, of course, are no different.

And of course, we know that, sometimes, parents don`t want to talk about bad things with their - particularly with their young kids. But that`s not really the right way to handle this, is it?

BURTON: No. All the experts agree that the best thing to do is address the issue head on in an age-appropriate manner for the children that are yours.

And then getting back into the normal routine of life is really important, letting kids know that they`re safe, in this case, and in this instance, making sure they know the person responsible for the violence in Colorado has been apprehended.

You know, those are events that the adults in the world are going to take care of. But you`re safe and our lives are going to go on. Those should be the messages that families talk about during events like this.

HAMMER: I always appreciate it, LeVar, when people such as yourself with an audience. You know, people see your face. They listen to what you have to say, get involved particularly in times like this.

We just had Christian Bale, who of course plays Batman in "The Dark Knight Rises," heading off to Aurora to meet survivors, not because anybody put him up to it, but because he just wanted to do it himself.

He wanted to visit the memorial of the victims. What do you think it really meant for the survivors and for the people of Aurora that he took the time on his own and just showed up like that?

BURTON: I`m sure it meant the world to them. You can`t underestimate the value that that kind of energy exchange has in the healing process, which is only just beginning in Aurora.

There are a lot of people still in the hospital, a lot of people still facing all kinds of physical challenges, not to mention the emotional scars that will need to be dealt with over time.

And Christian Bale showing up unannounced, I`m sure, was a great moment for a lot of the folks that he made contact with.

HAMMER: Well, LeVar, I tip my hat to you for doing your part to pitch in, particularly to help the conversation with kids out. It`s always great to see you. Thank you so much.

BURTON: Thank you.

HAMMER: And to watch LeVar`s entire video, and you should do this, about talking to your kids about the Colorado tragedy go to Facebook.com/ReadingRainbow.

Moving on now to what`s coming up to the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. There a few stories - they are just few - that shock the SHOWBIZ newsroom.

But this wild story about "Twilight`s" Kristen Stewart allegedly having affair with a married director? It ranks right up there as shockers go.

Did Kristen really break Rob Pattinson`s heart and then make a public apology today? We`ve got new details tonight. And find out how on earth the shattering news stacked up on the SHOWBIZ countdown.

Is this the biggest buzz-making story of the day? We are going to count them down. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "Twilight" bitten by a cheating scandal. Kristen Stewart offers a shocking public apology for cheating on her long-time boyfriend Rob Pattinson.

SHOWBIZ dares to ask - what does this mean for Hollywood`s hottest young couple?

Plus, it`s war on the set of "Modern Family." The entire cast is holding out for more money. Do they deserve millions more, or are they asking too much?

So which Hollywood shocker will take the top slot on today`s SHOWBIZ buzz- makers countdown? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues right now.

(MUSIC)

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer. And tonight, in the SHOWBIZ countdown, we are counting down the top five biggest buzz-makers today, but which is going to be number one?

Well, kicking off our countdown, it`s the "Twilight" cheating scandal. At number five, there could be bad blood between one of the most beloved young couples in Hollywood, Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson.

Say it isn`t so. Well, there are these new bombshell reports that 22-year- old Stewart was caught cheating on Pattinson with the 41-year-old married director of her hit movie, "Snow White and the Huntsman."

From the stunning fling to the serious regrets, "People" magazine today revealed all the new details of this K-Stew and R-Pat shake-up.

With me in New York, "People" reporter, Carlos Greer. And Carlos, this is just unbelievable. I don`t think anybody saw this coming.

And more extraordinarily, today, Kristen released this public apology. Here`s what she told "People," "I`m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I`ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him. I love him. I love him. I`m so sorry."

Carlos, take us inside what happened. What did you guys learn?

CARLOS GREER, REPORTER, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Well, we broke the news yesterday on People.com that she was caught cheating with her "Snow White and the Huntsman" director.

They were out in Los Angeles in a car. There are photos of them kissing in really steamy situations. It`s quite clear and obvious that, you know, she was hooking up with him that day.

HAMMER: This wasn`t just friendly chat and they were just hanging out?

GREER: It wasn`t a friendly chat not at all, yes.

HAMMER: Well, there`s more, because the director, Rupert Sanders, also confessed today that he cheated on his wife with Kristen.

Look at what he told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. He said, "I`m utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. I am praying that we can get through this together."

Wow. Just how serious was this relationship that he was having with Kristen?

GREER: Well, sources tell "People" it really was a lapse in judgment on her part. It was just a fling. I mean, it`s unclear how long it was going on. But the photos appear to be happening the same day.

You know, they`re in her car. She drove in L.A. in her mini cooper. And there`s photos of him kissing her all over in her car.

HAMMER: And they`ve known each other for some time because, obviously, the movie first went into production inevitably a couple of years ago.

GREER: Right. Exactly. So they have known each other. She worked with him. So it`s unclear who courted who but, you know -

HAMMER: I mean, the shocker, too, is because we`ve looked at Robert Pattinson and her, a great young Hollywood couple that I think people admired. They seemed obviously very much in love and really enjoying each other`s company.

Really, they`ve been together since that first "Twilight" movie came out some four years ago. But clearly, she`s devastated, has regrets. But what do you think? Is it too late? Is her relationship with Robert now over?

GREER: Well, I mean, you know, Robert is obviously very devastated and embarrassed. I mean, this is - he cherished her. He pretty much worshiped her. He`s really in love with Kristen.

And recently, we`ve seen them more go public with their relationship. They used to be very coy. You know, they`ve been at award shows. Even last week, they were at the Comic Con laughing and very playful together. So they seemed like they`re very happy. So I`m sure he`s very devastated.

HAMMER: And really, what`s going to be very interesting to watch is, you know, Rupert Sanders is scheduled to direct Kristen again in the follow-up to "Snow White and the Huntsman."

They`re doing a sequel to that. I imagine that`s going to be awkward to say the least. We have to wait and see. Carlos, thanks as always. Great reporting.

We should point out that we reached out to Robert Pattinson for comment and have not heard back yet as of show time.

We turn from a Hollywood scandal to a Hollywood standoff. Let`s get right to number four on tonight`s SHOWBIZ countdown. Number four is a "Modern Family" feud. The cast of the hit ABC comedy series has now declared war.

They`re demanding huge pay increases and they`ve even taken the battle to court.

I want to bring in Amanda Seales, host of MTV`s "Hip Hop POV," and Imogen Lloyd Webber, author of a great new book. You`ve got to check out "The Twitter Diaries." It is soon to be available in stores everywhere.

So look, "Modern Family" has been one of the most popular shows on television, certainly among sitcoms in a very long time since its debut three years ago.

Even President Obama said it`s one of his favorite shows. It`s one of my favorite shows. Cast members now are demanding huge pay increases.

Deadline.com is reporting the five stars in the suit each make around $65,000 an episode. Ed O`Neill makes around $100,000 an episode.

The studio is reportedly offering increases of $200,000 for seasons four and five, $225,000 for season six and $325,000 for any seasons following. Amanda, what do you think? Are they worth it?

AMANDA SEALES, HOST, "HIP HOP POV": They`re not OK with that? That sounds really, really good. I mean, let`s be real. "Modern Family" is a great show. It`s been doing well, but it`s not "Seinfeld" or "Friends" level yet, you know.

So I don`t know if they really should be getting any numbers greater than what they`re being offered, but if they have problems with those numbers, I`m confused. I`m kerfuffled(ph).

HAMMER: Well, there may be a lot of people in America who feel the way that you do, particularly given these uncertain economic times.

I personally think they deserve whatever they can get. Let them have it. I think the show is fantastic and I think it will be a classic like a "Seinfeld," like a "Frasier," like a "Cheers," like a "Friends."

I`m betting though that there are a lot of people who are watching who don`t make $65,000 a year. Certainly, they don`t make $65,000 a week and they`re not going to have much sympathy for the cast. What do you think, Imogen?

IMOGEN LLOYD WEBBER, AUTHOR, "TWITTER DIARIES": On some levels, yes, of course, absolutely. At the same time, we have an old showbiz saying, "Where there`s a hit, there`s a rift."

I mean, we`ve seen this since time began with TV shows. So you`ve seen this with the cast of "Friends" and "Seinfeld." They may join together to get more money. And you`re looking at the amount of money that they`re actually making -

HAMMER: Yes.

WEBBER: Both the producers and also ABC, on some levels, it is fair.

HAMMER: Hundreds of millions of dollars are being made here.

WEBBER: Exactly.

HAMMER: And these guys, really -

WEBBER: Yes.

HAMMER: I mean, certainly, it`s the creation of the writers and all that, but it`s the cast. I mean, this is an ensemble for sure.

All right. From ABC`s "Modern Family" to NBC`s upcoming new show, "The New Normal Family," which, like "Modern Family," deals with a gay couple having a child.

In our number three tonight in our SHOWBIZ countdown, the new NBC sitcom is facing outrage and boycotts from a group of very angry moms.

New series is all about this gay couple who hire a surrogate to have a baby. But the advocacy group One Million Moms - well, they`re crying foul.

They`re saying that NBC is sending the wrong message about family values. Let`s take a look at the show that`s at the center of all this controversy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brian, we have to talk about your dieting.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want us to have baby clothes and a baby to wear them.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You really think it`s a good idea to bring a baby into the world with such a non-traditional family?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know somebody else from a nontraditional family, an African-American who was raised by a grandma and ever since has been doing just fine.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Barack Obama.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And Mariah Carey.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Yes. I can see it already. That show`s going to ruin America. I think this group is being ridiculous. And particularly given that this storyline appears very similar to some of what "Modern Family" deals with, is it fair to single out this show? I mean, come on.

SEALES: No, it`s not fair. I mean - and they cite biology as their reasoning for why this show is a wrong depiction of family that, you know, that in the actual biological world, families are not made up of this scenario.

And there`s always this, like, scientific reference to really support basic hate, you know. The fact is families look different all across the animal kingdom and they look different across the human kingdom - bottom line.

HAMMER: They don`t like this. Look at the headline that was on the One million Moms Web site, not something I regularly visited, but I checked it out today, "NBC`s `The New Normal` is not normal."

The group is looking for people to take action and join their boycott. NBC told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "The New Normal simply reflects what`s going on in the country now. "The New Normal" isn`t a gay family. It`s just a different family.

WEBBER: I mean, One Million Moms, yes, maybe. But what about the two million kids in America who are growing up with gay parents? Maybe even more than that.

HAMMER: We`re not done yet. There`s much more to our SHOWBIZ countdown of the biggest buzz-makers of the day. What has created the most buzz, the most tweets, the most chatter all day long? Numbers two and one are just ahead.

Plus, what is being called the meanest prank of all time?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So there`s a truck getting towed and it looks like it`s coming at us and my wife`s asleep. We`re going to see if we can scare her.

Babe, wake up, there`s a truck!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Wait until you see this over-the-top stunt that he has pulled. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Christian Bale, the star of "The Dark Night Rises" surprised survivors of the Colorado movie theater shooting when he showed up in Aurora yesterday to visit the injured and to honor those that were killed at the midnight showing of his long-awaited film.

Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is counting down the biggest buzz-makers making news today. And here`s where we are so far. In at number five, "Twilight" cheating scandal.

This is amazing to me. Kristen Stewart issues a public apology for cheating on her long-time boyfriend and "Twilight" co-star, Robert Pattinson.

In at number four tonight, "Modern Family" feud. Stars of hit sitcom, "Modern Family," sticking together in a big battle for bigger salaries.

Number three tonight, "The New Normal." NBC`s not backing down over its controversial new show, "The New Normal," after conservative groups wanted the show pulled over its plot of showing a gay couple having a baby. Can you imagine?

Well, we`re now up to number two on the SHOWBIZ countdown, which is Christian Bale visits Aurora. I love this story. Survivors of the Colorado theater shooting got a much-needed surprise yesterday.

Batman himself paid them a visit. Christian Bale, of course, is the star of "The Dark Knight Rises." He showed up at the hospital to visit with the injured and then he visited a memorial site for the victims.

One of the shooting survivors was so excited he showed up he posted a picture with Bale on his Facebook page. And he wrote this, "Wow, thank you so much for the visit, Christian. Still in shock."

Back with me now, Amanda Seales, host of MTV`s "Hip Hop POV," and Imogen Lloyd Webber, author of "The Twitter Diaries."

So you have here Bale going to Aurora on his own, not representing the studio, not representing the movie. I mean, what do you think? Were you surprised to see him do that, Amanda?

SEALES: I mean, Christian Bale has definitely taken heat in the past for being a bit of a loose cannon, you know.

HAMMER: Yes. Right.

SEALES: But I was really, really happy to see him just take the initiative and do this. And I think some people would say, well, you know, it`s not like it was his fault, but that`s irrelevant. He knows him going there would lift their spirits.

HAMMER: Certainly. I mean, imagine being the star of this movie or having any involvement in the film and something happening like this connected to it. I can`t even imagine. Such a classy move in my mind, Imogen. Do you think other stars from the film should perhaps follow his lead?

WEBBER: Well, I think it has to be a personal decision. I`m sure they will be doing something. Not everybody has sort of the Diana touch in these situations, and he clearly did.

I mean, all reports are from the hospital that it was very therapeutic to everybody. The staff were very helped out by it as well as the victims.

HAMMER: Yes.

WEBBER: So good on Christian Bale.

HAMMER: Yes. I`m going to believe he was doing it for all the right reasons.

WEBBER: Yes, absolutely.

HAMMER: I`m going to give him that. And if anybody else chooses to do it for similar reasons, then good on them as well.

Well, that was number two. She`s very British, isn`t she? That was number on our SHOWBIZ countdown of biggest buzz-makers of the day.

But let`s get to number one. It`s got to be the Jackson family chaos. From a missing grandmother to a tweeting teen-ager to a family fight caught on tape, this Jackson family feud has taken one crazy turn after another.

And today, Randy Jackson speaks out about the battle over his brother Michael`s estate. Of course, you have Katherine Jackson no longer the guardian. A lot of money on the line here.

But I cannot help but worry for Michael`s three kids who are right in the middle of it. Amanda, what do you think it`s going to take to settle this battle once and for all?

SEALES: I really don`t know if it`s possible. I mean, this family has always been dysfunctional. I mean, that`s pretty much been the way they can sing and they can dance and they`re dysfunctional.

I mean, that`s basically the Jacksons. I`m at a loss on this one. I have no actual solution other than maybe someone from outside the family mediating. But if this wasn`t the Jackson family and it was a regular family, this all sounds pretty far for the course, though.

HAMMER: Really?

SEALES: Well, teenagers, texting craziness. Grandmothers going missing all the time.

HAMMER: Yes. Some family members saying the grandmother, who`s the guardian of the kids, is being held against her will. The kids can`t contact the person who`s supposed to be taking care of them.

WEBBER: The twists and turns are quite extraordinary. And bear in your mind, they all seemed together at the trial, the Conrad Murray trial last year. And they`ve suddenly come to this point.

Maybe the judge is going to step in. I think the judge today certainly was sounding very strict, very stern, very on the case. Maybe it`s the legal system that will be helping out these poor kids.

HAMMER: Yes. And what`s very interesting to me is, here, there have been so many great mysteries raised every day. More questions keep coming up.

But I think, very soon, certain things are going to come to light and we`re going to have a greater understanding of exactly what`s going on.

I don`t think the drama is going to stop but maybe we`ll have a little better knowledge of why it`s all happening. Amanda, Imogen, thank you both so much. Imogen`s great new book is called "The Twitter Diaries." It is available digitally now, but it will be available soon in stores everywhere.

Moving on to the meanest prank of all times? Could it be? Well, here`s my question. What would you do if your husband did this to you?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There`s a truck getting towed and it looks like it`s coming at us. My wife is asleep. We`re going to see if we can scare her.

Babe, wake up, there`s a struck coming!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Can you imagine that. Come on. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the video of this prankster husband who simply loves to terrify his wife on tape. It is the hottest viral video on the Internet now. You have to see how the whole thing plays out. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

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HAMMER: Did you see this? Tonight, it`s what some people are calling the meanest prank of all time. Now, imagine being married to a guy whose favorite pastime is making you scream in terror.

And now, imagine this - one day, he gets the bright idea to pretend a semi- truck is about to crash into you. Well, that`s exactly what one prankster husband just did to his wife. And CNN`s Jeanne Moos has the video to prove it.

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JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sure, he occasionally dresses up as Elvis, but is this face of a serial prankster? You bet. Manny Perez pulled a prank some are calling the meanest ever.

MANNY PEREZ, PRANKSTER: So there`s a truck getting towed and it looks like it`s coming at us and my wife`s asleep. So we`re going to see if we can scare her.

MOOS: Don`t do it, Manny. Don`t do it!

M. PEREZ: Babe, wake up, there`s a truck coming at us!

M. PEREZ: I`m sorry. It was funny. Bye, truck. It was getting towed.

MOOS: Manny`s wife, Sebra(ph) whacked his dash cam out of his hand. Those who watched the videos feared the worst, "I smell a divorce."

(on camera) But you guys are still happily married, right?

SEBRA PEREZ, WIFE OF MANNY PEREZ: Actually, yes, we are.

MOOS: Others predicted bye-bye sex.

S. PEREZ: Well, I did make him sleep on the couch that night, because I didn`t want to reward him for bad behavior. But -

MOOS: Sebra says she didn`t stay mad. She knows who she married.

M. PEREZ: They call me Manny the maniac.

MOOS: By day, he`s a crane inspector in North Carolina. But in his spare time, he`s posting pranks on Manny`s Channel and sending videos of himself to Ellen after she was dared viewers to dance behind someone`s back.

That`s Manny`s five-year-old son who seems to be following in father`s footsteps if pinching dad`s nipples counts as a prank.

Peyton was in the backseat when Dad pulled the truck trick.

Of course, this isn`t the first prank Manny has played on his wife. There was the fake mouse scare.

Manny made a mouse out of a mitten and attached fishing line to it.

S. PEREZ: Manny, that is not funny!

MOOS: And who could forget the incomparably juvenile snake in the toilet?

M. PEREZ: My wife is terrified of snakes.

MOOS: So he put a rubber one in the bowl. The highway prank could have been worse. In the movie, "Out Cold," his buddies loaded the drunken Zach Galifianakis behind the wheel and then spun the car around and woke him up.

Zach`s reaction was more violent than Manny`s wife swatting the camera. And to think they`ve only been married six years, life with Manny is going to be a scream.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HAMMER: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And listen to this - that guy has an entire YouTube channel dedicated to all the pranks he`s pulled on his wife. I think she wins the prize for the most tolerant spouse ever.

Well, next, Sharon Osbourne`s bombshell good-bye. Tonight the cryptic message that has everyone wondering about the future of "America`s Got Talent."

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HAMMER: Tonight, boy band reunion. 98 degrees is going to be heating up the summer. Also, a TV comedy legend passes away. Hollywood said goodbye to "The Jeffersons" star, Sherman Hemsley.

And see you, Sharon? Is Sharon Osborne really leaving reality TV judging behind? Well, that story tops "The Buzz Today."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over) Sayonara, Sharon. Is Sharon Osbourne" quitting her judging gig on "America`s Got Talent?" Sharon dropped the bombshell in a puzzling tweet to fellow judge Howard Stern Tuesday, alluding that she won`t be returning to the hit NBC show.

She wrote "My darling Howard Stern, money is not the reason I`m not running to NBC-AGT, it`s because -" dot, dot, dot. Well, the cryptic message has left us all wondering, is this the end of the run for Sharon?

Boy band back together. 98 Degrees is heating things up with an official reunion. Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffrey and Jeff Timmons will be performing on the "Today" show on August 17th and again at the first annual Mix Tape Festival, August 18th.

The group announced the news in a statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "In the 10 years since our last performance of 98 Degrees, we`ve each achieved personal success and grown as individuals while remaining a close-knit family."

"We have also been fortunate to have the support and enduring love of our fans every step of the way. With so much to celebrate, this reunion is going to be one big party."

"So whether you tune in to the `Today` show or join us at the Mix Tape Festival, everyone is invited." This will be the band`s first performance together since September 2001.

Sherman Hemsley dies at 74. The actor best known for his role as George Jefferson on "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" died Tuesday at his home in El Paso, Texas. The cause of death is pending autopsy results.

Norman Lear, creator of "All in the Family," shared the following statement with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "With the passing of Sherman Hemsley, the world loses one of its most unique comedic talents and a lovely man."

And as we move on tonight, inside the minds of the Colorado shooting suspect`s parents. How do they live with the guilt that their own son may have carried out the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. That`s right now.

END