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Showbiz Tonight
Robin`s Early Break; Jackson Family Scandal; The New Tube; Fashion Face-Off; Twilight Cheating Aftermath
Aired August 01, 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, the Janet factor. Is the most successful Jackson daughter feuding with her famous family over money? And can Michael Jackson`s messy financial past now become Janet`s new nightmare?
Well, tonight, we are digging deep into the Janet factor in the Jackson family feud. Is she the one in control?
Hello, and thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer.
Tonight the SHOWBIZ countdown. Hollywood`s most awkward. Kirsten Stewart`s cheating scandal aftermath. The entire Jackson family feud playing out on Twitter. And Oscar-winner Jeremy Renner`s embarrassing Viagra debacle.
Big celebrities all caught in highly uncomfortably very cringe worthy scenarios, but which will possibly top our countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward?
But first tonight, Robin in crisis. Robin Roberts has been sidelined from her anchor chair at "Good Morning America." Roberts had announced that she`s battling a rare blood disorder as a result of her breast cancer treatment. And up until now she hasn`t missed a beat on the show that she helped take to number one in the morning TV wars. But today it is clear that her battle has taken a toll.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Robin has started her summer vacation. And lord knows she`s earned it.
HAMMER (voice-over): This morning`s "Good Morning America" opened up with a little shout-out to absent co-host Robin Roberts. In a dramatic live TV moment yesterday, Robin abruptly began that summer vacation.
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-HOST, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Full disclosure here, I`m not feeling too well.
HAMMER: Suffering the effects of chemotherapy used to treat her blood and bone marrow disorder, Roberts had to leave right in the middle of the program. She said she`s beginning a previously scheduled break a little early.
ROBERTS: I`m going to let you leave and let you all do the rest of the program on your own. I`m going to take a little time off just to get some vacay.
HAMMER: Roberts could use the time off.
ROBERTS: It is something that is called MDS, myloplastic syndrome.
HAMMER: In June she announced she had the bone marrow disease MDS. The result of chemotherapy she endured to treat her breast cancer in 2007. She ended up beating cancer and in her announcement back in June she predicted her new health challenge would have the same result.
ROBERTS: Bottom line, I am going to beat this.
HAMMER: That very afternoon Robin started chemotherapy treatment in preparation for a bone marrow transplant.
ROBERTS: The latest on a bizarre murder-for-hire case.
HAMMER: Since then, she`s been hosting "Good Morning America" while wearing arm bands that cover her pick line. Once again taking her viewers along on her health journey just like she did during her 2007 cancer treatment.
ROBERTS: My hair began falling out simply by touching it.
HAMMER: Robin`s openness about her new health struggle is already having an effect.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: MRD.org says 15,000 people have registered.
HAMMER: ABC reports the rate of people registering to be bone marrow donors has doubled since Robin announced her MDS in June.
ROBERTS: I`m going to leave and let you all do the rest of the program.
HAMMER: Despite having to make an early exit yesterday, Roberts reportedly plans to return to work in a couple of weeks. Late August/early September she plans to take a medical leave to have that bone marrow transplant. Her donor? Her older sister Sally-Ann Roberts.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": About an hour into "Good Morning America" yesterday, our friend Robin Roberts said she wasn`t feeling well and she was going to go -- had to go on vacation for a couple of weeks.
HAMMER: This morning Roberts` ABC colleagues on "The View" saluted her.
BARBARA WALTERS, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": This is a terrific woman. And to have to -- to have to go through this and just to share it with everyone because she`s on television. That`s tough.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She has to wear the band on her arm.
HAMMER: A sentiment millions of Robin Roberts fans are sharing today, too.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And on a personal note, I have to say I am not only a fan, I consider Robin to be a friend and I`m here to tell you you will not meet a kinder, more compassionate person.
So, Robin, all of us here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT send you all of our good energy for a much easier time and a very speedy recover.
We move on now to the Jackson family feud. Could it possibly be ending? Michael Jackson`s family had been bitterly divided in a war over Michael`s estate. In a matter of weeks we saw the ugly battle play out on Twitter with Michael Jackson`s children right in the middle. But today, wait until you see this. A major shift as Michael`s oldest brother Jermaine called for an end to the strife.
He released this statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is unbelievable. Here`s what he`s saying. "Yesterday I had a phone call with my son Jaafar that broke my heart. He asked, is it true that we cannot visit grandmother`s house as a family anymore? Enough has become enough. After much soul searching, it is clearly time for us to live by Michael`s words about love not war. In his spirit I offer a statement by way of extending an olive branch. Accordingly I rescind my signature from the letter which was sent to the estate and which should never have gone public.
"I still hold deep reservations about many issues involving the estate and I will continue to bring scrutiny and a resolute voice wherever we have cause for concern, but the way to address such matters is through the proper channels and via a private dialogue, not public conflict. I regret any distress caused to Prince, Paris, and Blanket that was never ever the intention of myself, Janet, Rebbie, or Randy."
Wow. Could this possibly mean an end to the Jackson family feud? Well, I`m so pleased to have here to break it down for us this special SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview a true Jackson insider, criminal defense attorney Tom Mesereau who of course famously defended Michael Jackson during his 2005 molestation trial that ended with Michael being acquitted of all charges.
Tom, it`s good to have you back.
Thank you very much.
HAMMER: And this is amazing, this letter we just saw from Jermaine. It clearly this whole thing had spiraled out of control beyond the expectations of any of Michael`s siblings I think. But do you really think this is the beginning of the end of the fighting?
TOM MESEREAU, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, I certainly hope so. See, what happened here, A.J., was the media coverage of this controversy pitted the welfare of Michael`s wonderful children, the welfare of its extraordinary and wonderful mother, versus his siblings` concerns over whether this estate is valid or corrupt.
And the overwhelming public reaction was we want these children properly raised, properly cared for. We want Katherine to be properly respected and her health considered. And the siblings of Michael didn`t look too good in this because it was made to look like monetary concerns were prevailing in their minds over concerns for Michael`s children and mother.
This has to be straightened out. See, you have to understand this will benefits his children tremendously. They inherit 40 percent outright and Katherine lives off another 40 percent. And when she passes away, that 40 goes to the children as well. So they will have 80 percent of a billion-dollar estate that`s growing.
Now on the other side, the siblings don`t trust the will, don`t trust the people who are running the estate. And they have every right to challenge it if they want. But they`ve got to do it in court and they can`t do it in any way that looks like it`s hurting Michael`s children or their mother. So thank god they`re going to sit down, I hope, and try and straighten this out. They should get the right mediator, someone that they all trust and respect who has their interest in mind. They should sit down, bear their souls and try and find a way to stop this because it`s been negative for everyone.
HAMMER: Yes, I agree with you. And, you know, obviously the sympathy of the public was not really at all in the corners of the siblings which was really strange. And particularly when it came to Janet Jackson. Because Janet was, in many people`s minds, the person most likely to be involved in something like this.
And another big development today in the whole Jackson feud was Janet Jackson`s attorney demanding that there is a retraction from TMZ over its reports suggesting that Janet physically and verbally abused her niece, Michael`s daughter, Paris. This report surfaced after this surveillance video of Janet and Paris appearing to argue was first released.
And, look, I`m glad that Janet set the record straight about that.
Tom, tell me, from the time that you have spent around the Jacksons, what was your sense of Michael`s relationship with Janet and Janet`s relationship with Michael`s kids?
MESEREAU: Well, remember, I represented Michael during his darkest hour. He was charged with 10 felony counts of conspiracy, child molestation, horrible allegations that he gave alcohol to a child to molest the child. This was his darkest hour. So that`s when I got to know him. And all of his family rallied around him. They all supported him during that trial. They were a united family and I was very impressed with that unity. And Michael was very grateful for it. Believe me.
That`s my primary experience with the Jackson family. I`ve been in touch since. My law firm partner, Susan Yu, who was my co-counsel in the trial, she helped Michael for about nine months after the acquittal when he moved to Bahrain, straighten out his affairs. Then after that we went through and moved on to other matters. But the family has always been very united.
There are always going to be differences in large families. I`ve said that before, and when you put fame and fortune in there, there are going to be, you know, even bigger differences. But, you know, my impression of Michael was that he was very proud of his family, that they really stood by him during that trial. And it was all very positive. So I`m happy that it appears this thing is going -- they`re going to try to straighten it out. It`s probably not going to be simple because the siblings don`t trust the estate and the estate does benefit Michael`s wonderful children.
And there is some built-in stress factors there. But they`ve got to talk it out, they`ve got to treat each with respect. These children are teenagers, they have to be raised properly and respected as well. Katherine is the most wonderful woman on the planet. Her health is important. And I hope they sit down as Jermaine has suggested and work on all this.
HAMMER: It has been suggested, Tom, that Janet is perhaps concerned about taking on the financial burdens of the other siblings who may not have all that much money. I have to ask you quickly, do you think there could be any truth to that?
MESEREAU: I have no idea, A.J. I haven`t been privy to discussions between Janet and her siblings. That`s not my business. I don`t know what they`ve asked her for or not asked her for. I think that`s pure speculation. Unless someone has really direct evidence of what they`ve talked about and how people have responded, you know, I don`t think we really know.
HAMMER: OK.
MESEREAU: I don`t know if anyone`s leaning on Janet or not leaning on Janet. I don`t know.
HAMMER: Yes. No, that`s fair enough, Tom. And I always appreciate your special insight as someone who`s really gotten to know this family over the years.
Tom Mesereau, thank you so much for being with us.
MESEREAU: Thanks for inviting me, A.J. I appreciate it.
HAMMER: Absolutely.
We move on tonight to Robert Pattinson`s escape from heartache. A surprising superstar retreat after Kristen Stewart`s betrayal. So where`s he hiding out? And how awkward is this whole cheating drama about to get with the "Twilight" costars? What will happen when K-Patz has to go out there and promote the final "Twilight" movie? Talk about awkward.
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is about to countdown Hollywood`s most awkward. Will this "Twilight" cheating scandal be number one?
Plus another big split. "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Adrianne Maloof and Paul Nassif call it quits. Is reality TV possibly to blame? Or was this always in the cards?
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Well, Cuba Gooding, Jr. is cooperating with authorities today after New Orleans Police issued an arrest warrant for him following an alleged bar confrontation. A female bartender told police that the Oscar winner pushed her twice after losing his temper at a bar in the famed French Quarter.
Well, Cuba Gooding Jr.`s rep tells us there is no longer a warrant for his arrest saying, "Mr. Gooding, his representatives and the New Orleans authorities met this morning and are moving swiftly to resolve this misunderstanding."
Up next, the boom of big budget TV shows you`ll find only online.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight SHOWBIZ is on location at the new tube. We`re on set at some of the hottest new shows in entertainment. But you won`t find them on your TV because they`re all online. The brand new wave of Web series and big budgets A-list stars and really incredible sets. Everything you`d pretty much expect to see on a network show and it`s all for the Web.
So here`s the big question. Is the Internet about to knock off TV?
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter is behind the scenes of the Internet TV boom.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREEN WYNTER, HLN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It has the makings of a major Hollywood set. A sound stage, lights, cameras, actors, but this production isn`t heading to TV or even the big screen. It`s going directly to the Web.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Rolling.
WYNTER: Welcome to the set of "The Book Club," a Web series for (INAUDIBLE), a YouTube channel with more than 10 million views. It centers on four guys whose book club stories are turned into action adventures. Hence all the flying ninjas. The series features community star Danny Pudi and Parvesh Cheena from "Outsourced."
(On camera): So what`s different about this when you compare it to the TV world or the movie world? Is it different? Are there drawbacks?
DANNY PUDI, ACTOR: There -- I mean the fun thing about this is that there`s a little bit more kind of just free-wheeling nature to it. Everyone just kind of running around doing stuff. We don`t necessarily know what`s going to happen any moment so --
PARVESH CHEENA, ACTOR: And we`re not really restrained by time.
PUDI: Yes.
CHEENA: One episode might be two minutes, another might be seven.
WYNTER (voice-over): The often unconstraining flexible nature behind Web series production is one of the reasons it`s rapidly evolving and becoming the Wild West of show business. With Web series shoots popping up all over the place.
(On camera): This is the set of "IMO." It`s a daily teen talk show for the YouTube channel Awesomeness TV. And speaking of awesome, these are the stars.
Do you think Web series, the idea of, you know, having your -- a Web series and a popular show will ever kind of rise to the level of those staple TV shows that we`ve all grown up and loved?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it`s starting to.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I fee like --
GRACIE DZIENNY, "IMO": I already do. With the channels on YouTube, I think it`s already starting to become that. I feel like people subscribe and they will make sure they tune in for that one video that`s on that day. It`s almost like the Internet is becoming the new television.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Internet killed television.
WYNTER (voice-over): Well, TV`s not quite dead, but some major stars have already made the move to original content for the Web. The Ben Stiller produced comedy "Burning Love" is burning up Yahoo. And Jessica Alba, Tom Hanks and Jerry Seinfeld are just a few of the familiar names backing new Web entertainment.
And let`s not forget about Ashton Kutcher. We recently sat in on a pitch meeting at the Web savvy superstar`s production company Catalyst.
KYLE SONIA, PRODUCER, "PRANK LAB": Right now we have, what, six ideas?
WYNTER: Where producers were brainstorming ideas for the YouTube channel Machinima, which boasts more than 4.5 million subscribers and 3.5 billion views. With the potential for that many eyeballs, more advertisers, and more A-list stars are surfing the Web series phenomenon says producer Kyle Sonia.
SONIA: And I see the writing on the wall. I mean just look at where the kind of Web growth from the last five years. The train coming down the tracks. You know, smart people are going to get on board and nothing will stand his way.
WYNTER: Right now nothing seems to be stopping the Web series locomotive.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter aboard the Web series locomotive.
Well, tonight the transformation of Snoop Dogg, or should I say, Snoop Lion?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Did you guys hear the news? Snoop Dogg changed his named to Snoop Lion.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snoop Lion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: No longer Snoop D-O-G-G. Say hello to Snoop Lion. What`s going on here? So much gin and juice perhaps? What do you think? Is this the most awkward celebrity move ever? Will Snoop Lion tackle our countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward.
I have the answer for you coming up. What do you think, Jay? What do you think?
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Certainly for Beyonce and Jay-Z love is on top in their marriage and for their little girl Blue Ivy. But who is top when it comes to fashion in their famous family? Well, you might be surprised who just took the top prize in the brand new fashion face-off between B and J. Tonight the fashion face-off is on. And "Vanity Fair`s" brand new 73rd annual best dressed list for 2012 revealed some surprising showdowns between Hollywood`s favorite couples. Even a pair of royal siblings.
So who wore it best? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner joins me now from Hollywood.
And Nischelle, I know you like me have gone through this with a fine toothed comb.
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Yes.
HAMMER: There were a few surprises for me here, but there is one person who I think easily takes the crown for best dressed female. And there she is right there on the cover of "Vanity Fair."
TURNER: Yes.
HAMMER: I could have even picked this one.
(LAUGHTER)
TURNER: You know, A.J., I love this stuff. There`s no question in the minds of the 2,000 fashion experts that voted on this list that yes Kate Middleton is fashion royalty. Now the royal family is said to have spent $55,000 on her wardrobe so far. "Vanity Fair" says she goes through as many as five wardrobe changes a day.
But she did decline a royal dresser and she chooses from designers like Alice Temperley and Alexander McQueen but she also keeps things relative wallet friendly by shopping at places like Top Shop as well. And you know what? It looks like it`s working.
HAMMER: Definitely working. Not so much, however, for her main man - -
TURNER: Yes.
HAMMER: -- Prince William who didn`t make the list. His brother, however, had better luck, didn`t he?
TURNER: Yes, you know, I think Prince William dresses to impress, but the "Vanity Fair" panel thinks that Prince Harry, well, he just does it better. He`s 27, he`s a prince, and he`s single. So, you know, maybe that makes him look better in his royal duds. I don`t know.
HAMMER: I`m sure it seems like that. You know, Prince William`s off the market. Even more eyes are on Prince Harry.
TURNER: Yes.
HAMMER: But right now, Nischelle, I really want to get to what surprised me when I saw the list. Some American royalty, Beyonce. How can she not be near the top of the list? I don`t understand.
TURNER: Yes, you know what? I was actually kind of shocked about that one, too. Beyonce not even in the top 10 best dressed women. But her man, Jay-Z, he`s among the best dressed men. And you know I just think he always looks sharp whether he`s dressed down in jeans and (INAUDIBLE) or in his Gucci suits. And don`t forget, A.J., he`s also a designer, too. He designs clothes.
HAMMER: Yes, so Beyonce is beautiful no matter what you put her on or in.
TURNER: Yes.
HAMMER: I`m sure she`s not crying over this list. Supermodel Gisele could be crying, though, huh?
TURNER: Oh, my gosh. Yes. NFL Patriots superstar Tom Brady, he`s one of the prettiest people out there who "Vanity Fair`s" panel has chosen as having one of the prettiest wardrobe. But his supermodel wife Gisele, well she`s still -- let`s just say she`s still pretty but she`s not on the list.
HAMMER: Didn`t quite make the cut. All right, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner, great job. Thank you.
Moving now to a high flying adventure of an avenger. "Avenger" star Jeremy Renner tried to get sleep on a plane, but I can tell you this unbelievable sleeping pill mix-up with Viagra kept him up if you know what I mean. Talk about awkward. But is it more awkward that Snoop Dogg changing his name to Snoop Lion? I say yes, but stick around. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is about to count down Hollywood`s most awkward coming up. You have got to see who made the list and who`s on top.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, is R-Patz hiding out? The brand new evidence that Robert Pattinson is mending his broken heart at another superstar`s ranch retreat. Plus Kristen Stewart`s incredibly awkward year ahead. How in the world is she going to promote the last "Twilight" movie with R-Patz. Can you say awkward? So will that top story land on the top spot on the SHOWBIZ countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward.
And really sad split. Why is "Real Housewife`s" Adrienne Maloof`s nine-year marriage is suddenly coming to an end? I`m revealing that real- life shocker. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues right now.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. Tonight where is R-Patz? Well, as the news of Kristen Stewart`s affair with a married director broke, everyone is now wondering where is Robert Pattinson? Tonight we`re actually hearing new details on how Pattinson is dealing with this scandal.
A new report from "Us Weekly" says that R-Patz is safely hiding out at the very tranquil seven-acre compound owned by his "Water for Elephants" co-star Reese Witherspoon. So the question is how is R-Patz holding up since Kristen`s betrayal?
With me in here Bradley Jacobs, the senior editor of "Us Weekly." And "Us Weekly" now reporting that R-Patz is at Reese Witherspoon`s vacation home. It`s a ranch in Ojai, California, that`s where she married her husband Jim in 2011. So at least there`s some good love energy there, Bradley. But how did he wind up there and how is he holding up?
BRADLEY JACOBS, SENIOR EDITOR, US WEEKLY: Well, Reese invited him to stay there for awhile. She said that it will have a calming effect on him. There`s no e-mail there. The phone barely even rings. And remember, Reese went through a very similar cheating scandal and there`s no e-mail. Remember Reese went through a similar cheating scandal back in 2006 when her then-husband Ryan Phillippe had an affair with Abby Cornish on the set of a movie. So she feels his pain, basically.
HAMMER: Yes. This could be good therapy not only in the place, but in the people and being able to have sort of a like minded conversation.
JACOBS: That`s right. We`ve seen him running around, you know, huffing and puffing, maybe getting out his frustrations about what`s going on. And Ojai is a very nice relaxed area north of L.A.
HAMMER: Yes.
JACOBS: So I think he`s going to be all right.
HAMMER: Yes, it`s true. It`s totally a chill place. Now we all learned about Kristen`s cheating scandal from the photos in "Us" on July 24th. And your sources say Robert only found out the day before we did? How did that possibly go down?
JACOBS: That`s right. Well, "Us Weekly" had the photographs and we went to Kristen`s rep as we were closing the story. And that`s the night that Kristen had to call Rob and say, I have something to tell you. He was totally blindsided by this.
HAMMER: He found out from his rep.
JACOBS: No. He found out from Kristen.
HAMMER: He --
JACOBS: You know, the rep told Kristen "Us Weekly" was doing the story.
HAMMER: OK, I --
JACOBS: And then Kirsten called Rob, blindsided him. He just did not know what to think.
HAMMER: Imagine. Do you get the sense that at all that Robert is thinking about forgiving her? I mean he does seem like a pretty evolved guy, but it`s pretty tough.
JACOBS: Yes. Friends tell us he really does not know what to think at this point.
HAMMER: That`s right.
JACOBS: He doesn`t know how to forgive her. His whole rise to fame has been hand in hand with her. They`ve done five movies together. They`ve been a couple for four years. He really is very dependent on her, sources say. So now the person that he`s most dependent --
HAMMER: Yes.
(LAUGHTER)
JACOBS: Has cheated.
HAMMER: But of course they`ve never acknowledged that they`re a couple. Really.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: Officially, yes, I guess. And look, the guy is an international heartthrob. Right now his career is all about playing the guy that everybody wants or everybody wants to be.
I want to bring in TV personality Erika Vetrini.
Erika, here`s our SHOWBIZ flashpoint tonight. Would it be a big career mistake for R-Patz to take Kristen back?
ERIKA VETRINI, TV PERSONALITY: I think Rob does exactly what Rob wants to do. I think if he chooses to go back to K-Stew all the girls all over the world say, he`s so sweet, he`s so hunky. If he chooses not to, then his fans say good, give it to her. That`s it. So I think he really cannot do wrong at this point. He is the one who`s been hurt, so any choice, any decision he makes will be fine. And career wise, I think that`s separate. I know.
HAMMER: I think you`re right. People just want to support him. And they`re saying you know what, whatever he wants to do. I think you hit it exactly right on that.
VETRINI: Be happy.
HAMMER: I want to move on now to another big split, but this one involves a "Real Housewife." Adrienne Maloof, of course, who stars in the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" with her husband Paul Nassif. They have decided to separate after nine years of marriage. Now the couple have appeared on the reality show since it premiered back in 2010. They are known for their constant bickering.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ADRIENNE MALOOF, REALITY TV STAR: You think this is funny? You think it`s funny?
PAUL NASSIF, REALITY TV STAR: What?
MALOOF: You are not funny. Stop it. I`m trying to have a nice dinner party, but Paul keeps being rude. I mean, seriously. Don`t be rude. You`re being rude.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. I`ve met them both, Bradley. They`ve both been right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Quite frankly, I could never really get a beat on them and figure out exactly what was going on. Did people see this coming or is this a total shock?
JACOBS: I think anyone who watched the show could see that they`re always kind of at each other`s throats. But in "Us Weekly" we reported there`s no cheating scandal. There`s nothing -- there`s no "I hate you" here. They just really drifted apart which is what you can see. And also we interviewed Adrienne in May of this year. And she told us we have a date night every week but we mostly end up talking about our product line. So clearly it wasn`t the most romantic relationship that we cover at the magazine.
HAMMER: Erika, were you shocked by this?
VETRINI: I mean come on. These couples are picked because they have unstable relationships. So whether it`d be marriages or friendships. So I feel like all of them are probably at the verge of busting. And if you can let that much get out there when the cameras are rolling, and be that frank, then you -- I mean, how can you not hold that back with the cameras?
HAMMER: Let`s talk about that for a second because certainly the "Real Housewives" show, the whole franchise, has seen its share of big splits. Of course, Camille Grammer and Kelsey Grammer. That played out before our eyes. And, you know, Kelsey had said that that was going down before she ever even went on the show.
VETRINI: Sure, it was.
HAMMER: I mean is mine. But here`s our next SHOWBIZ flashpoint. Could being on a reality show have contributed to the Maloof split?
Erika, you know what it`s like being on a reality show. You were on that first season of "Apprentice," you know what it`s like having cameras follow your every move.
VETRINI: Absolutely.
HAMMER: So what do you say?
VETRINI: When my husband and I got engaged, it was before I started the reality show, I posted, I said, you know, if my relationship could survive a reality show, it could survive anything. The attention that it`s given, the -- everything is put under a microscope and little fights or bickering is blown up into big deals because it`s on TV. You know, that`s -- relationships --
HAMMER: So it sounds like you`re suggesting there has to have been something wrong in the foundation of the relationship --
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: And then that was accentuated or made more problematic --
VETRINI: I think they were selected because they had that tension and I think it`s amplified because they`re on TV.
HAMMER: You know, Bradley, you watch these shows all the time and you also cover them. Do you get the sense that just doing the reality show can be enough to possibly drive a wedge --
JACOBS: Absolutely. I mean --
HAMMER: -- where maybe there wasn`t a problem?
JACOBS: I think a weak relationship on the show is going to be really challenged. Because there are cameras in your face, producers telling you to do this. Producers are also telling you, you`ve got to amp up the tension. You`re boring.
HAMMER: Yes.
JACOBS: We -- we`ve seen people get cut. Look at the New York housewives how many of them got cut last season.
HAMMER: Yes.
JACOBS: Because those were the weakest spot line.
HAMMER: And you start to amp up the tension and then --
JACOBS: And then you`re like --
HAMMER: -- that you`re creating you realize oh, no, there`s something to that. All right, well, Bradley and Erica, I got to wrap it there. Thank you both so much.
For more on the R-Patz story, make sure you grab this week`s issue of "Us Weekly." It is on newsstands on Friday.
And now Snoop Dogg is born again as Snoop Lion.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: You guys hear the near? Snoop Dogg`s changed his name to Snoop Lion.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snoop Lion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Sounds crazy, doesn`t it? Yes, no more Dogg, Snoop moving up in the animal kingdom. This after discovering his true inner Rastafarian (ph) self. So why are so many people calling Snoop`s transformation awkward?
Plus Jeremy Renner`s embarrassing entry into the mile high club. Wait until you hear about this. It`s a Viagra mix-up that made for the superstar`s most memorable flight ever.
These are just two of the wild stories in our countdown of the most awkward celebrity moves in Hollywood. Which story takes the top spot though?
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
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HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And tonight in the SHOWBIZ countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward. You know, we`ve all had those moments cringe worthy moments when we find ourselves in a situation that makes us think well, this is awkward.
Well, tonight it`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s countdown of the most awkward celebrity moments. But which one could possibly be number one?
Kicking off our countdown at number five, MTV`s "Awkward." This is a great show. It`s a hit comedy series and it offers a heavy dose of awkwardness coupled with some rather unforgettable moments.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Excuse me, sorry. OK. I really got to pee. OK. Excuse me. Look, I get that what`s going on there doesn`t involve the kind of bodily functions we all need to perform, but that`s what cars were made for. Seriously. I drank two (INAUDIBLE) and three bloody Cubans and I need to pee. Ricky?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. That would be awkward. Who better to dig deep into Hollywood`s real-life awkward run-ins than the brilliantly talented young Jillian Rose Reed who stars on MTV`s "Awkward" that airs Thursday nights. Also with me in New York, entertainment reporter, Zain Meghji.
Well, Jillian, first of all, off to you, congratulations on the massive instant success of your show. Some pretty wild story lines playing out with your character as we just saw. I`m just curious, though, have you had any real-life awkward moments that might work into your show`s story line?
JILLIAN ROSE REED, STAR OF MTV`S AWKWARD: Oh, yes. Absolutely. I think I`ve had more awkward moments than most people. I`ve fallen down in front of a lot of people. That`s happened. Especially on set. I`ll say words wrong because I have a lot of words that are made up. And I say them wrong. And then everybody laughs and it`s super embarrassing.
HAMMER: But I don`t get the impression you`ve ever peed in public like we just saw. So we`ll just -- we`ll move on from that awkward moment and from awkward TV moments to a real-life celebrity blunder. And it brings us to number four tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEREMY RENNER, ACTOR: Take a little sleeping pill, pop it. And realize nothing`s happening but something else is happening. And I realize that very quickly that that A was actually a little V on the pill. Because not only did I not sleep the entire flight, I like -- I was camping happening.
JIMMY KIMMEL, HOST: Someone gave you a Viagra instead of an Ambien?
RENNER: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Well, first of all I can`t believe that Jeremy told that story on Jimmy Kimmel`s show.
Zain, you know, come on. A friend gave him the pill, you buying that?
ZAIN MEGHJI, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER: See, this is why, people, you don`t do drugs. Especially if you don`t know where they`re coming from. And you -- you know, A and V look really different. I understand sometimes when you`re on a flight, you want to take a rest. And then that happens and that`s -- they`re distracting. You know, and he goes on to talk in detail of what happened on the flight and that how he was with Dennis Hopper`s daughter who happened to be in the flight, too, and just all of that. But you know what, I think there`s a line between awkward and awesome. I like Jeremy Renner a little bit more because he`s told this story.
HAMMER: Well, yes, let me -- let me ask you about that because, you know, some people would say, OK, you know, I know you need to go on Jimmy Kimmel and tell a story but do you have to tell that story? Is that oversharing? Personally I don`t think so because it`s on the Jimmy Kimmel show.
MEGHJI: Right.
HAMMER: In your mind, and obviously he`s won a bigger fan in you, is that the kind of a story that wins celebrities even more fans when they hear them being so candid like that?
MEGHJI: Yes, I think so. Because I think also Jeremy Renner in the press is very guarded a lot of times. So when we see this, we`re like, yes, he`s just one of our buddies. And I think that that wins him points. Because I like to hear these stories that we don`t hear when we do interviews. They always say the same answers. That`s story I never heard about him.
HAMMER: Yes. I`ve never heard that either. And I don`t know, though, that I`m buying the story that a friend gave -- Jay? No? Anybody?
MEGHJI: It is just a good story that someone --
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: The friend gave it to him? OK. Well, in the number three spot tonight, Snoop Dogg is changing his name. Now, look, we`ve seen this happen before. It could be a little confusing. And that makes it awkward for everybody who`s, you know, trying to keep up with who Snoop is now. You remember Prince, he changed his name into a symbol. Sean Diddy, he kept coming up with new names. It was Sean Diddy Combs, changed it to Puff Daddy, to P. Diddy, now I think it`s just Diddy, but I`m really not sure.
And then of course football star Chad Johnson, who became Chad Ochocinco. Now he`s a Johnson again. I don`t think I`ve ever said on television before.
It`s all awkward, it`s all confusing. Let me get to CNN`s Jeanne Moos who digs deeper into one of the world`s most famous dog wanting to become a lion for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MOOS (voice-over): After all these years of Dogg --
DAVID LETTERMAN, TV HOST: Please welcome, Snoop Dogg.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snoop Dogg.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here`s Snoop Dogg.
MOOS: Suddenly we`re faced with lion?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snoop Lion. Give it up for Snoop Lion.
SNOOP DOGG, RAPPER: I could never become Snoop Lion if I was never Snoop Dogg.
MOOS (on camera): Did you guys hear the news? Snoop Dogg has changed his name to Snoop Lion.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Lion?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snoop Lion.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t know. I like the old Snoop Dogg.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, I think it`s a dumb idea.
MOOS (voice-over): But Snoop has been reincarnated. It also happens to be the name of a film about his spiritual journey. He went to Jamaica and Rastafarian temple, a high priest suggested he`s a lion, not a Dogg.
SNOOP DOGG: I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion.
MOOS: And instead of rap he`s doing reggae. But is the switch to Snoop Lion permanent? The Web site Holy Moly put it, he better not be lion to us.
SNOOP DOGG: Snoop Lion is the elevation of Snoop Dogg.
MOOS: We haven`t had to adjust to such a jarring name change since Puff Daddy switched to P. Diddy then diddled with the P.
SEAN COMBS, RAPPER: Enough is enough with the P getting in the way. You know, just call me Diddy.
MOOS: Online posters called Snoop "the artist former known as Dogg." The nickname reportedly came from his mom because he reminded her of Snoopy with his long Snoopy shaped face.
True, the name got a bad rap. Former Senator Alan Simpson --
ALAN SIMPSON, FORMER SENATOR: Snoopy, Snoopy poop dogg.
MOOS: Somehow that insult wouldn`t work as well with lion. Though snoop still applies.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come on, Snoop. Snoop the loop.
MOOS (on camera): And there is this downside to the name change. Pity the poor fans stuck with merchandise like the Snoop Dogg floor mat or walking around in pajamas wearing Snoop Dogg slippers.
(Voice-over): Some may pretend to shrug off this earth shaking change.
(On camera): He changed his name to Snoop Lion, I kid you not.
LETTERMAN: Top 10 things that sound cool when said by Snoop Dogg. Here we go, number 10.
SNOOP DOGG: Yo.
MOOS (voice-over): Yes. But will you still sound cool if said by Snoop Lion?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. Anything with lion. I`m a Leo.
MOOS: In the lion kingdom the news probably something a yawn and a roar.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I actually think my Snoop Dogg slippers are actually worth more now so I`m happy that I have them.
All right. We`re just minutes away from the number one spot on tonight`s SHOWBIZ countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward. Wait until you see who tops our list.
The SHOWBIZ countdown continues next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is counting down Hollywood`s most awkward moments. And here`s where we are so far.
In at number five tonight, MTV turns up the volume on awkwardness with this great hit comedy series "Awkward." At number four, Jeremy Renner gives new meaning to the mile high club when he accidentally replaces a sleeping pills with Viagra. Number three tonight, meet Snoop Lion. The rapper formerly known as Snoop Dog is changing his famous name. Say it ain`t snow snoop, snow, snoop?
All right. That brings us to number two on the SHOWBIZ countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward moments. Now this Jackson family feud has been spilling out into the world with Michael Jackson`s children taking to Twitter demanding answers, forcing Katherine Jackson to issue this public statement.
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KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON, MOTHER: I was here. My assistant Janice Smith had been calling back home see how things had been going. And the -- she had been keeping in contact with my nephew. I mean my grandson. And he says everything was going fine.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, the Jackson family drama has yet to be resolved. Back with me from Hollywood, Jillian Rose Reed, star of MTV`s hit comedy series "Awkward." With me in New York, entertainment reporter Zane Meghji: Well, listen I can` even imagine how all this is taking a toll on Paris Jackson.
But Jillian, I`m curious to get your take on this. Do you feel like she made the right move by tweeting her take on what was happening in the Jackson family compound? Or do you feel, like, it was maybe airing a bit too much of private dirty laundry.
REED: Well, you know, the thing with this is she is in the public eye. And so she can`t really help that, but this is what teenagers do especially on twitter. You know they get their heartbroken and they tweet Taylor, their ex and their grandmother was missing and they tweet about it. They`re a little bit dramatic and I just -- I think she was being a teenager.
HAMMER: Yes, it kind of sounds that way.
MEGHJI: Totally. Well, that`s the thing. And also I think that Paris is following in her father`s footsteps. No matter what he ever did. There was always drama. I love and miss Michael Jackson, but he knew how to put on a show. Looks like Paris will have to do it, too.
HAMMER: All right. Well, now that we got that out of the way -- and we wish Paris and the family all the best maybe. We`ll see fewer tweets. I have a feeling that`s what it takes place. But who is at number one on the SHOWBIZ countdown of Hollywood`s most awkward well, look at that. The honor goes to Kirsten Stewart and Robert Pattinson.
A much talked about cheating scandal and reported breakup, still another "Twilight" movie to be released. It comes within a world wide promotional tour. Very awkward.
Now, Jillian, you know what it is like to have to go out there and do press for a new project. How do you think Robert Pattinson is possibly going to handle sitting side by side with Kirsten doing a promo tour? Can you imagine being in his shoes?
REED: It`s super awkward and obviously cheating is a devastating thing to have to go through. But that`s what you get yourself into when you date a co-star. You know, you have to -- you have to think about what happens if we break up and we have to hang out all the time. So super awkward but I believe that they`ll handle it like professionals.
HAMMER: I mean I have to believe, number one -- and sometimes you go into these things and you see the stars sitting side by side. I have to imagine they may not even be at the same press events at the same time.
All right, Jillian Rose Reed, Zain Meghji, thank you both so much. And make sure you catch Jillian starring in "Awkward" Thursday nights on the MTV.
Moving on now to the new queen of Camelot? Brand new reports that superstar Taylor Swift is dating a Kennedy. Now think about that. SHOWBIZ dares to ask, is it country music royalty meeting American political royalty?
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HAMMER: Tonight Taylor Swift`s Kennedy connection? The brand new reports that Taylor is getting cozy with a Kennedy.
Plus a Baldwin brother gets real with SHOWBIZ. Why Stephen Baldwin thinks his big bro Alec should run for office. That tops the BUZZ today.
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HAMMER: Swiftly dating? Is Taylor Swift the next in line to become a Kennedy? Well, brand new reports by E! Online say country music sweetheart Taylor Swift has been seen with Connor Kennedy. The 18-year-old son of Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the late Mary Richardson Kennedy. This isn`t the first time the 22-year-old singer has been spotted with the political family. Swift was previously seen celebrating Independence Day with the Kennedys.
Baldwin`s brotherly vote of confidence. In a brand new interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Stephen Baldwin told me he thinks big brother Alec should run for office despite their different political views. But would Alec actually get his vote?
STEPHEN BALDWIN, ACTOR: I think he`s got plenty of time to do that and I think he should do that. I think he would do a great job. Not sure which one, what it is but --
HAMMER: Would you vote for him even if he`s not a part of your political affiliation?
BALDWIN: A.J., Alec`s got my vote.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now is your husband keeping secrets from you? How can you find out just what your hubby is not telling you and why he`s keeping things to himself? Well, Dr. Drew has that right now.
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