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Showbiz Tonight
`Real Housewives` Star Facing Fraud Charges; Critic Defends Lindsay Lohan`s Latest Film; Film: SeaWorld Putting Profit Before Safety; SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Hot Flashes
Aired July 30, 2013 - 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 on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown," "Teresa in Turmoil." "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice and her husband charged with fraud. Tonight, the top three burning questions. Could they really go to prison? Should reality TV cameras be there for every moment? Alex McCord of the "Real Housewives of New York" breaks down the real deal on the fate of TV`s most volatile reality star.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SYDNEY LEATHERS, ANTHONY WEINER`S SEXTING PARTNER: This is absolutely insane. I cannot believe this man would really do this again. You know the second time around.
HOWARD STERN, SIRIUS XM HOST: Yes, it`s shocking.
LEATHERS: How could he be so foolish? And then I was like just roll with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: "Weiner Wows." New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner`s sexting buddy gets a porn offer. Was it all part of her master plan?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT starts right now.
Hello I`m A.J. Hammer. Thank you for watching.
Tonight in the "SHOWBIZ Countdown," we are counting down the three burning questions about "Teresa in Turmoil." "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice got a very big reality check today when she and her husband, Joe, appeared in federal court. This is in New Jersey. They`re there to face all kinds of fraud charges that could actually lead to them becoming stars behind bars for as long as 30 years.
Well, tonight we`ve got a real former "Real Housewife" in the house. Alex McCord, she of course, costarred on "Real Housewives of New York" is right here. Great seeing you, Alex. Please stay right where you are because first I want to send it right out to CNN`s Nischelle Turner for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
She was in court all day during the chaos -- Nischelle.
NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J., this was the initial court appearance. It wasn`t the arraignment, so they didn`t have to enter a plea. And they did not. They will do that on August 14.
But this was their initial court appearance, like I said, and there were some stipulations that the judge put on them in the courtroom today.
The first thing that the judge said was that they were released on a $500,000 unsecured appearance bond. Also both of them had to relinquish their passport. They also cannot travel outside of New York or New Jersey, which could be problematic for Teresa, because you know she`s always promoting things and making appearances. That`s how she makes her money outside the show. So if she can`t do that she`s not bringing in any money.
Also, one other thing that came out of this initial court appearance today: Joe Giudice not a U.S. citizen. He`s an Italian citizen. So the judge said that he had to acknowledge that, if all of this is proven true, there`s a possibility he could be deported back to Italy.
He did acknowledge that, although his attorney told me that Joe is not guilty. So we`ll have to see when this process begins on August 14 at the arraignment.
Back to you.
HAMMER: All right. Well, Nischelle, thank you very much. I think your motorcycle is warmed up.
There is a whole new reality for the Giudices that could dramatically change their lives forever and of course their show, the "Real Housewives of New Jersey."
Joining me tonight, along with Alex McCord, is Ryan Smith. He`s cohost of "HLN AFTER DARK." I want to get right to No. 3 in our countdown of tonight`s top burning questions. Could Teresa and Joe actually go to jail. If this sticks, I don`t see why not.
RYAN SMITH, HLN ANCHOR: Absolutely, A.J. I think there`s a very good chance they could go to jail. Talk about reality bite.
And look at this. They`re accused of lying to three different major institutions: the IRS, the bankruptcy courts and various banks.
And it`s not only just one time. They`re accused of running multiple employment scams over a series of years.
But the big factor in all of this, even if they do a plea deal or try to work out some sort of arrangement, the federal government for years has been trying to make an example, trying to show that you cannot rip off financial institutions. So if these allegations stand, I wonder if the federal government will try to make an example of them and hold them accountable and not let them to something lesser, or at least give them a term of years in jail.
HAMMER: It`s wild that they`re getting to do that with reality stars. Because really, the big headline of this is the government is saying, "Hey, you want to live well in this country you better play by the rules."
And Alex, I have to tell you, I was so excited when I heard you were booked on the show. I`m dying to get your take on this. Because look, we`ve both watched Teresa and her behavior on the "Real Housewives of New Jersey." But still, I have to believe you were shocked when you heard that Teresa and Joe were being charged with fraud.
ALEX MCCORD, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK": I was horrified. And I feel so badly for her.
I mean, I think that, in a way, reality TV is becoming a little bit like politics, in that you should never, ever, ever put yourself out there if you`ve got any skeletons in your closet, because they can come out to bite you.
I mean, I know that some of these counts started before the show, some of them are after. A show like the "Real Housewives" is a show about rich people. I mean, that`s what they say. That`s the tag line.
And there`s a tremendous pressure to make it bigger and more fabulous and everything else. I remember in season one Teresa was going shopping and she bought supposedly $120,000 worth of furniture, which she supposedly paid for in cash.
And the thing is with knowing a little bit about how reality shows are made, I seriously doubt that actually happened, but they made it look like it happened. You know, the producers want to turn in a great show to their boss. It looks bigger; it looks worse.
HAMMER: Yes.
MCCORD: Suddenly, the IRS sees the show. They want to audit them, and it turns into a huge mess.
HAMMER: Well, look, you know very well, being on a reality show it`s like hey, look at me. The government is actually paying attention.
And of course, Teresa wasn`t hard to miss. She really made a name for herself, bringing the drama in so many classic scenes from her show, like this one.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TERESA GIUDICE, REALITY TV STAR: You are (EXPLETIVE DELETED) Dave 19 times. You (EXPLETIVE DELETED) stupid bitch -- you (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER; I love it. An epic TV classic. Great to have a good table- flipping moment. But is it so great for TV? I mean, it`s really got me thinking about how is Bravo going to handle all of this?
This brings us to No. 2. Let me get to our burning question on our countdown tonight. Would it be wrong for the show to exploit their legal trouble?
Alex, let me go to you on that.
MCCORD: You know what? It`s going to happen. I can already predict that the ratings are going to go up. There`s a Web site called BravoRatings.com that show that this season so far the ratings are down on seasons three and four. This is Season Five.
I guarantee you they`re going to see an uptick, even if they don`t do anything and is it wrong? Unfortunately, they`re on reality TV and it`s news.
HAMMER: Yes. But let me throw this into the mix, because immediately when the story broke and I thought about how is Bravo going to cover it, I started thinking about this. After Russell Armstrong committed suicide, a lot of people were saying that having his legal troubles play out on the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may have contributed to his distress. People were throwing that out there. The family threw it out there.
So I`m thinking you know what? Bravo may want to back away from making this into a plot line. Ryan, I mean, it certainly is a good reason for them to have learned a lesson and not exploit it.
RYAN SMITH, CO-HOST, HLN FIBER DARK: I think so. If something were to happen because of this being exposed...
HAMMER: Game over.
SMITH: Also to the family involved. We don`t think about the families a lot of times. A.J., I got to say, the worst decision to put this out there would be on Teresa`s part and Joe`s part. Because you know, here would be my thing as their lawyer. If I was representing them, I would say you`ve got to watch every single thing you say. If they get on this show and say I can`t believe the government would come after me, this is ridiculous, it`s bogus, I`m a government official, I`m looking at that on TV, I`m saying yes, forget the deal. Yes, forget the breaks. We`re going to go after them even harder. Every single word they say is going to be scrutinized.
MCCORD: It`s a double-edged sword. Because the thing is, and your correspondent mentioned it when she said that they can`t travel out of New York and New Jersey. It may get to the point where the income stream completely dries up except for the show.
HAMMER: Right.
MCCORD: The thing is once you go on reality TV you can`t go get a job in an office. You have to completely reinvent yourself. And you have to go with being a professional reality star, professional celebrity. So it may be that the show is the only opportunity she`s got to bring in the bacon.
HAMMER: Alex, it wasn`t just you. Other people were saying today that everything Teresa and Joe did in front of those cameras for the sake of reality TV may backfire on them. Former Atlanta "Real Housewife" Kim Zolciak told HLN earlier today the pressure of being a "Real Housewife" can just be too intense.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KIM ZOLCIAK, REALITY TV STAR: I definitely think that all of us do feel the pressure to, quote unquote, keep up with the Joneses to a certain extent. But for me, you know, I personally walked away. It wasn`t to my highest and best to continue emotionally or for my own health to remain on the show. But you know, I think, you know, at the end of the day, I mean, it`s a very, very hard business to be in.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: She`s saying the show took a toll on her life. That brings us to the No. 1 burning question on today`s countdown, could what Teresa and Joe did on the show come back to haunt them? Ryan, you`ve got to really watch what you`re going to do if you`re going to put yourself out there.
SMITH: Every single thing. And that`s why I think they need to step away from this show for now. Look maybe you return once your legal problems calm down.
I agree with Alex. They`re not going to stop showing the show even though Russell`s past and all that could be a bad precursor. I think they`re going to keep going with it.
But you try to get Bravo not to talk about you and you step back. Every single word they say matters. And the government will not be lenient with them. So if I`m then I get right off the show and I deal with my problems first.
HAMMER: Good advice.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did reach out to Bravo, and they have not yet commented about how they plan to handle all of this on the show, if at all.
Alex, Ryan, great having you both here. Thank you so much.
All right. How is this for a burning question tonight: Did Anthony Weiner`s sexting buddy set the New York City mayoral candidate up for a spectacular fail?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEATHERS: I feel nauseous. Literally nauseous when I see him. You get to know someone and you think they`re this other person, and then you really find out they`re just kind of a sexual deviant, and that`s it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: He may be a sexual deviant, but is Sydney Leathers a sexual opportunist? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you she was just offered a porn deal.
Plus, this ain`t your parents` Teddy Ruxpin. Oh, no. This rebooted `80s toy is more like the real-life version of the bear in the movie "Ted."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One day an engineer had an idea. He looked at his smartphone and thought, "If my phone can talk and understand what I say, then why can`t a toy?"
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Why can`t a toy indeed. This super toy can hold his own conversation, mimic the way you talk, even answer your questions. Brilliant or freaky?
This is SBT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What are you doing?
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: I was just looking for my cell phone.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did you find it?
LOHAN: Christian, why is my phone in your drawer? Christian, why was my phone...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know about you and Ryan!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That is certainly quite a performance. That is Lindsay Lohan in her new movie, "The Canyons." It debuts in theaters and on video on demand on Friday.
Well, tonight Lindsay is making some headlines that she can finally be proud of. Now, most of the reviews for Lindsay in "The Canyons" have sounded kind of like this: "certainly terrible," "non-entertaining pseudo- arty film" and "she fizzles."
But Scott Fonda says, "Hey, not so fast." Scott is the chief film critic for "Variety." He`s here to tell us why he may be the only critic on the planet -- perhaps in the universe -- to give Lindsay a glowing review.
And Scott, I`ve got to know right off the bat, what were you expecting from Lindsay when you went to see the movie?
SCOTT FONDA, CHIEF FILM CRITIC, "VARIETY": You know, I didn`t have a lot of expectations except to say that I certainly am a fan of hers from way back when she was in her Disney sort of teen star phase, and she gave some really good, solid performances in movies like "Freaky Friday" and the remake of "The Parent Trap."
And I think people have forgotten over time, with all the tabloid shenanigans, that you know, she was really good in those movies, good enough that Robert Altman cast her in a small part in his last film, "Prairie Home Companion," where she played opposite Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin and lots of other people.
She of course, was also in "Mean Girls." She had a run there for a while. And obviously, she hasn`t been in a significant film for many years now.
I, of course, thought it could be an interesting movie, because the director is Paul Schrader, who wrote "Taxi Driver" and directed "American Gigolo" and a lot of other really interesting American independent films over the years. But you know, until I saw it I really didn`t know what to expect from Lindsay Lohan at this stage of her career.
HAMMER: And I`ve got to say, Scott, I`d been hoping for a good performance from Lindsay, because I would like her to be able to dig herself out of all of her issues and be known again for her acting.
But I must read this one part of your review that got my attention and I think a lot of people`s attention. You wrote, "Lohan gives one of those performances like Marlon Brando`s in `Last Tango in Paris` that comes across as some uncanny conflagration of drama and autobiography. Lohan may not go as deep or as far as Brando, but with her puffy skin, gaudy hoop earrings, and thick eye makeup, there`s a little girl lost quality to the one-time Disney teen princess that`s very affecting" -- Scott. Scott!
FONDA: I wouldn`t -- I wouldn`t...
HAMMER: Hold on!
FONDA: ... back off a word of that. I would -- I would mention another performance that her performance recalls, which is Robert Downey Jr....
HAMMER: Scott!
FONDA: ... in "Two Girls and a Guy"...
HAMMER: You`re killing me!
FONDA: ... which was another kind of outre NC-17 movie by the writer- director James Toback.
And there are moments where troubled stars give performances that are enhanced in some way by everything that we know about them as public people.
I mean, the casting of Lindsay Lohan here is very canny. She`s playing a character who`s kind of just hanging on by her fingernails...
HAMMER: Yes.
FONDA: ... to a certain kind of lifestyle in Hollywood. She`s not playing an actress. She`s playing the girlfriend of a kind of two-bit horror movie producer, a spoiled rich kid who`s dabbling in the movie business. But you see that she`s -- she`s attached to this certain level of comfort. And she`s unwilling to let go of it even to be with the guy that she actually has feelings for, who`s her ex-boyfriend in the story.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, Scott, listen, I`m happy for Lindsay. You know, I know she tweeted her gratitude to you for your nice review. That has to have been nice for you.
FONDA: I think it`s the first time any of my reviews were tweeted out by someone in rehab.
HAMMER: I mean, Marlon Brando and Robert Downey Jr. And look, we`re going to wait. I`m going to withhold judgment. I`m going to watch it. I read the review, and I love that you were here tonight, Scott. Thanks so much.
FONDA: My pleasure.
HAMMER: All right. Well, right now not for that but for something else, I`m mad as hell, and I`m not going to take it anymore. Actually, I`m not even talking about myself. I`m talking about a guy who got a ticket for running a red light. He insisted he was innocent, and then he went a little berserk.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JASON LAWTON, SHELBURNE POLICE OFFICER: I`m telling you the reason why I stopped you...
ROD MACIVER, SUING TOWN OVER TICKET: Yes, well, I think you`re completely out to lunch. What are you doing, smoking pot or something?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, he`s just getting warmed up here. You have got to see the most fantastic flip-out ever. You won`t believe how it ended, either.
Plus, if you`ve got to send someone a one-way ticket to Dumpsville, well now of course, there`s an app for that. Is it creative? Is it cruel? We`ll let you decide in tonight`s "SHOWBIZ Hot Flashes."
Time now for "SHOWBIZ Buzz List." Here`s what the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff is buzzing all about.
All hail the return of Lady Gaga. Yes, after a long recovery from hip surgery, Gaga returns with her first single, "Applause." Can`t wait for that on August 19.
We can`t wait to sit on the edges of our seats when "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters" hits theaters on August 7.
Well, never lose your keys again. Just get this Tile app. It`s this tiny device. You can attach it to anything you might lose. And if you misplace that thing, well, just use the app on your smartphone to track it down. Just don`t lose the phone.
Judge LiLo for yourself. Lindsay Lohan`s "The Canyons" will debut in theaters and on video on demand on Friday.
And this is breaking my heart. It`s breaking everybody heart -- everybody`s hearts here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. "Breaking Bad" returning for the final season. And that happens on August 11.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m serious. It`s a...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One, two...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Look, you get your 5 million, we both do it. And he gets nothing. All right? Just hear him out.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is that true, Walter?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: OK. So look at this whale floundering at the side of the pool at SeaWorld. Amateur video captured this disturbing scene. And you can actually hear people in the audience screaming for trainers to help the stranded whale.
The video was just posted to YouTube, and it comes right after the release of a new documentary that slams SeaWorld. CNN`s Nischelle Turner investigates for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The dolphin!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He`s stuck!
NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These frantic screams from spectators at SeaWorld in Orlando led to outrage.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) jerk.
TURNER: Witnesses say the young pilot whale floundered helplessly for nearly a half an hour, despite pleas from the crowd for a SeaWorld employee to help.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They can get back in the pool. They do slide up on their own.
TURNER: According to a SeaWorld spokesperson, pilot whales come out on the ledge all the time, usually getting back into the pool by themselves. It`s the younger ones, like the one in this video, they say haven`t quite mastered the technique. Trainers eventually help the whale back into the water.
SeaWorld released this statement to CNN, saying, quote, "I want to reassure you the whale was never in danger. The safety and health of the animals in our care are among our highest priorities."
As a new film, "Blackfish," questions certain practices at SeaWorld. It was three years ago a 12,000-pound killer whale dragged a trainer underwater by her ponytail, causing her death. The film cites other terrifying incidents at the park, accusing them of putting profit before safety.
JOHN HARGROVE, FEATURED IN "BLACKFISH": Captivity definitely without a doubt increases the stress level of these animals, and stress leads to frustration. Frustration leads to aggression.
TURNER: SeaWorld responded to the film in this statement to CNN, saying, "The film fails to mention SeaWorld`s commitment to the safety of its team members and guests and to the care and welfare of its animals."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, SeaWorld also said in a very long statement that the film is inaccurate and misleading. CNN Films has purchased the rights to "Blackfish" documentary, and it will air on our sister network coming up in October.
Moving on now to the brand-new teddy bear that every kid is going to want.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One day an engineer had an idea. He looked at his smartphone and thought, "If my phone can talk and understand what I say, then why can`t a toy?"
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, why not? This real-life Ted can answer your questions, hold a conversation. But is this super toy too good to be true?
Plus, fifty shades of freaky sex-related accidents? You`re going to find out why there`s been this massive spike in calls to the fire department after a whole bunch of enthusiastic fans try to recreate some of the steamy moments in the book "Fifty Shades of Grey."
This is SBT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now the "SHOWBIZ Countdown." Today`s top three "Weiner Wows."
Anthony Weiner`s sexting buddy gets a mega porn offer after strolling around with one of the kings of adult entertainment. Has she already struck a deal? And will that porn offer top our "Weiner Wows" countdown?
Well, this may be the most epic red-light meltdown ever caught on tape.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAWTON: I`m telling you the reason why I stopped you...
MACIVER: Yes, well, I think you`re completely out to lunch. What are you doing, smoking pot or something?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That guy`s mad as hell, and he`s not going to take it anymore. And I`m revealing how this guy actually dodged a ticket, even after talking like that to a cop. "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" continues right now.
Welcome back to "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT." Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown," today`s big Weiner wows. You`d think that a story about a congressman who loses his job for sexting and texting pictures of his junk to random women only to get caught doing it again as he ran for another job would be crazy enough, right? But today there were so many new crazy developments in the Anthony Weiner scandal that we just had to stop and say, wow.
So let`s get right to our countdown. Kick it off with number three. The young woman Weiner was sexting suggests she was playing him. Sidney Leathers appeared this morning on Howard Stern`s Sirius XM radio show for a sometimes raunchy interview, and she says that when Weiner started flirting with her online she thought, hey, I`m going to see where this thing goes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD STERN: So when you`re doing this, do you say, hey, this is like the coolest thing ever because now I`m the girl who`s involved in yet another scandal and almost like a reporter would do you`re like oh, let me see how far this can go?
SIDNEY LEATHERS: Let`s see how far it will go.
Actually, that`s kind of how it was for me. I was like, this is absolutely insane, I cannot believe this man would really do this again. You know .
STERN: Yeah.
LEATHERS: How could he be so foolish and then I was like just roll with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And roll with it she did. With me tonight from Hollywood is somebody who knows all about cheating, online and otherwise. Joey Greco made a living busting philanderers as the former host of the TV show "Cheaters." Great having you here, Joey. And based on what you know about cheaters, which is a lot, but why do you think that Weiner would ever let himself get caught sexting again after he got burned so badly before?
JOEY GRECO: I just don`t think he`s smart enough. A, for political office. But B, to get himself in the same situation again. So clearly, there are some questions about what`s going on. But here`s the funny thing, is that she mentioned and she even said that he wasn`t the person that she thought he was. And that just kind of makes me think, well, who did you actually think he was to begin with? I mean, he`s already sending photos of his groceries to people that he`s never met and doesn`t know that are not his wife or someone that he`s in a relationship with. So what did you expect to happen?
HAMMER: It`s just the strangest thing to me.
GRECO: Here we go.
HAMMER: Listen, I think obviously he`s a bright man in many ways, but also he`s a very stupid man in many ways. And Sidney Leathers said that Anthony Weiner was definitely a fan of ego stroking. Let`s listen to what she told Howard Stern about that this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERN: He wants to be worshiped.
LEATHERS: He will - exactly. He loved the fact that, you know, I knew about all of his epic rants on the House floor. You know, he loved the fact that I knew so much about, you know, his politics.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Hey, surprise-surprise there, Weiner had a big ego. Do you think? Michelle Buteau of VH1`s "Best Week Ever" now with us. So, Michelle, with such a huge ego I`m thinking no wonder he was so easily played.
MICHELLE BUTEAU, ACTRESS, COMEDIAN: It`s true. But can I just say this is one Weiner that is not kosher. Hello. I cannot believe he`s even doing this again. If he really wants us to forgive him, this is what he needs to do. He needs to go to rehab. Ok? He needs to give up his cell phone. He needs to buy his wife some big jewelry and maybe a reality show, "Dancing With the Stars." I don`t know. Something.
GRECO: Yeah.
BUTEAU: But he just needs to quit the race already. I mean, nobody trusts him anymore. This is one race that he should be pulling out of.
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: OK. And I will get to that in just a second. Yeah, I think a stint on "Dancing with the Stars," that`ll solve everything. The Weiner wows just kept on coming today and that takes us to number two on our SHOWBIZ Countdown, oh, here`s another big surprise. Sydney Leathers reveals today that heck yes, she is going to catch in on the scandal. And "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" confirmed today she did meet with porn mogul Steve Hirsch. Now, he is telling us that he`s already given her an offer. Listen to what Leathers told Howard Stern today about cashing in on all this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERN: You`re going to try and monetize this thing somehow, right?
LEATHERS: Yeah. Once my identity got leaked, I just felt like, you know, what the [EXPLETIE DELETED]? Who cares?
STERN: You had a meeting with the guy from vivid video.
LEATHERS: I did.
STERN: Are you considering a porno?
LEATHERS: I`m keeping all my options open.
STERN: Would you be opposed to having sex on camera?
LEATHERS: You know, we`ll see what`ll happen.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Joey, I`ve got to go to you on this one. On your show, you had cheaters on all the time who were willing to show their faces on national TV. So I can`t imagine Leathers looking for her 15 minutes of fame is any surprise to you at all.
GRECO: No. Not really. You know, in our situations when we did the show what would happen is in order for them to have their images broadcast they`d have to tell their side of the story.
HAMMER: Right.
GRECO: They`d have to sign a waiver. And they`d get compensated for that. So, I don`t see that this is very much different than that. And like she said, she is keeping her options open.
HAMMER: Yeah, Michelle, she said, also this morning on Howard`s show she didn`t go in this with a plan to cash in, but now hey, you know, why the heck not? It`s out there, my name is out there, so I`m just going to go for it. Do you blame her?
BUTEAU: It`s true. No, make that lemonade, girl. Her options aren`t the only thing she`s coping open. What?
HAMMER: What did you say?
BUTEAU: Who said this?
HAMMER: I don`t know who said that.
BUTEAU: I mean look, she`s going to have like - she`s going to be on the D list or the E list. She`s going to have like a little cute career out of it. And she didn`t even have to like know what he feels like. I`m like what? You go, girl. Like, seriously.
HAMMER: Yeah. We`re going to have to sit around and wait for a little while to see if there`s going to be a porn movie featuring Leathers. At least, she has the right name for it. I actually thought it was a porn or a stage name.
(LAUGHTER)
BUTEAU: I know.
HAMMER: That`s her name.
BUTEAU: Leathers?
HAMMER: Yes. But listen to what she announced today. She`s going to record a new song and she`s going to call it "Weiner Riser." you remember the Britney Spears song "Womanizer"? She`s doing Weinerizer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Oh, womanizer - yeah, I mean just picture Sydney singing Weinerizer, Weinerizer. You kind of get the idea. Joey, this whole thing is just getting beyond ridiculous at this point, don`t you think?
GRECO: Hey, at this stage he`s even got a night at a minor league baseball team is devoting a night, a salute to the scandal where they`re selling dollar Weiners and then there`s a contest for anyone who will tweet and send a photo of them enjoying and how they`re enjoying their hot dog will win a prize. So at least he`s making a name for himself in a number of different ways.
(LAUGHTER): Yes.
HAMMER: Yeah, I mean he may as well quit the race .
GRECO: He`s a baseball fan.
HAMMER: He certainly could make some money off of this too. Maybe a duet for Weinerizer, Michelle.
BUTEAU: I mean I would listen to it. I`m not going to lie. I`d probably listen and dance to it in my zumba class.
HAMMER: Yeah.
BUTEAU: I mean as long as it`s not glorifying what he`s doing, it`s just poking fun at it. I mean - why not?
HAMMER: Just poking. Weiner just poking fun at it. Yeah, I can see you thumping and bumping in the clubs to Weinerizer. The question is after all of these shocking things what could possibly be the biggest Weiner wow of the day?
Well, here`s what is number one on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown." There is a brand new poll today that says he is now running fourth in the Democratic primary for New York City`s mayor race. Now, remember, it`s not all that long ago that he was in the lead for this race. What made us say wow here is the fact that there`s even anybody out there who`s actually still willing to vote for him. Not even his sexting partner would vote for him at this point. You`ve got to listen to what Sydney Leathers told Howard about that this morning.
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STERN: Do you want Anthony Weiner to be the next mayor of New York City?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I mean, as funny as it would be to have a mayor Carlos Danger .
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think he`s a little too busy [EXPLETIVE DELETED] off to do anything for the city.
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HAMMER: Yeah. I`m thinking Carlos Danger, his, I don`t know, sexting name there, has probably better name recognition for him at this point. It`s a good thing that Leathers can`t vote in New York anyway. Joey, listen, I`m a New Yorker, but I`ve got to get your take from the outside looking in. Is there any chance New Yorkers will possibly make a sexting, show your junk cheater their next mayor?
GRECO: Hey, this in the current state of where we live and the times that we`re living in, nothing will surprise me. As -- look at what we`re talking about right now. And his wife is still with him. So anything`s possible. As scary as that is.
HAMMER: It is scary. And Michelle, I don`t want to get too political here, but a couple of months ago, before this new scandal broke, a lot of people were saying, you know what, we`re over the whole sexting scandal, he put it behind him so to speak, and all is well with that. But now, I mean -- and again, as a New Yorker, it`s hard for me to imagine lining up with a bunch of people come election day and pulling the Weiner lever, so to speak.
BUTEAU: Oh, A.J., you just keep them coming. I love it.
HAMMER: I can`t help it.
BUTEAU: I mean, as a New Yorker, yes, we are forgiving. If you mess up and you know, you say you`re sorry, then it`s great. But if this keeps coming um, it`s like no, booboo. You can`t even get your house together? How are you going to run like our beautiful little city? Come on. No.
HAMMER: But for somebody like yourself, Michelle, it has to be very upsetting that it could all be coming to a close pretty soon because it`s just comic gold.
BUTEAU: I mean, I can`t stop saying Weiner. I don`t even like hot dogs. I want to go eat one.
HAMMER: Here`s something you can sink your teeth into. Great being with you both, Joey and Michelle, thank you so much.
Well, from Weiner wows to a fifty shades emergency tonight. This is a crazy story. We`re going to tell you why the world`s most famous erotic book is actually tying up the London fire department. This is your must- see "SHOWBIZ hot flashes." Plus, wait till you meet the real-life Ted.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One day an engineer had an idea. He looked at his smartphone and thought, if my phone can talk and understand what I say, then why can`t a toy?
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HAMMER: OK. This is something you have most definitely got to see tonight. We`re talking about the teddy bear with a brain. It is a super toy. It can hold its own in a conversation. This bear will mimic the way you talk and even answer your questions. The question is, is it just kind of really creepy or is it going to change the way kids play forever? And wait until you see what we have named tonight as our moment of SHOWBIZ awesomeness. This is "SBT," "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" on HLN.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Once upon a time, there was a lonely teddy bear nobody played with. All the children were now playing with their new toys.
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HAMMER: OK. What the heck is going on with that little boy and that bear? Well, you`re about to find out. As we bring you our hot flashes. Now that bear is just one of today`s buzziest stories we are bringing you in a hot flash. And we begin with this flash from London tonight. Help, I`m in handcuffs. Yeah, apparently, firefighters in London are fighting more than fire emergencies. We learned today they are being absolutely flooded with emergency calls from people who are apparently acting out kinky handcuff scenes from the book "Fifty Shades of Grey." And they can`t get the cuffs off. Well, let us now unlock comedian Michelle Buteau from VH1`s "Best Week Ever." I`m going to run down some pretty scary numbers I got for you here. Listen to this, 79 of 1,300 calls to the London fire brigade have involved people in handcuffs, and those 1,300 calls are costing taxpayers there nearly $600,000. Michelle, imagine having to call up the fire brigade and say come on down because I am trapped in my handcuffs. Could you imagine that?
BUTEAU: I mean, yes, I can. All night long. I mean, look here. I think this is money well spent. OK? If this book is promoting couples to spice up their relationship and have some sexy time, then why not? It`s like just read the directions. Hello, it`s not Ikea furniture. Thank God it`s handcuffs. Can you imagine if they were being all inspired by Harry Potter and those wands? Oh, A.J., it`s hammer time.
HAMMER: Listen, I never heard that before. Taxpayer money hard at work here. Literally. TV and radio host Michael Billy also here with us tonight. Michael, the movie, based on "Fifty Shades of Grey" is coming out next year. And I`m thinking the firehouses really should consider recruiting some special handcuff rescue teams, sort of share the burden.
BILLY: I`m a little surprised at this. I think handcuffs are the least kinky, kinky things you could do. I mean, it`s wonderful that people are feeling the confidence, starting to feel the sexual freedom out there, and starting to get -- raise that freak flag high loud and proud. I`m loving the shades of grey. My mom`s read it not only once but twice.
BUTEAU: Ooh.
HAMMER: Michael Billy, handcuffs not too kinky. From steamy sex to break up through a text. How`s this for a hot flash? This is a brand new app that helps you write a text to break up with someone. Yeah, there`s an app for that. There is certainly no need to get your hands dirty anymore. When it`s time to tell your mate, eh, sorry, it`s over. So we have "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" producer and all-around good guy Sid Lipsy (ph) voice one of those texts that the app spit out, and here`s how that went.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, Polypot. I know you expected to make it to our next anniversary, maybe beyond, who knows? There`s that one night we named our maybe babies. That was cute. You`re cute. But it`s over between us. We`ve drifted apart. It`s not just your impotency. It really isn`t. And no, this isn`t about that girl at work. It`s us. Ever hear that song "Cape Canaveral" by Conor Oberst? Of course you haven`t. That was one of our issues. Anyways, we`re like that. A poltergeist love. And I need an exorcism.
HAMMER: Bravo, Sid.
BUTEAU: Maybe babies.
HAMMER: By the way, please don`t worry about Sid there. He`s a happily married guy, but Michelle, are you heading right to the iTunes store after your "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" appearance to download this app?
BUTEAU: No, I actually like my husband because we`re still newlyweds and don`t know each other yet. And I don`t really think this is for relationships. I think this is a great app for single people who go out on dates. And you know, there isn`t a spark or something, you`re like how do I call someone and tell them I`m not into them? I think this is the perfect app for that. It`s just like hello, no thank you, bye, #seeyoulater. I think this is great because there are so many of my friends who just let it keep going. I`m like, girl, I know he`s buying you dinner, it tastes better when someone else pays for it, but let it go.
HAMMER: Perfect. We`ve got to move from break-ups to bears because I must show you this talking teddy. Move over, furbie. It`s super toy teddy, who talks, learns from human conversations, he takes commands, he works from wi-fi, and you`ve got to watch this strange video. It was posted on Youtube to market teddy.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Once upon a time there was a lonely teddy bear nobody played with. All the children were now playing with their new toys. Then one day an engineer had an idea. He looked at his smartphone and thought, if my phone can talk and understand what I say, then why can`t a toy? The engineer got in touch with the top Chinese toy manufacturer, who said that`s a great idea, let`s make it.
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HAMMER: OK. So Michael, I mean, is this going to be too creepy for you? Or are you snuggling up with this bear?
BILLY: Completely creepy. Help me out on this. But go outside and get a friend. Oh, my goodness. This is freaky and creepy.
BUTEAU: And I want my bear with a Jersey accent. I don`t know about you, Mike, but that`s how I want my bear.
HAMMER: I think it would make it more interesting. Bear hugs all around. Michelle, Michael, thank you both. And now we must proceed with caution because I`ve got a red light flip-out of epic proportions on the way. Did you see this?
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want you to leave me alone, go do your job and find someone who broke the law.
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HAMMER: OK. I`m thinking that`s not going to end very well. Well, I will reveal how this face-off with a red light ticket went down, and trust me, you want to see this. And wait until you see what we have named as our moment of "SHOWBIZ awesomeness." This is "SBT," "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" on HLN.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am telling you the reason why I stopped you --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I think you`re completely out to lunch. What are you doing, smoking pot or something?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is this how this is going to go?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. Absolutely.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Really?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. I want you to charge me with going through a red light.
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HAMMER: Talk about getting revved up. That guy demanded that he get a ticket for running a red light. And then he sued the cops for giving him one. This is an epic red light flip-out with the most bizarre ending I`ve ever seen. So we just gave CNN`s Jeanne Moos the green light to reveal how it all went down.
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JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It was a ticket for a red light that had a Vermont motorist seeing red.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You think I`m being silly?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think you`re being ridiculous.
MOOS: Let`s back up a minute. Shelburne (ph) police officer Jason Lawton (ph) was in his cruiser waiting for this light to change when he saw a pickup truck go through the intersection. The officer then followed the pickup for about two miles before pulling it over.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I went through a red light?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I did not.
MOOS: Artist Rod MacKiver (ph) was adamant he didn`t run any light, but he later apologized for his belligerence.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m telling you the reason why I stopped you --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah, well I think you`re completely out to lunch. What are you doing, smoking pot or something?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is this how this is going to go?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. Absolutely.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Really?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want you to charge me with going through a red light.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. Miles ago. Miles ago.
MOOS: The officer did ticket him for running the light. And when MacKiver filed a complaint, he says he got this e-mail from the officer`s superior, Sergeant Alan Thornton (ph). "I reviewed this tape. You were in violation, and when you were stopped, you asked, screamed at the officer to issue you the ticket. So please feel free to contest the ticket." MacKiver did. But first he asked for the dash cam video.
So how hard was it to get hold of that dash cam video? MacKiver said it took weeks, he kept having to ask for it over and over. About five phone calls, a couple of e-mails. He had to pay a $45 fee. When he finally got it, he watched his pickup go through a yellow light before it turned red. A judge dismissed the ticket. MacKiver decided to sue in small claims court for $2,000 -- about what he estimated all the time he`d spent was worth, and to make a point.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am driven by their lack of honesty.
MOOS: CNN tried to contact the attorney for the officers, but got no response. The officers didn`t show up for a court proceeding Friday, waiting in a nearby coffee shop. The officer who wrote the ticket told the traffic judge that he thought he saw the truck run the light, but admitted the video showed he was wrong.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And he is going to learn a difficult lesson out of this.
MOOS: A lesson taught by a guy who got caught red-handed not running a red light.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want you to leave me alone, go do your job and find somebody who broke the law.
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HAMMER: You really shouldn`t talk like that to the police. That`s CNN`S Jeanne Moos for "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT." Well, from that grumpy guy who fought city hall to the grumpy cat who`s taking over the planet. Do you remember grumpy cat, world famous for a seriously adorable scowl? She has Internet fame, a movie on the way, and now the kitty known for her big frown could be bringing a big smile to your morning. I`m going to explain in tonight`s moment of "SHOWBIZ awesomeness." This is "SBT," "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT."
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HAMMER: Time for "SHOWBIZ awesomeness." This is where we reveal the most awesome story of the day. Now, you remember grumpy cat, right? First she took over the Internet with one of the most popular viral videos of all time. I mean, who can resist that natural scowl? Well, then grumpy cat got a movie deal. So watch out, Garfield. There`s a new fat cat in Hollywood. And tonight grumpy cat is now this coffee too. Yes, the kitty with the scowl known round the world is getting her own coffee drink. And it is called the grumppuccino, of course. You can lap it up in the morning. Grumppuccino is available in mocha, vanilla, and regular old coffee flavor. I`m sorry to report tuna not available. So I`ve got to wonder, with all this fame is grumpy cat turning into a feline prima donna? Well, her owner says it just ain`t so. He says the famous cat is actually a sweet cat who loves to sleep 18 hours a day. Guess she needs her beauty rest.
Next on "Dr. Drew on call," Dr. Drew`s very first look at the trial of Joshua Young, the teen accused of helping to kill his 14-year-old step brother. Starts right now.
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