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SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
Oprah`s Big Announcement on O.J. Simpson; The Startling Defense of Casey Anthony; Porn to Be Wild?; Have Justin Thoreau and Jennifer Aniston Put a Ring on It?
Aired June 16, 2011 - 23:00:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Tonight, Oprah Winfrey says she`ll try to get O.J. Simpson to confess he killed Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. Oprah`s big announcement today. I`m A.J. Hammer. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
More big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- the startling defense today of Casey Anthony and the big burning questions in her murder trial. Will she take the stand? When will we get a verdict?
Tonight, answers from HLN`s all stars covering the trial like nobody else -- Vinnie Politan, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Jane Velez-Mitchell.
Porn to be wild? As Anthony Weiner resigns today, disturbing new questions about the former porn star who just spoke out about his raunchy E-mails to her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GINGER LEE, FORMER PORN STAR: He asked me to lie about our communications.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: But wait, why would she then get on a plane to do a high-profile stripping gig?
Did Jennifer Aniston`s new boyfriend put a ring on it? Startling evidence tonight that they`re flashing new matching rings on wedding fingers. Could this be the one or the one for publicity?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City tonight with big news breaking, the Casey countdown.
Did the countdown to a verdict in America`s most-watched TV trial unofficially begin today? The endless fascination with the trial of Casey Anthony got even more intense today as the defense began presenting its case, trying to prove she did not kill her two-year-old daughter Caylee.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you if Casey Anthony and the trial were a primetime TV show, this thing would be huge. But wait a second, it is.
And leading the way in America`s wall-to-wall, top-rated coverage, HLN`s all-stars who are covering this trial like nobody else. They`re all here to night.
We`ve got Vinnie Politan. He is with us from the trial in Orlando. Vinnie, of course, the host of HLN`s "SPECIAL REPORT," every day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, and "PRIME NEWS" at 6:00 p.m. Eastern, right here on HLN.
With me in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" at 7:00 p.m. Eastern every night here on HLN.
In Los Angeles tonight, we`re joined by Dr. Drew Pinsky. Dr. Drew, of course, hosts "THE DR. DREW SHOW" seen every night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern here on HLN.
And let`s not forget "NANCY GRACE," 8:00 p.m. Eastern here on HLN. You won`t want to miss a moment when Nancy joins me here tomorrow night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
But let`s get to the all stars, guys. There are so many burning questions about the Casey Anthony trial. You guys have been watching every moment of this thing since day one.
And there have been so many shocking moments. So in our first burning question, here`s what I want to ask -- what has been the most shocking moment of the trial so far?
Vinnie, let me go out to you first. You`ve been on the scene in Orlando since the trial first began. Of to you first, what was it for you?
VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "SPECIAL REPORT" ON HLN: It happened early. It was the opening statement by Jose Baez and the defense. When he looked this jury in the eyes and told them exactly how little Caylee Marie Anthony died, saying it was a drowning accident and then shocked us all and said George Anthony, Casey`s father, was there when little Caylee drowned and actually pulled her out of the water. And that`s what started this whole case and he`s part of the whole cover-up. Absolutely shocking, A.J.
HAMMER: Yes. And I don`t think anybody would argue that the defense lawyer throwing out this new scenario about how little Caylee Anthony died -- it is one of the things that makes this so riveting to watch.
Jane, let me go to you with our burning question, the most shocking moment for you so far?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": Absolutely the opening statement by Jose Baez. The molestation is what really what really knocked me off my chair, because if this is a lie, this is a young lady who is willing to go to any depth and destroy her own family to save her own skin.
This wasn`t a casual mention of molestation. This was graphic, graphic claims by Jose Baez of very sexual things that her father allegedly did. No proof whatsoever beyond his words.
And that is a check they have written that they`re going to have to cash during the defense case and they`re trying to do it with innuendo. And ultimately, Casey might have to take the stand to try to cash that check.
HAMMER: Well, Dr. Drew, let me go out to you, because I`ve really enjoyed watching your coverage and your very different kind of analysis every night here on HLN. What shocked you the most as the trial began?
DR. DREW PINSKY, HOST, "THE DR. DREW SHOW": Well, interestingly, it`s the same thing as Vinnie and Jane. The fact is that opening statement was really what got us drawn into this case.
Most of us -- that`s when we thought, wow, this has really become very, very interesting. And Jane is absolutely right. They`re going to have to not just talk about this molestation. They`re going to have to prove it.
And for me, in order for it to be sufficient to explain the egregious parody, unbelievable lying, the crazy partying afterwards, you`re going to have to see a long history of severe abuse to even begin to explain the crazy behavior that we saw in Casey after the child was known to be dead.
HAMMER: And these kinds of trials -- they seem to bring out all kinds of testimony that you might not expect. One of the big headlines from the trial has been about Casey Anthony`s tattoo, which says "Beautiful Life."
And she got it after her daughter went missing or drowned, as the defense claims. I feel like everywhere that I turn, that picture of Casey`s tattoo has just been front and center, and so has the testimony from the tattoo artist during the trial about his conversation with Casey. Let watch that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Were you aware that she had a daughter named Caylee?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did she mention anything about Caylee when she visited you on July 7th?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On July 15th, did she mention her daughter Caylee?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What did he say about her?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She`s with the nanny.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did she say anything about bringing her daughter into the shop? .
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, she did. Caylee would be in the shop on the 19th when she came in for her appointment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So had you testimony from the tattoo artist about his conversation with Casey. But of course, we haven`t heard from Casey herself yet, but we don`t know if we will.
That leads to our next burning question for our all stars tonight -- should the defense attorneys put Casey on the stand? Vinnie, to you first.
POLITAN: It depends on what result they want. If they want to risk it all for a potential not-guilty verdict, then you put her on there to tell her story and try to sell that story.
But if you don`t put her on the stand, there`s no way this jury let`s her walk out. But you have a good opportunity for a compromised verdict or a lesser charge, maybe a second degree or a manslaughter, if she doesn`t testify.
If she does testify, it`s all or nothing. It`s not guilty or she`s going to be found guilty of first degree murder.
HAMMER: It certainly would make for some riveting, not-to-be-missed TV. Now, we do have some burning questions coming in from our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fans. Today, we asked them what questions they had for you guys, the HLN all stars.
Let me get to a couple of them right here. This is Joanie T. writing on our wall, "Do you think that Casey wants to take the stand? So do you think she wants to be up there? Do you think that she can convince anyone of anything because she has been able to her whole life?"
Dr. Drew, given what a good liar a lot of people say Casey is, do you think she should take the stand and, hey, give it her best shot?
PINSKY: I don`t think she should because she has shown herself to be such a terrible person that almost anything she says I don`t see the jury is going to put much credibility into it.
However, Joanie asked a fantastic question, which is really the two elements to it is -- one is people have to understand if Casey wants to take the stand, that`s the one thing she can do if she wants to regardless of what her attorneys tell her.
She can actually say, "I`m going to take the stand," and do so. And secondly, if you read or hear about any of her interrogation by police, you will see how unbelievable her lying is.
The only thing we know about Casey for sure is she is a spectacular liar. And Joanie has a point. Casey may have gotten through life so long lying like this she may actually believe she can do something on the stand with her lies.
HAMMER: A really interesting perspective. And as everybody has been following this, no, there`s been no concrete proof so far that Casey Anthony killed her child.
But there`s been an awful lot of circumstantial evidence that has been presented in court, including evidence that might tie her to the chloroform that was used in connection with Caylee`s death, including what police found on her computer. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Searches were conducted for, quote, "how to make chloroform." Quote, "how to make chloroform" with a different spelling. Quote, "self-defense." Quote, "household weapons." Quote, "neck breaking." Quote, "shovel."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That leads to our next burning question. Jane, is there one piece of circumstantial evidence in this case that could actually convict Casey by your measure?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I think the duct tape. As Dr. G, the medical examiner said, a child should never have duct tape on her face. There`s no good reason for it as well as some of the more sinister Google searches for things like "neck breaking." Why would anybody search for that if they weren`t planning something nefarious?
HAMMER: So many comparisons, obviously, Jane, we`ve been talking about right here, to the O.J. Simpson trial. He, of course, never confessed. Casey has never confessed.
But listen to this. Today, Oprah Winfrey said she thinks she can get O.J. to confess he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. And she would only interview O.J. on the condition that he does confess.
Dr. Drew, let me go back to you. Do you think that O.J. would ever take Oprah up on this?
PINSKY: You know, O.J. has proven himself to be a really -- I`m going to use a tough word, I don`t know the man. But the evidence suggests he`s a malignant narcissist. And so if that`s true, he`s been stewing for some time by himself and might do anything to get back into that limelight.
HAMMER: Wouldn`t it be something? Well, guys, I really appreciate your coverage. It has simply been compelling and riveting to watch. And I really appreciate you being here as well. Vinnie Politan, Jane Velez- Mitchell, Dr. Drew, I thank you all.
And you will definitely want to be here tomorrow, Friday, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Nancy Grace is going to be here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the Casey Anthony trial. And of course, don`t forget to keep it right here on HLN all day long. We have continuing live coverage of the Casey Anthony murder trial.
As we move on tonight, there are disturbing new questions about the former porn star who just spoke out about Anthony Weiner`s raunchy E-mails to her. Listen to Ginger Lee`s lawyer, Gloria Allred.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GLORIA ALLRED, ATTORNEY: "Feature dancer" is the dancer that was featured. She dances at clubs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Weiner resigns today just after Ginger does this emotional press conference. And then she gets on a plane to do a featured stripping gig? Come on.
Jennifer Aniston and her new boyfriend are flashing new matching rings on their wedding fingers. What`s going on here? Could this be the one or the one for publicity?
And for the very first time, the 25-year-old "Playboy" playmate who dumped 85-year-old Hugh Hefner just days before their wedding speaks.
Did she just use him for fame? Here she is on the cover of "Playboy." We`ve got the hot debate next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Selena Gomez blames hospitalization on eating too much junk food. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the Hollywood premiere of "Green Lantern."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BLAKE LIVELY, ACTRESS: Have the street shut down for a movie that I`m in and to have my nephews here is just -- oh, I can`t even put it into words. But it was so special and such an honor to be here for a film like this.
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HAMMER: All right. You`ve got to check this out. Hugh Hefner just tweeted this updated version of July`s "Playboy" cover. That`s because Hef`s fiancee, Crystal, posed next to the headline, "Introducing Mrs. Crystal Hefner."
But obviously, there will be no Crystal Hefner because she just called off the wedding. So Hef added a big sticker to this cover which says, "Runaway Bride in This Issue." Looks to me like Hef is getting the last word here.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
And tonight, we`re taking you inside Hef`s heartbreak. There were dramatic new developments today after 85-year-old Hugh Hefner`s 25-year-old girlfriend bailed on him. This was just days before their wedding, including that "Runaway Bride" sticker right there in the new issue of "Playboy" magazine. This cover story was all about introducing Crystal as the new Mrs. Hefner.
Joining me tonight from Chicago, the host of "CelebTV.com," Kelli Zink. Kelli just spoke with another one of Hef`s exes.
And Kelli, it really seems to me that Hef is definitely heartbroken. No real question about that. He didn`t see this coming.
And now, for the very first time, Crystal Harris is revealing why she bailed on the wedding. Listen to what she just told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRYSTAL HARRIS, HUGH HEFNER`S EX-FIANCEE: I called it off because I didn`t think it was the right thing for me to do. It was mutual between Hef and I. There was no fight. There was no nothing.
We got down and we talked about it. For a while, I`ve been having second thoughts about everything.
RYAN SEACREST, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: You said it was mutual so he felt the same way or understood?
HARRIS: He understood and we just -- we both agreed that it wasn`t the best idea to get married.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And just today, Hef poured his heart out on Twitter. Let me read to you what he tweeted, "I didn`t see any of this coming, but I`m glad things went wrong before the marriage instead of after. Live and learn."
That makes a lot of sense. I do feel bad for Hef. It sounds like he was blindsided here. And a lot of people very skeptical, naturally, of Crystal`s motives in the relationship especially since the day she called off the wedding her single happened to hit iTunes. Kelli, do you think Hef just got played here?
KELLI ZINK, HOST, "CELEBTV.COM": I do. You know what, A.J.? Where did this come from all of a sudden? And her interview sounds so shady. I mean, what really happened? Is she dating someone else, Dr. Phil`s son perhaps?
Or did her guilt actually take over and said, "If I`m not in love with this man, I don`t want to tie the knot and have to face those repercussions"? Either way, it sounds like this girl did the wrong thing and Hef really is sad and heartbroken.
HAMMER: And to be clear, Dr. Phil`s son`s reps have said they`re not dating. They`re just friends. But Kelli, I also know you spoke with Hef`s former girlfriend, Kendra Wilkinson. We know her now as the star of the reality show, "Girls Next Door."
She gave you her take on the sudden split. I want to watch what she told you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KENDRA WILKINSON, REALITY TV STAR: You know, we can all sit here and think it`s a joke, but he`s actually really sad. And you know, I thought it was a joke, too, until I really figured out he was sad about it. So you know, I really feel bad for him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Kelli, from what Kendra told you, it does sound like Hef may be at home just sitting there heartbroken. Do you feel like her, very sorry for Hefner right now?
ZINK: A hundred percent. You know, Kendra and Paris Hilton, who I also spoke with -- they`re very bubbly, very (INAUDIBLE). But the minute I asked about Hef, their demeanor completely changed.
And they said, "I`m sad. He`s really sad right now." And I feel bad for Hef, if not for the whole media scandal. He`s handling it with a sense of humor. But you know the guy`s feelings have to be hurt. He trusted her.
HAMMER: Yes. And to that end, I know Paris Hilton also told you that she was using him for money and fame. Quickly, is that how you see it?
ZINK: Definitely. I mean, she`s 25 years old. Enough said. And she knows you have those legendary -- it`s really hard for me to believe that she was truly in love with him.
If you`re in love with someone, you don`t leave them five days before the wedding.
HAMMER: Yes. I think that`s really true, especially in this kind of way. Didn`t make a lot of sense to me. Kelli Zink, I appreciate you being here. Thank you.
Moving on now, Anthony Weiner resigns today after his shocking sexting scandal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. ANTHONY WEINER (D-NY): Today, I am announcing my resignation from Congress.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, tonight disturbing new questions about the former porn star who just spoke out about Weiner`s raunchy E-mails to her. Is she trying to cash in on the whole scandal?
Prince Harry goes on a secret day with Catherine`s sister, Pippa? Will there be another royal wedding?
And Tracy Morgan about to head out on his homophobic rant`s apology tour tonight. It is time to forgive the guy? Well, CNN anchor, Don Lemon, who just revealed he is gay -- he is weighing in, next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And this is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Two men charged with trying to rob and assault singer, Joss Stone. Matt Lauer rides Jim Carrey like a horse on "Today."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: Going from horseplay to your kids to horseplay with Jim Carrey, who pulls up in the studio to talk about his --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Here he comes.
LAUER: He`s here to talk about his new movie, "Mr. Popper`s Penguins." We`re back right after this. Come on. Let`s go.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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HAMMER: And now, Tracy Morgan`s mess and his big apology tour. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is going to follow Tracy every step of the way as he travels around the country to apologize for his homophobic rant at a concert in Nashville where he said, among other offensive things, he would stab his son to death in he found out he was gay.
The "I`m sorry`s" begin tomorrow in New York City. And Tracy is going to meet with gay teens who have been the victims of bullying.
With me, tonight, in New York, CNN anchor, Don Lemon. Don just publicly revealed he is gay and he shares his story in this candid new memoir "Transparent." It was just released today. Don joining us for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. It`s great to see you. Congratulations on the release of the book.
DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks for having me.
HAMMER: Now, look, Don, it`s no secret gay and straight people alike found his jokes -- and you know what? I don`t even want to call them jokes -- found what Tracy said completely offensive. Do you think Tracy Morgan`s apology could actually work?
LEMON: I think it can work and I think that none of us is perfect and we all make mistakes. And I think we shouldn`t judge him until we see what happens on the other side, if he indeed apologizes, if he uses his platforms to make amends to the gay community.
He, of course, as a minority should know what it means to be other and to be called names. So if he can use that and that common sense and with the same speed that he has come out to apologize for this mistake, I think he will be fine.
HAMMER: See, I`m looking for sincerity, because we all know this happened. He said what he said. And it wasn`t until a week later and until all of the heat that he actually came out and apologized.
And for a lot of people, that was too little too late. I didn`t see sincerity there.
HAMMER: Well, Glenn had asked him to remove these homophobic remarks -- what they deemed to be homophobic remarks from his routine and he didn`t. And now, he says he`s going to do it.
So he had been asked before. But I think he did do it quickly. And I think if you do it quickly in Hollywood, especially if you`re a celebrity and then you back it up with actions, I think he could be fine.
I think this is a very forgiving country. And you see people who have made bigger mistakes than Tracy Morgan come back. But again, he`s got to do it and he has to be sincere.
HAMMER: Yes. And I still can`t quite figure out where this came from. A lot of people said to me he just is missing a couple of chips. And he was bullied as a child. He should know better.
I do have to end it there, Don, but I appreciate you talking with us about it. And Don Lemon`s new book is quite compelling. His memoir, "Transparent," is on sale right now. Be sure to grab your copy.
Now on to the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
We`ve got your very first look at John Edwards` mug shot. Look at him right there at the mug shot. Unbelievable. Why is he smiling?
Did Jennifer Aniston`s new boyfriend really put a ring on it? We`ve got startling evidence tonight. They are flashing new matching rings on their wedding fingers. Could this be the one or the one for publicity?
And Lady Gaga`s meat dress. It`s on display for everyone to see. Not at your local butcher, however. We`ll fill you in. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "The Real Housewives of New York" star Bethenny Frankel tapes talk show pilot. Prince Harry cleared to return to active duty in Afghanistan.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- Anthony Weiner resigns after his sexting scandal. And tonight, there are disturbing new questions about the former porn star whom Weiner sent raunchy E-mails to. Listen to her lawyer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALLRED: Featured dancer is a dancer that is featured. She dances at clubs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Is it OK for this featured stripper to make money off the scandal? The big debate tonight.
Jennifer Aniston -- she is all over town with her new man. They`re flashing matching wedding finger rings tonight. Is this the real deal or just hype for Jen`s new movie?
Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton on a secret date? Will there be another royal wedding?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today -- porn to be wild?
Well, on the heels of the big breaking news today that Anthony Weiner has finally officially resigned from Congress, well, this happened.
Take a look at this poster of ex-porn star, Ginger Lee. It`s promoting her performance at the Pink Pony in Atlanta for two nights only, by the way. Ginger Lee, you see, is a featured dancer. What`s a featured dancer, you ask? Her lawyer, Gloria Allred, explains.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALLRED: A featured dancer the dancer that is featured. She dances at clubs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: What? Well, in other words, she`s a stripper. And you`d better believe she`s making big bucks because of this Weiner scandal. Here`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- is it OK for Ginger Lee to profit from the Weiner scandal?
Right now, in New York, Midwin Charles, who is an attorney for Midwin Charles and Associates. Right now, in Chicago, Kelli Zink is the host of "CelebTV.com."
And maybe it`s just me, but let me say, not really good timing. Ginger Lee holding this news conference to make a big deal out of the fact that Anthony Weiner was sexting her.
She portrayed himself as Little Miss Innocent. And then, that night -- well, she flies off to her gig at the Pink Pony as advertised here.
Let`s take a look at this poster advertising that appearance. And it reads, the porn star connected with the, quote, "peter tweeter" in Weinergate.
And then, it has this great big official-looking logo that shows Anthony Weiner above the words "Weinergate." It is obvious that Ginger Lee is embracing her involvement in the Weiner scandal.
But, Midwin, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is it OK for her to profit from it? Why the heck not?
MIDWIN CHARLES, ATTORNEY, MIDWIN CHARLES AND ASSOCIATES: Well, listen. I`m surprised we`re even asking the question. Is she going to be someone with the highest amount of standards and morals?
HAMMER: We cannot judge, Midwin.
CHARLES: I`m just saying she is a featured dancer. And so we are --
HAMMER: And what is that again? A dancer that is featured.
CHARLES: Good question. Good question. And you know, once they trot out the porn star, he`s going to have to resign and that`s exactly what he did today. I`m not surprised.
HAMMER: And to be clear, ex-porn star. She no longer appears in featured films or those kinds of films.
CHARLES: OK. OK. Yes. But you know, I`m not surprised. And we have Anthony Weiner to thank for this. She now has her 15 seconds or minutes of fame and she`s going to use it, much like all the women that were associated with Tiger Woods with respect to getting shows and financial opportunities.
HAMMER: Thank you, Anthony Weiner. All right. Well, today we learned that Anthony Weiner did resign. We all saw it happen during this rowdy press conference. It was filled with journalists and, of course, quite a few hecklers. He did say he had hoped he could remain in office but, yes, that`s not going to happen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WEINER: Unfortunately the distractions that have I created has made that impossible. So today I`m announcing my resignation from Congress.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes! Bye-bye, pervert!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And that`s something you hear at these political conferences very often, those hecklers calling him a pervert. Yikes. Weiner is definitely playing the price for his behavior.
It seems that he may not profit from the scandal yet, anyway. Kelli, over to you for our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- is it OK for Ginger Lee to actually make some money from the scandal?
ZINK: Of course. It`s better than her being shunned from her community. I mean, I`m sure she`s embarrassed by it. I think the only positive thing in this whole Weinergate thing aside from her paychecks, are celebrities and regular people like us who have dialogues with our partners.
And it opened up the door. What`s cheating? What`s appropriate and what`s not? And what do we expect from our politicians?
HAMMER: Yes. I think there`s been a whole lot of talk pretty much everywhere. And I had gone out to dinner last night. Everybody at every table is talking about this. And there were some heated conversations about those very things going on.
Well, Ginger Lee did hold a press conference with Atty. Gloria Allred basically because she wanted to set the record straight on her involvement with Weiner. She stressed she never met him in person, never engaged in sexting with him and didn`t profit from her Weiner connection, if you will. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALLRED: It has been a very difficult and trying time for Ginger. Because of this scandal, she`s had to cancel appearances and work and go into hiding.
As a result, she has had to give up income, which she would otherwise have earned and which she needed. Also, Ginger has not profited at all from her relationship.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Now, just 24 hours later, Ginger Lee is dancing to a very different tune, comedian timing, too, considering Weiner resigned today.
I`m thinking -- if we could put the poster up again -- this paints a very different picture than what Ginger put out there yesterday. Midwin, do you think that Ginger Lee actually misrepresented herself in this press conference? Or do you think the strip show that was scheduled is just a case of bad timing here?
CHARLES: It`s either bad timing or the people who were promoting the show decided to capitalize on what was happening.
HAMMER: I was thinking that as well.
CHARLES: Because it could not just be her. It could be the actual venue where she`s doing the show. But what I find most interesting is that Gloria Allred`s words are the type of words you would typically use when you start plan a lawsuit.
I mean, she said "loss of income" and all those sorts of things. So I wonder if there`s some sort of lawsuit against Anthony Weiner coming down the pike.
HAMMER: Got to wonder if that`s going to happen. Well, that`s not the only big buzz happening today with a fallen politician. Look at this mug shot seen around the world. That, of course, is John Edwards and it`s his mug shot.
It was just released. He`s accused of using campaign money to cover up his affair. And he`s smiling like everything`s OK.
Kelli, what do you think? I kind of get that he, in a way, is sending a message, "You know what? I`m sort of above all of this." But is that inappropriate to you?
ZINK: He`s not sending that message. He`s sending the message, "I`m an idiot and living in a different sense of reality."
I mean, I understand the guy wants his photo that`s everyone`s going to see. He wants his hair nice and the tie and to smile. I mean, what`s he supposed to do, have the whole like Lindsay Lohan Zoolander pose?
HAMMER: He could have looked a little more forlorn. I guess that was I was hoping for. All right. Kelli Zink, Midwin Charles, thank you both.
So there we have Anthony Weiner out of a job. But Christina Aguilera, on the other hand -- she is raking it in at her new gig. Behind-the- scenes details about "The Voice" revealed tonight.
Lady Gaga`s meat dress preserved. Oh, good. And why Charlie Sheen is losing tonight. We`ve got those stories making news in "The Buzz Today."
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(voice-over) Charlie Sheen losing. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can confirm that former "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen, has just been dealt a major blow on his $100 million lawsuit against the production studio and producer who fired him from the show.
A California judge denied Charlie`s request to have his case argued in a public trial in front of a judge. The new ruling sends his suit to a private arbitrator who now makes the call on whether Charlie gets to argue against Warner Brothers TV and producer Chuck Lorre in open court or behind closed doors.
Warner Brothers TV tells us, "We`re very gratified by the court`s ruling enforcing the parties` arbitration agreement."
Coach Christina cashing in. A brand-new report has just revealed that for Christina Aguilera, jumping on board "The Voice" was a lucrative choice. "The Hollywood Reporter" says she`s making $225,000 an episode as a coach on NBC`s hit talent show.
That`s great payday news for Aguilera who spent the early part of the year recovering from her flubbed National Anthem at the Super Bowl, arrest for public intoxication and a messy divorce.
Gaga`s meaty museum piece? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal that Lady Gaga`s infamous meat dress has just made its debut at the Rock `n Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.
The dress which Gaga wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will be part of an exhibit called "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power." Not to worry about the meat going bad. The dress underwent a special preservation and restoration process.
All right. Moving on now to Jennifer Aniston. People have scrutinized, speculated, even skewered her love life. But now, she`s all over town with her new man. They`re even flashing matching rings on their wedding fingers, no less.
But what`s going on here? Is this the real deal or hype for Jen`s new movie?
Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton -- their secret date? Is there another royal wedding we all have to get ready for soon?
Plus, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview with Ryan Reynolds. You`ve got to see this. His "Green Lantern" secrets revealed. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Album for Tony winning musical "Book of Mormon" breaks Billboard records. "Go the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) to Sleep" debuts at number on "New York Times" bestseller list.
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WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": We want to show you a photo from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo`s recent wedding, which shows that his wife organized her bridesmaids according to their hair color. Brunettes on one side, blonds on the other side.
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HAMMER: Actually, I think that`s kind of clever. Did you see this? Do you think Tony Romo`s new wife is a bit of a control freak? I`m just saying. Look at this. It`s pretty cool. I have to tell people all about that one.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
And tonight, we have a big mystery. Did Jennifer Aniston`s new beau just put a ring on it? Jennifer Aniston and Justin Thoreau have just been spotted right here in New York City very publicly flaunting matching rings on their wedding fingers.
She is all over town with her new man, but why is she so eager to show him off just before her new movie is released? Do I smell publicity stunt? What`s going on here?
With me in New York, Ericka Souter, who is a staff writer at "Us Weekly." In Hollywood tonight, Darren McMullen. Darren is the host of NBC`s upcoming adventure dating reality series which looks very cool, called "Love in the Wild."
And let me just say first off as I always do, I truly wish Jennifer nothing but happiness. I really hope she`s found true love. This seems like a really cool coupling.
But Jen is known for keeping her love life or romantic life very private except, it seems, when she`s about to promote a new movie. Ericka, what do you make of Justin and Jen parading around town showing off these matching rings on their fingers? I can`t peg it.
ERICKA SOUTER, STAFF WRITER, "US WEEKLY": Right. Well, the timing couldn`t be better. Of course, she has this new movie coming out. We don`t know how it`s going to do. But all of the publicity this is generating is going to send people to the movie to see her.
HAMMER: Right.
SOUTER: But on the other hand, her friends tell us she`s really smitten. She likes this guy.
HAMMER: Yes, and I get that. It just the timing is suspect.
SOUTER: Oh.
HAMMER: And the truth is she has to know that when she does this right before the release of her movie, this is what people are going to think.
SOUTER: Exactly. But also people tell us that Justin wants the relationship out in the open. He doesn`t mind the publicity. So she is like, you know, stretching her boundaries because of that.
HAMMER: OK. Well, that`s fair enough. And again, I say I wish Jen nothing but happiness. We did have the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT research team do a little digging today. Here`s what they found.
At the time of Jen`s movie "The Breakup," she and Vince Vaughn, a very much a public couple. John Mayer surfaced during "Marlee and Me." And around the time, Jen`s movie, "The Bounty Hunter" was coming out, it seemed that she and her co-star, Gerard Butler, were a hot item.
That leads to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- is Jen parading around her new beau for publicity? Darren, I`ve got to get your take on this. What do you think?
DARREN MCMULLEN, HOST, "LOVE IN THE WILD": Well, I wish Justin the best of luck. I mean, personally, I would rather make out with a cardboard cutout of Justin Bieber rather than Jennifer Aniston.
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HAMMER: Hey, hey, hey, hey.
MCMULLEN: Beige. I mean, what`s more boring than the color beige? I mean, honestly -- but saying that, I did see the new movie, "Horrible Bosses" and it`s a great film.
Jen plays a role like I`ve never seen her before. She plays a slutty, nymphomaniac dentist who molests her patients when they`re under the gas - - I mean, every boy`s dream, you know, a filling and a feel at the same time. And I saw her in a new light. I was like, "Oh, OK. I kind of get this." Maybe she turned over a new leaf.
HAMMER: Well, we have before said she should probably expand her horizons beyond the romantic comedies which she has typically has done.
And I don`t know that we`re all on board with -- you know, it`s your opinion of not wanting to kiss Jen Aniston. That`s fair enough. That`s your take.
Erika, now, "Us Weekly" also broke some news today about Jen and Justin, who are, by they way, already being called "Justifer," which is perfect.
In the brand-new issue of "Us Weekly" that you guys have out, you`re reporting that Justin just moved into Jen`s place in Los Angeles. If that were true, to me, it would be kind of far-fetched to think that this is publicity and perhaps Jen really has found the one.
SOUTER: Right.
HAMMER: I mean, I can`t imagine doing it for any other reason.
SOUTER: Well, you know, it`s really clear that he`s Mr. Right now. He`s based in New York City. He spends a lot of time in L.A. with her. He was shuttling back and forth from the hotel to her place.
Why not just bunk at her place when she`s there? On the other end of that, she`s bought an apartment in New York City near his digs. So they`re definitely moving forward at warp speed.
And it is shocking to everyone, even her friends. But they say, everything`s hot and heavy now. It`s the honeymoon period. .
HAMMER: Yes. And it`s going to be very interesting to see where this goes. And Jen happens to have a pretty spectacular place. We`ve seen pictures it.
All right. Well, there is another brand-new romance shocker tonight from the folks at "Us Weekly." A brand-new report is revealing that Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry may have gone on a secret date just after Pippa left her boyfriend of a year, Alex Loudon.
What do you think here, Darren? Should we be getting ready for another royal wedding? And will you be there?
MCMULLEN: Well, I`d hope I`d be the guest of honor. I can`t believe she`s single. I have to add her on Facebook now.
I mean, there`s all kind of flaws in this story. The fundamental flaw in this story is there`s no way that somebody so beautiful, amazing, charismatic, charming and gorgeous as Pippa Middleton would ever be seen dead with a fire crotch.
I mean, let be honest. There is a class system in our society. There is the rich and famous and there is the average Joes. Then there are crack heads. Then there are the Kardashians. And then, right at the very bottom, are the fire crotches. That would never, never, never happen.
SOUTER: No. You are so wrong. You are so wrong. Harry is hot. He has turned out to be the hotter prince. And I think millions of women of women would agree with. Pippa could not do wrong if she went for Harry.
HAMMER: All right. Erika, do you think there`s any shot of this being real and going someplace? Or is it kind of, you know, just sort of out there right now because it`s the (INAUDIBLE)?
SOUTER: It`s kind of out there right now. They had a little bit of flirtation at the wedding. They get along great, but they don`t hang out a lot together.
Everyone wants them to be a couple because they look fantastic together. They`re both super hot. She is amazing. But no, Pippa has her choice of any man. It doesn`t look like it going to be Harry.
HAMMER: All right. Ericka Souter, I appreciate you being here. Darren McMullen, thank you as well. And make sure you catch NBC`s adventure dating reality show, "Love in the Wild," starting June 29th.
Well, Ryan is getting real. We`re going one-on-one with Ryan Reynolds. He reveals secrets about being a big screen superhero. And he talks about why the media makes him turn green with rage. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Russell Crowe to play Superman`s dad in upcoming "Man of Steel." "Hangover 2" star Ken Jeong in a new PSA for American Heart Association.
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KEN JEONG, ACTOR: It`s a real life situation. Call 911. Push hard and fast, OK? Focus! And yes, staying alive really works.
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Time now for the SHOWBIZ buzz list. Here`s what the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff is buzzing about this week.
We think Neil Patrick Harris did an amazing job hosting the Tony Awards. One critic even asked, "Can he host the show forever?"
The ladies on our staff can`t wait to see Ryan Reynolds suit up as "The Green Lantern." The movie opening on Friday.
Best game console ever? Big buzz in the SHOWBIZ newsroom about Nintendo`s Wii U. Word is, they could knock the socks of Microsoft`s Xbox 360.
We`re saying thank you, Jimmy Fallon. His hilarious late night segment now a book.
And it`s creepy and somehow addictive. "Toddlers and Tiaras" is back on TLC. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
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MCKENZIE: If it`s McKenzie, everything goes together. I don`t know how to act. I just know I`m McKenzie.
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HAMMER: That is crazy. A lioness tries to eat a baby. It sounds scary but it`s actually SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s viral video and it`s very cute. More than a million people have marveled at Angie the lioness trying and trying and trying to gobble up baby Trent, who is safely, I`m happy to report, outside the den.
Well, Ryan Reynolds gets real. He may play a high-flying superhero in "Green Lantern." But as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Jill Simonian finds out, he couldn`t be more down to earth.
Ryan talks fame, gossip and the paparazzi in the SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
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JILL SIMONIAN, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: I really liked watching you in this role because of the whole theme regarding fear and will and what, you know, balances out.
Now, your character is, you know, very brave. But at the same time, he`s also very scared. How similar or different are you?
RYAN REYNOLDS, ACTOR: Well, I`ll say this. In my life, the most success I`ve ever had has been when I conquered something I was afraid of.
SIMONIAN: Like what?
REYNOLDS: Well, anything. Like moving to Hollywood for the first time. I very easily could have just gone into the family business and become a cop, you know, and stayed in Vancouver.
But I ventured out into the unknown. I was afraid but I went forward anyway. And you know, I think that kind of is the moral or the theme of the film as well. Now, that`s more microcosmic. But on a larger scale, those are some of the greatest things that have ever happened to me as a result of something I was afraid of.
SIMONIAN: There`s a funny, funny scene in this movie where you`re admiring yourself in the outfit.
REYNOLDS: Yes.
SIMONIAN: And I`m sorry -- let it be said you look darn good. We all know it.
REYNOLDS: Thank you.
SIMONIAN: So did you just get to -- did you admire yourself a little bit? Did you just look in the mirror and say, "You know what? I do look good. I worked hard"?
REYNOLDS: I mean, I always -- I think like when you`re in the middle of that. You never think like you`re there, because I was always in a gym working out. So I was just too tired to look at myself.
SIMONIAN: Oh, please, please. You`re lying.
REYNOLDS: You know -- no, no, I`m not. It was 12 long months of training. I mean, all you`re thinking of is this is going to pass.
SIMONIAN: OK. Going back to the theme of strength and fear and, you know, tackling things head on. It takes a certain strength these days to be a star.
You`re not only acting when you`re doing your job, but you`ve got to deal with all sorts of headlines, have to deal with the media.
REYNOLDS: Yes.
SIMONIAN: Where do you find your strength to deal with all those types of things? And do you pay attention to headlines when they happen to you or to people?
REYNOLDS: Yes. Well, the strength is in controlling the things that, you know, you can control and letting go of the things you can`t.
There`s nothing I can do about media headlines and that sort of stuff. I mean, I lead a pretty decent life. I think I`m a pretty good guy. And I`m, you know, not stumbling out of bars, you know, about to pass out at 3:00 in the morning.
So whatever other headlines, it`s going to be conjecture or something. It doesn`t really matter.
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HAMMER: That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Jill Simonian. "Green Lantern" opens Friday. And that`s it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
You can now see us exclusively Monday through Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.
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