“Access Hollywood,” NBC’s nightly entertainment show, reports salacious celebrity gossip as “news.” It gets ratings and ad dollars for dishing about sex, drugs, violence, rehab and any other misbehavior by people in the public eye. But when it comes to the mother of the octuplets, well, Access Hollywood is suddenly above reporting that story.
Entertainment reporter Billy Bush told viewers on the February 24 broadcast that Access Hollywood would no longer report on the octo-mom Here is what Bush said in the last seconds of the show:
This little speech came just moments after the show aired footage of Lindsay Lohan’s latest lovers’ quarrel with girlfriend Samantha Ronson.
“Lindsay was crying and arguing with Samantha Ronson when the pair arrived home,” Bush reported along with footage of Lohan visibly upset inside an SUV. Co-host Shaun Robinson chimed in saying, “Once the couple was inside, loud wailing could be heard.” At least lesbian love spats are awarded coverage.
Many would argue the bodily functions of Rosie O’Donnell are also “gross,” but ‘Access’ didn’t mind sharing that “news” with viewers. O’Donnell gave excruciating detail on her experience of menopause.
“And I would literally stand naked in the winter on my balcony,” O’Donnell said in an interview with Tyra Banks. “I would be in the bed and I’d wake up and the sheets would be soaking wet, not damp, soaking wet. Then I’m like, Kelly is incontinent, you know? And then I realized no, it’s me.”
Ich.
To be clear, the octo-mom story is sordid and tragic, and deciding not to report it is understandable – perhaps laudable. But Access Hollywood’s moral preening about this is, well, gross.



















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Erin... I've never
February 25, 2009 - 16:33 ET by bigtimerErin...
I've never watched the show...and never will.
Your blog post is a perfect example of why I haven't.
Uuuugggg!!
February 25, 2009 - 17:32 ET by Dont_Like_TheBluesHey bt you have it. I've seen ads for the show. I figured it was a vapid pile of H-wood garbage. Now I know it's even worse.
I'm going to print his article in case I ever need to induce vomiting.
Yuck times eighty thousand
February 25, 2009 - 16:36 ET by ksimm81It still surprises me that Billy Bush is related to our previous President. I guess common decency doesn't run in the family.
What is access hollywood?
February 25, 2009 - 16:45 ET by JTPSeriously, never heard of it. Am I missing anything important? Is it available in middle America?
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
Aw Jeez, Erin, did you have
February 25, 2009 - 17:00 ET by motherbeltAw Jeez, Erin, did you have to include that bit about Rosie the O???
I'm getting ready to have supper!
Besides which my brain is going to need an exorcism!!
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
You Know Whose Pub
February 25, 2009 - 17:22 ET by Nortowas one of Billy's favorite hangouts at Colby and I cashed many a check. He was one of the better lacrosse players in his day, and was always a gentleman in my place.
Reporting it Is rewarding it
February 25, 2009 - 19:40 ET by TeddyReporting it Is rewarding it through your format, Billy.
“Access Hollywood”
What's in a Name?
Dingbat.
Access Hollywood is where Obama voters get their news...
February 25, 2009 - 19:57 ET by R D Helm...when they aren't watching Entertainment Tonight and American Idol.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
Billy might be the worst
February 25, 2009 - 23:09 ET by balboaBilly might be the worst Bush of all.
Billy Bush
February 26, 2009 - 16:27 ET by jacktherippernuff said
Hey, I Wouldn't Give A Rat's Ass About The Octo-Freak Myself...
February 26, 2009 - 23:49 ET by The7SticksHey, I wouldn't give a rat's ass about the Octo-Freak anyway. I don't think I have ever despised or hated anyone such as this freak who decided to selfishly hog embryos that could have been used for stem cell research for her own selfish gain. This isn't a psychological problem, it's a problem dealing with this sociopath.
By the way, did you know that God had originally decided to create Rosie O'Donnel as a man? The problem was God didn't have any male organs to install on him/her and only had female organs, including breasts, to install. You can catch it on the Family Guy episode where Stewie takes over the world.
-"Victory shall be MINE!"
-Stewie Griffin, from Family Guy