News
Anderson Cooper Calls Star Jones Out For Stating His Coming Out Publicly Was Ratings Ploy! – Watch The Video!
Courtesy/Anderson
There was a lots of melodrama on this afternoon’s episode of the syndicated talker, Anderson, when host Anderson Cooper and his co-host on the episode, Bravo’s Andy Cohen, discussed the topic of how Anderson felt now that he publicly came out.
Cooper then went on to blast Star Jones for comments she made on a segment of The Today Show’s “Today’s Professionals” where she suggested that the decision for Cooper to come out at this time was a ratings ploy for his show! Jones had said, “I’ve been in daytime television for a long time. He’s a daytime talk show host and when the ratings slip in daytime, the hosts tend to tell you lots of things about them. There were times that you generate information for ratings.”
Anderson responded to this to Cohen today when he said. “As memory serves, in terms of boosting ratings, I seem to recall Star hocking her wedding every single day to get free products when she was on The View and I seem to recall her lying about her gastric bypass surgery and making everybody else lie about it as well. So for her to suddenly emerge out of the shadows and suddenly attack me for this, I couldn’t believe it!” He added that her comment was “so annoying” because he made his announcement when he was off the air.
Anderson went on to say, “If I was wanting to boost ratings, I would have waited to announce it on ‘A Very Special Episode’ that would have been promo’d for weeks and weeks and there would have been commercials… ‘Anderson’s Huge Announcement! But instead I was in Africa on assignment for 60 Minutes. I wasn’t even on the air for days afterward!”
The talk show host and CNN anchor said t he invited Jones on the show to discuss this whole situation further but she turned him down. Watch the video of the segment of Anderson talking about Jones to Cohen after the jump, and then let us know what you think about Jones’ comments and Anderson’s rebuttal!
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Star Jones is just mad because her ex-husband is gay!!! He was gay when she married him!!!
Yes he was….. AND I can’t believe SHE didn’t SEE that.
she always been a two face hypocrite. I’m not surprise about her knack for attacking people.
LOL! Now, of course, Cooper is making a big deal out of this MONTHS later? Please. Why even bring this up? The majority of people probably didn’t even know what Jones said. This is the start of the new season. So, Cooper is creating a mini-controversy that is permeating the web.
This is just very meta!
Well, right now HE is doing it for the ratings, LOL. Whose he kidding? I agree, why bring it up months later?
Anderson is so poised, so professional, and always a good sport. Star is a wannabe who is no longer relevant on any measure. Who cares what she has to say?
Star Jones is a washed up never-was and it seems to me that SHE is the one looking to make news. She should crawl back to wherever shes been….
Wow what a bunch hypocritcal comments. I didn’t even know that Star Jones made that comment, but so what?? Anderson Cooper brought more attention to this then it needed, I wonder if he did that for ratings also. Star Jones made a huge mistake while on the view, but who in life hasn’t let something go to their heads??? People need to get down off their high horses and stop being nasty bullies to people. He bullied that RHNJ girl and now Jones. What’s his problem with strong women who have opinions??
He brought that RHONJ girl back to apologise and she accepted. I saw a clip of the comment Star Jones made and she immediately apologised after saying it, but he forgot to mention that. Rather you accept the apology or not is up to you but you should have let it go at that.
Whose the RHNJ girl? Oh, and I like your point of view referencing this matter, regarding Anderson giving it more attention that it needed (Ratings) and Star’s mistake on the View, but who hasn’t made mistakes. Very humbling point of view, k.
I am going to follow in the words of Raylan Givens on JUSTIFIED and “just file this under ‘Who Gives a _hit?'”
Could not agree more! Really is this all these people have going on for them?
Star who ?
Anderson you rock !!
Thought everyone knew.I don’t even know why he had to announce it.Does straight couples have to admit how and what ways they had sex,Nobody’s business.don’t even know why it was brung up on The Today Show.Star has never confronted that people thought her husband was gay.She really needs to shut up.What happens in the bedroom needs to stay there and everyone needs to get over it.
I think if you were gay you’d understand why it’s important for people like Anderson Cooper to say it out loud. Straight people don’t have to announce it, because it’s something that is generally assumed. (Though if they felt the need, go for it).
Young gay folks need to know that there are role models out there, people in the public eye at the very least who they can relate to in this way. It’s more important than you know.
Sometimes straight people have to announce it because certain gays think everyone is GAY! And if they deny this, their just as hypocritical.
Never met a gay person who thought everyone was gay.I knew anderson was gay for years.The press kept bringing it up forever.I really don’t care if he’s gay doesn’t change my opinion of him.I like the guy.But my point is why does he have to come out and say it.Its nobody’s business.I don’t why people thought it was a big secret.No he didn’t say I am gay ,but why does everytime someone is gay they have to make a announement to shut the media up.I heard for years how Anderson wouldn’t come out of the closet.Its his business.Being born into riches he made his own way in life without his mothers money.I admire anderson Cooper for being. his own person and not living off his mother’s money.
Why is this even an issue?
There are more OUT gays on television than ever.
Who gives a shit anymore?
I like Anderson Cooper. Seems he is taken pretty serious as a journalist.
Never cared for Star Jones, she treated Barbara Walters like dirt.
how sad is anderson cooper. yale graduate. filthy rich. part of the vanderbilts. socially connected. yet he chooses to be a daytime talk show host and a liberal shill on cnn. it’s the lowest rated news network. how low? during the vice presidential debate: cnn’s combined ratings w/ msnbc are still lower than the total ratings of fox news! no one cares abt star jones and his feud. the only reason the mainstream media keeps promoting him is precisely bec he’s gay. cnn is a ratings disaster. he is not a ratings draw. yet he gets a talk show precisely bec he’s gay and hollywood has a vested interest promoting him. his daytime talk show isn’t a ratings behemoth. now he has to manufacture a faux feud w/ some has been to help his ratings. pathetic. he’s a waste of the public airwaves.