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!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
-
News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
Days Of Our Lives7 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital6 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News6 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoRaven Bowens Breaks Silence About Being Fired From ‘Days of our Lives’ and Her Future Plans
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.