Sarah Ferguson...snake-oil saleswoman Oprah Winfrey manipulates Duchess!

On the heels of crying the blues - and hitting the high-energy talk-show circuit to plug her spanking-new "docu-series" (Finding Sarah) - the latest chapter of Sarah Ferguson's sorry saga spewed out over the broadcast airwaves to titillate the country once again this past week.

Has the woman no shame?

Well, if 'ya ask me, Oprah Winfrey - who made a gracious exit from network television last week - is largely to blame for the tawdry fiasco!

In fact, once the "Sarah and Oprah" interview aired yesterday - to launch the much-ballyhooed "tell-all" - it was quite evident to me that Big "O" is nothing more than a clever snake-oil-saleswoman out to rustle up controversy, boost ratings, and selfishly tout her dubious bill-of-fare at the OWN network.

For example, when Sarah Ferguson was caught red-handed influence-peddling last year in an undercover sting, the cast-out Royal fessed up that she fell victim to the temptation because - she was not only "broke" - but had also hit rock-bottom emotionally.

At this juncture, Oprah - who claimed to be a "good friend" - entered into discussions with Sarah about the development of a vehicle aimed at rehabilitating Ferguson's image in the public eye on the OWN Network.

"Why not a series on cooking," Sarah allegedly suggested to her pal, as she struggled to swallow her pride in a desperate hour of need.

Personally, I believe that the idea for the culinary show was an excellent way to go, for a couple of reasons.

For starters, it would have brought much-needed funds into the coffers - and thus - provided the wherewithal for the former Duchess of York to support herself and her children.

In addition, the cooking spot would have slowly restored Sarah's flaky image to the public-at-large around this country and across the big pond.

Mission: Accomplished!

But, for some inexplicable reason, Oprah elected to offer up a show that would "toss a spotlight" on Sarah's lack of good judgment and fall from Grace in the past.

More scurrilous, perhaps, was Oprah's deceitful decision to draw on the professional assistance of two network personalities (Dr. Phil, for one) she has been vigorously promoting - in what amounts to - a "spotty" television schedule (full of holes).

Oprah's conduct was (and is) particularly outrageous when you consider one obvious fact.

Near the end of the interview, after playing back tapes of the upcoming segments of "Finding Sarah", Oprah actually concludes to Sarah (and her viewing audience) that Prince Andrew's former spouse essentially got into trouble because she was too vulnerable and too trusting.

"So, people were able to take advantage of you," Oprah summarized in so many words.

Ironic, that!

In the final analysis, Oprah Winfrey was guilty of the same cruel and unusual outrageous conduct.

If Oprah really cared about Sarah (some friend!) she would have signed on the flaming red-headed beauty for a cooking show.

Instead, she elected to manipulate Ms. Ferguson into a reality-based docu-series about a tawdry scandal from the past, in order to boost her ratings, and also promote Dr. Phil (and a money guru she's also pushing) on her fledgling network.

In sum, Oprah is just another shark, circling the treacherous waters for innocent prey.

Does Big "O" think we were all born yesterday?

Talk about disreputable conduct!

Shame on you, Oprah.

"Finding Sarah" broadcasts on June 12th (2011).

You be the judge!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Fairy Tale crumbled under glare of spotlight!

Jay Leno Show...Helen Hunt a control freak! Snatches cue cards from host's hands!

Surf is up!

(so was Hunt's ire!)



Over the years, make-up and wardrobe personnel at the studios (and in the employ of Independent Film companies) have tittered that Oscar Award-Winning actress - Helen Hunt - was difficult to work with.

After Ms. Hunt's appearance on the Jay Leno Show last night - it was quite evident to the multitudes that the normally low-key movie star is not only a control freak - but an ill-mannered guest to contend with!

Bookers on the late-night circuit beware!

An old Chinese proverb says it all.

"Never insult a host in his own home."

If you want to be asked back, that is.

So, what was all the brouhaha about?

When the talented thespian (who has played opposite respected biggies in the industry like megastar Jack Nicholson) was asked to participate in a quiz about surfing, a short way into the upbeat segment - the pushy broad not only balked at some of the questions - but was inclined to snatch the cue cards right out of Jay's sweaty palm!

Mr. Leno reacted politely, in spite of her outrageous behavior, but was obviously startled by Hunt's insulting conduct and lack of sense of humor (judging by the expression on his face).

Hunt was on the top-rated talk show to tout her new feature which is about the gripping real-life tale of a female surfer (which has been adapted for the Silver Screen) who lost her arm in a shark attack.

Hunt, getting on in years, was cast to play the mother for obvious reasons.

Because the ultra thin (she was all bones if 'ya ask moi) actress boasted to be a surfer, Jay was posed a few questions - understandably so - in an amusing bold-faced effort to sort-out the lingo surfers often coolly spit out as they dart off to hang ten.

Ms. Hunt wasn't put off by the first expression "gnarly", but - not surprisingly- she didn't get it quite right.

When Jay offered up the next expression - "tubed" - she reacted suspiciously (just betcha, she thought she was going to be the brunt of some twisted on-camera joke).

At this juncture, the ice Queen not only went through the roof, but committed the unthinkable.

Uh-huh!

Hunt put a halt to this phase of the interview, and did so, without an apology.

Across the country, I expect viewers at home were screaming at their television sets.

"Bit**!"

And, how was your day?

http://www.thetattler.biz



Leno fast on feet!