First, I think they (the panel) handled it fairly well. They started by explaining that they had taped Friday's show on Thursday (prior to Anna's death). Rosie said that her brother calls her Cleo (remember, the Psychic Hotline lady) when things like this happen. Joy said 'frankly she is a little scared of Rosie' (to light, nervous kind of laughter from the audience). Rosie went on to talk about those who had paid ANS/HK$ the last several days/weeks for interview. Barbara interjected that 'news' shows like ABC or Larry King Live don't pay, but that outlets that do entertainment news (Entertainment Tonight, ENews, etc.) do. Rosie then went on to say, didn't any of the bookers; producers, on air talent, anyone, recognize the trouble ANS was in physically? Why didn't anyone intervene with her people (HK$).
Rosie used the analogy of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Everybody watches the huge balloons (the stars) but the balloons are tethered to handlers on ground (so that the balloon doesn't float away and cause harm). ANS, Rosie pointed out had no tethers. No one looking out for her safety. She then said something to the effect that 'if you comment on someone like ANS, or a celebrity judge (Paula Abdul) slurring her words, you are alleged to be starting a feud.' She said commenting was being 'awake' to what was happening to the celeb...calling out the problem. She then pointed out that her if something happened to her (a heart attack) would people blame her partner Kelly...Elizabeth interjected, 'well drugs are different than a hamburger, but Rosie stopped her cold and said 'addiction is addiction.'
Again, I thought they handled it fairly well...not much joking...you could tell they were uncomforable...and were also worried about the baby's well being.
Yeah, I liked the whole addiction conversation - that was good and also appropriate. (Except for, maybe when RosieO called the AA Big Book the Blue Book, lol.)