Rumors And More Rumors...

Is Anderson Cooper Prepping His Coming Out Episode?

By Brian Moylan

We heard from a tipster that glass closet aficionado Anderson Cooper was bringing his boyfriend Benjamin Maisani to the holiday party for his daytime talk show Anderson tomorrow evening and alleges it is because the show is prepping Anderson's big coming out episode for February sweeps. Can this be true?

Here's what the tipster had to say.

Daytime talk show "Anderson" is having their first Christmas party tomorrow night, 15 December, at the Russian Tea Room. Anderson Cooper is bringing Benjamin Maisani. And introducing him as his "boyfriend" to the staff. The staff is prepping Anderson's "coming out" show for the next sweeps. Check the ratings. They're getting desperate.

A call to the Russian Tea Room verified that the party is in fact taking place there tomorrow evening, so at least that part is true. Whether or not Andy brings Ben and just how he introduces him, I won't know since somehow I did not get invited. It makes sense he would attend since Anderson has already taken him to the Vanity Fair Oscar party and on his Mardi Gras float. The company Christmas party isn't nearly as public and spouses are possibly invited, so it seems self-evident.

As for the rest of the info, it sure is pretty interesting. Yes, Anderson's ratings aren't that hot, but aren't totally abysmal either. Also, they can't be that desperate since the show was renewed for season two. But a bump in the ratings around sweeps time sure would be great, and what better way than outing Anderson—something that journalists have been doing for years to great effect.

If you know anything about the planned episode, give me [Brian Moylan] a shout.



[Image via Pacific Coast News]