Who says public pressure doesn’t work?

Just a few weeks ago, Dr. Phil did an about-face and canceled plans for a Britney-centric show.  (He claimed it was an act of consideration for the family.)  Now Entertainment Tonight and The Insider are throwing out the word ‘respect’ as the reason for one of their own cancellations.

The two tabloid shows were scheduled to air a video involving Heath Ledger and drugs this Thursday night.  The 2006 tape - which was practically aired in its entirety for Wednesday’s promo - showed the actor in the vicinity of drugs (and drug users) at the Chateau Marmont.  Although it wasn’t clear if he was taking anything in the teased bits, his audible comments made it clear he wasn’t doing something his girlfriend (Michelle Williams) would approve of.  He is also heard talking about their recently-born daughter, Matilda Rose.

Although I have never seen the full video, the shortened version was more than enough.  The teaser’s over-the-top narration was extremely salacious, gratuitous and insensitive.  I was so bothered by what was shown….and I apparently wasn’t the only one.  Late Wednesday, reps for both shows confirmed the sweeps segment had been pulled.  Here is a copy of the short statement printed on ET’s website:

“Out of respect for Heath Ledger’s family, “Entertainment Tonight” and “The Insider” have decided not to run the Heath Ledger video which has been circulating in the world media.”

Now don’t ya think they should have thought about the family before they spent the money to purchase the video?  Before they promoted it?  How about back when they were standing outside the Brooklyn home Michelle Williams was retreating in? 

I am dying to see how these two shows now cover their own lack of coverage.  Will they question themselves (like they did Dr. Phil) about their own decision-making?  And will they show clips of the video they are now not respectfully showing?