Understandably, Lisa Rinna doesn't appreciate Perez Hilton

By C.J., Star Tribune

Last update: July 30, 2009 - 2:04 PM

Lisa Rinna provided back-up for FOX 9 anchor Alix Kendall when she teased me before interviewing the actor.

A potty break was the first order of business for Rinna as she arrived at the station Thursday morning to promote today's 6 p.m. Mall of America book signing for "Rinnavation," her very candid examination of her life. Getting ready for the interview, Rinna -- who knows how to work a dress -- wanted to know to which studio camera she should look.

A floor staffer identified the correct camera, and then Kendall helpfully told Rinna where not to focus: at the camera held by yours truly.

"That's the C.J. camera," Kendall said.

"I see that. I got hit by the CJ camera as I walked in," said Rinna.

"She didn't follow you into the bathroom did she?" asked Kendall.

"She wanted to, I think, right CJ? She was hoping she could," Rinna said laughing.

Ah, that would have been truly inappropriate. "That's right; there are certain things that are inappropriate," said Rinna.

When I stressed that I was not exactly blogging millionaire gossip Perez Hilton, Rinna rolled her eyes upwards with obvious disdain that you just have to see for yourself at startribune.com/video, and added "Thank God."

Kendall: "[He'd] probably find himself there in the women's stall."

One doesn't have to look deeply into perezhilton.com to understand how justifiable Rinna's dislike is for the self-proclaimed "Queen of All Media." He harps on every alleged change to her body, even though she openly admits what she's had done -- even to her lips.

My editors prefer that I tone down my inner-Perez (although I've got to say he even shocks my super high tolerance for the inappropriate). And I have a preferment for nobody assisting Kendall when she's gives me a hard time, a gift she has playfully raised to an art form.

C.J. is at 612.332.TIPS or cj@startribune.com. E-mailers, please state a subject -- "Hello" doesn't count. Attachments are not opened, so don't even try. More of her attitude can be seen on FOX 9 Thursday mornings.