The TV Zone

Kathie Lee Gifford - the newly minted host of "The Today Show's" fourth hour - and Rosie O'Donnell engaged in a wild street melee in midtown Manhattan last night, as both traded blows over an argument that began in a restaurant then spilled out into the street, horrifying tourists and elderly ladies who had lined up to see Patti LuPone in the new version of "Gypsy."

Sources at Midtown North - where both were arraigned shortly after 8 p.m. - said both women had gone to John's Pizzeria to discuss KLG's new job and while the argument had begun innocently enough - Rosie, they say, insisted on anchovies while KLG had wanted pepperoni - it soon escalated to personal insults, followed by physical altercations.

Sources at the restaurant said Rosie had told her (apparently) former friend that "she couldn't host a talk show if the very Gods in heaven ordained it." Sources add that Rosie also cast aspersions on "The Today Show" cast, calling Matt Lauer "baldy boy" and Al Roker "tubby."

"Who are YOU to call someone TUBBY," KLG roared, and with that, the women began throwing pizza slices at each other. The argument then spilled into the street, where blows where traded. Police quickly arrived on the scene, though one officer was overheard to say, "here we go again. Let 'em fight it out this time..." One woman said, "why pay a hundred bucks to see 'Gypsy' when the best show is right here?"

The police did in fact break up the fight after several minutes. At the arraignment last night, the judge set bail for $1 million each, calling both talk show hosts a "menace to society AND flight risks."

Through her spokeswoman, KLG said, "it was a fun disagreement and we remain the best of friends." A spokesperson for Ms. O'Donnell said the former talk show host would have no comment, pending consultation with her lawyer.

(Happy April Fool's!)