14. The Lost Vegas Deal
In 1980, Johnny Carson had a chance to buy the Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Depending on whom one asks, he either lost the deal or gave it up. Another group of investors led by famous Vegas performer, Wayne Newton, scooped up the deal in the end. The press at the time made it sound like Carson lost the deal. This pissed Johnny off so he started making jokes about Newton on his show. Most of the attacks were on Newton’s masculinity, a character trait the singer worked hard to procure. No surprise, Newton was not amused.