Every day on this blog I post a “What’s Going On” – basically, a round-up of entertainment news that focuses on new projects and general news.
Rarely do I post any type of celebrity “gossip,” mainly because I find it useless information and I’d much rather know more about a star’s upcoming album or movie than who they’re dating.
But sometimes, stories that border on gossip and actual news are unavoidable.
Examples: Saving Abel guitarist Jason Null has been arrested on charges of sexual assault, and Chris Brown turned himself into the police following an alleged assault. (UPDATE: Charges have been dropped against Null).
And just last week we had the Michael Phelps/bong story, and I don’t think there’s a person on the planet who hasn’t heard at least a snippet of actor Christian Bale’s profanity-filled rant.
Of course, these guys aren’t the only ones – Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Jack White, Charles Barkley, Mel Gibson, Robert Downey Jr. and Brandy are just a few stars who have received their share of bad publicity. Some are repeat offenders. Some of their bad reputation has come soley from rumors; some have spent serious time in jail.
When a star gets bad publicity – whether it’s for overall bad behavior, like the Bale rant, or for something as serious as a crime – how do you react?
Do you swear off that star forever? Boycott their films or turn off the radio when their song comes on?
Do you instead feel as though it’s a star’s way of seeking attention and help, and you feel closer to them?
Or, does it have no impact on you at all?
Personally, for me, I think it all depends on the star and the alleged wrong-doing.
In terms of the Phelps incident, I think his actions were more or less the norm for a lot of guys in their early 20s.
For the Bale rant, I think he was highly unprofessional, but at the same time, I don’t know the whole story – maybe he was having an extremely bad day?
I’m going to wait to learn more on Brown before coming to a conclusion.
But those are just my opinions. What do you think? How does a star’s reputation/legal woes affect how you perceive them?
sheenabarnett
love&unicorns 
The only time an actor’s wrongdoings have actually influenced my opinion on them would be Mel Gibson and his drunken rant on Jews. For me, that nullified all of the positive publicity he got from “Passion.” I think actors, for me at least, are different than musicians – I tend not to care too much about Britney or Chris Brown…
Good point there. I think it’s interesting you said there’s a difference for you between musicians and actors. I think, for me, I guess I tend to, I don’t know, excpect? it from stars like Britney or similar artists, but when I hear about an actor or someone I have some respect for, it really bothers me. I think the DUIs generally tick me off the most, just because it’s such an idiot thing to do. You can’t tell me these stars are lacking DDs, anyway.
Yeah, i think there’s def. an element of expectation…And you’re right about the DDs…i mean, if ANYBODY would have one…
It’s a wonder that the paparazzi wouldn’t offer to drive them around just to get good shots of them wasted.