OK – no pun with that headline – not a reference to celebrity Lindsay Lohan’s use of the Bart “I Didn’t Do It Boy” Simpson’s standard defence on the cocaine found in her pocket.
I just moved to LA, so star culture is my new local news, and it’s keeping up with the local industry, just like watching politics in Victoria or Ottawa or Washington.
Lohan’s defence seems quite weak – just out of rehab and arrested for DUI, found with drugs, and the best anyone advising her can come up with is “I didn’t do it, someone else is to blame.” And the attorney jumped in with the standard “seeking treatment” response.
“Addiction is a terrible and vicious disease. Since Lindsay transitioned to outpatient care, she has been monitored on a SCRAM bracelet and tested daily in order to support her sobriety. Throughout this period, I have received timely and accurate reports from the testing companies. Unfortunately, late yesterday I was informed that Lindsay had relapsed. The bracelet has now been removed. She is safe, out of custody and presently receiving medical care.”
But that commitment to medical care doesn’t seem to be working – on a personal or a communications level. The “seeking rehab” spin is tired (and now the butt of late night jokes which is the surest sign your communications plan isn’t working.) Also of note that the first thing the statement tries to do is remove personal responsibility – “addiction is a terrible and vicious disease.”
It’s time for celebrities to take a new approach to these kinds of arrests – which is to start with:
“I’m sorry, I screwed up, and made some bad decisions.”
Non-celebrities can identify with that line — we all screw up, and we all feel bad about it. And the thing is — so few of us have the guts to admit it, we admire people who have the courage to take the blame for their actions.
I’d also suggest an inoculation against future failings too:
“Like everyone else, I’m going to try to learn from my mistakes. I may stumble on my way, but I really don’t want to screw up like this again – I’m embarrassed.”
No promises, no blame. Plus embarrassment is something that people can identify with and understand. Also, they won’t laugh if the next round of rehab fails, which for this young celebrity, I hope isn’t the case.
July 29, 2007 at 12:47 am |
Sounds like an excellent plan, and one that would almost guarantee a public forgiveness of sorts, except for one flaw. Lindsay Lohan isn’t and never was the type of person to feel remorse of any kind. And embarrassement??? Pfffft. Apparently, she was brought up never having heard the word “no,” and thus, feeling somehow very privileged from birth. Sad, when you think of what her career could have become. Poor career management? Absolutely. Who’s her manager? Her Mom. PS: I wish you well in La La Land. I’m staying in New England, thank you very much!