Superstars lead a luxurious lifestyle that the world is envious of and drawn to. Although, sometimes that luxurious lifestyle, turns into just the opposite. No matter what they are accused of, still we are glued to the television set or computer screen, anxious to hear about it.
Given their spotlight nature, celebrities become accustomed to the bad publicity. Bad publicity, is still publicity, and even the bad press can work in their favor. As individuals open up their homes to them by turning on their television set or computer screen, they become a part of the family in a sense. People all around the world feel as if they know them and seem to come to their defense, even whenever they have been accused of some of the most horrendous crimes.
Below is a list of superstars who were once again in the spotlight, only this time the spotlight was shined in the wrong direction; from behind a 6×9 foot jail cell.
Tatum O’Neal: She is most famous for her role as Addie Loggins in the movie Paper Moon, and remains the youngest person to ever win a competitive Academy Award; having done so at just 10 years old. Tatum’s impressive acting career started off at a young age. At the age of 13, she stared in the movie The Bad News Bears, and kept going strong with the Nickelodeon movie sensation Little Darlings.
She was no stranger to the spotlight, and carried her talents throughout her adult acting career. One of her most memorable roles would be her rendering of Cynthia Kruger in the movie Basquait. However, she has also guest starred on some of the most popular shows on television, such as, Sex and the City, Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Dancing with the Stars. Although Tatum’s career is filled with commended accomplishments, she simply couldn’t contain her demons and battled with a heroin addiction for years. In the year 2008, that addiction caught up with her, when she was arrested for possession of crack cocaine. She was then ordered by the court to enroll into a drug recovery center.
James Brown: He will be forever known as the Godfather of Soul. Not only was James Brown made famous by his dominant singing and songwriting ability, but his popularity seemed to grow due to his controversy as well. He was arrested along the Georgia, South Carolina border in the year 1988, following a high speed pursuit. He was then charged with drug and firearm related offenses. Brown was found guilty, but only served three years out of a six year prison sentence.
R. Kelly: Rap sensation R. Kelly was made famous by his powerful lyrics in songs such as, I Believe I Can Fly. Despite his acclaimed name, R. Kelly put his powerful voice at risk, when he was accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 14 year old girl, which had been taped. Although there was physical evidence linking him to the crime, he was able to beat the charges and was cleared on all counts.
This just goes to show you that the punishment doesn’t always fit the crime. Sometimes the punishment depends upon which side of the spotlight you happen to be standing on.