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| Poundstone Out of Character
by John M. Curtis Copyright July 9, 2001
Contrary to the prevailing wisdom, many otherwise ‘honorable’ people deviate from accepted community standards and make serious mistakes. When charming British-born actor Hugh Grant was caught red handed soliciting a Hollywood prostitute, the public was stunned that he betrayed his knockout girlfriend actress/model Elizabeth Hurley. Grant’s fans shook their heads asking, “How could he?” Character aside, lapses in judgment are all too common among the rich-and-famous, best-and-brightest and everyone in-between. Many were shocked—and deeply offended—by Internet maven Matt Drudge’s gossipy story that fingered the president of the United States in a tawdry sex scandal. Vouching for his character, even members of his own Cabinet were buffaloed into defending their boss. Remember affable football hall-of-famer OJ Simpson, whose fans couldn’t stomach the idea that he was guilty of slashing his wife and friend to death. Confronting reality is never easy when dealing with cherished celebrities. When police arrested Poundstone, the same disbelief prevailed, citing her commendable childcare record. She became a two-time foster parent in 1993 and three-time adopted mother, proving that she was incapable of neglect or abuse. But those working in the unsightly—and sometimes grizzly—world of child abuse know that no one’s immune, including aristocrats, residents of trailer parks, and, yes, beloved celebrities. “Paula is eager to get the proceedings going so she can have her day in court,” said her attorney Steven M. Cron, creating the impression that he fully expects her to get off the hook. Taking damage control a step further, “It’s ripping her guts out,” added Cron, “I can’t tell you how upset she is. She cares about children.” And then, getting too smart for his own good, “In many ways, she is a big kid. She loves to laugh with children,” suggesting, at least to suspicious minds, that Poundstone possesses the kind of infantile personality capable of impulsivity seen in child abuse. Sometimes less is more when trying various damage control strategies. While some like to cite false reports, the Santa Monica police conducted an extensive investigation before Poundstone’s arrest. Though not conclusive, arrests usually follow compelling evidence and detailed corroboration. Sealing court documents—including police reports—Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner Roberta Kyman kept the press in the dark regarding the specific allegations against Poundstone, a regular panelist on the TV game show “To Tell the Truth.” Lewd and lascivious acts leave plenty of room to the imagination, but most people get the picture. Though pleading “not guilty,” Commissioner Kyman not only sealed court documents but admonished Poundstone “to keep away from all minor children unless their guardians or independent observers are present,” and ordered her “not to threaten, harass, or sexually molest children,” a standard warning to anyone accused of child abuse. Faced with a maximum sentence of 13 years, four months, let there be no mistake, the charges against Poundstone are very serious. Introducing a new twist, Cron disclosed on “Good Morning America” that Poundstone was in a live-in alcohol treatment program at the time of her arrest on June 27. “I would say her involvement with alcohol was the basis for the allegations,” said Cron, suggesting that chemical dependency might have influenced Poundstone’s behavior. But almost as fast as that admission, Cron quickly retrenched, “Nevertheless, Paula is adamant and I am firm of the belief that she is not guilty of the charges of lewd conduct,” implying that Poundstone might have been under-the-influence during the alleged incidents. Defense attorneys usually don’t disseminate extraneous information unless it’s exculpatory. Recall Johnnie Cochran’s frequent references to the “Columbian neckties,” suggesting that someone other that OJ was responsible for the double homicide. By introducing Poundstone’s alcohol treatment, Cron’s building a plausible case, should the DA’s charges stick. Most child abuse experts know that alcohol and drug abuse rank are red flags in estimating risks. Despite her attorney’s best efforts, Poundstone still faces serious charges of sexual abuse and child endangerment. Sure, they’re only allegations, but just ask Rep. Gary Condit (D-Ceres) how easily reputations crash and burn based on innuendo and gossip. Allegations of sexual abuse are some of the most egregious for dismantling images and careers. While Poundstone’s still legally innocent until proven guilty in court, public opinion doesn’t take kindly to allegations of child abuse. Poundstone’s attorney isn’t helping her cause by hazarding his opinions about her childish personality. Raising Poundstone’s alcohol abuse only creates nagging doubt in a skeptical public, already jaded by witnessing too many sordid incidents with celebrities and public officials. When engaging in the murky science of damage control, too much fancy footwork usually backfires. Before Cron reveals more personal information, he should carefully calculate its repercussions. Once her image is blown, it’s difficult putting the egg back in the shell. About the Author John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in political consulting and strategic public relations. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma. |
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olting the press and throwing Hollywood for a loop, award-winning comedian Paula Poundstone was arrested in Malibu on June 27 by Santa Monica Police, and charged with committing lewd acts on a child and child endangerment. Prosecutors with the Los Angeles County District Atty. charged the 41-year-old adopted and foster mother of five with three counts of committing a lewd and lascivious act on a girl under the age of 14, on three separate occasions in May and June. Posting $200,000 bail, Poundstone was released on her own recognizance, protesting her innocence through her attorney Steven M. Cron. But no sooner than she was sprung from jail than her publicist Bonnie Burns leaped into action, issuing an official press release: “I know Paula Poundstone well enough to know these charges are 100% incorrect. She has been an incredible parent; she’s made huge sacrifices to see that children who weren’t dealt the best cards in life were well taken care of and she’s always shown herself to be completely honorable and full of integrity. I believe when the truth comes out, you’ll see these charges are unsubstantiated and without merit.”|
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