Jackson Free Press

On my most recent trip to New York, I sat in my hotel room and watched in amazement at how much coverage the Star Jones/Barbara Walters debacle received. Sandwiched right between continuing coverage of the war in Iraq and the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, there were the ladies of "The View" at each others' throats again.

It was then that I took a moment to reflect on the ills of celebrity. The fact is that, with all the glamour it provides, there is a huge downside. Often, the public at large uses a person's fame as an excuse to take liberties that the celebrity doesn't deserve. And while I don't see myself as a celebrity, local or otherwise, I can sympathize with those who wish to maintain some level of privacy in their personal lives. America is way too fascinated with other people's business. Maybe that's why we're fighting a war that no longer makes sense, but I digress.

Anyway, the story goes that Star Jones, was not going to be brought back to ABC after her contract expired in August. To most of us laypeople, that means she's basically getting the ax, right? Well, Ms. Jones is apparently not one to take the ax lying down, as last week she announced that she was leaving "The View" to pursue other opportunities.

Problem was, she didn't let anyone know, including Barbara Walters. Kind of like "Do unto others before they do unto you!" Walters fired back, saying that Jones would no longer be welcomed on "The View." The network even said it should have fired Jones when her popularity reached an all-time low last November.

Why were her numbers so low? The speculation is that fans were not pleased when Star stayed mum about her dramatic weight loss. Also, viewers were "turned off" when she solicited big-name sponsors for her wedding to what's-his-face. Apparently, America was unhappy with the lawyer-turned-TV host. And that's where I have a problem.

It's no one's business how Jones lost her weight. Period. That was a personal issue that she obviously wanted to keep between her and her doctor. Just because the women of "The View" sit around and dish their personal business during their cackle-fest doesn't mean we should be privy to everything. To me, women put too much stock and faith in "The View" and Oprah and Iyanla Vanzant. You are all equally powerful, and you've done nothing but make them rich.

Secondly, perks come with being known. It doesn't make it right, but that's life. Star only used that fame to gain some freebies for her wedding. If Meredith Vieira had done it, I wonder if we would have made such a big deal out of it. Hmm. But that would be a whole other column. Just because a celebrity wants you to buy her album or go see her in a movie doesn't mean we have carte blanche to invade any part of her life we wish. There has to be a line drawn somewhere, right? Let those folks eat, party and lose weight in peace. Star, as much as I hate to admit it, they did you wrong.

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff!

Previous Comments

ID

73167

Comment

Kamikaze, I really enjoyed this article--- and I couldn't agree with you more. People, celebrity or not, have a right to keep details about their personal life private; and it is not our business to try to find out things that are kept that way. I also think it should be mentioned that the day Walters made her comments about Star not returning that Mrs. Reynolds did an awesome job on Larry King presenting her case for what happened. She even told Larry that she definitely used her celebrity to get things for her wedding, and in hind-sight that may have not been the right thing to do and she apologized to her fans for that. One quote that I took for the now infamous Tuesday episode of The View was her classic comment: "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." How much better we would all be if we truly lived by that and conducted ourselves with that in mind. Again, great job, man. And if we haven't said it enough, congrats on your Jackson Music Award success and what you are accomplishing.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-12T23:14:56-06:00

ID

73168

Comment

I loved the article, too. My problem with celebrity is not being able to move about freely without being known or noticed or bothered. I watched Johnny Cochran at conventions and events for lawyers. After the Simpson case, he couldn't even walk around without being constantly stopped for pictures and questions. And this was from lawyers - his professional peers. He handled it like a champ - always kind, respectful and agreeable. I can imagine what a drain it must be when the whole world seeks your attention. I'll take quiet success any day over celebrity. Yes, I lost a little more respect for Ms. Walters too after this event with Star. I applaud Star for leaving her way despite resulting consequences, if any. I thank and appreciate Barbara Walters for giving Star the job although I never particularly liked Star or the show. Something about cackling, I think. Smile.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-07-13T09:07:52-06:00

ID

73169

Comment

One quote that I took for the now infamous Tuesday episode of The View was her classic comment: "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." That was always one of my favorite quotes. Anyway, thanks for your insight, Kamikaze. You pretty much said what I was thinking. As for cackling, it didn't bother me. Females are used to it. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-07-14T20:42:16-06:00

ID

73170

Comment

I so would have had my wedding sponsored if I could have. I really thought that was fabulous. But I'm weird like that. I always thought she was a very smart chick, and I still do. Feel the same about Barbara. That "cat fight" had been perpetuated and perpetuated for years before this meltdown. We women pit ourselves against each other, but we are also actually sometimes in competitive positions. And when we are, why is it a catfight? I thought the ladies of the view got an unfair shake with that one. And the show is not just a cackle-fest. You know better than to label an entire genre like that ;) Also, there were some issues between she and Rosie and her lesbian lifestyle that were alluded to in the gossip stuff....but you're absolutely right that it's just gossip. Speculation, gossip, and ass umptions.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-07-14T21:03:02-06:00

ID

73171

Comment

Secondly, perks come with being known. So do disadvantages. Nothing's all pretzels and beer. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If Meredith Vieira had done it, I wonder if we would have made such a big deal out of it. Tacky is tacky, period. Best, Tim

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-07-16T10:25:39-06:00

ID

73172

Comment

I agree Tim. I can't tell you how horrible women get when it comes to weddings. Wait, yes I can. I'm in the canner right now for having a private one. But if I'd had a public one, I'd be open to the talk about how I did it, what colors I choose, etc... Weddings are just a breeding ground for trash talk whether you're famous or not. And I still don't think it's tacky. Star Jones is fabulous is my book. I would have done the same thing. She was excited, she was sharing her joy and I really don't see why it matters professionally how she managed her wedding day. I also think it's hilarious. I did see that interview Cyrus, and the one on maybe The Today Show?? She's one poised chick. Love her honesty, humility and BRAINS.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-07-16T11:19:11-06:00

ID

73173

Comment

Why do I hate this woman with the passion of a thousand burning suns? Maybe I'm just another "unhappy American". ;) I've always thought she sounded smug and judgemental.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-07-16T11:34:52-06:00

ID

73174

Comment

Emily, I agree with you that Star was poised, but she is first-and-foremost an attorney. She knows what to say and not to say. And she also knows how to come across in such a way that others will see her in a different light. I was surprised by her announcement that Tuesday, not so surprised that the show made the "business decision" they did on that Wednesday, but I was mostly impressed with her quick comeback the same night on Larry King. BTW, it was reported by MSNBC that both CNN and Fox News have made offers to her. She is definitely not down or out at this point.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-16T12:03:45-06:00

ID

73175

Comment

I don't really have an opinion about Star Jones-Reynolds (isn't that the name she goes by now?) as a person or a public figure. About all I knew about her before the media became obsessive about this conflict (which, I totally agree, is as trivial as they come) was that she's black, and that she was on The View. I object to somebody simultaneously crowing that there are perks that go along with being known, and whining about the disadvantages that that brings with it. You can't have it both ways. As someone once said, "It doesn’t make it right, but that’s life." :-P Best, Tim

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-07-16T13:41:26-06:00

ID

73176

Comment

Okay, well, the thing is, my favorite View was when that dumb chick was on there. And they'd do hot topics, all have something very quippy and smart to say, then the dumbass would open her mouth. Loved her too. Did y'all ever see the SNL spoof with Claire Danes, and they yelled for the dumb girl to go sit in the corner? Sooooo funny. But Star is no where near that girl. I can really relate to Star for some reason. I want her to be my mentor. It's very difficult to maintain a reality of being SMART and the reality of being hot stuff. And I loved that she held out for a man who would be what her man is. Girl did NOT settle. And I admire Rosie and stuff, but I don't think she's a good Meridith replacement. I wanted someone more news oriented and less pop culture as ring leader. I think the show messed up when it toned down the smart and toned up the look at this stuff to buy....

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-07-16T13:48:55-06:00

ID

73177

Comment

And Cyrus, I beg of you, for a Project Runway thread on your blog. We've got a new season and all.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-07-16T13:50:14-06:00

ID

73178

Comment

Emily, normally I don't take requests (smile), but for you--- I will "seriously consider" it. (lol)

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-16T17:22:31-06:00