Pete compared to other celebs

[Sroundtable@xxxxxxx]

The more I have thought about this, the more I believe that Pete's situation is not as dire as many think, and his alleged crimes are pale in comparison to some other major celebs who have restored their respectabilty and careers.

Michael Jackson- everyone knows he's a freak show, but he still can fill stadiums for performances and sell records (if he ever decides to return to creative music production) despite paying a multi-million dollar settlement to a family who accused him of child molestation, in return for them not pressing charges.

Rob Lowe- Was caught videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl in the late 80s and escaped jail time.  He has a successful acting career today, including a leading role on The West Wing (which he just left to pursue other avenues... anyone remember Shelley Long?), which was the #1 TV drama while he was on it.

Chuck Berry- Was caught taking pictures of women in the bathroom of one (or more) of his chicken restaurants in the early 80s.  Berry is still respected in the music industry today and can perform, even at his age, in major venues.

Marv Albert- NBC broadcaster arrested for assault on a prostitute when she accused him of biting her repeatedly on the back.  Current Knicks play-by-play announcer and NBC's lead NBA commentator before losing the NBA to ABC/ESPN this year.


Let's hope Pete is completely exonerated, even in the court of public opinion.  Even if technically guilty of viewing child porn, regardless of motive, the above have committed far worse crimes and yet can still succeed in their creative endeavors (except Michael Jackson, who seems to have lost the ability to make new music, and his popularity decline has little to do with the child molestation case and everything to do with his freakish behavior in all areas).

Pete can and will make a complete recovery.

mc