Train Wrecks
Someone Else Will Die

Photo montage of Nicole RichieA 17-year-old boy has already died in an SUV driven by a celebrity. Someone else is going to die, and it will happen sooner rather than later.

Nicole Richie's loved ones could easily have been planning her funeral today -- likewise the loved ones of the people driving the right way on the 134 Freeway early Monday morning.

Lane Garrison must be scratching his head today. Why, he must be asking, did he have such bad luck? The fact is, the differentiating factor that makes Garrison a killer and Richie a DUI'er is luck. That's it.

I'm not trying to preach, and I will readily admit that TMZ has prospered off the antics of a group of young celebrities. When Brandon Davis went on his "firecrotch" rant against Lindsay, it was endlessly entertaining. When Paris got in fender-benders, it was so TMZ. And when Britney spread her legs for all the world to see, well it was Internet gold.

But the line has been crossed. The dark side of Hollywood has been revealed in the last month. And really, it's no surprise. There are a lot of young celebs who got really rich and very famous way too soon. The people who surround them are not used to saying "no." These celebs have gotten away with a lot -- mostly small stuff -- for a long time. And each time you get away with something you shouldn't, you get bolder the next time.

These celebs, for the most part, have no compass to guide them. Look at Lindsay Lohan. Her dad used the revolving door at his local jail while her mom was at war with him when she wasn't out partying. Lohan really didn't stand a chance, and it's sad.

So who will save the day and save these kids from disaster? In this town, saviors are awfully hard to come by.

Tags: Brandon Davis, BrandonDavis, Britney Spears, BritneySpears, Lane Garrison, LaneGarrison, Lindsay Lohan, LindsayLohan, Nicole Richie, NicoleRichie, Paris Hilton, ParisHilton

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(Page 5 of 14) Previous 15 Comments | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

61. people don't you realize these kids WANT the papparrazi to follow them . without the press these kids would be nothing. thats why they go to the same spots over and over. the press is their only claim to fame .so don't feel pity for their exposed lives. i'll bet if paris went one week without press she'd pull some crazy stunt to make sure she got some.dont you notice that the real stars we see in movies and on tv lead fairly normal lives?

Posted at 2:08PM on Dec 13th 2006 by vickie

62. Great admission of guilt...but what are you, as the media, willing to do about your contribution. These celeb's do all this outragous stuff to get publicity. You print it, we read it, they get what they wanted...PUBLICITY!

Nicole will get a slap on her boney wrist, Britney will neglect her children to go out pantyless partying with Paris, and tomorrow you will report it and we will read it!! It's a vicious cycle. AND we all are doing our part to contribute to the ongoing B.S. that is influencing the demise America's youth!

Posted at 1:55PM on Dec 13th 2006 by J

63. She really could have killed an innocent person. Driving under the influence is ignorant. My dad killed himself drunk driving and although sad, I'm just greateful he didn't kill someone else. He knew better, yet he risked everything when he got behind the wheel - and lost. He hurt so many people and could have hurt more.

Posted at 1:57PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Lea

64. I agree, just kinda morbid.

Posted at 2:15PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Miss Honey

65. Really Meg, putting a baby on your lap while driving isn't dangerous? Well I'll be damned, and to think millions have bought car seats for nothing. BTW, I don't believe that because I posted something Queen Meg doesn't agree with karma will get me. Is that anything like the boogey man?

Posted at 1:56PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Dede

66. I totally agree. Why do people idolize these idiots? I for one like checking out this web page because it's about time someone point out their stupidity. They're not anything special & need to stop being treated as such.

They need to learn to live in the real world like the rest of us & stop being treated like they're any better because they're really not.

Posted at 11:38AM on Dec 14th 2006 by Brianna

67. It's so sad that we as American have become so caught up in whether we should allow gays get married, women should be able to have an abortion, fighting wars in other countries, ect. We are so focused on making new laws and telling people how to live that we have become blind to what's going on in front of our faces.

It's against the law to drink and drive while under the infulence of a controlled or illegal substance yet when celebs do it they get a slap on the wrist. It's reported in the media with pictures of the celebs partying a day or two later.

It's against the law to provide alcohol to people under 21 years of age, but the celebs are the exception. There are pics of these people coming and going from night clubs and holding drinkings in their hands. Why isn't something being done? Why aren't these establishments being cited or closed?

Nicole could have killed people. Paris could have killed someone. Lindsay could have killed someone. Brittney could have killed someone. Lane Garrison did kill someone. Harvey Levin is correct. The only difference is LUCK. Not luck of these celebs but luck on our part that WE weren't in their way when they decided to get behind the wheel after partying.

We make these people rich! Without US they are just alcoholics. They are no better than us. However, we expect them to be given special treatment and we bitch and complain about it but we don't do anything about it. Think about that next time you buy anything endorsed by these people. Think about it before you watch their movies, stay in their hotels or buy their CD's.

These people are out of control and next time you or your loved ones may be where the luck runs out. Send them a clear message people to clean it up!

Posted at 1:58PM on Dec 13th 2006 by richard

68. Give me a fricking break!

You, Mr. Levin ENCOURAGE AND REWARD this type of behavior.
You get no kudos from me. You feature stories about all those so-called "Pop Tarts" that one wonders if you are being paid to keep their names in the news. To make matters worse, you and your "censors" will "***" out curse words, but allow racist rants to go on and on and on, just to drive up the number of "hits" this site gets. Save the preaching for next time you go to temple.
HOW'S ABOUT YOU SPEND SOME OF THAT GELT ON SITE MAINTANCE?
HIRE SOMEONE TO MANAGE YOUR WEB SITE SO PEOPLE CAN READ IT AND POST WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT UPWARDS OF TWO HOURS?
Otherwise, good job!
Putz!

Posted at 1:59PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Jack us off with your LEFT hand, so it will feel ...different!

69. Yes, I agree. And YES, it is the paprazzi's fault, as well as the parents. Where are they? Does their children negatively portrayed on tabloids give them something to feel good about? Is it for the publicity? The paycheck? Really, morals have gone down the drain in society. And yes, all she will get is a slap on the wrist. Two months down the line we will see her partying with her denenerate socialites again, hitting up Tinseltown. Why is she famous? Didn't Lionel Richie adopt the little rejected child and marry her whore mother? She isn't really a "Richie" then. Just living off the name. Just a little adopted child living the life, for nothing. When will he (Lionel) step in and say "ENOUGH!"? Where is he and why isn't he instilling morals on this poor little soul? She is giving him a bad name, and she isn't even really his child. Her mom was in the right place at the right time.

Posted at 2:01PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Papa Smurf

70. Wow, so what took you so long to figure this out? It's like the street that needs a stop sign, but they won't put one up until some one is killed. Look at these young ladies and their behavior or lack of it. Totally out-of-control, drugs, alcohol and sexual exportation. The term train wreck is always used, but this more nuclear with kids involved and everyday citizens who could be killed by a DUI driver. They don't eat or take care of themselves and their parents don't do a damn thing but watch and take advantage.

Posted at 2:02PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Lenn K

71. I totally agree with what has been written in this article. I have been thinking along the same lines for a long time now. It must be hard for the young "aspiring" actors to have some one to look up to and follow. Being ,either, their parents are in jail, partying as hard as the kids are, or leaving them alone to fend for themselves. I also agree with what #45 wrote:
45. TMZ, You have done something very unique. You brought something forward and you have popular support! Do something positive with this. Yes, you will do the covering clubs and what your other fans expect... Be creative -- find the stars and coverage of folks that are doing great things that you have access to. You have the lead on this... go to work and find the really great things that media only can only do!

Something very unique indeed. Not too many media sites would question the people that have made their sites so popular. Nor would they seem so concerned about them. The younger generation of celebs should stop and think about the classier celebs and wonder what made them such class acts instead of everyday trash gossip.

Posted at 2:08PM on Dec 13th 2006 by josydmat

72. Ok..I cannot help but comment on this one. I have never cared to be part of the "Hollywood Scene" but I have a cousin who did. He wanted to be a famous actor and live the Hollywood life. That is all he ever talked about and he made himself "to be seen and noticed". He finally got his wish as he was discovered by a pretty famous couple. This couple was considered a well-respected duo but even they lived a life of drugs, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity. My cousin quickly met many celebs and was hanging out with A listers. He got very involved with drugs and that was his downfall. I was shocked when he told me who was buying from the same dealer he was. Drug parties are common and going to a stars house and being offered drugs is like going for a by for a cup of coffee or tea. I was shocked to hear the things that went on behind closed doors with such a large exclusive group. The majority there actually do have issues with drugs, alcohol, and sex. He almost lost his life after a drug overdose and has never been the same. After actually learning first hand about many of these people, I never had a desire to even dream of being in their "groups". The only relationships that survive are the ones that get out of the public eye and do not do the partying with the drugs and alcohol at all the clubs in hollywood. Never underestimate any star that you look up to. I learned that very quickly. The ones who you think are perfect are so far from it. I think I will take my simple life any day..

Posted at 2:06PM on Dec 13th 2006 by in the know

73. Cheers! Thanks for saying was so few in the media say and what so many of us feel. Keep up the good work!

Posted at 2:22PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Ella

74. HARVEY,

DON'T TRY TO ACT LIKE YOU WRITE THE COMMENT SOMETIMES AND THE REST BY STAFF WRITERS...YOU CRACK ME UP...

Posted at 2:05PM on Dec 13th 2006 by JENNIER

75. You're right, Harvey -- saviors are hard to come by. And you're not helping.

This patronizing post should be scanned and inserted into the dictionary under "Do as I say, not as I do." If you really gave a crap, you'd stop being such a huge part of the problem.

Posted at 2:08PM on Dec 13th 2006 by Billy O'Keefe

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