Celebrity Justice
Police Sting?

Is it more likely that Sting wrote "Roxanne" about French prostitutes while traveling in Paris ... or in the basement of his Reno home with a guy he met at a restaurant? Wait, don't answer that yet.
Read the docs
According to a police report filed by Roy Smith, Sting heard him singing at Molly's Garden Restaurant back in 1977 (or 1978, Smith can't quite remember), thought he was good, and asked him to hang out.

They stopped at a 7-Eleven for beer (Sting, at a 7-Eleven?) and hung out for hours in Sting's basement. During that time, Smith told Sting about an ex-girlfriend of his named Roxanne, who was a prostitute. Smith also explained how after his father died, he wrote his mom messages, which he put in a bottle. Just like in the song! Oh, right ...

Smith claims Sting agreed to give him royalties for the songs, but never did. Here is the best part -- Smith claims Sting tried to contact him, through his mom, but she didn't pass along the messages because she thought the real police were after her son!

Smith has contacted Sting's lawyers, who deny all the allegations. He also filed a report with the Reno P.D. last month. The fuzz tells TMZ, "Initial review of the report indicates that the statute of limitations of any potential crime in this matter has expired. The alleged victim may have to pursue the matter through civil litigation." Good luck.

Reader Comments

(Page 2 of 5) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. Jami~ Thanks for bringing it up............I adore Parker. We need a post on Parker. What does he think about the final 4?

Posted at 3:20PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Dallas

17. Whether or not this person's story is true (I doubt it-just my opinion, not that it matters)
Why did he wait 30 years to speak up? That's just stupid.

Posted at 3:22PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Seattlite

18. after I sperad my legs for Sting he wrote "Spread a little Happiness". So..I totally believe the freeloding bum

Posted at 3:24PM on Apr 17th 2008 by try again

19. I saw Michael Jackson at Dairy Queen and while we talked over Sundae's....I told him
about my cousin Billie Jean....need I say more! Where's my money Mike??? Buuaaahhhhh!

Posted at 3:31PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Toomuch

20. And he wants to sue NOW? Just where has he been in the 30 years since Roxanne was released and hit the top of the charts?

Posted at 3:33PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Tick

21. Sure, and I gave Springsteen the idea for the Born to Run album....yeaa, that's the ticket!

Posted at 3:35PM on Apr 17th 2008 by TBA

22. Banana Hammock, I think your new name should be captain random tangent.

Posted at 3:41PM on Apr 17th 2008 by jenzeee

23. Is it possible the guy is a nut job? It seems to really be a far-fetched story. And obviously the guy has heard the song Roxanne and knows it's huge, so why not contact Sting before now? That is really the part of this story that doesn't pass the smell test.

If the story is true, then sting should do the right thing and do what he promised. The thing is though, just because the guy told him a story.... Sting is still the one who WROTE THE SONG. If you decide to write a song inspired by an article you read in the paper or a book, does that mean you owe them royalties? I say NO.

Posted at 3:44PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Is this a joke? If so, no one is laughing.

24. Some people, Geez - sounds like Roy needs to move on & get a REAL life...

Posted at 3:54PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Mjoie

25. And this guy just now figured out that his stuff got hijacked??? Where has he been for the last thirty years pray tell? I don't know what that statute of limitations for such things is or even if there is one but I would think even if his claims are true (so doubtful) the old adage you snooze you lose should apply here.

Posted at 3:51PM on Apr 17th 2008 by did I say that out loud?

26. jenzeee likes it in the ol' "chocolate channel".

Posted at 3:57PM on Apr 17th 2008 by All 'First' Posters are Child Molesters

27. I just have to say anyone, who posts "first" is an idiot. No one care if you are first. First for what? You didn't even say anything. Do you have original thoughts? I've decided Jenzee wins 1st prize for internet douche of the day and for the efforts will recieve no respect from anyone.

Posted at 1:41PM on Apr 18th 2008 by Jenzee is the douche

28. Jenzee, shampooing your crotch won't get rid of the crabs....

Posted at 4:14PM on Apr 17th 2008 by You're an idiot

29. Could this had happened? yes. We will never know the truth. It is just one word against the other, and the one with the better attorney will win the case. There is just no way to prove or disprove this.

Posted at 4:14PM on Apr 17th 2008 by sandyduncansglasseye

30. i know this guy personally and he has been trying to sue sting for the past 10+ years. oh, yeah and he's crazy and secretly videotapes and records people. only in idaho!

Posted at 4:32PM on Apr 17th 2008 by IB

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