When stars misbehave
BILLY Crawford with girlfriend Coleen Garcia at the Star Magic Ball, only hours before he got in trouble with the law. Richard Reyes
The Billy Crawford brouhaha got me thinking about celebrities’ drunken behavior in public. It’s ironic that actors like Billy are paid to act but they cannot always act the way fans want them to. Celebs are not allowed to have mood swings; nor can they afford to have a bad day because all eyes are on them.
I’m a certified Vodka Queen; I would rather be tipsy than thirsty. Thirst is a dangerous thing. Fortunately, I’ve never figured in a bar brawl. As I always say, I consume alcohol but I never let it consume me.
I’ve seen worse scenarios than the commotion that Billy caused in the police precinct. But he was man enough to apologize when he got back to his senses. Perhaps it was just the alcohol talking. Billy was shaken but not stirred.
In light of this controversy, I asked some celebs for their take on behaving badly in public and what they would have done if they were in Billy’s shoes.
Cheers to controversies that keep this biz intoxicating!
Martin Nievera
I would have gone home and changed my shoes. If this happened to someone who was not from show biz, nobody would care. Celebs make mistakes, just like everyone else; only difference is, we live in a fishbowl. We don’t know what was behind Billy’s [actions] but, to his credit, he knew that no one was above the law so he threw himself behind bars. I don’t drink so I can’t put myself in his shoes, but I am definitely in that same fishbowl.
Joey Generoso
Celebrity or not, we should, as responsible adults, watch the amount of alcohol we consume, especially when emotions start to muddle our minds. As public figures, we have a
responsibility to behave all the more. We become easy prey in social media. We always have to consider our hard-earned success and reputation.
Ronnie Quizon
Celebs should be allowed to do what other people can do for a good time. It’s unfortunate that celebs can’t remain anonymous. So, just like other people, they should know [the limits]. Nobody likes lousy drunks, celebrity or not. I’m not a noisy drunk. I’m the chill kind; it’s unlikely for me to ever be in Billy’s shoes. To be safe, I would always drink moderately.
Wency Cornejo
Celebs should keep in mind that anything they do in public becomes magnified a thousandfold, especially if they behave badly under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances. If you think you cannot control yourself, quit drinking. Or do it in the privacy of your home. Ironically, intrigues seem to fuel celebrity. The more controversial one is, the more famous or infamous one gets.
JOSE Javier Reyes: “Have fun, but not to the extent of looking funny.”
Jose Javier Reyes
There lies the rub. Being a public figure magnifies everything you do to the level of national issues. Mistakes are made to sound like the worst crime, while saintly behavior is largely ignored. No one is perfect, but celebs should learn the art of skillful discretion. Have fun, but not to the extent of making yourself look funny or, worse, the target of a public lynching.
Jestoni Alarcon
I’ve known Billy since our “That’s Entertainment” days. He has always been well-behaved. That’s why I was shocked when I heard the news. I am sure he meant no harm. He is probably going through a crisis. Celebs should be careful when they drink because everyone is watching. We must know our limits. If I were Billy, I would have asked my driver to take me home.
Paolo Santos
First, I have to determine if I have a drinking problem. If it turns out that I do, I’ll ask for help. Had I been in Billy’s shoes, I would have surrounded myself with trusted friends who could control the situation. They would have been able to minimize damage and embarrassment.
Marco Alcaraz
As celebs, a lot of people look up to us. So it’s important that we behave in public at all times. We have the responsibility to set good examples. Being drunk is not an excuse. It’s hard to say what I would have done…but we are all human. I would certainly learn from that mistake, apologize and move on.
BAYANI Agbayani’s advice is to drink in moderation.
Bayani Agbayani
Better drink moderately, or best drink at home with your family. But I am not in a position to judge Billy because I found myself in a similar situation once.
