Leave Lindsay Lohan Alone! Her Career Is Not Over

By Amber James Posted Jul 7th 2010 01:10PM

Pop-Ed: The courtroom walls seemed to cave in on Lindsay Lohan when the judge sentenced her to 90 days in jail for violating her probation in a three-year-old drug and drunk driving case. The young woman, who just minutes earlier was anxiously fidgeting in her seat, was now broken and bawling. At that moment, I was heartbroken. She was being thrown under the bus and made an example of.

I am not denying that she's had some low points (from her drug and alcohol abuse to her stints in rehab), but she doesn't deserve to be turned into a Hollywood scapegoat. No one is perfect. I'm a firm believer in second chances, and believe Lohan will pull it together and people will start taking her seriously again. Yes, I am rooting for Team Lohan.

The gripping reality of her past reared its ugly head in court yesterday, exposing a young and vulnerable woman who just needs help. Imagine being 24 years old and having your every move critiqued. Honestly, if paparazzi followed most twentysomethings, they would probably make Lohan look like a saint. (There's a reason why college franchises like 'Animal House' and 'Van Wilder' are so popular -- most people can relate to it.) Yet the world is so fixated on her missteps that they refuse to forgive and move on. What are we waiting for?

Lohan optimistically tweeted on January 2 that she wouldn't let people bring her down. "My New Years resolution is to stop letting the lucky few that have my heart try to constantly tear me down." She continued, "2010 is about moving forward, not backwards. Leaving the bad (people, habits, and negative energy behind) time to make changes-right!?!?"

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Lindsay in Court

Lindsay Lohan reacts to a judges sentence at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010 in Los Angeles. More Photos >>

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Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 06: (EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE ON THE SUBJECT'S FINGERNAIL) Actress Lindsay Lohan attends her probation revocation hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Lindsay Lohan was found in violation of her probation for the August 2007 no-contest plea to drug and alcohol charges stemming from two separate traffic accidents, she is scheduled to surrender on July 20, 2010 to serve her 90 day jail sentence. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

Lindsay Lohan cries as she is sentenced to 90 days jail by Judge Marsha Revel during her hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010. The star had apparently painted the nail of her middle finger with the words 'Fuck U'. Troubled Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan broke down in tears after she was sentenced to 90 days in jail for violating her probation in two 2007 drunk driving cases. The actress, once a red-headed Disney films star and promising A-lister whose career since has spun off course, also was ordered to participate in a 90-day inpatient substance abuse program. After Beverly Hills Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel sentenced Lohan, 24, the actress and fashion muse wept in court. AFP PHOTO/POOL/David McNew (Photo credit should read DAVID MCNEW/AFP/Getty Images)

Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 06: Actress Lindsay Lohan attends her probation revocation hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Lindsay Lohan was found in violation of her probation for the August 2007 no-contest plea to drug and alcohol charges stemming from two separate traffic accidents, she is scheduled to surrender on July 20, 2010 to serve her 90 day jail sentence. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

Lindsay Lohan cries as she is sentenced to 90 days jail by Judge Marsha Revel during her hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010. She sobbed and pleaded in court not to be thrown in jail, but troubled Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan had another, far less plaintive message for the judge, written on the fingernail of her middle finger. Photographers using telephoto lenses captured photos showing that Lohan, hand pressed against her mouth, had the words "fuck u" carefully written over a multicolored pastiche of pastel nail polish(Middle Finger-R). The judge ordered Lohan, 24, to spend 90 days in jail for violating probation in two 2007 drunken driving cases. She also was ordered to take part in a 90-day in-patient substance abuse program. AFP PHOTO/POOL/David McNew (Photo credit should read DAVID MCNEW/AFP/Getty Images)

Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 06: Actress Lindsay Lohan (L) and lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley attend a probation revocation hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Lindsay Lohan was found in violation of her probation for the August 2007 no-contest plea to drug and alcohol charges stemming from two separate traffic accidents, she is scheduled to surrender on July 20, 2010 to serve her 90 day jail sentence. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lindsay Lohan;Shawn Chapman Holley

Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 06: Actress Lindsay Lohan (C) and lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley attend a probation revocation hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Lindsay Lohan was found in violation of her probation for the August 2007 no-contest plea to drug and alcohol charges stemming from two separate traffic accidents, she is scheduled to surrender on July 20, 2010 to serve her 90 day jail sentence. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lindsay Lohan;Shawn Chapman Holley

Lindsay Lohan Snapshots

In December, Lohan traveled across India to film a BBC documentary to raise awareness and find a solution to stop child trafficking. Although we think her trip was done out of the the kindness of her heart, the public seemed to think it was simply a PR stunt to tweak her "party girl" image. Either way, it was obvious that even her humanitarian efforts failed to positively change her career ... even a little bit.

The backlash continued after the BBC released a trailer of her documentary. Gossip blogs tore the clip apart: Lindsay Lohan Pretends To Care; Lindsay Lohan Does Good, Looks Awkward; Samaritan LiLo's Comic Relief Skit. The public was skeptical of her sincerity, even though she was trying to shine a light on a serious issue that desperately needs more attention. What do you want from her? She never said she was going to change the world in one day.

Public perception of the starlet started to go downhill during the summer of 2007 when she was arrested twice for driving under the influence. Aside from driving drunk, police involved in her July arrest found cocaine in Lohan's pocket. Weeks later, Lohan checked herself into Cirque Lodge Treatment Center, a high-class rehabilitation center frequented by many stars. It was her second rehab stint, having gone once before in January of 2007.

She seems to be face-to-face with the same reality Britney Spears had when the pop princess shaved her hair in an effort to tell the world to leave her alone. With celebrities so overexposed today, their public and private personas get blurred. People seem to associate "Lindsay Lohan" with the scandals and gossip and don't give her the opportunity to be accepted as a real person with feelings. She's not plastic, folks.

No one can deny the talent she had in 'The Parent Trap' and 'Mean Girls,' but few can get past her hard-partying ways. I'm not saying her recent films like 'Herbie Fully Loaded,' 'I Know Who Killed Me' and 'Labor Pains' (which went straight to cable) were blockbusters, but she was pretty much blamed for bringing each film to the ground. That's a lot of pressure. Could you perform at your best if everyone used you like a punching bag?

Her upcoming films are said to be make or break career moves and are proof that her career is getting a reboot. She is due to portray 1970s porn star Linda Lovelace, star of 'Deep Throat,' in the biopic film 'Inferno,' and she's already filmed Robert Rodriguez's 'Machete,' which is scheduled for release on Sept. 3, 2010. 'Inferno' writer-director Matthew Wilder told the AP after the ruling that he and his crew remain "100 percent behind Lindsay" and "proud to have this remarkable artist work on our film," he said.

Even Kerry Wallum, a producer with Lucky Films, said Lohan was in negotiations for a role in the upcoming Willie Nelson movie 'The Dry Gulch Kid,' and that the production would wait for her if she wanted the part. "We're behind her," he said Tuesday. "We'll wait until all of this blows over."

Even though she's made a few mistakes, give her a break. She's human. The actress must begin serving her sentence on July 20, however, she likely won't serve the entire 90 days. Immediately after leaving jail, Lohan will spend another 90 days at an inpatient rehab facility. If Lindsay has made it this far, she'll persevere. The actress will again make headlines for her acting and not her acting out if she just puts her mind to it. This could mark the beginning of a new decade for Lindsay, as people begin to accept her as a serious actress and entrepreneur.

Here's to you, Lindsay. Now show us what you've got.

Should the world leave Lindsay alone?

Tags: lindsay lohan

Comments

(101)

Wednesday 07 July

By Kent

Vote down Vote up Report this

To Dean.. Why in the world would anybody be jealous of Lindsay ?
A young woman only 24 years old that has almost ruined her life with drugs and alcohol . And probably ruined her career as well .. A young woman that used to be pretty and now her face reflects the face of an addict ..A young woman that has a sorry mother and sorry friends and not much to look forward to if she continues down this road .. An unhappy and confused young woman .. What part of the above are we supposed to be jealous of ?

Thursday 08 July

By Barb

Her whole family is messed up.

By larrendell

Lohan is replaceable. There are other good, young actresses that behave themselves better so why would a studio take a chance on this unpredictable girl? She needs to grow up if she wants to save what is left of her career. She is clearly burning some bridges that can never be rebuilt. She will have to demonstrate that she has changed by not being so openly defiant (see article on fingernail message).

By Susie

Hey, I have an idea! Lets all leave Lindsey alone when and if she leaves us alone. No more movies that require extra attention and privileges. No more anything! If she just backs out of the limelight, then we can more easily forget about her, good and bad. No great loss! Sorry babe, can't have it both ways...leave me alone...wait a minute...pay attention to me!!!

By Nico Toscani

I am now convinced that Amber James and gobluespartyon are the same person. They both seem to think that these awful celebutards are their friends and they need defending. Sad, pathetic and just plain stupid.

By Myfluffy

The judge saved her life

By Becky

How is she being made an example? How many 2nd chances do you give a person? She was told the conditions of her probation and she didn't follow them. People in the "real" world go to jail for much less. If you ask me, she thought the fact that she was in a hit movie 6 years ago was going to save her from jail. I've always liked her movies and her acting. And I'm hoping that jail and the rehab following will finally be the wake up call she desparately needs!

By What?!

Lindsay is so over. How many people will watch her future movies? No money for the movie industry. We the People are the power! (evil laugh) Ha ha ha ha ha.

By mannequin

Amen. Lindsay is a human being and we've all made mistakes. Whether she continues to act or not, I hope she finds the help she needs.
None of us can judge because none of us have grown up in that lifestyle; a lifestyle in which you're used up and dumped.

By yes we can

we dont have to judge dummy the judge, judged as he is given the right to judge... go drink more kool-aid

Thank you so much for that very enlightening information. Pathetic.

By jbf

She's gonna portray Linda Lovelace in 'Inferno'... and this will be acting??

By Jon 'the pen is liquor' Evans

She has had more than just "one chance." I think the author has the hots for Lohan or else he wouldn't be writing this.

By THE PUNISHER

BET SHE DIDNT "BAWL" WHEN SHE WAS DOWNING DRUGS.NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW,NOT EVEN HER, BUT THEN ALL THESE SO CALLED CELEBRITIES THINK THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING!!!!!!!

By NO WAy

Are you kidding me? Can this author be more of an idiot. this ho of an actress has violated the court orders so many times that she is way past second chances...dam pubishers should fire amber and hire a real writer that will be more balanced than this crappy author. it irritated me so much that i couldt even finish 3 paragraphs... now i wanno go find this writer and throw her under more than one bus for being an idot.

By Good Point

its obvious to me now that this amber is dying to be Lohans friend. She cant say anything bad about her. Hey Amber give it up.. She will never be her friend and people like you that think she deserves second chances are only helping her in a state of denial. I hope you stop believing in second chances if she dies of cardiac arrest due to her drug use. dumb stupid amber.

By Mimi

She had plenty of chances. She has no regard
for herself or anyone or anything. She has made
her bed and she'll have to lay in it. I can't
stand her.

By Taunya

I feel Lindsay needs this help.....she is a beautiful talented young lady....she needs to realize...this kind of life will kill her....Linsday please its just a short time...it will be a gift in the future...BELIEVE.....we all want to help you...cant you see...you have a life that i will never have...i live pay to pay...and you have alife that can help the world...that i wish and pray i had....wake up!!!!!...please

Monday 12 July

By Jenna

All you mindless twits are just jealous. I am so tired of people saying throw the key away and saying horrible things. She is a young woman who has made some mistakes. If you think she should be locked up with the key thrown away then you are probably the most boring, no life person ever! I know a lot of people in college who have gotten off with no jail time for worse. Lindsay is a beautiful young actress with talent for miles! She may have not had the best role models growing up and was thrown into the Hollywood lifestyle at a young age. No jail time or rehab will do her good if she doesn't want it to. I support Lindsay and hope she finds peace in her life and wish her a long and wonderful career. We should all be offering her hope and words of encouragement and not kicking her when she is down. I absolutely think a person should be accountable for his/her actions however, if more people would offer her positive encouragement to get her life back on track it would help her far more than the horrible criticism and harsh things you people are saying about her. How would you feel if that were your daughter,sister, or cousin? You people should all be ashamed.

By LarFromKS

Lindsay has to go to jail and rehab to get her life back on track. I've dealt with spoiled rich girls on alcohol and drugs before. The only thing that saves them is jail time, and more jail time, and still more jail time until they get their behaviors corrected. Lindsay, like a lot of starlets, is far too narcissistic to understand that her behavior is self-destructive. Placing her in hard time will likely get rid of this behavior and help her understand that what she is doing isn't funny, but will eventually kill her if she doesn't get help and quick.

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