Jesse James Begs for Privacy

Jesse James wants some privacy now and A.J. Hammer of Showbiz Tonight feels Jesse is being a little hypocritical. Jesse James' attorney, Joe Yanny, sent a "powerful" message to Showbiz Tonight saying in effect: leave Jesse alone, that 99% of what is being reported is untrue and there are more important things to talk about. Co-hosts, Brooke Anderson and A.J. Hammer found it most amusing that Yanny chose to invoke the First Amendment: "I wish that people would get on with the things contemplated by the drafters of the First Amendment and leave Mr. James alone already."

Showbiz Tonight's big question for everyone was: "Do you have any sympathy for Jesse James." AJ Hammer did "some digging" to take a look at Jesse James only other public statement and found it absolutely fascinating that in his "I take responsibility statement," Jesse James said: "It's because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming to my way."

This is the basis for AJ Hammer's assertion that he is "not flinching." To AJ Hammer, Jesse James asked for the press coverage by saying that. Hammer asked guest Carlos Diaz if Jesse had any right to beg for privacy now. Carlos Diaz (Extra newsmagazine) unequivocally said "No. He made his bed. Several women have allegedly slept in it and now he has to sleep in it as well." Hammer's other guest, Sunny Hostin (In Session, TruTV) agreed and said it seems "extremely hypocritical." She said that it is "extremely ridiculous" for Jesse to expect privacy because he "is a public figure and he knows that."

Ironically, AJ Hammer then showed a clip of Sandra Bullock leaving her self-imposed isolation for the first time, being swarmed by paparazzi. Hammer said he felt so badly for her because she will have to deal with this situation for quite some time, even though she has done nothing wrong. "There are some who think," he said "maybe she should have come out, head held high ..." Carlos Diaz said Sandra should not make any statements because of the volatility of the situation. If she says she supports his effort to reform now, more damaging information may surface in the next couple of weeks.

But who are the real hypocrites here? It is only because Jesse James IS Sandra Bullock's husband that this scandal is THE current hot story. It is not because he is a married cheater. If he was married to anyone other than an A list actress, no one would care who he slept with.

It is Sandra Bullock who ultimately is harmed more from this non-stop press coverage. It follows that if the press would lay off Jesse James, Sandra Bullock would benefit to the extent that she could come out of her home unmolested. She could have the space she deserves to decide whether she wants to get a divorce or give her marriage another go. So it's not about what James deserves that the press should concern itself with. It's about what Sandra Bullock deserves.

And, yes, you can observe that I have been writing on the topic myself, but I hope you notice I'm not taking any hypocritical positions, pretending Jesse James deserves to be under the scrutiny of the press because he is a public figure, while professing moral outrage over something that has no effect whatsover on my life. Doing that is what is really "hypocritical" and "extremely ridiculous."

Sources:
Show Biz Tonight (04/01/2010)
AC: Sandra Bullock Should Hold Her Head Up High