"'It didn't kill them' @BarbraStreisand did you really say that?!"—Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland, responding to Streisand's comments on the documentary.
I look high and low for a quote to kick off each column. This week, it came courtesy of Miss Barbra Streisand. However, it also requires a bit more discussion. In an interview with The Times of London, she talked about the documentary Leaving Neverland. Babs says she believes James Safechuck and Wade Robson.
When asked her feelings about Michael Jackson, she said, "It's a combination of feelings. I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for him. I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him. Why would Michael need these little children dressed like him and in the shows and the dancing and the hats?" I think what they were wearing is less germane to the scenario than what they weren't, but I see where she's going. Alas, then she got herself into trouble: "His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has. You can say 'molested,' but those children, as you heard say, they were thrilled to be there. They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them." There's that sympathetic Babs we know and love.
Needless to say, this led to quite a bit of outrage. Streisand attempted to clarify with a statement: "To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone. The stories these two young men shared were painful to hear, and I feel nothing but sympathy for them. The single most important role of being a parent is to protect their children. It's clear that the parents of these two young men were also victimized and seduced by fame and fantasy."
Remember Nick Gruber? He was the former "model" ( he said euphemistically ) who was once the paramour of Calvin Klein. Then he tried to get a reality show with some other "winner." ( ditto ) Last week, he found himself in court for—get ready for it—beating up someone with a frying pan. On Sept. 3, 2018, Nick allegedly hit an unnamed man with a frying pan and refused to allow him to leave an apartment on East 76th Street in NYC that belonged to co-defendant Brandon Steele. According to court documents, "The victim was treated at Lenox Hill Hospital for several broken bones to the back, as well as a nearly severed ear and injuries to the orbital bone that could, potentially, affect vision." Nick has been charged with second-degree assault and unlawful imprisonment—which you may recall is what Boy George was charged with after he handcuffed that hooker to a bed.
Why is an incident that happened more than six months ago in the news? Because on March 5, 2019, Gruber allegedly broke into an apartment in the same building and stole a bag of methamphetamines! However, Nick has claimed he was subletting the apartment—except the super didn't know him ( but, may I say in his defense, been there, done that ). Gruber is out on $5K bail and due back in court April 4. By the way, a photographer from the New York Post wanted to take his picture in court. Nick's only concern was, "How does my hair look?" Priorities.
I just returned from Palm Springs where I attended Remembering Carol: A Tribute to Carol Channing. This was a bittersweet event—but happily far more sweet than bitter. The bitter, of course, is that our beloved Carol is no longer with us. But, my God, the room was filled with such love and warmth that it was truly as if she never left. It was certainly not lost on me that it took a dozen luminaries to create a feeling Channing could do simply by walking into a room. Those gathered shared songs and stories about someone who was truly unique. People like Carole Cook, Lily Tomlin, Tyne Daly, Ruta Lee, Davis Gaines and Kristin Chenoweth. Despite the star power in that theater, there was only one way to end the celebration—with a video of Carol herself singing the 11 o'clock number from Hello, Dolly! To our beloved Carol—so long, dearie.
Fans of the reboot of Dynasty will be sad to know that Nicollette Sheridan has left the building. Last week, Alexis was attacked by the latest person claiming to be long-lost son Adam. How was she attacked? He pushed her head into a fire and held her there. OUCH! As it turns out, Alexis isn't dead. But since Sheridan wanted out, the producers had to be creative. This immolation will leave her so disfigured, the character will be easier to recast.
Our "Ask Billy" question is a response to last week's column. Kevin in Baltimore writes, "Thanks for the JO video of Tyler Posey. But I think his [Now Apocalypse] co-star is even hotter. Didn't you once have a video of him?"
You're right—I completely forgot about that! Last July, I told you about Beau Mirchoff—best known from Desperate Housewives and Awkward. Apparently, he indulged in several online masturbation scenes, which some unknown paramour leaked. But, don't look a gift horse in the mouth—especially since Beau resembles another part of the horse. See for yourself on BillyMasters.com .
When we're wrapping things up with a Beau, it's time to end yet another column. Here's one little tidbit that I got out of Barbra's interview which I never knew before—Streisand turned down Michael Jackson's request to record a duet! Those are the little things you'll discover when you check out BillyMasters.com—the site that also delivers such big things. For your burning questions, write to me at Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Babs records her own version of "Bad." Until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.
