2008 Woodie Awards
Getting away with it, celeb style
Amanda Silk
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: World
It is no surprise that celebrities are treated differently than the average citizen. Americans are fascinated by celebrities, as evidenced by the high demand for constant celebrity news and gossip.
Celebrities get special treatment all the time, and many Americans feel that they deserve it. But are celebrities so central to American society that they are to be considered above the law?
Paris Hilton, a celebrity who is, ironically enough, famous for being famous, was pulled over for driving erratically on Sept. 7 in Los Angeles, Calif. She was found to be under the influence after taking a sobriety test and a brethalyzer, with MSNBC reporting that Hilton's blood alcohol level was a .08 percent, above the legal limit in California.
While California's penalties for a first drunk driving offense include a fine, probation, license suspension, and an alcohol-rehabilitation program, Hilton was released from custody.
The celebrity has been quoted as saying she only drinks water at bars, noting that the taste of alcohol, "grosses me out."
Publicist Eliot Mintz told the Associated Press, however, that the actress/singer and heiress was "known to drink a few." For her part, Hilton was spotted out drinking at a nightclub the very next day, and told radio host Ryan Seacrest that the incident "was nothing."
The city attorney's office is reviewing the case to determine whether or not to file charges against Hilton.
After all, Hilton said she had a reason for driving erraticly other than her intoxication. The reason though, might not work for the average motorist. "I was just really hungry and I wanted to have an In-N-Out burger," said Hilton.
Mel Gibson, one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, was arrested for speeding, driving under the influence, and driving with an open container in July.
If found guilty, the average citizen would have faced up to six months in jail, fines, and a suspension of his license.
Celebrities get special treatment all the time, and many Americans feel that they deserve it. But are celebrities so central to American society that they are to be considered above the law?
Paris Hilton, a celebrity who is, ironically enough, famous for being famous, was pulled over for driving erratically on Sept. 7 in Los Angeles, Calif. She was found to be under the influence after taking a sobriety test and a brethalyzer, with MSNBC reporting that Hilton's blood alcohol level was a .08 percent, above the legal limit in California.
While California's penalties for a first drunk driving offense include a fine, probation, license suspension, and an alcohol-rehabilitation program, Hilton was released from custody.
The celebrity has been quoted as saying she only drinks water at bars, noting that the taste of alcohol, "grosses me out."
Publicist Eliot Mintz told the Associated Press, however, that the actress/singer and heiress was "known to drink a few." For her part, Hilton was spotted out drinking at a nightclub the very next day, and told radio host Ryan Seacrest that the incident "was nothing."
The city attorney's office is reviewing the case to determine whether or not to file charges against Hilton.
After all, Hilton said she had a reason for driving erraticly other than her intoxication. The reason though, might not work for the average motorist. "I was just really hungry and I wanted to have an In-N-Out burger," said Hilton.
Mel Gibson, one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, was arrested for speeding, driving under the influence, and driving with an open container in July.
If found guilty, the average citizen would have faced up to six months in jail, fines, and a suspension of his license.