Last week, Russell Brand found himself facing multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.  These stem from incidents in the UK which allegedly happened between 1999 and 2005 (most were related in the 2023 UK television show Dispatches).  In response, Brand posted a video where he said, “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.  I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”  He then glared into the camera in a way not unlike Charles Manson.  Guilt or innocence aside, I’m troubled by the news coverage.  The press seems to be treating Brand much like Kevin Spacey – with the assumption that the charges are true and that he’s a sleezeball.  What really ticked me off was that virtually every news outlet has latched onto describing Brand the same way – as a “former actor-comedian”.  What the hell is that all about?  One is either a performer or one isn’t.  Nobody is calling Liza a “former actress-singer”.  The Hollywood Reporter managed a rare “twofer” – they called Brand a “former actor-comedian” in the sub-headline, and then a “disgraced comedian and actor” in the body of the piece.

I suppose one is a former performer if they formally retire (although I still wouldn’t use the term).  Take our own Johnny Mathis.  He just announced his imminent farewell.  With a career spanning seven decades, I’d never call him a “former singer”.  He’s bowing out gracefully due to “age and memory issues which have accelerated”.  I’m told by people that he’s still in great shape vocally.  But lyrics have been challenging as he approaches his 90^th birthday.  His last concert will take place on May 18^th at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey.

The legendary Darlene Love (who will attend Johnny Mathis’ farewell) has called for an intervention for another singer.  A recent video has circulated that shows Frankie Valli having great difficulty onstage.  “It’s clear something deeper is going on with his health and it pains me to see him on stage in this condition, struggling, lip-syncing, seemingly unaware of his surroundings…This man is a legend.  He deserves dignity, not to be paraded around for profit or pushed to perform when he clearly needs care and compassion.  It’s not entertainment – it’s exploitation,” said Love.  She added, “To my own team, manager, publicist, and family: if I ever reach a point where I can no longer move, speak, or sing my own songs – please I beg you – do not allow me to perform.  My legacy matters.  How we leave this world artistically is just as important as how we enter it.”