Many people, including Rosie, have accused American Idol celebrity judge Paula Abdul of sipping more than Diet Coke from the big old red cup that sits on the desk in front of her. Their proof: slurring speech, ditzy behavior, and often erratic body movements.But it's all hogwash, according to Paula who told Us Weekly, "I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs. Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying or doing drugs that could have done that."
There, she's said it. Of course, celebrities say lots of things, and deny tons more.
Clinton never had "sex with that woman." And Anna Nicole Smith lost 70 pounds on Trimspa (wink) and not a steady diet of SlimFast/Methadone shakes. Not that I'm accusing Paula of lying. I'm just saying that it's hard to believe everything a celebrity tells us. They have images to uphold. And their right to privacy, as well. And unless they've hit rock bottom, are in rehab, or are selling a tell-all book, most of them aren't going to come clean on the pages of Us Weekly.
However, based on the boldness of her "never been drunk" statement, I'm going to assume she's telling the truth. Paula has become such a well-known celebrity, that I doubt she could hide it from the world if she really was as publically intoxicated as everyone accuses her of being. Sure, it's hard for me to believe that she never went wild for even ONE drunken weekend. But unless she's a total closet drinker, where are all the people who have gotten drunk with Paula or watched her get drunk? And if she IS such a deeply closeted drinker, then I seriously doubt she's getting hammered on the job in front of millions of viewers.
So Paula probably isn't a drunk. But she hasn't publically denied an addiction to prescription pain killers. Talking more about her health issues could certainly clear things up, as well. Until she's ready to come clean about everything, we're all going to keep speculating. Is she or isn't she a pill popper? I have no idea of knowing, and I'd hate to make ugly accusations, only to later learn that Paula's health problems are way more severe than anyone could have guessed. Yes, I remember the ugly things said about Annette Funicello before she went public about her MS.
I was hesitant to mention this story, knowing that it would encourage more of the same old comments. I get it. You have strong feelings about Paula. The Paula commenters always fall under two categories: 1)THE LOVERS, "Paula is a beautiful goddess, leave her alone," or 2) THE HATERS, "Paula is a stupid drunk and poor role-model, she deserves the boot." There seems to be no gray area when it comes to Paula Abdul.
The only reason I did post the story was because I figured Paula deserved to have her say for a change. She also told Us Weekly, "There have been 100 million lies about me. I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything."
There you have it. It's up to you whether you believe her or not. And of course, that is determined by which category of Paula commenters you fall under.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-15-2007 @ 2:50PM
scott said...
hey she's got a point there, i mean how many singers/musicians/actors with successful 20 year careers are into partying and doing drugs?!?!
(wouldn't the list of ones that aren't into that be longer?)
count me under the "Paula is a stupid drunk and poor role-model, she deserves the boot" camp.
she drives me crazy on this show, all the more so when i find out we could have been watching belinda for the past couple of years!!
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2-15-2007 @ 4:55PM
thereapist said...
OK PAULA you look at the video and you tell me you weren't on something. It's the denial that drives me CRAZY!!! Just fu***n admit it.
I had when celebrities think that the public are complete morons that can't think for themselves...
time for a drink!!!!
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2-15-2007 @ 3:15PM
La-di-dah said...
Count me under gray zone - am not old enough to have idolized Paula and think she's a goddess, and I think it would be awfully brave to be going on TV skunk-drunk everytime. Whether she's under some substance abuse influence or not, here are differential diagnoses for her disorder: she's eccentric, has hyperactivity disorder, has a mood disorder, has a personality disorder, she's just like that (eccentric). I go for she's just plain unique Paula, and even Simon has come to love her like a sibling. And from little bits I have seen on the show, she's a bit of a good dancer. Right? Right. Those 4: Simon, Paula, Randy and Ryan are like your typical dysfunctional family.
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2-15-2007 @ 4:44PM
Kiko said...
Paula Abdul's late-1980's videos jump-started my puberty, but has she really had a 20-year career? I don't remember hearing anything about her between about 1990 and when American Idol started, except one sad cameo during an SNL cheerleaders sketch.
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2-15-2007 @ 5:51PM
lorilei13 said...
Um, maybe we need to redefine "successful 20-year career". And really, if she can't blame her bizarre behavior on alcohol (or some kind of substance abuse), then she honestly scares the crap out of me. 'Cause that ain't normal.
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2-17-2007 @ 3:51PM
travis said...
it's a successful 20-year career. She's not just a singer. Before her singing career, she was a Lakers cheerleader and a very successful dance choreographer for many many music videos.
Paula Abdul has gone on record as having a form of CRPS. I'm not sure how that would affect her behavior though.
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2-15-2007 @ 7:05PM
David said...
And I never have eaten in my life!
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2-15-2007 @ 10:16PM
InL.A. said...
My point is, I know many people who get drunk every weekend, what does it matter?
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2-17-2007 @ 4:15PM
petman24 said...
poor paula someones always picking on her! anyone remember when she got pulled over for driving in between lines on the la expressway! she told the cop u know who i am! um another celeb who thinks
shes above the law! clearly she was feeling the affects of something on the show ..she was spaced
out! pain killer is just a excuse for a addictive drug or drinking habit! paula your 48 now time to grow up and face your fears hun!
louis
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2-16-2007 @ 2:33AM
tv junkie said...
someone had a little too much to drink before the interview~
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2-16-2007 @ 4:03AM
susan said...
yes Paula may be eccentric,however i give her alot of credit she works two jobs american idol and jewelery design for QVC.dont forget shes had multiple back surgeries that have left her depressed and in constant pain.I really dought a fall down drunk or drug addict could keep up with her.you should not point fingers until you have walked in her shoes!
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3-09-2007 @ 3:58PM
Mike said...
Yes, I swear I never INHALED
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2-23-2007 @ 10:47AM
Glen J. Andersn said...
Great Lady and beautiful and doing a great job, I like here and is she married and have children, I bet she is a great Wife and Mother if she is married with children. Keep up the good work Palua
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2-20-2007 @ 10:30AM
Phil said...
Paula was absolutely "high" on something. No one is stupid or blind. She should come clean or say nothing at all. I think she likes the attention and free publicity that she is getting. Up till now I liked her, now I question her validity.
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2-20-2007 @ 12:29PM
Laura said...
I like Paula. Yes she is a bit eccentric and does some weird stuff, but she is having fun. Let's leave her alone.
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2-20-2007 @ 1:13PM
Kat said...
I think Paula is doing a great job!! She is funny and witty. And who would pay any attention to weired Rosie anyway. There must be something in her cup. Why does everyone see something bad about someone.
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