David Archuleta Thanks Fans for Their Support

The perfect answer! Woot for the PR team. They earned their money today.

Well, that’s better than his brother’s answer. David’s a sweet kid.

Hopefully, they sent Jeff packing and back to Utah. I can’t believe he would have the audacity to show his face after this. Makes me sick to think about him accompanying David to the Kids Choice Awards when he knew this whole sordid mess would surely surface.

I should hope he isn’t asked about it by the press. Let the press hound his skeevy dad but leave the kid alone.

primeminister–what was his brother’s answer. I didn’t hear it. He also impresses me as wanting to ride David’s coattails into stardom. Maybe Jive and the management team will shut the whole family up.

Unfortunately, I can totally imagine the press bringing this up. If something has enough interest generated (and unfortunately, I think we’re contributing) then there’s no way the media will skip coverage.

Well, I think that’s all David really needs to say on the matter. He’s not responsible for his dad’s shitty behavior.

What else could he say? “My Dad humiliated the crap out of me, please try to remember ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not me who was doing something wrong and be kind. I really donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to talk about it.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Oh, and before people get too bent out of shape about his brotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s answers – remember he really still is a kid and heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got to be hurting as much, if not more, than David. And he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have people who will answer awkward questions for him.

We’re here to support David all the way, through thick and thin.

I just hope he won’t get asked this. It’s horrible timing considering he’s going onto his tour soon.

in real life, SHIT happens

if anything, this should accelerate his maturing process or send him to rehab. i sincerely hope its the latter.

OldHag
Jun 18th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
What else could he say? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Dad humiliated the crap out of me, please try to remember ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not me who was doing something wrong and be kind. I really donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to talk about it.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

What else SHOULD he say? I’m not even a David Archuleta fan, per se, but sounds perfect to me. Why should he have to address this? It truly has nothing to do with him.

I so hate this double posting shit and would do away with it if I could…

What did his brother say?

well, three cheers for PR. Is a nice response and I wont ask for more.

My best wishes for him, his brothers and his mon…

if anything, this should accelerate his maturing process or send him to rehab. i sincerely hope its the latter.

Or I and reading this in the wrong way or maybe you made a little mistake while writing it :huh_tb:

I believe what I heard, and I didn’t go to see his twitters or whatever they’re called, is that his dad did nothing wrong…for me, in essence, Jeff didn’t do what he was accused of. I just find that to be a lying dad, but I can’t ever fault his offspring for that. I’m honestly only interested in how this affects David Archuleta (I could give a fuck or two about his family). I’m interested in his music and how he gets it out there, and find the PR Team’s answers appropriate considering the situation.

His dad is such a douche. I feel so damn sorry for the kid.

From MJ:

I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t imagine the subject will be brought up during interviews on the roadà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I hope you’re right MJ. I’m really not sure Archie needed to respond. He definitely took the high road this time around.

David does have some good, supportive fans. But he deserves them. He is a good, likable person.

I don’t think anyone but Lupe should be judging Jeff.

You can count on the press bringing this up again and again and again. They belabored the “Stage Dad” coverage and, unfortunately, this latest news is just too big to sweep under the rug.

I totally agree that David’s simple statement in response was perfect. He certainly isn’t responsible for his father’s indiscretions. Since this happened 5 months ago, I presume that David’s come to terms with it in his own way over time. It saddens me that behind that constant smile has been a lot of hurt and pain, unbeknownst to all of us. It speaks a lot to his character.

I don’t condone Jeff’s behavior for a minute – he obviously deserves the anger hurled his way – but regardless, I can’t stop thinking that this is still David’s father and someone he loves very much. It’s got to be tough to read the barrage of disparaging remarks so I’m not going to add to what’s already been said.

I’m just posting this because the headline’s amusing (yes, I know it’s no laughing matter, but still):

Sad Ending for Archie’s Arrested Dad

Aww, poor kid. I wasn’t rooting for him to win last year, but he seems like such a sweet kid and overall good human being, so it’s a shame his father is putting their family through this and he has to deal with it being done on the public stage, as well.

Well I wish the best to Archie. Hope he and his family deal with this as well as they can and get through it. Well I wish the best for the family outside of the father, which innocent until proven guilty, but if he did do it, not cool.

Man, you guys are so harsh. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anyone but Lupe should be judging Jeff.

See, that’s the problem with getting yourself arrested. People tend to have an opinion on illegal behavior.

he’ll have to watch some the DJs, I fear. They talked about this on the radio today and it led to a discussion about as to why men seek out prostitutes. I thought the DJ was about to blame the Archuleta mother. Yikes.
The media can be cruel. I hope the kid can handle it.

I can’t imagine what all of this has done to Archie emotionally. I really hate this for him. I think his response to this was more than adequate. It’s sad that he has to speak about this period.

mikeyb
Jun 18th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anyone but Lupe should be judging Jeff.

You understand he has children? You understand each and every one of them has to deal with this? I’m not one who thinks prostitution is the most evil thing ever, but I do have to feel for the children who have to make heads or tails of this. I have a feeling they’ve never been given the tools to do so. Makes it even a bit sadder for me.

Well, I don’t have any problem with judging Jeff Archuleta. He’s an asshat extraordinaire in my view! A real jerk-offish, dirty old man. Yuck! And to think that he would be so careless and so stupid as to risk exposing his high profile son to this nonsense. And not to mention his wife and other children!!

Jeff needs to resign from “fronting” the management team. Immediately.
Persona non grata–that’s what he is to me.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anyone but Lupe should be judging Jeff.

The police shared the information with the public and so the public is entitled to an opinion on his behavior. It’s a risk he decided was worth taking when he disobeyed the law. Ultimately Lupe will make her own decision about how to proceed, but it won’t stop the public from being judge, jury and executioner.

please someone post what his brother said. the brother made me sick too, showing up to play the guitar. there was even talk of him going on tour. i do understand that jeff was obligated to get therapy. please what did David’s brother say.

aw well associated press finally picked it up….

the brother made me sick too, showing up to play the guitar.

The kid is 14… he defended his father…. something I will also do if it was my father… he played the guitar because David doesnt like to play the guitar on public…

cruzceleste–you are right. the brother was probably just shocked as hell. didn’t mean to sound unsympathetic. thanks. i’ll think before i write again. Still would like to know what the brother said.

btw david tweeted like normal a few hours ago:

“Another day of rehearsiiing. Took a nap in the van lol. It helped a lot.”

For those wondering what Daniel said, this is from his Twitter:

@nashaloveex3 … wouldn’t have been on tour if he got arrested for that crap hah and he wouldn’t have been home all the time media=retarded
about 18 hours ago from web in reply to nashaloveex3

@nashaloveex3 it’s bullcrap for sure hah don’t worry media just hates my dad and they always try to get crap on him – he…
about 18 hours ago from web in reply to nashaloveex3

Either he doesn’t know, he’s protecting his dad, or he’s in denial.

For those wondering what Daniel said, this is from his Twitter:

“@nashaloveex3 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have been on tour if he got arrested for that crap hah and he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have been home all the time media=retarded
about 18 hours ago from web in reply to nashaloveex3″

“@nashaloveex3 ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s bullcrap for sure hah donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t worry media just hates my dad and they always try to get crap on him – heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
about 18 hours ago from web in reply to nashaloveex3″

Either he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s protecting his dad, or heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in denial.

Or is 14 (or 15?) and believes what he is told. Logically, especially to a child who doesn’t understand how the justice system works, it would seem his father’s ability to leave the area is “proof” Dad is innocent.

Either he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s protecting his dad, or heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in denial.

I have been thinking since yesterday that maybe David or at least his younger siblings, Jazz (14) ,Amber(12) and Daniel(15) didnt knew about it. What will you said to your children:

“Sorry kids Daddy got busted…”

Beside I dont know, but maybe parents somehow do try to protect their childrens and maybe Lupe and Jeff at least try to resolve their problems with out hurting theirs kids….

didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean to sound unsympathetic. thanks. ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll think before i write again.

Dont worry about it :smile1_tb:

Based on the tweets, I would bet the farm that Daniel didn’t know. Which makes me wonder if David knew? Which makes me wonder if Lupe knew? We will never know who knew what and when. I just hope David didn’t find out via twitter or other media accounts.

You know, it was unrelated, but on Monday night when David Cook was on Larry King, and LK said “do you have a protective feeling” about Archie, Cook kinda lol’d and said hey I should have him protect me, kind of gently rejecting the idea that DA is some fragile kid, and then he praised his maturity.

So that’s one young grownup, who knows him well, neither a fan nor a PR person, sayingArchie comes across as having strength beyond his years.

Arch did that huge event in the Phillipines, and he’s been doing the UK, and about to do the Demi tour–all pretty amazing work for a guy his age. Between that and Idol, he’s worked a heck of a lot more with the adult world and a broad array of people then 90% of us. Heck when I was his age, I’d never left my home town and my experience was limited to high school and a job serving ice cream. Maybe all that experience will help him be resilient, and adapt and persevere through something both dumb and painful but ultimately, not the end of the world.

Anyway, is anyone going to go to his concert in San Diego this Sunday?

Based on the tweets, I would bet the farm that Daniel didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know. Which makes me wonder if David knew? Which makes me wonder if Lupe knew? We will never know who knew what and when. I just hope David didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find out via twitter or other media accounts.

I don’t think Daniel knew, but I’m sure Lupe did. How would Jeff cover up the case since January? That would be extremely difficult.

My bet would be either all the kids didn’t know, or only the older ones (Claudia and David) knew. I honestly don’t think Daniel had any idea.

Radar is claiming to have the neighbors’ reactions, except they have all the neighbors calling Jeff “Jim”…?

Oh for fuck’s sake, Jeff has reinstated his Twitter account! Is this guy completely delusional? I suppose its possible it’s not him and it’s VFTW or something, but seriously……………

jeffarchuleta

I just wanted to say thank you to those who are still showing support.
about 1 hour ago from web

I’m back.
about 1 hour ago from web

His Twitter is back? What?! Not to be rude, but that’s a really, really stupid decision on his part. Maybe it’s a poser?

LOL, “I’m back” sounds a little sinister if you read it a certain way. :laugh_tb:

ETA: Just remembered – on Twitter, you can change the URL of your account at anytime as long as the address you want isn’t taken. Someone probably realized Jeff had deleted his account and decided to take his URL and pretend to be him.

Tatiana..are you sure this is David’s dad, the Jeff Archuleta. Maybe it is someone else. Surely the real Jeff will keep his mouth shut before he ruins David’s career. Well we should know if he shows up in California Saturday. Sad.

Btw Thats most likely NOT really jeff on that twitter. It was set up as ‘james jeff archuleta’ at first and then quckly changed to ‘jeff archuleta’ seeing as how jeff has never gone by the james jeff name..

———-

david just tweeted again:
“Finally finished with rehearsals!”

long rehearsals today… o.O His first tweet was like 7 hours ago saying he had rehearsals…

This all just makes me want to cry for David, his siblings and his mom.

David is so sweet. I hope this all just makes him stronger and that he is able to face reality in his own time.

Unfortunately it has never been difficult for me to believe anything that has been said about his dad. Last year on the show, or now.

and lol at him.. he cut his tweet off accidently and had to tweet twice:

#1 Oh man, you can hear everything the people
#2 next door are doing in this hotel. I guess no singing for me tonight haha. Well at least if I don’t want to drive people crazy.

ROFL new tweet:

Oh man my hotel neighbor has a creepy laugh…. Idk if I like it here lol.

I hope that new Jeff twitter is fake as you guys suggested. I don’t know why the guy had a twitter in the first place. His tweets were always kind of creepy and seemed to reveal more personal info than David’s ever do

and lol at him.. he cut his tweet off accidently and had to tweet twice:

#1 Oh man, you can hear everything the people
#2 next door are doing in this hotel. I guess no singing for me tonight haha. Well at least if I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to drive people crazy.

Holy crap…….. does no one help him with these things? Those with not good intentions for him will have a heyday with “oh man, you can hear everything the people next door are doing in this hotel.”

1 Oh man, you can hear everything the people
#2 next door are doing in this hotel. I guess no singing for me tonight haha. Well at least if I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to drive people crazy.

I’m pretty sure I interpretted that differently than David meant it, lol.

I’m glad he’s tweeting and seems to be okay

My sincerest hope is that not a single David fan will continue to show support for Jeff Archuleta. What this man did is totally disrespectful to not only his wife and children, but to the religious organization he professes to love and respect as well as the community that has totally embraced his son.

I hope that the other half of the management team forces Jeff to totally work behind the scenes and makes sure that he won’t be front and center whenever David is performing. I hope is is banned from sitting in on all interviews. Actually, I would hope that David would tell him to get lost and to dissapear from view but I know that ain’t going to happen.

I am very impressed that David’s press release was short and sweet and succint. No excuses, no elaborate detail, no nothing. Very classy.

LMAO this is too funny…..

Girl tweeted david:
@DavidArchie LOL i hope he isn’t following you on twitter!!

DAvid:
@lisamarie912 I know that’s what I was actually just thinking! He keeps laughing. It’s creepy. Maybe he laughs at the smell of my fear..

ROFLMAOOOOOOOO:

Hotel neighbor next door… if you are reading this, say “Marching band!”

————

and LOL I interpretted that not the way david meant it either… ROFL

My sincerest hope is that not a single David fan will continue to show support for Jeff Archuleta. What this man did is totally disrespectful to not only his wife and children, but to the religious organization he professes to love and respect as well as the community that has totally embraced his son.

It’s crazy how many fans are in denial, claiming the media made it up or whatever else, and will keep supporting Jeff. I don’t get how anyone can doubt it acutally happened.

I am very impressed that Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s press release was short and sweet and succint. No excuses, no elaborate detail, no nothing. Very classy.

Totally agree. I’m loving David’s PR person right now.

LMAO this is too funnyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..

Girl tweeted david:
@DavidArchie LOL i hope he isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t following you on twitter!!

DAvid:
@lisamarie912 I know thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I was actually just thinking! He keeps laughing. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s creepy. Maybe he laughs at the smell of my fear..

The bolded part had me seriously cracking up.

ETA: New tweet:

Hotel neighbor next door… if you are reading this, say “Marching band!”

ROFL. :lol_tb:

No, I don’t think David meant anything with the tweet but really he needs to think about his words. He is still a nice kid. I just hope against hope that Jeff is sent home, still can’t understand him continuing to go on tour and to various functions with David. Did he think the public wouldn’t find out about this”

David’s in a joking mood on twitter tonight. and he also tweeted three of his music friends (Shontelle, Benton Paul and Kina Grannis) and also some fans at random. Kina”s opening for him in Del Mar on Saturday and she tweeted him earlier today. I’m almost expecting him to tweet Jordin or Tom next.

It couldn’t be more obvious he wants to ignore the media scandal surrounding his Dad and have some normalcy by being goofy on twitter. I’ll take it.

I thought the “marching band” tweet was kind of clever.

btw, Ramielle was tweeting him too.” You’re always napping any second you get now huh I might see you this Saturday call me”

OK…now I’m feeling a little sad. I HATE staying in a hotel room by myself when I go on a business trip. I always end up downing an oversized diet coke, eating a 2 lb. bag of m&m, grazing on some bar-b-qued potato chips, and flipping through the channels in a city I’m totally unfamiliar with and can’t ever find any show that I’d really like to watch.

Guess I always thought that David would travel with an entourage, stay in a 2 bedroom suite, and have a friend stay with him for company. Now I envision a smelly old hotel with water stains on the ceiling, burned out light bulbs, puke brown carpet, and mold around the shower stall. The room probably has paper thin walls, and the bed in the room next door keeps sliding into the wall…bang, bang, bang. Somebody needs to send David ear plugs!

LOL sorry tess.. but I LOL’ed at that description! hahaha

^ :laugh_tb: I think your image goes a little to low… but I did got a kick out of it…

IÂ ´m sure he is fine in the hotel… :thumbup_tb:

^^Tess, I have so been there, down to the bag of M&Ms.

I kind of think these tweets aren’t coincidental. It’s like he’s saying I’m fine, I’m still ok, nothing to see here …, or something to that effect. Or maybe he’s just trying to distract the legions of fans that are probably tweeting him about his dad.

Archie’s tweets are freaking hilarious tonight. Between the “say marching band” and the “smell of his fear”, too funny. I realize Archie’s probably tweeting a lot in part just to tell everyone that he’s okay and etc., but the kid is comedy gold.

Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tweets are freaking hilarious tonight.

I know! I keep giggling a the “smell of my fear” comment.

Three things:

First, I’m struck by David’s attitude now that the news is out. It shores up my belief his dad and he were not that close. I think he distanced himself emotionally a long time ago–and this is proof somewhat. He is not overwhelmed with grief–or pity for his dad. There’s a definite coolness there–which a lot of his fans have sensed.

Second, it’s clear he’s not psychologically fragile. He will keep on keeping on. He’s tough and will perform like a pro for the show. I think he’s come to terms with who his dad really is–and this was achieved a long while ago. He’s definitely in his mother’s corner.

Third, I take back my own suggestion on another thread that he cancel the tour and take a sabbatical. It’s a dumb idea. He doesn’t need to do this since he’s tough enough to take the hit and move on. That’s what I take these tweets to mean. Sure it hurts—but he’s not going to fold under the pressure.

That’s how I see this right now. I could be totally off–but I don’t think so. David’s determined. He’s not going to let his dad rain on his parade.

Praepos- I think you are right. David needs to keep doing what he loves– not to sit around and fret about his dad.

In the Top 3 BTS video David Cook said that Archie had a “dry wit” that was very much like Hugh Grant. I could never quite see what he was talking about.

But “smells my fear” makes me think it could be true!

You know, I’m a little surprised that the media did not go completely crazy with the story. Anyone know if David’s Dad will be accompanying David on his tour dates? I hope not.

I love David’s sense of humor. It seems so unexpected, which makes it even funnier!

As for Jeff, I hope fans will shy away from his hugs now. Ick.

And his last tweet of the night:

Never got a response from the hotel neighbor. Oh well haha. Good night everyone.

Love him :lol_tb:

David is so funny… and what makes it funnier is he doesn’t know he is .

In the Top 3 BTS video David Cook said that Archie had a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“dry wità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  that was very much like Hugh Grant. I could never quite see what he was talking about.

I was just thinking about this interview today! That was so funny and great! It’s what made me realize that there is more to David Archuleta than meets the eye.

Hmmm . . . if 14/15-year old Daniel actually thinks that Dad is innocent or all this is made up by the media, wouldn’t that also mean that Mom is telling him the same story? I suppose Daniel could just be blustering to his friends but actually knows the truth, but if he actually thinks that his Dad is innocent or everything people are reading is a complete fabrication, wouldn’t that mean that Mom complicit in the whitewashing? I suspect the kids have been told (and therefore believe) the back problem story and have been told that nasty stories will come out in the media, and with nothing else to go on (and a strong desire to believe that their Dad is not a scumbag) and with Mom possibly backing things up, they will completely buy the story. Including possibly David. What do you think?

and with Mom possibly backing things up, they will completely buy the story. Including possibly David. What do you think?

Keel, very possible but who knows? Maybe even Lupe believes in Jeff? After all, they have had problems in the past and she evidently stood by him.

Regardless, good luck to David on the tour and his future. He is a wonderful young man and will survive all this. Just unfortunate he has to deal with it. Looking forward to his Christmas cd.

Another really cute story from David:

“Before I came to Connecticut, I got to spend the night (and just for the night, not even day) in Utah. I couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sleep, and I mentioned the cats on twitterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ But I wrote a letter to a friend and put it in the mailbox that night, or I guess morning lol, so I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t forget to send it before I had to leave to CT. Well funny thing, when I turned the door knob it was locked. You can open it inside but not on the outside. I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have my phone with me, and no one was answering the door. I tried throwing small pebbles at the window but that didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t work either. So there I was in my PJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s outside, without shoes, and cold! I ran down the street to keep the blood going and went to a friendà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s house, hoping theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be awake or more responsive than at my place haha. I knocked on the window that I thought was my friendà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s room, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m guessing that I guessed wrong or he wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t awake, or something. I went back to the front and just knocked on the door, and thankfully his dad happened to be awake. So he opens the door and there I am standing in my PJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s feeling stupid, but I was so glad to go inside somewhere warm! Anyway I eventually got back into the house, and headed to the airport a couple hours later heh. Well I thought Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d share that story with you all lol.”

This is the price of celebrity. Every indiscretion whether by the celebrity or a family member is under public scrutiny. I believe David is a strong individual and will persevere.

I felt sorry for Archie on the show and I feel sorry for him again with this latest incident. His father seems like a very over-bearing man and I think that might be why Archie is so unsure of himself in some ways. I think David A. is a really great guy. His father, no. If I were a fan, I wouldn’t be sticking up for the father either. People do make mistakes, it’s not that. But I do believe he was a stage dad. I know David Cook said he wasn’t, but maybe he didn’t know the whole story. The way Archie acted on the show, tongue tied and seemingly always apologetic, suggested that he has been brow-beaten by a very strong personality his entire life. Which I think he has. And my heart goes out to him. I deeply admire and respect him.

wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that also mean that Mom is telling him the same story?

Maybe or maybe not… I think that even when David have said that he doesnt go online looking for news about himself… doesnt mean his family and friends doesnt do it… let said Daniel find out by internet or a friend le thim know about it… is my friend were to tell me that he find out about those news on the Internet… I wouldnt believe them… I wouldnt even bother in talking to my mon about it….

And lets not forget that the stage father situation, doesnt matter if it was real or not, was started by TMZ,argue with me all that you want but I believe the 0.005 of everything that TMZ saids, and his family and friends never believe it… so taking in to account that he is 15 (14) is a natural reaction to stand up by your father…

I suspect the kids have been told (and therefore believe) the back problem story and have been told that nasty stories will come out in the media

This will be a very logic thing to do if your kid were in the media….

I can guarantee that Jeff will resurrect his Twiter account and will be happily sharing news about his influence on David’s music and life as if nothing happened and many fans will treat him like nothing happened. That’s what control freaks and manipulators do. They exert power over their prey. If the label doesn’t step in and fire his ass (can they do it?) he will not let go off David because of the above reason and because David is his income producing slave which Jeff will happily spend as Jeff chooses.

Anyone human should feel sorry for David but eventually David needs to grow up and put a stop to various forms of abuse from his father and other advisors (yeah, including the oppressive church) or he will never develop into a real artist. I saw him on stage and he seemed very different than he is in his public appearances and tweets. He was so much more mature and free and it was a great thing to witness. I don’t think that his current family life and the entire environment he calls his home will allow him to grow as a person or artist.

But it was true that Idol producers at one point during the show didn’t allow the father backstage, wasn’t that true? They had to have a reason. There are other reasons to think the father was overbearing, including how DA himself acted, the visible insecurity etc. Anyone who’s dealt with abused kids (or been one) had to “ping” at his demeanor sometimes. Abuse can take many forms, sometimes it is subtle.

David is already a great person and a great artist. Of course he will grow further, but his church, which is not holding him or anyone down, is a big part of the great person he is. It and the good people he knows there are a great stable influence for him when he has family members that are making poor decisions.

I may be a little slow….but wasn’t the stage Dad stuff either started or confirmed by Naomi Judd on the Today Show. She was a judge for Star Search and had an interview where, unprovoked, she talked about Jeff Archuleta and called him the worst stage dad, ever. Just google: Naomi Judd on Today Show and you will find lots of links to that interview.

I’m just sayin’ that Miss Judd had absolutely no agenda to talk about Jeff that way so I would think that she is being truthful. Idols on the other hand have a gag order from AI and were probably not in a real position to talk about it. And, I believe that people that “love” Archie are also being protective….they feel (like a lot of fans) that if David loves his Dad who are they to say negative things….

But, I really wish people would speak out about Jeff. My “bad father vibe” is as strong as my “gaydar”, and Jeff gives off all of those Vibes IMHO.

I dont think David ´s church has anything to do with this… if any they have being giving pleanty of support and liberty to him…

Nobody can said if a church is oppressive or not if you dont know how they have educated and how they support their believe… I have know pleanty of Mormons people and they as me,IÂ ´m Catholic, has the right to choose their path… the Church give them guidance and education to made decisions… you as individual choose what to do or not…

I feel sorry for David. He is a great person, and I hope he manages to cope well with this.

Speaking of the LDS church, will Jeff be excommunicated or anything? I just became curious about their position on adultry and wondered is all.

Judy- yes, this would be cause for excommunication. It is possible it has already happened.

“I have know pleanty of Mormons people and they as me,I ´m Catholic, has the right to choose their pathà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ the Church give them guidance and education to made decisionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ you as individual choose what to do or notà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦”

Well said Cruz. I am sure the Catholic church did not teach those priests to molest children. People are imperfect and they choose to make bad choices.

I bet he is not excommunicated. The reports are that the Archuletas pay their dues, 10%–of their earnings. There was a picture of David with the president of the LDS on the internet around January or February and I wonder now if they were not there that particular day to ask forgiveness or whatever, I remember the report was his parents had business at LDS headquarters.

I am sure the Catholic church did not teach those priests to molest children.

I would raether not talk about this kinds of things :happy_tb:
but we agree the religion is a guide not an imposition (is that a word?)

There was a picture of David with the president of the LDS on the internet around January or February

Now that you mention it is true they were in about those days… and I dont think it has anything ti di with money btw

yes, this would be cause for excommunication. It is possible it has already happened.

how the excommunication works??? can you explain me a little…

I promise you that if you committ a grievous sin, it doesn’t matter how much you pay. It is possible to get your membership back, but it is a long process, not just a matter of asking a quick forgiveness.

I am sure the Catholic church did not teach those priests to molest children.

But they don’t adequately condemn it, nor protect children from it the way they should. We probably shouldn’t open that can of worms.

My à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“bad father vibeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is as strong as my à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“gaydarà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , and Jeff gives off all of those Vibes IMHO.

Same here.

I found the picture and it was in March, not casting stones, just wonder how the whole scenario played out and why the media just broke the news Wednesday.

Fell sorry for him, he’s nice young lad. We don’t pick our parents.

If the label doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t step in and fire his ass (can they do it?)

Probably no. the manager works for the artist. The label has a contract with the artist, not the manager. Jeff doesn’t work for Jive (I’m assuming), so they can’t fire him. The label can exert influence on the artist to end his business relationship with the manager, but that’s it. (for instance, the label could refuse to interact with Jeff, which would make things difficult.) when david’s contract with his label is up for renewal (which I believe will be after these two albums are released), if David and the Label want to extend the contract, then the label can insist upon a no-Jeff clause (or anything else they want). If the label were to take that position (which I think would be unlikely, BTW), it would be up to David whether he wants to retain a new manager or not renew the contract with the label.

(In the short term, if there’s any fall out at all, it might be that the label requests that Jeff not be present at the venues/performances/public events, and then David and Jeff might go along with that for a while. All voluntary.)

David needs to grow up and put a stop to various forms of abuse from his father and other advisors (yeah, including the oppressive church) or he will never develop into a real artist.

He already is a real artist. It’s true he comes off as more kid than man sometimes, but that’s changing fast. And his church keeps him grounded–why give that up? David isn’t allowing this to slow him down–more power to him. By pushing ahead he’s making his own statement about who he really is. He’s not a shrinking violet–he’s tougher than people imagine.

The real ugly thing is Jeff’s situation. He’s embarrassed his family. He’s embarrassed all his friends. He’s been marked as a disgrace by the media–and there’s not a damn thing he can do about it. His life is now a mess without anything in sight to give him refuge–except maybe his church. He can redeem himself privately by making amends, but not publicly. I doubt David would want to add to all that by dumping on him now.

There are other reasons to think the father was overbearing, including how DA himself acted, the visible insecurity etc. Anyone whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s dealt with abused kids (or been one) had to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“pingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at his demeanor sometimes. Abuse can take many forms, sometimes it is subtle.

David shows no signs whatsoever of having been abused. He did well in school, he has lots of friends, he has a generous, affectionate nature. Those are not the traits of an abused child.

As for how he appeared on television–men and women much older than he have been terrified in front of a camera. David’s not alone in that–he’s typical, though people show their stagefright in different ways. David got tongue-tied. That said nothing at all about his being abused by his dad or about his personal life generally.

“And his church keeps him groundedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’why give that up? David isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t allowing this to slow him downà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’more power to him. ”

That may be but I met a few Mormon kids in my music program just a year or so ago and they were “underdeveloped” in so many ways even though very talented. They did not allow themselves or weren’t allowed to experience so many things that makes a young adult well-rounded socially and emotionally. They were totally uninterested in experiencing life. Their life had already been chosen for them. It is difficult to understand that a person who has limited life experiences and a predetermined path in life can be a true artist even if they posses talent.

He did well in school, he has lots of friends, he has a generous, affectionate nature. Those are not the traits of an abused child.

According to whom? I teach and, trust me, many abused children display just those traits. Some do the opposite. That is one of the reasons it is not always easy to identify them; different people respond differently to the trauma in their lives. Not all take it out on the world, it actually amazes me how many don’t. Some react by embracing the world, where they find comfort and acceptance they canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find at home.

In the short term, if thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s any fall out at all, it might be that the label requests that Jeff not be present at the venues/performances/public events, and then David and Jeff might go along with that for a while. All voluntary.

Might be the best thing that could happen to David.

That may be but I met a few Mormon kids in my music program just a year or so ago and they were à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“underdevelopedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in so many ways even though very talented.

Yes, and the opposite is true: many secular young kids today are prematurely introduced into sex and drugs. The dominant culture is no model for anything. We steal kids’ innocence at a very young age. The Davids of this world are a refreshing change.

According to whom? I teach and, trust me, many abused children display just those traits. Some do the opposite.

According to any informed psychologist or social worker. One of the very first indicators of abuse are always lowered grades. Abused kids simply don’t do well in school. They are children who are basically distrustful, are frequently devious, and often show signs of uncontrolled aggression. Ask any foster parent of such children–or anyone who works with such kids–as I did in my younger years. It takes years for kids to overcome their problems due to abuse.

David shows none of these signs. None. Zilch. He interacts normally with others and has many close friends. Yes, he’s somewhat shy, but shyness is common among perfectly normal happy people. David may seem socially backward to some, but a lot of Mormon kids who aren’t exposed to the cultural influences that plague secular kids seem that way. This is no sign of abuse, it’s a sign of a different kind of cultural upbringing–one that’s not at all inferior in any way–and possibly somewhat enviable.

David simply doesn’t conform to any imagined pattern of abuse. Some claim his father yelled at him backstage. So what else is new? If every parent who ever yelled at his kid were considered an abusive parent, there would be very few non-abusive parents. The fact is parents lose patience or get stressed out and sometimes yell. Kids understand this very well and hold no grudges. That’s life.

That said, I do not discount the possibility that Jeff was a pain in the neck to producers of the show. He might have been hitting on the staff, he might have shown other inappropriate behavior. We simply don’t know the full story. Whatever happened, it was enough to get him banned. It may even have turned the the judges and producers against David. But the fact of the banning in no way proves he was abusive toward David. David himself denies he was abused by his dad. I believe him.

According to any informed psychologist or social worker. One of the very first indicators of abuse are always lowered grades. Abused kids simply donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do well in school. They are children who are basically distrustful, are frequently devious, and often show signs of uncontrolled aggression. Ask any foster parent of such childrenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’or anyone who works with such kidsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’as I did in my younger years. It takes years for kids to overcome their problems due to abuse.

This is neither here nor there but one can’t use words like “always” when talking about trauma and the impact on kids. Each child manifests trauma differently. There are kids who are in abusive homes who end up escaping into school and activities as a means of surviving. It doesn’t make their experience any less traumatic, it just means they responded differently. Instead of not dealing with the trauma by acting out, they don’t deal with it by burying it under a veneer of achievement. “Always” and “Never” are absolutes and simply don’t apply when dealing with human beings. In some cases those who act out and get their anger to the surface are the ones who come out of it the best because people notice those kids and respond accordingly. (none of what I am saying is meant to be taken as specifically being about DA, though it may apply. Who knows.).

It is difficult to understand that a person who has limited life experiences and a predetermined path in life can be a true artist even if they posses talent.

He’s performed before millions on tv. He’s toured across the country and in the UK and in Asia. In Manila he performed before more than 50,000 people. He’s been the focus of media attention for better than a year–and has kept his cool throughout and performed brilliantly. Throughout season 8 he successfully interpreted songs beyond the reach of almost any other singer–songs by Lennon, Elvis, Elton–and yet he held his own as an artist. He doesn’t need to be lectured about how to be an artist–he already is one.

The idea that he has got to go sleeping around in order to know what life is all about is simply not true. The time for that will come soon enough–when he meets someone he wants to share his life with. He doesn’t need to sow his oats before he’s ready. He’s had other kinds of experience that weighs in his favor far more. Besides his music career, he’s already probably had to deal with issues concerning his parents’ marriage, for instance. He probably knows what it is to feel desperate and lost and lonely. He also has experienced the heights of real joy–as we see during some performances. This kid is experienced enough already.

DIAL back the defensiveness please

Each child manifests trauma differently. There are kids who are in abusive homes who end up escaping into school and activities as a means of surviving. It doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make their experience any less traumatic, it just means they responded differently. Instead of not dealing with the trauma by acting out, they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t deal with it by burying it under a veneer of achievement.

Most abused kids DO show a drop in their grades. But even granting your unusual perspective, what are you actually saying? David’s a high achiever–so this proves he was abused? If not that–what? He’s been a roaring success at a young age–why hold that against him and not, for instance, Jordin?

My point all along is that those who claim he was abused have no evidence for this whatsoever–except that his dad was said to have yelled at him backstage and now we discover Jeff went to a massage parlor for sex. So how does this prove that David was abused? It doesn’t.

I understand why Jeff traveled with David when he was under age, but since David has been 18, Jeff has still hung on (more than a manager needs to) and for the most part has been away from his other children. By doing so, he continues to neglect his younger minor children at home. David is of age now. Young men his age fight wars. David is plenty capable of handling himself without Dad’s ever presence. Is neglect of his children at home abuse? To an extent, I think so. Jeff travels with David by choice, not by neccesity (and needs to stop). All along, he needed to tend to Lupe and the children at home more than he did. (and I’m stopping right here, because I feel anger at Jeff coming on again.)

Judy, I agree with you. And it sickens me to no end that Jeff traveled with David to the UK to keep him on the “straight and narrow,” according to some sources. And this is the way he lives his life? It irritates me so much, because I felt spending time abroad with other young artists his age (McFly) would have been a great growth experience for David. There’s nothing wrong with some independence. In fact, I agree with the idea that a little life experience outside the Utah “bubble” would be good for David. Yes, he’s traveled for work, but that’s not the same as living life somewhere else, figuring out how to make your way in other cultures, making some decisions on your own and dealing with the consequences of your decisions. Akin to going away to college. This would have been a great experience for David and Jeff wouldn’t let him have that. Ass.

I’m an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and I have to say that it is true that while traumatized kids who act out and have school difficulties are those we most often think about when the subject of abuse comes up, there are many, many others who either become invisible children who draw no attention to themselves at all, or become high achievers and keep very busy with social activities in order to avoid their home life. There isn’t a one size fits all for how one responds. I’m surprised that isn’t already common knowledge (or common sense).

I normally wouldn’t get into this but the idea that it IS one size fits all is a misleading idea I see being perpetuated in this thread. Those who act out are simply more likely to get the help they need. Whereas the high achiever or the invisible kid may end up with more long term emotional impact when they get to their breaking point and they can’t run from their experiences by burying it or avoiding it. Yes, low grades can be an indicator that something is wrong but high grades aren’t necessarily an indication everything is fine either (and vice versa).

FYI: I have no idea what, if anything, David Archuleta has experienced as it relates to abuse. I just wanted to correct a myth.

edit: disagree without reacting in a judgemental or defensive manner

edit: disagree without reacting in a judgemental or defensive manner. also, everyone here gets an opinion whether they follow david slavishly or not

Vows not to respondà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦vows not to respondà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦vows not to respondà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
Admits lack of self control and here we goà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

Abused kids simply donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do well in school. They are children who are basically distrustful, are frequently devious, and often show signs of uncontrolled aggression.

No, they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t all do that. Let me reiterate, as the person who hands out grades, some of them are simply the best student you could ever ask for in a classroom. Some are incredibly sweet children. And the devious part, I would call it more survival savvy. Some absolutely refuse to display any type of aggression, to the point that you must look out for them so bullies donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hurt them, because they will not defend themselves.

David simply doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t conform to any imagined pattern of abuse.

I am not saying he was abused, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know (and neither do you). But the fact of the matter is some of his public behavior mirrors a pattern that is sometimes seen in children from dysfunctional families, to include those with abuse. That is why these people are speculating about it. The stage-dad issues, his fatherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perceived demeanor, and this last little indiscretion make people think there is some credence to that speculation. None of us, unless you are an immediate family member, knows what has happened in his home.

It takes years for kids to overcome their problems due to abuse.

That I agree with. Unless there is professional intervention in childhood, it usually doesn’t happen until they have been on their own for a while.

Honestly? I don’t see how he could’ve had “more” freedom in the UK unless he ordered some hard liquor at the bar and I have a feeling Jeff could have been in the North Pole and David wouldn’t even have considered it or allowed himself to be pressured into it. Not because of Jeff’s rules or hypocrisy but because of the personal code David has for himself. It’s just who he is.

His parents allow him to hang out til pretty late hours with his friends without their supervision back in Utah. The first time he got locked out, he forgot his keys and it was 3 am in the morning and he called his friend to pick him back up rather than wake up the entire household. He has freedom and space. He’s capable of humor and attitude and snark. His music is his greatest passion and he nows where he wants to be at 18 years old. I just think he deserves more credit and I love people like David Cook for giving it to him.

We don’t know what type of experience David actually had in the UK. We don’t know how much independence he had while he was there. It just seems like people are making a whole lot of assumptions.

I appreciate all the intelligent discussion here. Truly. But Serenade’s more balanced reading of David hits home with me. No one was more horrified by the revelations of this past week than me, as far as fans go. Trust me. But I have repeatedly seen people over and over again underestimate and misread David. Granted, I don’t know him any better than anyone else here. But the caricature of him as this brow-beaten child, tortured and witless–I can’t get get behind that. This is not the perfect family. We get it now. And David has known his share of heartbreak, it would seem. But his actions and behavior also demonstrate, at least for me, that he is very resilient. My concern is that in the attempt to read David and his family, people fail to give David the due credit for the remarkable young man he is. And also, who he is isn’t some act he puts on just for the sake of coping. You can’t fake that kind of kindness and generosity in god knows how many hours of footage and in countless interviews for a year and half. I’m not saying some of what I’ve read here doesn’t ring true, but I just want him to get the credit he deserves.

Old Hag, you didn’t happen to teach 3rd grade at the Sister’s of Mercy in Secaucus did you?

We donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know what type of experience David actually had in the UK. We donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know how much independence he had while he was there. It just seems like people are making a whole lot of assumptions.

We do know of the experiences David openly shared through his blogs and twitter. We know of the caliber of his performances through YouTube. If David’s words aren’t enough, we have the accounts of others who have met and appreciated him either as a musician or person or both. David Cook, his band members, other musicians he’s collaborated and/or toured with, etc. There’s just a lot of evidence out there that David is a fully functioning, talented kid with a great personality.

Old Hag, you didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t happen to teach 3rd grade at the Sisterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s of Mercy in Secaucus did you?

Naw… middle/high school science, which I love with a passion. By the way, I do think David Archuleta is a wonderful role model, not to mention a great singer. No matter what, I am looking forward to that Christmas album, which I plan to pre-order the minute it hits iTunes.

Houstonrufus: I agree. His actions, words, demeanor, and so forth, for the past year, says something to me; just as Susan Boyle’s recent behavior says something to me also. Yes, we don’t know exactly what is going on in their private lives and in their heads, but actions speak loud. Let ‘s just say that if I were a betting person, I would bet that David is a normal (but not perfect, of course), well-adjusted, happy person, in spite of whatever his home circumstances are. Yeah it’s still an assumption, but as we call it in my field, it’s an ‘educated guess’.

edit: Dial back the extreme defensiveness.

His parents allow him to hang out til pretty late hours with his friends without their supervision back in Utah. The first time he got locked out, he forgot his keys and it was 3 am in the morning and he called his friend to pick him back up rather than wake up the entire household. He has freedom and space. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s capable of humor and attitude and snark.

Well, he is also the person who IMO seemed completely out of his comfort zone while filming a photoshoot on the streets of Brooklyn (“there’s a lot of buildings here. Pretty different”) Look I’m a fan of David and Kris is right, none of us know all that much about his experiences. To me, he presents himself as a bit naive to the ways of the world, and my impression is that he is somewhat sheltered, whether by choice or through parental guidance. I just think it doesn’t hurt anyone to get out, see the world, not have an authority figure around as much, for young adults at this age.

By doing so, he continues to neglect his younger minor children at home. David is of age now. Young men his age fight wars. David is plenty capable of handling himself without Dadà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ever presence. Is neglect of his children at home abuse?

Jeff may be a poor husband, but there is no evidence he abuses his kids. Being away from home while the other parent watches over the kids in no way constitutes abuse. People in the military are absent from their kids for long stretches. So are some business men, truck drivers, pilots, etc. Are they also abusing their kids? In fact, Jeff’s absence may be just what the doctor ordered in a family rife with marital discord. Separation may actually promote harmony between the spouses. That helps everybody cope under difficult circumstances.

And it isn’t true David has no need of Jeff. The assumption that Jeff’s there to look after poor little David is just wrong. He’s a business consultant and manager. He books the flights and hotel rooms and takes care of the thousand nitty-gritty details that need taking care behind the scenes while David’s in rehearsal. That’s no small benefit to David as an artist.

I agree Jeff may be too high profile at timesl. But he’s definitely performing services that need performing while his pay for all this helps keep David’s family solvent–something David himself would be concerned about. Were Jeff not in the picture, David would need to hire someone–which in no way helps support his family. That said, it’s true Jeff should have stayed away from the meet and greets and big public events imo–and should do so from now on.

Well, he is also the person who IMO seemed completely out of his comfort zone while filming a photoshoot on the streets of Brooklyn (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a lot of buildings here. Pretty differentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ )

The urban streets of Brooklyn are pretty different from growing up in suburban area of Utah. But he also appreciated some of the graffiti on the walls in Brooklyn in that video and called it “art.” What can I observe from that? He likes creativity and “art” in many forms. His career so far has allowed him to travel a lot and see a lot on a national and international level. That doesn’t seem to me as someone who’s going to be lacking in worldly or cultural opportunities.

He called it “art” but I think he was being charitable there because he didn’t know what to say…it wasn’t any great grafitti art he was looking at, it was plain ole grafitti.

Serenande, I think we can go around and around on this but we might just have to agree to disagree! :smile1_tb:

I agree with you serenade. My point was that no one can say that David didn’t have any independence while he was in the UK or that he didn’t have a great learning experience because we weren’t there. We don’t know how many times he was on his own while he was there. We don’t know what he did except for what he has told us. I don’t see assuming that David is lacking something when we don’t know if he is. I agree that David is not a victim.

Reminder:

Everybody gets an opinion here without having to endure beat-downs and pile-ons.

I’ll just remind everyone once again that NONE of us know David. None of us know what his mental state us. None of us know how he was treated as a child.

Each side is using SPECULATION to win their argument. And I would say, in some cases, projection, to make their points. So everybody needs to respect the other side’s opinion, because they’re all created equal here, as far as I’m concerned.

Tatiana, I’ll just offer that that video was shot some time ago–I know the video you are talking about. Alot has happened since then. I’ll also offer that David isn’t always the most articulate of fellows. Again, I have a problem with lifting one moment recorded a while back and reading that as some sign of who he is. I don’t want to come off too defensive. I’m completely open to discussing room for growth for David. But I’m not sure this video is evidence enough for that.

Well stated, MJ. Thank you.

Well, he is also the person who IMO seemed completely out of his comfort zone while filming a photoshoot on the streets of Brooklyn (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a lot of buildings here. Pretty differentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ) Look Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a fan of David and Kris is right, none of us know all that much about his experiences. To me, he presents himself as a bit naive to the ways of the world,

Kids don’t get around and are naive. That said, how many kids have sung before 50,000 in Manila, or toured with a hot band in the UK or been a featured guest at a dinner in the State Department? David’s growing up fast and is much much more sophisticated and savvy than when he first started out.

Houston, my “evidence” is about as convincing as everyone else’s. I’m not about to provide a laundry list of examples which also illustrate the same point, because I think someone else here will just post other examples to refute me!

I think we all read things through our own personal filters. I interpret things based on life experiences which have colored my perceptions. Does it hurt anyone that I think David is a little naive? Could use a little more distance from poppa? It’s just my opinion. Doesn’t mean I like him any less.

I’m getting exhausted by this. Round round and round we go…

Oh, and I typically don’t do this but here it goes. I got a personal anecdote about a family I knew growing up.

You had: The cheerleader who dated the star football player who went on to study at a competitive private college. The high-achieving school valedictorian who was accepted to an Ivy league school. The differently-abled child, who despite her disabilities went on to achieve great things.

The kids’ mother was a stage mom–she was all about promoting her kids any way she could–they were frequently on TV and there were stories in newspapers chronicling their many achievements as they were growing up.

Anybody looking at them from the outside would think this was a wonderful family and that these incredible high achieving kids were totally well adjusted.

Well the truth was that the mom was an alcoholic, known to neglect and emotionally and physically abuse the kids–things I saw with my own eyes. The cheerleader was in for special abuse from the mom, because at the same time she was being sexually abused by her dad. Mom was a little jealous, methinks.

That’s not even all of it, but I’ll leave it there. So, the point is that kids respond to abuse in different ways.

And sometimes, even when a parent does everything right, a kid ends up a mess anyway. I got some examples of that, but I won’t go there right now.

Tatiana, point taken. I’m really not trying to be difficult. I’m actually finding this discussion quite compelling. I’m not trying to win anything here.

Cool Houston…me neither….just sharing my POV :smile1_tb:

But the fact of the matter is some of his public behavior mirrors a pattern that is sometimes seen in children from dysfunctional families, to include those with abuse.

What behavior? Why not be specific? What you are actually saying is that some abused children appear normal and don’t manifest the usual symptoms of abuse. But if they appear normal–how can anyone know they are abused without external evidence of some kind?

And, btw, if you’re going to include marital discord among these factors of child-abuse–then at a minimum half the kids in America would be victims–which is absurd. Do children suffer when their parents clash? Sure. But that’s not the same as systematic persistent emotional, physical or sexual abuse. It’s tough on a kid when their parents don’t get along, sure–but it’s not abuse per se.

mj – thanks for sharing that personal story. Very compelling and sad. I also have a friend who struggled all through childhood with family issues, and is still dealing with them today, but has always been an overachiever. Everyone responds to things differently, and no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors in a family

I made my comments and my feelings pretty well known in an earlier thread. I also have some first hand knowledge about Jeff Archuleta that others don’t have, ’nuff said there. I also have an extensive history with David’s religion of choice and its philosophy concerning paternal rights, and how the people doling out advise and “therapy” in that religion are laymen at best and “in over their heads” at worst.

I know all about all the stuff that surrounded David as he grew up and I know alot of people that knew the Archuleta’s then. All I am saying is that I am so glad that at least some people are seeing Jeff for the walking scumbag that the man is, and that hopefully someone will reach out and convince the rest of the family, David included, that it is in everyone’s best interest for the man to dissapear out of their lives.

I just want the fan base to stop excusing everything and to quit thinking that this is a “normal” family. It isn’t and hasn’t been, and someday David will stop internalizing all of the struggles that he has faced for many years.

I have been gone most of the day and missed some good discussion.

MJ- You are right that even high achieving, perfect looking kids can have abusive parents or have problems no one knows about. I personally don’t think Jeff has been abusing his kids, but there is no doubt that a marriage in trouble can be traumatizing to kids, and they will all handle that in many ways.

I also think that because David has been able to handle the incredible pressure for the past year and a half and we have seen so much of his character in action, he is IMO likely not going to totally crack.

It is very possible that David is so careful about not committing to a relationship until he really feels he is ready because of his parents’ discord. My husband’s parents had money issues and he had a hard time committing to getting married because he was afraid he would also have money problems. David will be better off, IMO, if he does wait until he is really ready. That can not hurt unless he will never committ because of his fear.

wow Tess.

Tess,

I am absolutely sure David’s family is not a “normal” family. It is really sad.

Jeff has made some very selfish and poor choices. I also hate that this all has to be so public, but we can thank Jeff for that.

Everyone responds to things differently, and no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors in a family

BINGO.

My family was quite close with this family, so we knew the real deal.

Certainly, if one of them had become famous (it coulda happened, seriously–not for the lack of mom trying) and I had a reporter sticking a microphone in my face I wouldn’t have spilled their secrets.

MJ, thanks for that. There are as many different reactions as there are people.

I consider myself a member of the “fanbase”. It has not been an easy week. And everyone I have communicated with within that group has been angry and sad. A few tweets do not define a group, for what it’s worth. I think what I have sensed among everyone, fans and not, is that we all want David to be OK.

You are right Houston. It has been a very sad week for some of us– not that the “some” I am talking about thought Jeff was in any way perfect.

And it isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t true David has no need of Jeff. The assumption that Jeffà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s there to look after poor little David is just wrong. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a business consultant and manager. He books the flights and hotel rooms and takes care of the thousand nitty-gritty details that need taking care behind the scenes while Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in rehearsal. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no small benefit to David as an artist.

A personal assistant could do that for Archie. Or another manager. Given the sordid details of Jeff’s arrest, I think he should turn the reigns over to someone not related. In fact, I think that’s wise in most cases. It’s better not to mix business with family. Even Ruben ended up suing his cousin or something. It’s just not a good mix, in general. Much less with all the nastiness that is going on with Jeff.

If Archie needs Jeff as a father, that’s a private matter.

Wow, sad ..hope Archie is Ok and continue to give us good music… Can’t wait for his xmas album .

Each side is using SPECULATION to win their argument.

I agree we can’t know who any other human being really is, absent the evidence. But we don’t go around accusing people of psychological weaknesses unless we can defend such charges. Iit’s only a matter of fairness to assume that an outwardly normal-acting person is, indeed, normal–unless the evidence proves otherwise.

Jeff made his bed–let him lie in it. David’s made his peace with that aspect of his life a long time ago it seems. He’s not off in a corner brooding about his father’s lousy behavior–another sure sign of his mental health and good sense. He’s not about to fold up and wither away because the media is having fun with this. He’s out rehearsing for his tour–and he’ll give it everything he’s got–another reason for everyone who follows his career to give him props.

I’m sorry that Tess seems to have had a bad experience with the LDS Church. I really don’t know of a perfect person in any religious group. But I do know that with experience comes learning, and those leaders are counseled to help on the religious matters, and send people to qualified therapists for most of the other matters. In best case scenarios they work together for the best outcome for the family.

As someone who has walked in Lupe’s shoes I can just say this. Sexual addiction is a serious matter, and one that is often overlooked in our society, or swept under a rug. It’s not unusual for it to take something of this magnitude to happen before the person can start understanding the repercussions of their actions. Those are called natural consequences. The person can lead two very separate lives feeling one has nothing to do with the other. It is very very damaging to family relationships, and led the end of our marriage and left me the single mother of 5 children, ages 9 years to 5 months. I have a lot of empathy for Lupe and the kids, as I know exactly how they feel. I’m pretty confident, in all that I’ve seen, that they have the support they need to help them deal with this, both religious and professional. It won’t be easy, but there never is an easy solution for those who have to break the cycle of addiction, and those who have to live with the consequences of another person’s actions, especially when they are so personal. My hope is that they can find some peace and they make their way down this road.

Geez, I keep getting the mental image of Jeff sitting there with David at the Teen Choice Awards, all smiles like he was a teen himself. Just Ewwww. Tell me that was part of Jeff’s duties as a manager. Jeff may have handled many every day things for David, but he PUT himself in the picture, literally and often. A professional manager would not have done many of the things Jeff has done (over and above the busy work). Managers don’t need to give the fans autographs and hugs either do they? Nor do they need to hover. He always appeared to me as someone that wanted to look important, a Mr. Big.
Jeff will mess up again, after all, he’s 48 or whatever and still messing up. However, thankfully the fanbase is becoming less naive about this man. Yes, a personal assistant would be a good idea……….and a different manager. (imo only of course).

A personal assistant could do that for Archie. Or another manager.

Then David takes a double hit as far as his income goes. First, he needs to pay the manager or personal assistant–who will use the money to support his own family, not David’s. Then David will have to take up the onus of caring for the family–another burden he doesn’t need just yet when he’s just starting out in his career. Better to keep Jeff occupied and away from home–where his Lupe and the kids seem to do much better absent his presence. Let Jeff handle the nitty-gritty, stay out of Lupe’s hair, and pay for the family’s support out of his own salary.

You know, it’s odd, but I’ve sensed for a long while a coolness between David and Jeff. Anyone with kids of his own would notice this. David never defended his father all that forcefully. He never said, “I love my dad.” He always deflected queries by referencing that tale about his father not letting him have some water. That recent video of David responding to his father’s phone call was pretty revealing as well. David was a little curt, not warm, not affectionate, not even too friendly. I think he just tolerates his dad. He knows too much about him I think–and may be patterning his own character in an opposite direction. I also think he’s had to grow up fast as the eldest son–though he looks so much younger than his years.

So David admitted in his new video vlog tonight (live from rehearsals and featuring the band) that he doesn’t really like SpongeBob anymore. Apparently he hadn’t seen it in a long time and when he finally got a chance to check out some new episodes, it no longer appealed to him. Aw David outgrew SpongeBob. Jordin still loves it though according to her Twitter. /random

A personal assistant could do that for Archie. Or another manager. Given the sordid details of Jeffà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s arrest, I think he should turn the reigns over to someone not related. In fact, I think thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wise in most cases. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s better not to mix business with family. Even Ruben ended up suing his cousin or something. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just not a good mix, in general. Much less with all the nastiness that is going on with Jeff.

I can agree with this and maybe Ray can pick up some of those duties. He’s done a fine job as his tour manager. But I have no clue how this will be handled.

Oh and David’s tweets are cracking me up today. Again. Especially his explanation for why he uses “haha.”

Also slander sucks.

Then David takes a double hit as far as his income goes. First, he needs to pay the manager or personal assistantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’who will use the money to support his own family, not Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. Then David will have to take up the onus of caring for the familyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’another burden he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t need just yet when heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just starting out in his career. Better to keep Jeff occupied and away from homeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’where his Lupe and the kids seem to do much better absent his presence. Let Jeff handle the nitty-gritty, stay out of Lupeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hair, and pay for the familyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s support out of his own salary.

My guess is that Jeff is on the payroll, and David could find someone cheaper. I also think Dadchuleta should be able to support his own family.

Better to keep Jeff occupied and away from homeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’where his Lupe and the kids seem to do much better absent his presence. Let Jeff handle the nitty-gritty, stay out of Lupeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hair, and pay for the familyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s support out of his own salary.

Or, more likely, buy a few hookers.

Geez, I keep getting the mental image of Jeff sitting there with David at the Teen Choice Awards, all smiles like he was a teen himself. Just Ewwww. Tell me that was part of Jeffà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s duties as a manager. Jeff may have handled many every day things for David, but he PUT himself in the picture, literally and often.

Parents of celebrities often accompany their famous kids (yes, even adult children) to awards shows. It’s not at all unusual. I recall Lupe sitting next to David at the more recent Kids’ Choice Awards and she looked lovely as always.

What about at the New Years Eve and Sundance performances, where Jeff was literally on the stage behind David, in full view of everyone, watching his performance intently? Or when David was the celebrity guest of a radio station on a Mardi Gras float, and there was Jeff, on the float beside him throwing beads? Is that normal manager / parent behavior? Especially if your behavior has already been brought up repeatedly in the media, hurting your son’s image?

I agree we canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know who any other human being really is, absent the evidence. But we donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go around accusing people of psychological weaknesses unless we can defend such charges. Iità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only a matter of fairness to assume that an outwardly normal-acting person is, indeed, normalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’unless the evidence proves otherwise.

Well here on the big blog, everybody gets to speculate, since nobody knows the real deal. Fans who need a continually rosey-looking picture for their favorite need to find it elsewhere.

My guess is that Jeff is on the payroll, and David could find someone cheaper. I also think Dadchuleta should be able to support his own family.

Maybe not so easy to do, given Jeff’s present notoriety. I also think the separation from Lupe and the kids was purposeful–to keep some semblance of harmony among otherwise warring factions. This is clearly not a happy marriage. It’s true we don’t know the whole story–or even Jeff’s take on all this. If the marriage was actually broken a while ago, then Jeff’s resorting to a prostitute was not all that despicable–though it’s nothing to brag about.

What about at the New Years Eve and Sundance performances, where Jeff was literally on the stage behind David, in full view of everyone, watching his performance intently? Or when David was the celebrity guest of a radio station on a Mardi Gras float, and there was Jeff, on the float beside him throwing beads? Is that normal manager / parent behavior? Especially if your behavior has already been brought up repeatedly in the media, hurting your sonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s image?

Most of David’s family were present at both the New year’s and Sundance performances. Richard Rushfield even wrote an article about spending time with the Archuletas at Sundance and he described the energy of David’s friends who loved to dance and how adorable David’s little sisters are. Daniel played guitar for David when he sung You Can that night – only time Daniel’s ever performed with David in public. David hugged his family and both his parents at the stroke of midnight and then left in a car with friends at the New Year’s performance – that came from someone who attended that event who posts here at MJ’s (LK09). I don’t remember much about Mardi Gras except for David being on a float throwing beads at the crowd.

Yes, Serenade, and in all of those instances Jeff was also filmed hovering over David….a couple of times ON STAGE while he was performing.

Yes, Serenade, and in all of those instances Jeff was also filmed hovering over Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.a couple of times ON STAGE while he was performing.

Just saying Lupe and the family were also there, and that was also caught on video. If you’re saying Jeff needs to do a lot more to not make himself so conspicuous at public events, I agree with you.

hey cool, we agree on something! :lol_wp:

Lupe doesn’t appear to be living vicariously through her son, that is the difference. Thus far my impression of her is that she is a loving stay at home mom who periodically takes in one of her son’s shows. Jeff is leeching off his son for income and attention. He’s a parasite.

The peeps over at the AJC Idol blog were having some fun today with the Jeff the Perv story and came up with a list for Daddy:

“Notes to Jeff Archuleta”
… if sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s dressed like a hooker – sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if the girl uses the phrase à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Me love you long timeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if the name on the door contains the words à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Boom Boomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen her perform under the name à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Trixieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at the local drag parlor, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if you saw her last week on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Americaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Most Wantedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if she looks like the girl that gave you a lap dance last night, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if she thinks your son David is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“like so cute, you know, and like, he sings like, so great, and like, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just so, you know, cute and like, stuff,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.
…if her name is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Amber,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Bambià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Destinyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – rather than à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Olga,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Helgaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Svetlanaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably not a licensed massage therapist.