Owen Wilson, star of "The Wedding Crashers" as well as every Ben Stiller movie ever created and bona fide member of what some have dubbed "The Frat Pack," was rushed to the hospital via ambulance on Sunday. The Star and the National Enquirer, which were the first to report the story, said Wilson had cut both wrists and taken an "indeterminate amount of pills."
A Boston Globe report also mentioned that the actor was single, and proceeded to tell a story about ex-girlfriend Kate Hudson being in Boston but somehow avoiding an approaching reporter.
So welcome back to the game of celebrity hospitalization and "journalistic" speculation. Do we trust the accounts of the Star and the Enquirer, known in the past for stories of alien births and celebrity weight gains/infidelities? Are they reporting the seamy side of truth, or edging toward fiction? Was this a suicide attempt, or a grossly misinterpreted accident?
In case we don't trust the two aforementioned sources (and to be clear, I don't), we can go to more reliable outlets: The AP adds a descriptive element, saying Wilson was found "bloodied and dazed after a blow-up with a close friend."
I have no idea how much of this report is accurate. None of us know except Owen Wilson and his family. And I can't imagine the pain that causes someone to take an action like this. So until we hear it from Wilson himself, I'm tempted to believe that it's all a misunderstanding. Beyond that, I find myself thinking about how this is yet another illustration of a simple fact of celebrity culture: A person is not always who they are on-screen--that even if someone seems relatable on screen, or seems raucously hilarious and fun loving, there is likely another side you can't see, and might not want to see.
And according to FOX News, Wilson released a statement through his publicist: "I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time," he said.
At least this member of the media thinks that's an excellent idea. On behalf of Idol Chatter, I wish Owen a full and speedy recovery.

Add to Newsvine
Add to StumbleUpon
I think it is really sad and pathetic what the media does for an extra buck and how society believes every word that is written or said concerning celebrities. I think Owen Wilson is an awesome actor and I hope he is granted the privacy he requested because celebrity or no celebrity everyone is entitled to work out their own private issues in a manner that is suited for them and only them.
Just want to wish him well and hope he can get the right treatment for a rapid recovery because we all enjoy his work and am looking forward to seeing more of him...
Lot of Aloha from Hawaii
Dear Owen my heart is with you I know what it is to experience deep inner pain and have lived to survive it. I have one thing to say to you look deep inside yourself for the truth and you will find your answer; and with that answer comes peace joy and the love you desparately need .I don"t have to mention any names when you look with your heart you will find truth Love you much from Ga.
Owen, as hard as life may be, I know it's not easy, step back take a deep breath and look around you. You are stronger than you think. You have supporters all across the globe. Don't think your life isn't worth anything, it's not. It's worth EVERYTHING. It's not worth giving up on yourself and life. I've experienced it first hand with a friend who committed suicide who I've lived with and what that caused for everyone left to live with it. Myself and my girlfriend had to read the autopsy report and she had to look at the evidence pictures and it was horrible. It was awful. So, now every year that time, we are and will never be the same. I know Your friends, family and aquaintences will never be the same. You are needed in this world. So, please don't go through with it. I am so very greatful that it was not a success and you're getting help for it. I commend you.
It is going to be ok. I wish my girlfriend and I could be there to support you every step of the way through your recovery. Please; news media and every paparazzi out there, LEAVE THIS MAN ALONE TO RECOVER! Hope this helps in your recovery. Aloha all the way from Hawaii.
Thanks for the clarification, Melissa. And good thoughts going out to anyone who struggles with darkness, to whatever degree.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.