Todd Bridges Heads to Washington D.C. to Help Protect Child Actors - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-19-2012, 01:07 PM

Both former child actors have their Hollywood tales of ups and downs, but perhaps most disturbing is that both were sexually abused by someone who claimed to have “Hollywood connections” in the business.

Bridges and Feldman are working to support a bill that requires any entertainment industry folks that have “unsupervised access to child performers” to have criminal background checks and provide fingerprints.

Bridges shares with the Los Angeles Times, "We're not doing enough to protect children, period," adding, "I cannot imagine why even one politician would object to it passing. Without these types of precautions, Hollywood will continue to attract pedophiles with an unmonitored playing field to commit their inhumane acts."

Feldman added: "I think it should have been implemented years ago."

It does seem like an important legislation to have passed, given that many parents eager to get their kids into entertainment are likely to fall victim to those with the worst intentions.

Bridges is best known for his role as Willis on "Diff'rent Strokes," while Feldman starred in movies like “Stand By Me” and “The Goonies.”

Both maintain that they were molested as kids by men who claimed to have industry connections. Both had their own personal struggles and downward spirals that included drug addiction.

Assemblywoman Nora Campos (D-San Jose), the bill’s author, commented, "If this bill can help save one child from the pain and consequences of being made a victim, then it is worth every effort."

http://www.limelife.com/blog-entry/T...rs/139153.html

Johnny be good! · 05-20-2012, 06:10 AM

This is a wonderful idea.

OH Nuts! · 05-20-2012, 10:09 AM

It does indeed sound like a wonderful idea to protect child actors from scheming predators.

70s show watcher · 05-21-2012, 12:35 AM

its a great idea good luck to yjem i hope the law is passed

catlover79 · 05-21-2012, 01:56 AM

Very cool!!!

Larenz09 · 05-21-2012, 07:41 AM

Todd has done extraordinarily great work in recent years!!

Battling his own addiction with drug and beating a gun rap in court, he has overcome the odds and came out as a winner!!

I truly commend him immensely for his continued great work and for helping others to see the errors of their ways from what HE has learned!!

God bless him!!

ThomasE · 07-18-2012, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larenz09

Todd has done extraordinarily great work in recent years!!

Battling his own addiction with drug and beating a gun rap in court, he has overcome the odds and came out as a winner!!

I truly commend him immensely for his continued great work and for helping others to see the errors of their ways from what HE has learned!!

God bless him!!

Love it! Good idea.

05-19-2012, 01:07 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	Todd Bridges Heads to Washington D.C. to Help Protect Child Actors Both former child actors have their Hollywood tales of ups and downs, but perhaps most disturbing is that both were sexually abused by someone who claimed to have “Hollywood connections” in the business. Bridges and Feldman are working to support a bill that requires any entertainment industry folks that have “unsupervised access to child performers” to have criminal background checks and provide fingerprints. Bridges shares with the Los Angeles Times, "We're not doing enough to protect children, period," adding, "I cannot imagine why even one politician would object to it passing. Without these types of precautions, Hollywood will continue to attract pedophiles with an unmonitored playing field to commit their inhumane acts." Feldman added: "I think it should have been implemented years ago." It does seem like an important legislation to have passed, given that many parents eager to get their kids into entertainment are likely to fall victim to those with the worst intentions. Bridges is best known for his role as Willis on "Diff'rent Strokes," while Feldman starred in movies like “Stand By Me” and “The Goonies.” Both maintain that they were molested as kids by men who claimed to have industry connections. Both had their own personal struggles and downward spirals that included drug addiction. Assemblywoman Nora Campos (D-San Jose), the bill’s author, commented, "If this bill can help save one child from the pain and consequences of being made a victim, then it is worth every effort." http://www.limelife.com/blog-entry/T...rs/139153.html
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

05-20-2012, 06:10 AM	#2
Johnny be good! Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 18, 2007 Location: Westland, Michigan Posts: 1,629	This is a wonderful idea.
	__________________ Alex Bogue

05-21-2012, 01:56 AM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Very cool!!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-21-2012, 07:41 AM	#6
Larenz09 Gary Coleman, we'll miss you! Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 12, 2008 Location: East Boston, MA. Posts: 659	Todd has done extraordinarily great work in recent years!! Battling his own addiction with drug and beating a gun rap in court, he has overcome the odds and came out as a winner!! I truly commend him immensely for his continued great work and for helping others to see the errors of their ways from what HE has learned!! God bless him!!
	__________________ Farewell, Gary Coleman. In fond loving memories of you. R.I.P..

05-20-2012, 10:09 AM	#3
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	It does indeed sound like a wonderful idea to protect child actors from scheming predators.

05-21-2012, 12:35 AM	#4
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,548	its a great idea good luck to yjem i hope the law is passed