Mischa Barton Gets DUI and Some Fans Just Ignore the Unflattering News
If there is one emerging group in Hollywood that you don’t want to join, it’s the group whose members include the reality TV stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, as well as Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears. This is not good company – probably in any regard.
Nonetheless, Mischa Barton of the former hit TV show The O.C. has joined their ranks.
The news broke today that Barton was arrested for a DUI. She was in West Hollywood, and it was 3 a.m. She was pulled over for suspicious driving – weaving between lanes and not using her turn signal when making a turn.
But why should we be so quick to jump to conclusions? Maybe she was playing a game! She’s such a rascal, that Barton.
The police discovered Mischa. When she was taken to jail, they then discovered that she doesn’t have a lisence, and she was not sober. In other words, she was totally plotzed, driving recklessly in Hollywood – and what makes her think she could do that? Maybe it’s because of such leninent sentences of the ’stars’ I mentioned above, who have been jailed and fined for similar problems.
Mischa had marijuana as well. But it doesn’t seem to matter. Because she spent only seven hours in jail before she was able to walk out, probably in shoes that cost more than the bail she would have had to pay. Maybe she was just too drunk to figure out what to do, and decided that the jail cell looked pretty cozy since she was tired. 
In her mug shot she seems more than vaguely amused, as though this hardly phases her. Her eyes seem to be hinting at a smile and her lips are definitely upturned at both ends. She looks rebellious, and in her head I imagine her thinking something like, “Just go ahead and try to make me care – I’m rich, young, and famous.” (See her mug shot on the right to see just how pretty she is!)
And fans of the star? Some are prepared to back her. The fan-run website Mischa-b.com has this statement on their website: “I’m sure the whole world has heard by now that Mischa was arrested for a DUI. In attempt to show Mischa some respect in what is obviously a troubling time, coverage of these events will be kept to a bare minimum. If all goes well, this will hopefully be the first and only time I mention the DUI on the site. Comments that I consider ‘Mischa bashing’ in any way or form will be removed.”
Apparently the way to solve things, according to that site, is to just ignore them if they’re not flattering. That’s healthy, right? Just like you can eat a bag of MnM’s as long as you throw them up afterwards?
Barton is only 21, and instead of frowning upon behavior like this, some fans instead choose to rally around her.
On People.com I found this, “Shortly after 10 a.m., a West Hollywood deputy told PEOPLE: “Ms. Barton has been released from sheriff’s custody after she posted $10,000 bail.” She probably flung the thousand dollar bills at the officers as she ran around giggling and asking if anyone knew where a party was.
Ironically, on that site one of the other most recent articles is titled “Mischa Barton Gets in Touch With Her Tamer Side.” Irony. Even better, Barton recently told Maxim Magazine that, “I never experienced the ‘anything goes’ chaos we sold on The O.C.”
On the earlier mentioned Mischa site, there is a forum. And I found the topic being discussed, here. User coop62293 whose signature on the forum says she’s a “Brave, and true member of the Mischa Barton Army.” Today at 12:27 p.m. she commented with: “oH GOD i HOPE SHE’S OK! Maybe the sheriff is making out as a bigger deal than it actually is though…..I mean you never know what level of alcohol she might have had! it mught have been the lowest! I don’t know I still love her though!”
And later today at 7:46 p.m. once she knew Mischa was guilty – she then commented with: “…I really do feel sorry for her but I mean everyone makes mistakes and Mischa doesn’t make them very ofthen and she has a steady family to back her up solike Jo I have to say that I am behind her 100%!”
Another member, xgemmax, commented with… (click below to read more)
“I have to say when I found out about this I was shocked, and very dissapointed. Lets hope she’s not going the same way as Lindsay and Britney. 
In possesion of ‘illegal narcotics’, that means drugs, right? I could cry right now.. :’(”
Um, wow.
But there is hope. On Mischanews.com there is this statement by user Arieanna:
“On As a Mischa Barton fan, I am truly saddened by this situation. Mischa has long been a strong role model for Young Hollywood and it is sad to see this happen to her. I hope she soon realizes the error of her ways and makes positive steps to recovering. I hope, at least, she is not in need of rehab – I would much rather this be a mistake in judgment than a serious issue for our Mischa”
If you’re a Mischa fan, comment let me know how you feel about this – I genuinely want to know. But does Mischa even care how her fans will react? I mean — as long as they go to her movies, does she care?
P.S. Do you think she’d autograph her mugshot?
You can still watch Mischa movies:
The Sixth Sense (Collector’s Edition Series)
Notting Hill (Collector’s Edition)
And there’s The O.C. For more on Mischa, see: Sirlinksalot.net: The O.C.
When you comment, feel free to disagree with me! I value all opinions! (As long as they’re written without swearing and excessive whining. You know?)
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About the Author: Your above-average sweet, smart, and snarky Girl Friday. Impeccable taste. Analytical. Liberal. Friend to animals. Always found in cute shoes. Check the Sofachip 'About' page for more (classified!) info.
Natasha | Dec 27, 2007 | Reply
I run http://www.m-barton.org and I think that we all make mistakes. As long as she doesn’t go to jail like Paris!
Cici | Dec 28, 2007 | Reply
COVERING IT UP WON’T STOP IT MISCHA-B.COM
IT HAPPENED.
JessicaRae | Dec 28, 2007 | Reply
Natasha – I agree, mistakes do happen and I just really hope that Mischa has a wake-up call from this instead of going in the route of Paris/Nicole/Lindsay who keep doing this type of stuff. I think, regardless of whether or not you’re in Hollywood – driving drunk is really horrible to do. And if you are in Hollywood, and if you were on a teen show, and know you have tons of fans (many of whom are in that age demographic) it’s even more irresponsible to be setting this kind of example. I realize she didn’t sign up to be a role model, but it’s almost like actress/role model go hand in hand the more popular you want to be, and the more exposure you give of your life (via interviews, etc.)
Cici – I love your name, as an aside, anyway – no need for yelling. We don’t want that. But I did think it was very ridiculous that after the DUI update on their site, they posted something new to go ontop, it does seem like they’re trying to ignore it and that just seems stupid.
Heather | Dec 28, 2007 | Reply
I agree that people make mistakes. They happen to normal people just like they do to stars. But famous people should be treated just like normal people when they happen. Drunk driving is a serious mistake that could potentially kill someone and it needs to be treated seriously no matter who it happens to. If Mischa seems amused by her arrest, it is the fault of the police and general public for allowing stars to be treated differently.
Amanda | Dec 28, 2007 | Reply
The funny thing about this though is that a lot of “normal” people in California never serve a day for DUI because the jail systems there are so overcrowded. Paris’s sentence would’ve been commuted if she was a “commoner” like you or I.
Anca | Dec 28, 2007 | Reply
Well, I run MischaWeb.com and I knew that Mischa was in a strange time, right now. But I have to admit, that I thought she would be smarter! Sure, we all are human beings and we all do mistakes, BUT 21 isn’t as young as everyone’s saying. It’s not long ago, I was 21 and I was aware of things right and wrong.
Sure, I sound really bitter and mean for someone who’s calling herself a fan, but I think, you can be angry on things your favourite celebs do, because you’re not them and you’re not able to stop them!
Last, but not least, I will post this theme on my site. I’m not sure, if I’m doin’ it like I commented here or just the pure facts. I mean, she did something wrong and doin’ like nothing has happended is defintley the wrong way!
Sam | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
I’m the webmaster who posted the mischa-b.com extract you’ve shared in your blog.
I’m not condoning Mischa’s actions but I am of the opinion that this is a private matter. I’ve opted not to dwell on the DUI as I respect her as a professional actress but I also respect her right to privacy.
The media whores around these serious situations because they get paid when young people screw up. I’m certainly not going to aid in the bashing of Mischa’s character. One mistake does not alter my opinions of her in the slightest.
Am I let down that she showed such poor judgment? Of course I am. But I hold her to the same standards as a regular person and therefore am choosing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
I run a Mischa fan website. I’m not a DUI activist and therefore have no responsibility to explore the issue any further. The news was reported as it happened and unless something new comes up, the rest of it is up to Mischa to handle personally. She does not require assistance from internet blogs and their never ending running commentaries.
Quite frankly, this blog like so many others are quick to vilify her. Why is my method of choosing to limit coverage in an attempt to defend Mischa worse than your method of exploiting her?
smad | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
u didn’t need to post the comments…what a news..fans has a forum and comments the action of their fav celeb..woooow..u illuminated my world!
mischa_obsessed | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
I think it is so rude, that you would post the comments we left on mischa-b.com.
FIRST OF ALL; We are not trying to cover up what has happened, we know what she did and she did do it. But you dont understand. She has been our idol, our role model for a long time now, and we are not just going to give up on her.
SECOND OF ALL; I can understand that you dont support her, but we do. She has changed our lives.
THIRD; None of us are saying that what she did was right, but what fans would we be to just give up on her. If your idol was going through what she was you wouldnt just give up on them.
FINALLY; you said, you would like to hear back from mischa’s fans, but then you said, does she even care about what her fans say. Well i think she would, her mother has replyed to comments we had left on mischa-b before. Even if she dosnt read them, im possitive she would care.
Mischa is my life! | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
Given the fact that everybody on the web knows me as Mischa’s BIGGEST fan in the world and that ALL the people you mentioned in your lame entry are my FRIENDS (the runner of mischa-b.com included!) I feel the right to ask you HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF US THIS WAY?WHO DO U THINK U ARE AND WHAT DO U KNOW ABOUT MISCHA????
Do you think you are better than her? Who hasn’t made a mistake in their lives? Aren’t we supposed to learn from them to get the experience we need in our life? Mischa’s one&only guilt is to be SO farking famous that she cant keep her FIRST mistake for herself as WE ALL(!!!!!) were able to do (don’t dare comparing her to Lindsay or Paris because I’ll seriously murder you!) and think about it and learn from it w/o the whole world bashing her for this (because I’M SURE she will learn from it, she’s the smartest girl I’ve ever known and is D-I-F-F-E-R-E-N-T from the brainless Hollywood crowd! Who REALLY knows her know that, knows the REAL Mischa!!! The Mischa who has spent the last 14 months working so effin HARD to prove herself as a serious real and talented actress, and the one who has got nine upcoming movies!! But of course you have to talk about her just when she falls right? NEVER TALK ABOUT ONE OF HER AMAZING MOVIES UH? Nice job!
I’m sure (I saw the pics) she already feels horrible, she probably feels worse than anyone can make her feel right now. All she needs now is her true fans supporting her, return her all the awesomeness that she was able to show us in the past!!
Mischa gave me LIFE, now it’s my turn, I’ll give my soul to support her and I am MORE than proud to state that she still is my rolemodel! 100000000% behind Mischa! And I know I’m not alone, we won’t let the bastards get our Angel down!!!
Ps. Check out the OFFICIAL POLICE REPORT and tell me where do you see the ‘drug’ word!!!!
http://www.lasd.org/releases/07-448.pdf
Yeah right there’s NO MENTION AT ALL!
And another shocking news…….Mischa DO CARE about her fans more than you could ever known. I’ve been following her for years and I did get ALL the proofs I needed so getting informed before speaking is very appreciated. More like she doesn’t give a damn about her bashers…
I don’t care if you won’t publish my comment, knowing that you’ll read it it’s enough for me.
Chiara
Jo Brown | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
I’m the founder/admin of one of the main Mischa Barton fan forums, http://mischaforums.proboards50.com, and we’re certainly NOT ignoring the situation, as you seem to be implying! (I’m the “Jo” mentioned by coop62293 in your article.) Since the news broke, we’ve had a very active discussion of the topic and the implications it could have for Mischa as a person as well as how it could potentially damage her career. If you take the time to see what we’ve been talking about, you’ll see that we’ve been having very reasoned discussions of the news as the story has developed. We’re not rabid fans, the same as you get following some celebrities, but rather intelligent people who have an intense love for someone who’s not only a hugely talented actress, but also a really nice and decent person. Yes, Mischa has been a bit silly here and got herself into a bit of trouble with the law, there’s no denying that. But we know that she’s the kind of person who will face the situation with dignity and take whatever punishment she must face like the mature adult she is.
Joyce | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
Mischa just made a mistake, like everybody does. but why are you reading all our posts? didn’t you have another thing to gossip about? No offence, we just have a disagreement here. But this is our opinion, and we love mischa. Like i said before, she made a mistake, she will sit out her punishment. And she will go on with her life…
JessicaRae | Dec 30, 2007 | Reply
Celeb’s. Can’t they move to their own island?
Or planet?
Michael | Dec 30, 2007 | Reply
Confessions of an Opinionated Mind:
„I AM A MISCHA BASHER!!!” (*)
«So. Alcohol, weed & pills now? It was only a matter of time, because it seems there have been drugs –legal and illegal ones– involved in Mischa’s life all over the year (and at many places). As a fan since her early acting days I hope pleadingly, this shameful incident will finally let her realize that she jeopardizes her career, her life and those of other people. Furthermore, that’s another example of bad role modeling for adolescent fans all over the world.»
___
(* and got sentenced to be deleted by the „High Court of mischa-b.com” for posting the above comment)
JessicaRae | Dec 31, 2007 | Reply
Chiara, – Who do I think I am? Jessica, she of the brunette hair and impeccable sense of style. I’m also a Capricorn, an animal rights activist, a constant reader, and someone who never drinks coffee! I’m so very glad you’re interested
Who do I think Mischa is? Well, a spoiled celebrity who is way too skinny and isn’t very talented. Now, Chiara I don’t mean to make you cry – but I don’t know you as Mischa’s biggest fan. I don’t think it’s possible for there to ever be one ‘biggest fan’ of any one person or thing. I think it’s insulting to other fans to imply that you’re the biggest one.
I know that this isn’t Mischa’s first mistake. I’ve seen pictures of her with cocaine – and I’m not just talking about ‘holding it’. When you’re so ‘farking’ famous, it’s irresponsible to go around outside your house doing cocaine when people can snap photos of you.
Furthermore, are you really defending a girl who was drinking and didn’t even have a licence? I mean, really – how do you defend that? Was it because she was so drunk she forget that she wasn’t allowed to drive? Nice spin.
Honestly you sound like the type of crazed fan she’d run from. You talk about her like you know her, but you don’t know her. You’ve never sat down and talked with her. You know *of* her, you know whatever she decides to release in statements to the press or in interviews. And then we find out the stuff like this, that she doesn’t want anyone to know. And I just have to ask…who is the REAL Mischa Barton? Maybe a robot?
How do you know I’m not talking about her movies? This is a TV show blog, not a movie blog.
Also, you probably shouldn’t send death threats to people in public forums, or for that matter, in any form. My next story might have to be about a deranged fangirl that threatened my life so I had to contact some form of police enforcement.
Mischa is like Paris and Lindsay, by the by. Only not as pretty!
Mischa_obsessed and Smad, if you don’t want publicly posted comments to be reposted, then you shouldn’t say them or let them be public. Why are you mad they’re up if you’re not ashamed of what you said?
Everyone, go do some yoga. You’re all too tense!
I look forward to Mischa cleaning up her act.
JessicaRae | Dec 31, 2007 | Reply
Sam –
So you report about the celeb, you’re a fan of the celeb – but when she does something irresponsible you don’t feel the need to make any sort of note about it? Wow.
You don’t need to be a DUI activist to encourage people to not drink and drive, just soooo ya’ know.
You used a big word like vilify, and yet, I still don’t think you’re that smart, Sam.
meeshhead | Jan 1, 2008 | Reply
JessicaRae-
We happen to love a celebrity, and you happen to love gossip and scandal. Nothing is going to be acomplished here by either side. I just hope that you can find it in your heart to wish this young, talented girl, who made a huge mistake, the very best of luck in getting her life straightened out. Happy New Year!
JessicaRae | Jan 1, 2008 | Reply
Meeshhead –
I really like your comment. It’s diplomatic without wavering from your stance, and without any liberal use of the F word (note: I know that none of you here did that, I appreciate that).
I may never like Mischa Barton, but I do appreciate fandom. I wouldn’t say that I ‘love’ gossip or scandal, although being a blogger here it is my job to cover events like this occasionally.
I am (begrudgingly) willing to acknowledge that Misha would have never gotten as far as she had without being talented. I am hoping I will like one of her upcoming movies – but moreso, I’m hoping that this DUI thing becomes old news fast because she has no repeat offenses like this.
So, Mischa, I know you aren’t reading this, but in the spirit of a new year – I’m wishing you good luck in 2008.
(And the ability to fly – cause well, that’d just be cool for anyone to be able to do.)
Ocean | Jan 2, 2008 | Reply
well i just wanna say i support Meesh in any situation…i m pretty sure this was her first and the last mistake!!but what if she does any other mistakes???i mean we r humans and ther isn’t a perfect human in this world..if there is one pls show me…don’t understand u bashers who can be have bad feelings for this beauty angel??i mean why do u show up on websites and give bad comments? if u dont like her than just live her alone….we love her and support her..Meesh is the greatest thing in this world!!!