An Open Letter to Star Magazine
Here are the two things you learn quickly in the public eye when media publications are "reporting a story" about your life... That some publications are more reputable than others and they fact check their stories, and then one writes whatever story they want and repeatedly use the generic word "sources" to add an air of legitimacy. The second is that most publicists will tell their clients "no comment. This will pass". And it usually does. Then, the next week the tabloid is telling lies about another celebrity. Well, my publicists are as good as you can get and they aren't just business associates, I consider them close friends. But this time I had to comment because this time I'm answering not as a celebrity but as a mom.
At this point you might be wondering what I'm referring to while others have already seen the hateful story on the cover of this weeks Star magazine claiming that Dean and I are divorcing and many more horrible claims against my husband. Yes, the story will pass but what won't pass is what happened in a local supermarket check out line.
My son Liam is turning 6 in a couple weeks. His proudest achievement so far in his young life is that he is learning to read. Until now, when that pride turned to sorrow thanks to Star magazine. He first spotted me on the cover, then Dad, and then a picture of himself and his 3 younger siblings. He was able to read two things out loud, the word DIVORCE (which he proudly sounded out) and the caption above his picture which read "Who will get the kids?" He became terrified. I had to hurry him and his confused 4-year-old sister Stella out of the grocery store and into our car. By the time he was fastening himself into his car seat he was asking, "Why is someone getting us?? Where are you and Dad going?" He was anxiously biting his lower lip and his big blue eyes were filled with tears. My heart sank. How would I explain to my children that what these 3 writers who have never even met us but who claim to know the ins and outs of our relationship and have proudly put their names on this article are flat out writing lies?
I've always had shots taken at me. It's been almost 24 years since I became a public figure starting at age 16 with 90210. It's the downside to this business but I've built up a pretty thick skin to the lies and trash talking at this point. But my children are another story. Keep them out of it! I wonder if any of those 3 writers have children? How would they feel if their child had to read something so hurtful and confusing as what mine had to read? How do they sleep at night knowing they've potentially emotionally scarred and if nothing else terrified innocent children.
Driving home I repeatedly told my children, "That magazine doesn't know us. Daddy and I are very happy and in love. There will be no divorce and all of us will remain together as a family". Stella, my literal one, just kept saying "But then why is it on the magazine? Magazines are true." I wish that were always the case.
I'm lucky my two oldest are only 5 and 4 and couldn't read the fine details of the article where horrific claims were made against my husband, their Dad.
Again, you want to make inaccurate low blows at someone Star? Go for me! I can handle it. I always have. But don't do it to a man that has done nothing but loved me and our children. He has stood by me during the good times and held my hand through the darkest moments of my life. I'm so blessed to have him as my partner in life and love and he is the best father to our four children. I'm aware that all that matters is that we know our truth. It’s just sad that our actual happiness would probably be deemed boring to Star Magazine. What kind of society have we become where love stories and fairytales are dead? That others’ failure is what people crave and what sells? That’s not the world I want my children growing up in. But I digress.
What is the outcome of this story? Easy... Next week they'll be reporting about some other couple splitting or someone having a breakdown and this will "have passed". And, Dean and I will continue to love each other and our babies and be grateful for the lives we have. I know that. But, our children should never have to bear witness to lies and fabrications that affect their lives so that a media outlet can make money. That will always be wrong!
255 comments
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I didn't even get a shot to this s***, that's RIDICULOUS, totally! I passed when I saw it, I don't have words enough, that is disrespectful, they can only see money? Sell? They should think about the four kids that you guys have and in how this will affect them!
I think sometimes magazines forget that people who they are talking about have feelings.
I'm team Spelling-McDermott, forever and always, I think you should put the justice on this. -
Hey Tori,
I knew that headline was fake the moment I saw it! Anyone who is familiar with your wonderful family will echo that. However I'm sorry Liam and Stella were affected by it! The media can be so destructive. You handled yourself with class and composure as always. Proud to be a fan!
Always Love! -
Hey Tori, I'm sorry you had to be subjected to those unfortunate bottom feeders who look out to report negativity. May you remain encouraged, in the confidence and knowing that there are many people who pay no attention to those crappy magazines, and that you are loved and appreciate, no matter what! -
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There are two magazines out there that thrive on lies and this rag is one of them. If they are going to stay in business they should just print pictures, since clearly they know nothing about good journalism. So, so sorry your little ones were subjected to this trash.
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I was so angry when I read this letter. The people who print this ragmag are jerks who just don't think about the repercussions their "news" will have on a family. Keep up the good work and don't let them get to you. -
I saw the magazine yesterday in the grocery store, and although I was pretty certain it was nothing but garbage, I am so relieved that you are affirming that it is. I feel so badly for your children, but you handled the situation wonderfully! -
Dear Tori and Dean--I did not see the story in STAR. If I had I would have laughed. We should all know by now that half of these magazines have to make up most of their stories to sell their stuff. I am sorry that your children saw that awful rag. But you handled it great. You and Dean are wonderful parents.
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I have to say, I don't really follow the lives of celebrities too much, or normally even comment on things like this, but when I saw that magazine at the store, I just thought "No! It can't be true! Not Tori and Dean!" You guys are so much like my husband and me. So happy and in love! We love that you guys are so, for lack of a better word, normal! My husband even wanted to watch Rachael vs. Guy just because Dean was on it. There's just something special about you guys. Lots of happiness to you and your family! -
Thank you so much for speaking out. I, personally, do not buy tabloid magazines and find them quite awful. I believe that just because someone chooses to pursue a career in entertainment does not make them less than human. They have the right to privacy just like anyone else. But I did see the headline as I was standing in line at the checkout and I laughed. The things they come up with.
But, in all honesty, I never thought about it from a children's perspective. I am so glad you children were not able to read the awful things they wrote RIGHT ON THE COVER. How tacky!!
My question is- Is there a way for us to contact Star as consumers and let them know this is not acceptable? -
Well after hearing about this, I think that it's pretty safe to say that we can all be confident in the fact that we now know what STAR (magazine) actually stands for:
Sensationalistic Trash And Rubbish!!!
Nothing and no one, neither man nor beast, is ever safe from harm in this world, as long as there is money to be made from the exploitation and abuse of others, evil will always lurk.
The ugly side of life pretty much makes me sick.
I'm sorry that in a world where good people are a commodity, that you have had to suffer more than your fair share of unnecessary hardships because of other people's greed. -
Mrs. Spelling-McDermott, I can not imagine what life is like for someone in the public eye. Nor can I imagine reading about myself or family in public media of any kind. However, I can imagine what it is like to be under speculation, ridicule and the gossiping eye of selfish slandering people who are always looking for a "story". To the media, I am no one but as a married, mother of two I know how painful it is to have my children be misled and terrified by lies. Anyway, I just wanted to say how sad I was after reading your post. And also, I understand completely how it made both you and your children (family) feel. As a mother it is not always easy to protect our children from bullies regardless of their form or agenda. -
Oh my, Tori, I am so sorry that Liam and Stella had to experience this. Not matter how hard we try to protect our children, they still get hurt. I can't even begin to imagine how much more difficult a task it is to guard them from hurt when you are in the public eye. These "writers" are disgusting and should be ashamed. It's too bad people feel the need to buy these "rag-azines". If they didn't have customers, they couldn't exist.
You and Dean are doing a great job as parents and I'm sure this incident will not have a lasting negative effect on Liam and Stella. -
tori iam so sorry to hear about what your kids have gone threw and your positively correct they are morons when there not even thinking of what a child goes threw the thought of stuiped people just to make a buck is absurd nowadays. I hate the trashy mag's and book's I never pay a dime for garbage and not going to waste mony on destroying trees for it,, I hope you a dean and kids have a wonderful easter and stay blessed may god always bless the little patter of there feet of joy in your life it was a joy to watch your show of you dean and the kids growing up
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Tori I am so saddened to hear how this article has affected Liam and Stella. My heart sank when I was at the checkout with my family so I can only imagine the feelings of hurt and anger you had in that moment. I am inspired by your family everyday and have come to love you all. You have amazing strength and your children will remember how you handled this situation more than anything. For every negative comment made I wish you a million positive ones to reassure you and your little ones. You are wonderful.
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Tori, I was shocked to see the magazine cover about you and Dean when checking out. Thank goodness it's not true. I have told everyone how real you and Dean are. I love to hear about you and your beautiful family. Just tell the kids how much you love them and ignore the haters in the world. -
My husband and I look up to you and Dean so much. When he came home today and told me about the magazine I immediately said it wasn't true. Thank you for your letter, but we all know those mags are total BS! Hate that your kids had to see it though. Just not right. Stay tough xoxo -
I not only don't believe anything Star prints, I don't buy it. People have to stop buying this crap! They will dry up and crawl away if we stopped giving them money.
Raley's, Nob Hill, in Scotts Valley, CA has removed the offensive and fake newspapers/magazines from the checkout stands. I don't know if this is a corporate policy or store policy, but speak up and ask your local stores to please stop placing this kind of trash where we are practically forced to read it! And if they already do, thank them.
As for why people write this stuff, well they are greedy, not bright enough to write anything real, and they get a power kick out of hurting people. Pity them. And again, stop buying this crap! -
Most of us don't believe the tabloids. They just want to get a story and it's usually mean spirited. I can't imagine. You have such a solid family unit and you can tell your kids feel loved.
Those magazines are just fluff and not substance. It's too bad they have to provoke scary feelings for your children. The problem is there is no way to get away from them..just know this fan here does not believe them. Stay strong! -
I would never believe anything star writes. You and Dean are the Hollywood couple I most admire and I wish you and your family the best. God bless you
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Tori I am so admiring you and know how someones lies can damage a child. You did the right thing and there are a lot of us out here who love and adore your little family. I would sue the sh%* out of them, that may make them think the next time they want to print lies. Thanks Tori for sharing your truth. Diane, wife, mother, grandma, and your fan. -
Tori, I'm so proud of you for writing this letter, I just read the star yesterday, and you can tell it's all lies, You and Dean are very special to me and its really hurtful to hear what this did to Liam, these people truly don't have a heart out kid's, but tori your true fan's "like me" know this story is all bull......keep your chin up high and let this all roll off your shoulder, your a beautiful mother, wife and role model, so keep doing what your doing, and ignore the stupidity of some people........we, your true fan's have your back 100%......much love and hugs to you and Dean and the kid's -
My one daughter seen the magazine and said mom look they are getting a divorce. I said no they are not. They are very happy with one another, the magazine just wants to sell their magazines and they do not care who they have to hurt. Enjoy your life and you did the right thing explaining it to your children. Keep you and your family safe from the idiots.
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TORI, AT MY LOCAL GROCERY STORE I SAW THE MAGAZINE AND ASKED THE MANAGER IF HE WOULD REMOVE THEM BECAUSE I FIND THEM OFFENSIVE. SURPRISE! He said he would be glad to!!!!!!! Imagine if more people did that!
xoxoxoxox
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