Rap Producer's Midnight Express

Yesterday, I was begged, "please do not say what's happening to Dallas Austin. For fear of his life." But then Rush & Molloy broke the news in their gossip column today. Here's what I know.

Dallas Austin, the Atlanta R&B/hip-hop/rap producer of TLC and other major recording groups, got nabbed in Dubai a month ago for drug possession. It was serious. They found coke and a miscellaneous assortment of goodies on him. Austin, as reported, was arriving for Naomi Campbell's birthday party.

Since then, Austin has foundered in a Dubai prison waiting for something to happen. I'm told he has a trial set for the first week of July.

His lawyers, including Atlanta record biz heavyweight Joel Katz, have been trying to settle the case and spring him before that. Of course, the fear is that should a trial go badly, Austin could wind up lost in a Middle Eastern judicial system a la the infamous story told in the film "Midnight Express."

Obviously, no country should be lenient about drugs, but wouldn't it make more sense for Dubai — which is struggling to become the Las Vegas of the Middle East — to extradite Austin back here for trial and punishment?

Dubai, by all accounts, is dying to have Western celebrities and entertainers at its resorts, casinos and nightclubs. The specter of arrest and incarceration isn't going to make that country so appealing, I feel. Tolerance and rational behavior as responses should do the trick.

By the way, didn't Naomi party with the Prince of Dubai over New Year's? He's rumored to be courting her with all kinds of diamonds. Certainly the Prince must have some sway with local authorities. I'm surprised Naomi hasn't used her substantial powers of persuasion to secure Austin's release yet.

Source: Fox News

http://www.foxnews.com/st...98,00.html

BlaqueKnight said:

Apparently so was Chilli.

Maybe he WON'T BE TOO PROUD TO BEG!!!!!
As the late, great Redd Foxx used to say, "Ya Big Dummy"!!!!! Someone woulda had some for him THERE. I mean c'mon; this was NAOMI CAMPBELL'S PARTY!!!!!
Didn't we learn ANYTHING from Jimi????? Hell, DIONNE for that matter!!!!!
BOY OH BOY!!!!!

Rodger Friedman is a niotirous lair and/or idiot. If his stories aren't made up they are from phony sources. He claimed that Issac Hayes actually had a storke and that was his reason for leaving "South Park". And he got caught but he I doubt he ever reacted to the story. Anybody that reads his columns and knows anything about entertainment news knows he is full of shit. He's also very famous for showing his bais for celebs he likes and dislikes (political affilation helps determine this). And I'm reading his review of "Superman" right now and it's all over the place....the one thing I've heard everyone say is that Kate Bosworth is excellent as Lois and of course, he bashes her (she must be a Democrat).


Here are some snippets.


For one thing, I don't know why in the world this edition of "Superman" was adopted by the gay community. Director Singer is gay, and his point of view comes across fairly often, but neither Superman the character nor his new portrayer, Brandon Routh, seem especially sexual in any direction. Singer seems more interested in creating a Christ-like icon out of Superman, which is certainly unique.

Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane actually fares much worse. She is very bland, lacking any of the zip Margot Kidder gave to the role in the films or Teri Hatcher in the "Lois and Clark" TV series.

WTF?
[Edited 6/23/06 23:54pm]

VinnyM27 said:

So there is hope..this is all BS...????? Really????

It's true. He's a stupid prick for bringing coke into that country. They're very harsh with anything to do with drugs over there.

He thinks Superman as a Christ-like icon is unique? Where the hell has he been all this time?

I heard this also and it sounds 2 be true. If it is....he deserves what he gets. This was a DUMB ass move no matter how u LOOK at it. Some people have more $$ than BRAINS.

JasonStar said:

He has serious crediblity issues and I don't think anyone takes him seriously. Everything he writes is either totally opinated (and off base) or filled with half truths along with mixed up facts and stats. His articles are often good for a laugh. There might be some truth to it. Then again, I wouldn't doubt that Dallas Austin is in LA mixing a record and has never set foot in Dubai in his life. It's Rodger Friedman!

I honestly hope it isn't true only because he is supposedly doing an album for my favorite American Idol contestant, Vonzell!

AlexdeParis said:

In FoxLand, I guess. He's no with it at all! This is what happens when a conservative writes about the liberal arts! It would be funny if he had his own show....could you imagine. Fox doesn't even attempt to do a show on entertainment news because everyone would see their bias even more. along with the fact that they can't get their facts straight.

VinnyM27 said:

I'm not, by any means defending inaccuracy, but opinion pieces and commentaries are an established form of journalism. One must always have the facts right, though, even for commentary and editorials.

In Dallas Austin's case, that's a shame. Not the smartest thing to do, when you're headed to a region known for being heavy-handed. Wasn't this part of the plot to "Return to Paradise?"


.
[Edited 6/24/06 9:58am]

That really sucks. Dallas rules. I'm gonna go put on "Sexhibition."

ThreadBare said:

Yeah, but this guy isn't writing reviews or editorals and he does it in a very sneaky way. It's very ameaturish, frankly.

VinnyM27 said:

I see. Sadly, that kind of thing grows more common with each day and with each "big story." Laziness and a willingness to trade accuracy for the limelight. It stinks, and further erodes the public trust in journalism. Rightfully so.

Graycap23 said:

What he did was absolutely wrong, and every person should get a punishment which befits the crime they have committed. However, in zero tolerance countries like Dubai and others in Middle East and North Africa, the punishments for what Dallas did include (and are not limited to) having a limb or other member of your person chopped off...and in some cases death by beheading. He was wrong alright, but I wouldn't want him to face the guillotine for it or spend the rest of his life limping around in a desert prison like Toby from ROOTS cause they axed his foot off.

Ottensen said:

Do't u think America NEEDS the same policy? I do.

he pulled a 'john forte'

dummy.

AlexdeParis said:

Actually if you think about it, Supe's story is more Moses like.

VinnyM27 said:

It's a celebrity news and gossip column. Quite different from reporting the "news." Friedman isn't the only one reporting on the matter. Several sources are reporting the same story.

RipHer2Shreds said:

It's entertainment news and he always has some half truths, spin and full out lies in there. He sucks ass!

VinnyM27 said:

That may very well be. I'm just telling you others are reporting the same information.

VinnyM27 said:

-----
"Rodger Friedman is a niotirous lair and/or idiot" You must be a Mike Jackson fan. LOL. Well this story appears to be true as it has appeared on a few other sites and publications.

laurarichardson said:

I've never read what he's said about Micheal but anything I read anything he has to publish, it's trash. That's why, at at first, I took his "story" with a grain of salt. He was exposed for saying that Issac Hayes had a stroke and that was dismissed by the media, who actually did their homework. He's an ass clown.

VinnyM27 said:

Yeah, a lot of what he writes about Michael is based largely in "rumorville" (to say the least.) The only thing is, with Dallas Austin, Wikipedia (not sure how accurate it is) recently had this to add with regards to Dallas Austin's "current" situation:

Held in Dubai?

On 23 June 2006, it was reported that Austin was detained in Dubai, where he was accused of being in possession of illegal narcotics.On 26 June 2006,Khaleej Times, Dubai based newspaper, reported that arrest reports could however not be confirmed.offical sources refused to speak up.

u have got 2 be a damn fool 2 enter another country (especially a MIDDLE EASTERN one) with illegal substances. if u ask me, he MUST have been high on coke 2 have even packed the shyt. what an idiot. and who hasn't seen MIDNIGHT EXPRESS! there's the damn lesson ON FILM even! good luck with your attorney's DALLAS. if your head is clear at this point, i'm sure u realize your stupidity. there is really nothing 2 say. i pray u survive 4 your kids sake.

This situation, if true, is beyond my belief.
How DUMB does one have 2 be?

I really hope it isnt true and now I dont know what to believe since there an update that Dallas wasn't arrested. http://eurweb.com/story/eur27111.cfm

JasonStar said:

If he is that stupid, maybe he deserves what ever he gets. Celebrity does not afford anyone the luxury of breaking the law - in the US or anywhere else, for that matter.
Sorry to say....

cubic61052 said:

Before I could kind of see where you are coming from cubic. However, now it is rumored he might be put to death as a result..I certainly don't think that is justice. That is just..evil.