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Man Tells Selfish Celebs To Stop Divorcing On Billboards Across L.A.
Sure, we've got a lot of problems in L.A., like poverty and trigger-happy cops. But maybe we should be focusing more on pressing topics, like celebrities defiling the sanctity of marriage. One noble man is fighting the good fight against the number one relationship killer—by putting up bizarre but well-intentioned, anti-divorce messages directed at our Hollywood stars all over our city.
The billboards are up on Sunset and Hollywood boulevards, in North Hollywood and Woodland Hills, and even on the side of buses. One says, "Dear Hollywood, Please remember... marriage is a commitment, not a sponsorship opportunity." Another plays on Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's splitsville talk in March: "Dear Hollywood, When you consciously uncouple, millions unconsciously uncouple too."
It seems like a joke, but apparently all the billboards are paid by J. Robert Butler, who looks very authoritative and says he launched the Society for the Prevention of Celebrity Divorce group this year. (He may be the only member.) It's a bizarre crusade, but it looks like it's stemming from a personal story. He writes:
Just last year my daughter told me that after three years of marriage, she and her husband were divorcing. This broke my heart. And I believe the high rate of celebrity divorce influenced her, just as it has influenced so many others.
Sponsored message
Butler says he wants to keep married folks together, and that celebrities, being the trendsetters they are, are making divorce popular. According to him, 80 percent of celebrity marriages end in divorce. (We haven't fact-checked that.) He writes, "Celebrities need to understand they have a personal responsibility and obligation as role models." He also tries to make the case in terms that Hollywood might understand, "Tom and Katie announced their divorce in June 2012. Since then, none of Tom’s three movies grossed $100 million at the box office. Coincidence? You decide."
So celebrities, you should consider staying together—not for the kids, but for all of America. No pressure, guys.
Although Butler acknowledges that he can't singlehandedly save all couples from separating, maybe his billboards might give Paltrow and Martin the push they need to consciously recouple. Godspeed.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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