Jon Bon Jovi's 19-year-old daughter Stephanie Rose Bongiovi was arrested at her college in Upstate New York early this morning after allegedly overdosing on heroin ... TMZ has learned.You can read more at TMZ (and pretty much every other news/gossip site).
According to the Town of Kirkland Police Department, cops responded to a dorm room at Hamilton College after someone reported that Stephanie had allegedly overdosed on heroin and was unresponsive.
Along with police, emergency medical personnel also responded to the scene and found Stephanie alive.
Cops say a drug task force searched the scene and found a "small quantity" of heroin ... along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
In my opinion, the news has brought out an ugly side of the Bon Jovi fan base. While I don't think the all-gushing "JBJ and family can do no wrong", "Please pray for this poor angel" types are particularly helpful, the more sinister judgmental reactions I've seen are worse. People are so often quick to judge without knowing the whole story. Even more so when it's someone like Stephanie, whom we actually know very little about except that she's the only daughter of a very wealthy rock star -- an easy person to stereotype.
Secondly, people supposedly much older and wiser make silly mistakes every day. Many are also quite open about dabbling in drugs. There is a distinction to be made between, say, smoking pot on occasion and getting into something as hard as heroin. But I still don't understand people justifying their own drug use in the same breath as they condemn Stephanie or revel in what has happened to her with holier-than-thou condescension, e.g. "Yeah I've done XYZ drugs and it was cool but I would never touch heroin because I'm not retarded". Huh?!
Then again, perhaps I'd be less confused if I wasn't a non-drinker and non-smoker who's never so much as touched a Panadol in her life. :P
ADDENDUM: Charges against Stephanie and the guy who was arrested with her have reportedly been dropped thanks to New York's 911 Good Samaritan laws which are designed to allow overdose victims to get emergency help without fear of criminal charges.
I enjoyed your take on the fan base comments. People just do not know what to say,and they probably should say nothing. As a criminal defense attorney, I know that there is always more to to the story. However, I must admit that the news shocked and saddened me as a parent. I have deep sympathy for Jon and his wife, but with his resources, they should be able to turn this situation around. Thanks!
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