Angel speaks out on feud with local journo
Criss Angel has finally commented publicly on the ugly spat between himself and Review-Journal's Norm Clarke that happened after the Miss USA pageant in April. During the incident, Angel threatened the eyesight of Clarke. He then ignored opportunities to deny or retract the threat. Yesterday, on the red carpet for the Academy of Country Music Awards, Steve Friess asked Angel about the incident. On his blog, Friess transcribes their brief exchange:
Friess: Are you planning to apologize for the threat you made against Norm Clarke of the Review-Journal?
Angel: The problem is, some people got their lines crossed. And if some people got the whole story, they would see that what he wrote is actually not what really happened. So there’s nothing to apologize for.
Friess: What really happened?
Angel: I’d need awhile to explain that to you and now is not the appropriate time.
The appropriate time, of course, would have been immediately after the incident. If Angel has a story to tell at any point, he can still offer it; then there will not be more of these awkward red carpet encounters. And there will be more. In fact, the questioner could have as easily been me, if I had been covering ACM's red carpet instead of the Helldorado Days Parade. I am sure I will run into Criss Angel soon and get my chance to ask. And I wonder what questions Norm Clarke might have for Angel on the next red carpet those two meet?
Angel has created a public relations nightmare for himself that with his Cirque show set to open in September, many in Vegas are still interested in his threat to Clarke and other ugly behavior attributed to him during the Miss USA contest back in April.
(Photo by Sarah Gerke)
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Enjoyed the article. CA is doing that two step shuffle and tap dance around the whole thing, Hollywood double speak where he says something about something but everyone sits there and scratches their head wondering what the hell he was talking about and was he actually talking about what the question that was asked, where he neither acknowledges anything happened nor that he knows anything about whatever happened nor if he was at fault. It appears that CA has been coached by north Korean diplomats or something. This is typical. I am amazed that he is even talking about it now after so much silence. We'll get more of this avoidance of the whole issue, but he'll talk like he's addressing it because of his incredible ego and arrogance.
As far as what Norm Clarke (the reporter who was threatened) will ask him? No. He won't ask him anything. Because Norm is way too classy to do that. He reported it and that's it. No more need to mention anything. What's done is done.
Actually, it is hilarious because Norm in his weekly column has reported on CA a few times, but he reported on him in a way that he didn't mention CA's name at all, but the reader can clearly see who he is talking about. Good on you, Norm. You're my hero. Not this CA character.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | May 19, 2008 at 01:14 PM
What lines got crossed. The lines of communication are crystal clear.
Criss Angel is a self-centered, cold-hearted A--hole.
However, I would go see his show if he was performing for my county fair at a $10.00
cover fee. Otherwise, the guy isn't worth it.
Posted by: Luke | May 19, 2008 at 01:28 PM
For all of you haters who are being all anal about the situation, whay are you getting angry with Criss Angel when you don't know the whole story. Now i understand that some people hate him....Which begs the question: If you don't llike Criss Angel then why would you even consider reading a post completely about him, and then have the cajones to commment about him????
And to ColinFromLasVegas who wrote "What lines got crossed. The lines of communication are crystal clear.
Criss Angel is a self-centered, cold-hearted A--hole.
However, I would go see his show if he was performing for my county fair at a $10.00
cover fee. Otherwise, the guy isn't worth it. "
I really have to stop and think, wha kind of county fairs do they have in Vegas.. Oh yeah and another thing you can take your $10 and shove it up your a** cause Criss Angel doesn't perform for trailer park trash scum like you anyways.
I happen to know Criss and i am very close to him. So don't eveeer step out of line again, cause i will always be there to back hiim up and to speak for him since he is too busy making a living and not f***ing around on some computer blog site!!!!!!!
XOX
*-*Loyal Jessica*-*
Posted by: Loyal Jessica | May 19, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Okay, lemme see if I've got this straight. . . you're passing judgment on Criss, who may or may not have threatened someone, because he declined to comment on said incident which may or may not have happened? This is different from anyone else how? And, if he says it happened and apologizes, then he's condemned for it happening, if he says it didn't happen then he'll be called a liar, so how is him commenting on the situation going to be beneficial in ANY way? Other than to give you more cannon fodder, that is?
Has anyone else here noticed that this "public relations nightmare" is only still being actively discussed by you and, well, you? Has anyone else here noticed that there has not been a single soul on this planet who has publicly corroborated Norm's story about the night in question? And has anyone else noticed that you and Norm seem to be BFFs?
Oh wait, I'm sorry. . .I started using logic there for a second. That doesn't apply in tabloid journalism, does it? My bad.
Posted by: Talyn | May 19, 2008 at 06:09 PM
You "Loyals" need to grow up and find something better to do than obsessively defend a man who isn't worth it. I swear, Criss could be a baby raping serial killer and you'd defend him. Stop wasting your time being an obsessed teeny bopper trying to create a pathetic cult and put your life to some good. Criss Angel is a douche, case closed.
Posted by: Ariana | May 19, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Wrote this on Steve's Blog:
"I don't think anyone has the right to judge Criss' personal life or who he dates. He's a grown man and can do what he pleases. As for the Norm Clarke situation, I would like Criss to explain his side to a fair reporter. I doubt this blog fits that and has shown nothing but dislike and disdain for Criss. You even mock his trick of walking on a lake...what's that about? I wouldn't answer you on the red carpet, especially if you feel the need to diss my art. Look, Criss has been through so much bad press and he's not really doing anything that different from most celebrities. Oh, he dates younger women, so does George Clooney but that's okay because Clooney is 'clean'. See Criss is 'Street' and 'Real'...the author of this blog should do some research...Criss Angel made himself and will still be Criss Angel and have lots of fan with or without your approval. You should really read his book to understand him...but an uppity person like yourself will never do that...I guess it's because Criss doesn't wear Gucci or whatever uppity-arrogant clothes you think a man of his age is supposed to wear. Also, Steve, you expect Criss to talk to you after you declared him the anti-Christ?"
It'll be interesting how this all plays out...I believe Criss is psychic because his song titled "Hate Me" is totally about all this hatred. He even sings "shouldn't shouldn't you...HATE ME"...Criss recorded this over 10 years ago with his band Angeldust (the other member is Klayton). To quote the song again, "Where does it come from? All this hatred..."
Posted by: Free2bFair | May 19, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Criss Angel is Trailer trash.....Vegas style.
Posted by: Luke | May 19, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Loyal Jessica: I want to correct you a bit here. The comment that you stated that I attached to this thread did not come from me. It came from Luke. My comment is the one above it. It is very commendable that you stick up for CA, but I strongly suggest you read things properly and get your facts straight first before you start into a maniacal pro-CA feeding frenzy.
Just in general, I am amazed at the blind obedience this guy has. He performs a criminal act by threatening a journalist and it is explained away that the reporter writes "smut" and that he is a typical "tabloid journalist" and he is a "hack" who is from Las Vegas blah blah woof woof. In other words, let's throw everything at the reporter and play upon people's biases and misunderstandings about Las Vegas, in that you can do anything that you want to do in Las Vegas and that CA is practically virginal. You need to wake up. This happened. And the editor of the Las Vegas Review Journal believes it has happened and has cautioned CA not to threaten his reporter ever again. You people can jump up and scream as loud as you want, and I respect you for your beliefs, but come on! I'm not as dumb as I look (and if I may make an observation on other people's behalf) and others aren't neither. The truth is there and no matter what other stuff that is said to try to deflect or muddy up the issue, it happened. And CA's silence and subsequent deflection of the whole issue just do nothing but confirm it is true. The big concern is CA shows indifference, no remorse and arrogance about the whole thing. That is what I'm trying to point out.
Luke: On your comment that he is trailer trash....Las Vegas style? Perhaps he is. In all fairness to CA, the jury is still out on that. The problem is that this unfortunate chain of events is happening here in Las Vegas and Cirque appears to be backing a loser, possibly throwing A LOT of money down the drain. If he is trailer trash, perhaps back on the East Coast or in Hollywood or somewhere else would be a better location for him to pursue this endeavor.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | May 19, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Richard Abowitz? I just wanted to drop a note on this thread that you are doing a great job. I enjoy reading your articles, irregardless if they are slanted favorably or against CA, or if they are about anything here in Las Vegas. I enjoy reading different views. You probably read all these notes attached to your articles and probably just see bad stuff and criticism. Well....here's a change of pace. A good note. (smile) Keep up the good work.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | May 19, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Hey,why the hell should CA answer to any of you trailer trash,especially smutt writers.He's the bigger man here by not answering to all you ninny's.Actually he did,he said people got their lines crossed.Friess and Abowitz and clark and the rest need to get a real job.
Posted by: bettylouh | May 19, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Colin,you are a friggen joke.
Posted by: bettylouh | May 19, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Tough call. I'm torn between my hatred of Criss Angel and my hatred of Norm Clarke. Can I hope that they'll wipe each other out? Or get married?
Posted by: Gully Foyle | May 19, 2008 at 11:48 PM
If Norm is classy then I'm a 240 pound size 2, LOL
Get my point?
If I was Criss I wouldn't degnify his bs with a answer either.
Posted by: Angels66 | May 20, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Criss Angel is in love with Criss Angel. Criss Angel truly believes he is the new David Copperfield. I, for one, do not believe David Copperfield has anything to worry about regardless of his recent setbacks. Criss Angel and David Copperfield are like night and day.
Criss Angel is all about CRISS CRISS CRISS and will play on his loyal following to gain financial power. Sad to see all his loyals so captivated by his cult following. In the end, all you loyals are to Criss Angel is a secured paycheck. I doubt there are enough loyals out there to support his 10 year gig with Cirque.
Posted by: Luke | May 20, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Criss Angel's biggest illusion to date is being a MAN
Posted by: Luke | May 20, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Criss I love you.
I would leave my husband for you.
I know you love me too. You stared at me for a whole minute.
I'm your loyal forever.
Your little High Horse
Posted by: High Horse | May 20, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Criss....I cannot wait to see you in your new Cirque show BELIEVE.
I also cannot wait to see you backstage after the show so that I can once again return the performance
one-on-one with you lol
Posted by: Amanda@Emmamandrake | May 20, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Sad that there's so little going on in the world today (like a, I don't know, WAR or ELECTION!) that people have nothing better to pay attention to than Criss Angel. I declare myself a Loyal, but I am not a fanatic. Yes, I am very disappointed with this behavior. But until I have concrete proof that it actually happened (and I don't believe that anyone here was physically there and heard it with their own ears!), then I will remain on Criss' side and defend him.
Love you, Criss
Posted by: Loyal Sandy | May 20, 2008 at 11:57 AM
I love you Criss.
Let's play with my little voodoo doll.
I'm totally obsessed by you.
I would leave my husband for you sweetheart.
You can find me on the A&E board if you want to contact me.
Your little High Horse
Posted by: High Horse | May 20, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Criss you know I am your biggest fan.
I am in love with you and cannot wait to see you in BELIEVE.
I will also try to make my way on the grounds of Luxor to see you but
you know how tight security is around there.
You are my favorite magic man.
Hopefully one day you'll allow me to make some magic on you too.
Posted by: Amanda@Emmamandrake | May 20, 2008 at 06:25 PM
He thinks he's so smart, he's stupid. Of course it happened. I would surmise to be inclined to think that Mr. Norm Clarke would have been sued for both slander and libel if it were not true.
And the loyals? they are nothing more than Charles Manson followers in the year of 2008.
Posted by: vanillasky | May 20, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Criss,
I love you please contact me on my A&E account.
I'm so in love with you. Remember how you stared at me?
Criss, please read all my posts on the A&E board . I love you so much.
Give me the word and I will leave my husband for you.
Your little High Horse
Posted by: High Horse | May 21, 2008 at 05:35 AM
I think that this situation is unfortunate yes criss wanted his girlfriend to win the contest dont all men wish that for someone who is passionate about what they do. I feel that these words we're just said in the heat of the moment I dont think that anyone would ever carry out such a dangerous threat and criss was maybe having a bad day himself unfortunately sometimes these things get blown out of proportion.
Posted by: danielle | May 21, 2008 at 07:37 AM
To High Horse and Amanda@Emmamandrake
Would you too ladies kindly profess your love of Criss on another site.
The comments in here are suppose to be in reference to the above article.
Thank you
Posted by: Anonymous | May 21, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I agree with you Danielle 100%. Any man who is simply crazy in love with his girl is going to react as such. Criss just wanted his love to win. If even Criss did get "emotional" that evening I'm sure he wasn't seriously going to do any bodily harm to Norm Clarke. Heck, even when I get mad at times I say things that I clearly do not mean. Such as "If you do that again I'll kill you". I truly don't plan on murdering anyone its just a figure of speech.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 21, 2008 at 09:24 AM