Angel: to ask or not to ask
May 22, 2008 | 10:34
am
To ask or not to ask, that is the question.As I predicted the questions surrounding Criss Angel's threat to the Review-Journal's Norm Clarke at the Miss USA pageant in April have continued to cloud the public unveiling of Angel's new $100-million Cirque du Soleil show, "Believe." Cirque and Angel held a special press function Saturday to promote the show. I was not invited. Also not invited was Steve Friess (from USA Today and New York Times) who recently asked Angel about the incident with Clarke on a red carpet. Clarke was not there either.
But the Review-Journal's show reviewer and entertainment feature writer Mike Weatherford was among the select few chosen to interview Angel. Amazingly, he did not ask Angel to address the situation regarding his Review-Journal colleague. I e-mailed Weatherford to find out why he refrained from asking the obvious questions about the Miss USA incident? To his credit, Weatherford wrote back almost at once:
"This hasn't been actively discussed, but I think it has gone unsaid that since Norm and I mostly work independently already, I need to keep doing my thing (cover this show all the way through its opening) and let him do his. Besides, the interviews weren't one-on-one and there was a sense of the meter running in the presence of Kats (John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun) and the AP on my side of the table, and the show's director and choreographer on the other, none of whom would probably appreciate the limited window of time sidetracked by Norm talk."
I still would have asked about the situation; yet, I understand Weatherford's decision. The editor he works for asked for a story on the new Cirque show and not on the show's star's spat with Norm Clarke. I am sure if Weatherford were doing a feature-length profile of Angel, then he would have asked about the issue. Because in trying to understand Criss Angel in a profile, his behavior that night raises major questions about the man Cirque is investing $100 million into showcasing on the Strip.
As I said, these questions will continue to haunt Angel because his behavior continues to go unexplained by himself, Cirque or MGM-Mirage (owner of Luxor, the show's host property). One of those questions: How can threatening to poke an eye out of a reporter be seen as acceptable behavior for a Strip headliner by his partners in "Believe" (two of the most respected corporations in town, MGM-Mirage and Cirque)?
Meanwhile I have spoken to three witnesses to the encounter with Clarke and they all essentially offer the same account of Angel's behavior. In fact, no one has directly disputed the accuracy of Clarke's account of that night. If Angel threatened Clarke, as Clarke claims and the witnesses I spoke to agree, and Angel continues to refuse to either retract the threat or offer any explanation, how can the story go away? And, if Angel wishes to continue avoiding discussing that night, that means each press event will need to be further controlled, with fewer press members invited. The problem won't end until enough time has passed that people no longer want an explanation from Angel. How long that will be is anyone's guess.
Certainly that moment has not even come close to arriving. Steve Friess, for example, strongly argues on his blog that Weatherford's decision not to ask Angel about the incident was baffling. Here is why. Weatherford wrote a response on his own blog to Friess here further defending his decision not to ask Angel about the Norm Clarke controversy.
Clearly there are those in the media who think Angel should be asked about this incident at every event, by every responsible reporter, until there is an explanation given. That must be disconcerting to those investing $100 million in his show, which opens in just a few months.
Bottom line: as "Believe" nears opening in September, there is as much interest in Angel's seemingly erratic behavior as their is anticipation of his show. This was not the case when "Believe" was announced. (photo by Sarah Gerke)
But the Review-Journal's show reviewer and entertainment feature writer Mike Weatherford was among the select few chosen to interview Angel. Amazingly, he did not ask Angel to address the situation regarding his Review-Journal colleague. I e-mailed Weatherford to find out why he refrained from asking the obvious questions about the Miss USA incident? To his credit, Weatherford wrote back almost at once:
"This hasn't been actively discussed, but I think it has gone unsaid that since Norm and I mostly work independently already, I need to keep doing my thing (cover this show all the way through its opening) and let him do his. Besides, the interviews weren't one-on-one and there was a sense of the meter running in the presence of Kats (John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun) and the AP on my side of the table, and the show's director and choreographer on the other, none of whom would probably appreciate the limited window of time sidetracked by Norm talk."
I still would have asked about the situation; yet, I understand Weatherford's decision. The editor he works for asked for a story on the new Cirque show and not on the show's star's spat with Norm Clarke. I am sure if Weatherford were doing a feature-length profile of Angel, then he would have asked about the issue. Because in trying to understand Criss Angel in a profile, his behavior that night raises major questions about the man Cirque is investing $100 million into showcasing on the Strip.
As I said, these questions will continue to haunt Angel because his behavior continues to go unexplained by himself, Cirque or MGM-Mirage (owner of Luxor, the show's host property). One of those questions: How can threatening to poke an eye out of a reporter be seen as acceptable behavior for a Strip headliner by his partners in "Believe" (two of the most respected corporations in town, MGM-Mirage and Cirque)?
Meanwhile I have spoken to three witnesses to the encounter with Clarke and they all essentially offer the same account of Angel's behavior. In fact, no one has directly disputed the accuracy of Clarke's account of that night. If Angel threatened Clarke, as Clarke claims and the witnesses I spoke to agree, and Angel continues to refuse to either retract the threat or offer any explanation, how can the story go away? And, if Angel wishes to continue avoiding discussing that night, that means each press event will need to be further controlled, with fewer press members invited. The problem won't end until enough time has passed that people no longer want an explanation from Angel. How long that will be is anyone's guess.
Certainly that moment has not even come close to arriving. Steve Friess, for example, strongly argues on his blog that Weatherford's decision not to ask Angel about the incident was baffling. Here is why. Weatherford wrote a response on his own blog to Friess here further defending his decision not to ask Angel about the Norm Clarke controversy.
Clearly there are those in the media who think Angel should be asked about this incident at every event, by every responsible reporter, until there is an explanation given. That must be disconcerting to those investing $100 million in his show, which opens in just a few months.
Bottom line: as "Believe" nears opening in September, there is as much interest in Angel's seemingly erratic behavior as their is anticipation of his show. This was not the case when "Believe" was announced. (photo by Sarah Gerke)
Sorry to hear you got blackballed from that press conference. But you should be content that you are actually reporting things and not throwing someone else's slant on them. I applaud you for sticking to your guns and being factual. That is a feather in your cap, Richard.
One thing that is interesting to me about this article is that this press conference that was called together that excluded all reporters who possibly, might have and/or would have popped the question appears to have been put together by CA AND Cirque. Shades of Communism in Las Vegas? Did Cirque decide who would attend based on CA's suggestion? Or did Cirque do this to protect their investment in CA? Or did both CA and the hierarchy of Cirque/Luxor all decide this together? Whatever happened, it is clear that Cirque, who for the first time in Las Vegas history have hired an act based solely on an individual and spent millions of dollars on it, have clearly thrown in the hat in CA's ring and are clearly backing him and they have decided to go with it sink or swim.
Well....Cirque has just officially screwed up. Because the spin on this can't be avoided. Someone will pop the question and no matter what happens, Cirque is sinking with CA. I have just lost all my respect for Cirque as an entertainment giant in the industry. They have decided to back a loose cannon. They probably signed him to an act before all this erratic behavior surfaced and decided to roll with it. Cirque's silence in this whole matter clearly shows they are hoping for the best and that it goes away. Well, it's not going to happen. But this same silence, to the general viewing public, is also pretty damning.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | May 22, 2008 at 12:27 PM
It appears that CRISS ANGEL is much more powerful in Vegas than anyone of you reporters have given him creidt for. CRISS ANGEL is King of Vegas....hands down.
Posted by: High Horse | May 22, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Ummm.... Far from it, High Horse. He's a small fish in a big pond here. If CA is the King of Las Vegas, then Godzilla must wear a bright pink tutu.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | May 22, 2008 at 01:45 PM
why wont ppl let this go? everyone gets angry at some point or another. why make such a big deal over it? i applaud criss for realizing its not a big deal! he mite have been drunk when he said it anyway lolz
Posted by: envy | May 22, 2008 at 03:57 PM
why wont ppl let this go? everyone gets angry at some point or another. why make such a big deal over it? i applaud criss for realizing its not a big deal! he mite have been drunk when he said it anyway lolz
Posted by: envy | May 22, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Criss is the King of Vegas and he's in love with me.
I love you Criss and you love me.
Criss you're my man and I will leave my husband for you.
Criss please contact me on the A&E board.
Love you Criss,
Your little High Horse
Posted by: High Horse | May 22, 2008 at 04:12 PM
when r u going to let this go already. its old news..... u r very boring. there is a lot that goes on in vegas, cant u find something new to write about instead of regurgitating the same. if norm and criss were both having a new show opening, which show do u think would sellout first? i'm pretty sure criss angel is much more interesting for most people, and not many care about what u or norm write.
Posted by: noneofurbiz | May 22, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Well, said, Colin. If he was any sort of man, he would apologize and it would go away - all would be forgotten. However, he is being evasive because he is guilty as charged.
Afterall, it takes a real man to admit he is wrong. But Cirque and Felix Rappaport are in deep now. Money and time invested. Let's hope he does well. For his sake.
When did people stop caring about other people? Especially handicapped ones?
Posted by: vanillasky | May 22, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I cant believe you guys are still ranting about this incident. What ifCriss admits to the threat-then what. Will the boogey man come and get him. Havent we all made threats in our lifetime. I could not count the number of times i have said "stop it or I will kill you". Should I be prosecuted for attempted murder? You guys sound like scorned lovers trying to get even with the person who jilted you. Get a life. No "journalist" has ever stated what this fuddy duddy guy said to Criss Angel to set him off. Wonder why? If Criss jilted you i am sure there are many other eligible men in Vegas.
Posted by: pam | May 22, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Ok you stupid Criss Angel fans...I am a fan myself just so you know...but sometimes you really have to put that behind and see the true facts of the kind of (if you want to call him) human being Criss Angel is or isnt. He is the most dirty disgusting magician I have ever seen and brings NO class to magic or its industry.
Posted by: tigerwoman | May 22, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I love you Criss. You know I will always be your number one fan.
I will continue to see you at Luxor and LAX. May one day you decide to avoid those
cocktail waitresses and go for me instead. I know I can guarantee you a great time.
I am well-known for my own performances at the LAX. Ask your great friend Tom. I bet he can give you a great recommendation on my behalf.
Posted by: Amada@Emmamandrake | May 23, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Criss,
Please don't take Amanda, take me.
I'm begging you.
Don't you remember me, I was in your Bike episode where I was telling everyone how great you were weaving through the public.
Criss I will leave my husband for you.
We can play with my voodoo doll and I've got a kid too Criss.
I'm a lawyer and I can help you with all your legal battles.
Please Criss contact me on the A&E board.
I love you and you love me.
Your little High Horse.
Posted by: High Horse | May 23, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I find it really interesting that this reporter is the only one still writing about this incident. I mean, this IS the only place I've seen it reported since it happened. Obsessed much???
Posted by: Loyal Sandy | May 23, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Oh my God, why do you still make such a great drama of this little blooper? In fact nobody knows what made Criss say what he said to Mr.Clark. But he doesn't want to talk about it and the publicity has to accept that! It seems to be something private between the two, and Criss is just nerved of those questions and justifiably so. Ok, you will say now "she's a Loyal, she has to say this". No, this is my general opinion. I am from Germany and here many people don't understand why in America a celebrity seems to have no right to keep personal things private.
Posted by: LoyalWildRose | May 24, 2008 at 01:15 AM
What I find hillarious is these questions are not in fact "haunting" anyone but this website. You seem to be the ONLY one hung up still by this story to which no photo or video evidence of any kind has come forth. Odd since this was a major televised event with thousands upon thousands of photographers and video cameras.
Posted by: Jamie | May 24, 2008 at 03:12 AM
Would you apologise for something you didn't do just because the rest of the world wanted you to? I seriously doubt it! If you do you would be an idiot! Personally if someone accuses me of something I didn't do I do not dignify it with answer. I don't lower myself to their level.
Even the writer of this article clearly states that Norm Clarke's allegations can not be proven. There for it is legally considered hearsay! Get over it already! Living in the past is unhealthy. Move on & Get a Life!
As for Norm's disability, it is only one if he lets it! My Grandfather had one leg and still drove a regular car and my other Grandfather was blind in one eye and still drove; the point is they both had "disabliities" but where both able to function as normal human beings who drove safely!
Perhaps his (Clarke's) disability isn't a physical one but a mental one! Perhaps he's looking for publicity of his own to move up in the Celebrity (gossip) Journalism field! Any other "normal person" would have moved on from an incident that happend way back in the beinging of April!
Posted by: Angels66 | May 24, 2008 at 07:16 AM
If there was enough evidence to prosecute chargse would have been filed and they have not! Geez wonder why? LOL
Posted by: Angels66 | May 24, 2008 at 07:36 AM
In Las Vegas, just like other places around the world, there are laws and an acceptable forms of behavior, although it may seem that it is somewhat relaxed compared to other places, that must be adhered to.
CA stepped across those boundaries. One person mentioned that as an excuse "he was drunk." In all fairness, that was never brought up. That's neither here nor there because it don't matter if he was drunk or not when the threat was made. And if he was drunk, that is not an excuse for the threat he made. HE chose to be drunk and then HE chose to make a threat against a respected reporter in Las Vegas, if that was the case. Drunkeness is not an excuse, perhaps an addiction, but not an excuse.
As far as "letting this go", "this is old news", etc. No. It is news that is about to break. To recap, an act has signed with a prestigious worldwide entertainment company giant in a large and successful casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. Subsequently afterwards, CA threatens a reporter, which is witnessed by reliable witnesses, and afterwards CA does not talk about it, justify it, own up to it or even acknowledge it happened. And when he does briefly mention it, CA spouts out psycho babble that leaves everyone scratching their heads. And the casino and Cirque have also chosen to remain silent about it, in hopes that it goes away. And reporters (not only in Las Vegas) see what's going on and are pursuing the story. That's it in a nutshell.
You Loyals and other fans of CA want it to go away and scream for it to go away and jump up and down and go into a psychotic pro-CA maniacal frenzy, but you can't make it go away because the spin on it is getting worse and worse every day, especially as long as CA remains silent and shows total arrogance towards the whole matter. Even Cirque people are silent and hope that it goes away. This is local news in Las Vegas that people are watching, mainly because they are totally mystified by CA's behavior and silence about this whole matter. Wake up. It's not going away. If anything, it's just started.
Actually, I kind of feel sorry for the reporters trying to report about this. Amongst these Loyals, they probably feel like they are on the set of "Night of Living Dead" movie, surrounded by pro-CA mindless zombies.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | May 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM
To Colin
Criss may be a small fish in a big pond when it comes to Vegas but when it comes to his craft Criss is on top of his game. I have no doubts that Criss will do well with Cirque and the upcoming show BELIEVE. Criss may not be the easiest man to talk to (for local reporters) but when it comes to delivering a performance Criss is always phenomenal.
Posted by: Amanda | May 24, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Someone here is sure obsessed with high horse and amanda, and needs to get the "F" over it. Sounds like they got attention from Criss Angel when you didn't, and you are just jealous. That is just petty, which I guess is the lot in life of a FUG. But please - deal with your shame privately and not on some message board where we all have to witness you humiliating yourself posting under different names over and over. Accept the fact that you are a skank Criss wouldn't look at twice, and that it is no one's fault but your own. Stop blaming others and posting stupid garbage under other people's names.
Posted by: Double D | May 24, 2008 at 05:23 PM
To Double D.....MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. This is between High Horse and Me.
Posted by: Amanda@Emmamandrake.com | May 24, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Colin: "reliable witnesses"? who are they? what are their names? and why have they said nothing about it since. Again, I believe that this blog on this website is the only one obsessed with an explanation or apology since they are beating it to death. Criss has NOTHING to apologize for. He's not the only person in the world with a temper, and he is certainly not perfect. Wonder how many people Mr Clark may have "threatened" in his illustrious career?
Posted by: Loyal Sandy | May 24, 2008 at 07:30 PM
As usual, Colin is the only person on here that is really taking this seriously without all the nonsense of "I love you, Criss." Thanks Colin for being logical and making sense of this horrific topic!
Posted by: Yen Woo Ping | May 24, 2008 at 07:43 PM
All you who think Criss is a small fish, and those who hate Criss ...Criss may be a little fish but he has accomplished more than you willl ever. He loves who he is and I can't say that about the rest of you slime covered toads.
Posted by: Dragon Eyes | May 25, 2008 at 03:46 AM
Double D,
I'm not ugly and yes Criss gave me attention: a whole minute.
If you want to see how I look like please check the bike episode.
I'm the woman in the black T-shirt at the end of the stunt where he drives blindfolded through the public.
I'm shouting how amazing he is.
I love him so much and I don't care if I make a fool of myself.
I love him, I love him, I love him.
Criss it's me,
Your little High Horse
Posted by: High Horse | May 25, 2008 at 06:31 AM