Thursday, January 26, 2012
Your Turn
Excerpts from Taylor Armstrong's new book are out and in them she documents times that Russell Armstrong beat her up. You know that I cannot stand anyone beating another person, especially a man beating up a woman. I will not stand for it. That being said, it seems to me that Taylor has chosen to try and fit in the beatings to coincide with the things that happened on Real Housewives. For example, the busted eye where we saw photos of her in the hospital. Previously she never said how she got it but now she says it was right after Lisa's daughter's bachelorette party and that Russell accused her of sleeping with a Chippendale's dancer. Why didn't she say that before? Anyway, my question is this. Do you believe Taylor's claims that she was beaten by Russell?
I don't watch the show so I'm really probably in no position to comment but, whenever I read anything about Taylor she just always seems like a terrible person and I don't believe the abuse allegations for a second. How disgusting is it to drag a dead mans name through the mud!? I'm sure he was no angel, they both seem/seemed like they had their problems but I think she's an attention seeking dramam queen... to put it bluntly.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch the show, I have no idea. They all seem like insane people to me, so anything is poosible, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI believe.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he hit her but I do believe he mentally abused her
ReplyDeleteI won't pretend to know whether or not there was physical violence in their relationship, so I won't comment on that.
ReplyDeleteWhat irks me is that her daughter is going to grow up with this book haunting her memories of her dead father. I am sure Taylor published her book for the good of humanity (because I am sure about 3 people in the world can identify with her and relate to her struggle), but the reality of it is, sometimes you should just shut up and keep some things private. I know, you won't make any money that way, but for fuck's sake, I wish she could close that gaping mouth hole of hers for a bit.
I believe he was emotionally abusive for sure, and their arguments probably escalated into physical abuse more than once.
ReplyDeleteI loathe her, but I do believe her.
Also, did it bug anyone else how fucking glowing and happy she looked during the last few minutes of the season finale? I mean, I don't necessarily think that she needs to wear black for a solid year -- especially since Russell was probably a total douche -- but at least try to ACT somber for the sake of your kid, you know? She looked like she had just returned from two weeks at the spa.
ReplyDeleteI wished she'd stop with this. She's making money off a dead guy. I wasn't there, so I don't know whether it's true or not. She lies about everything so who knows?
ReplyDeleteIf, and that's a big IF, he did get rough with her, I seriously doubt it was over a Chippendale dancer. He never seemed to give two shits about her.
All I can say is that I want to believe what Taylor's saying. I want to believe. I've known too many women in my life who have been through physical and emotional abuse, often from seemingly charming men who turn out to be real gasholes who deserve a whipping. And my brother, cousin-in-law, and I had to actually take one dude out for a beatdown after he hit one of my cousins -- right in front of us -- and expected nothing to happen. After beating him down, we helped our cousin move out of the house with her kids and since then, she's divorced him. I really, really, hate wife-beaters.
ReplyDeleteBut with Taylor, her stories ring hollow. As we've seen this season, she has an unusual flexibility with facts and truth -- and comfort with being so deceptive -- that no decent person should ever be. And given all the news after Russell's death about her role in fronting his scams (including intimating that she was a scion of the Ford family of automotive fame), I get the sense that she would say anything just to get anywhere.
So I want to believe Taylor. But I just can't.
Agree 100% w/Sevenmack
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say is that it'd be a lot easier to believe her if she wasn't such a publicity whore. All her lame attempts to cry, stupid stunts, and over all fakeness make it really hard to believe anything she says-let alone abuse allegations to her dead husband.
ReplyDeletebeaten...No...hit or pushed, Yes. I don't think either is acceptable under any circumstance, but I think Taylor is exaggerating for attention.
ReplyDeleteI believe
ReplyDelete(I hope she stops w the lip fillers)
Sevenmack,
ReplyDeleteThis is how the world is supposed to work. I applaud you!
1. People make money off of dead guys every day and we don't bitch. (MJ, Elvis, Marilyn, etc)
ReplyDelete2. If someone abused me for years, and they finally died and I was free, I probably wouldn't mourn for the sake of the public. Eff THAT. Bitches, I'm free!
3. Girl's gotta take care of that kid. And pay for mani/pedis.
I believe her a bit (it probably got physical but it wasn't nearly as often as she claims). I also believe she's a twisted little freak who has her own skeletons and who relies on manipulation when she's not getting her way. She might even believe her own bullshit, who knows.
Yes, I believe he beat or hit or roughed her up on more than one occasion.
ReplyDeleteI do not like her fake ass but she did not deserve to be beaten.
I feel sorry for Kennedy and Russell's family, going through his suicide and being left with fake-ass Taylor.
I figured he physically abused her once they went inside their house after being thrown outta Kyle's White Party, for one instance.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sevenmack.
ReplyDeleteI want to believe her, but I just don't. I'm sure the relationship was horrible and involved much drama, hysterics and bad bad arguing.
I just wish this Taylor woman would tone it down. I guess she's trying to help others who have been abused, but it's hard for me to support her efforts since I really don't buy what she's selling.
Her child seems so unhappy. Tragic.
No.
ReplyDeleteI want to believe her because I DON'T want to believe someone would make up abuse stories.
ReplyDeleteI'll buy that he was emotionally abusive. I don't know about the physical abuse. How convenient for Taylor that Russell is gone. She can say anything she wants - nobody can refute her.
ReplyDelete@Ida - yeah, it really bothered me how chipper she was at the end of the finale. I thought she was going to lead the ladies in song there for a minute.
nope.
ReplyDeleteWho knows with Taylor.
ReplyDeleteBut I've been more concerned all season how she referred to Kennedy and "my daughter", never our daughter.
I think Sevenmack nailed it, and good for you for beating that fool who hit your cousin. It's just not right to hit a lady. Real talk.
ReplyDelete@ Ida Blankenship _ OMFG I thought I was the only one that noticed it. She look more happy and more fresh faced than she had the last 2 seasons. She really did look like she just came from a spa vacation.
ReplyDeleteNow when my abusive dad died, I was not sorry nor did I mourn his loss. So I am conflicted.
I hate to comment on whether Russell abused her, but given her grifting history I can see her embellishing the truth to her benefit. I dont doubt they had fiery arguments maybe that would explain why Kennedy always seems so sad.
When Taylor came to Lisa's restaurant opening, did you notice how Taylor explained her abuse to the women at the table?
ReplyDelete"There was a fight and I got hurt" was how she put it.
She didn't say he hit her. I gotta say, I don't believe her, only because she's such a scam artist. Maybe he pushed her or something, but I think she totally elaborates her situation to suit her needs. She needs to get gone already. Can't stand her. And enty's right -- she cries with no tears ! It's all put on.
It is a shame she is such an asshole because now the validity of her abuse claims are questioned. People don't consider her a credible person, however from the bruises on her face I believe her. He looked very controlling and nutty to me on t.v. Also, the whole "not speaking ill of the dead" thing is bullshit. If he abused her than the fucker deserves to be called out on it!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't believe her. I think she's a liar and a con artist. I can't believe she would do this to her daughter.
ReplyDeleteShe grew up in an abusive situation, so often times those women marry abusers. That doesn't prove he did it. What this book does prove is that she's an a-hole for publishing it.
ReplyDeleteNo. Not that it matters.
ReplyDeleteFor those who want (want?!?) to believe this televised fiction just because of a personal experience, ask yourself if you would still want so badly to believe if you yourself had been falsely and publicly accused of something awful. Obviously it's wrong to hit a lady (true even though that ain't no lady BTW), but isn't it also wrong to grossly slander a person, much less the father of your child, in order to promote your reality show career? Dare I ask, isn't the planned, sneaky, self-promoting slander kind of ... worse?
I'm with Sevenmack.
ReplyDeleteI want to believe her. But everything I've read about this woman is that she's a pathological liar. So I just don't know.
I think he abused her. He's been accused by 2 former wives/girlfriends (who ironically call Taylor a liar-I think it is jealousy.)
ReplyDeleteThat said, she probably knew his past, several marriages, kids all over the place, and a history of violence. But he had money and she went after it. Do I think it was right for him to abuse her? Absolutely not. But I do believe she knew what she was getting into with him, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she was naive.
Now that said-if my husband beat me, and then committed suicide to avoid a divorce, lawsuits, etc...leaving me to raise my daughter that had been raised in the lap of luxery-I wouldn't bat one eye in making every penny I could to insure my daughter (and me) lived as comfortable a life as possible. No regrets. Period.
Russell is not a victim. He agreed to join the cast. He acted like a complete ass on camera. He apparently had shady business dealings, a sordid past and had children that he was responsibile for. He was in therapy and had the support of family and friends. While I understand mental illness also causes suicide, I do not believe that is the case with Russell. I believe he knew he was in trouble and decided to take the easier way out.
It pains me to say it, but I DON'T believe her. She's a grifter through and through and unless she can produce a medical statement backing her claim, I'm prone to believe the photos were "enhanced" by one of a million make up artists residing in Hollywood.
ReplyDeleteAt some point, someone is going to spill the beans.
I believe she was a co-dependent martyr in their relationship and that she was an active participant in his schemes, although she will probably deny knowing anything about it. She's also an expert manipulator - some examples being the way she deftly got rid of the dog Russell bought Kennedy by citing a number of reasons/excuses, and the manner in which she cultivated Lisa's friendship. She was not above using any means to win Lisa over, whether it be sucking up or claiming to be an abused wife in order to gain Lisa's sympathy. Do I think it would have mattered as much to her if Lisa weren't so rich? Hell, no. (Meanwhile Adrienne is far more wealthy but she has a sort of reserve that I think Taylor knew she wouldn't be able to breach.)
ReplyDeleteIt will not be long before she hitches her wagon to some rich man's star.
I believe her, in the first season people/bloggers were speculating that she was being abused, even then. You can be sure the first wife knew what kind of guy he was too. She has a daughter to raise and she seemed healthy to me on the finale, I wish she would stop with the lip fillers though.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ice Angel. I think we're in a lonely club of 2. lol
ReplyDeleteAt this point, I think speculating about the actions of a deceased man is pretty class-less. Especially when the accusations are made by someone with such low credibility.
ReplyDeleteLets just let him RIP.
I don't believe a word out of her mouth.
ReplyDeleteJust watched the episode with Lisa's restaurant opening. Seriously who brings a therapist to a friend party for back-up? She also didn't shed one tear, she tried and tried and dabbed awake at her eyes and nadda!
Also like someone posted she was very very careful with her wording and "broke down" every time someone questioned her.
Definitely not! Taylor is a lying name changing grifter!!
ReplyDeleteNo
ReplyDeleteNo. I think she worked out she could launch that accusation against him, and give herself an out for the lawsuits against them. And who talks about 'co-parenting' a small vulnerable child, as she did in the last but one episode, with a husband who beat her as badly as she claims? If it were true she'd be going for sole custody.
ReplyDeleteWhat reputable shrink would attend a party with his patient and stage manage the speech to the RH? I'm glad I live in northern Calif because I just don't get those folks down south.
ReplyDeleteI know of one website (stoopid housewives) where they have compiled a timeline for when the alleged abuse happened.
ReplyDeleteThey have pictures of Taylor from the time when this "abuse" was alleged to have happened. she has no bruises.
In the first season of ROBH, there is a scene where Taylor and Adrienne are taking boxing lessons. Taylor is very capable of throwing a punch, she is no shrinking violet.
I do believe her.
ReplyDeleteWhat hasn't been mentioned is that they had separated in the weeks prior to his dying. If she was happy or seemed to be happy in the last episode, then good for her. She probably has very mixed emotions about everything that has happened, and just maybe, writing the book has been cathartic, and in a way, is helping her to move forward.
I think he may have hit her at some point, or they may have both gotten violent with each other, but I don't believe she's telling the truth about when or how often he hit her. The point is moot anyway, because he will never hit anyone else again, and whether or not she was a victim of abuse, she is still a heinous human being and a lying liar who lies.
ReplyDeleteAbout that slimy therapist, that guy is also in charge of the California foster care system! I can't believe they're letting him keep that position while he is fame whoring himself out any chance he gets. He is either butt buddies with someone with power, or he's lining someone's pockets. What an unbelievable sleaze. He makes Dr. Drew look like an altruistic saint.
ReplyDeleteI really like Taylor on Season 1, but I cringe everytime I see her now. I believe there was some kind of physical abuse, maybe pushing or shoving. But last year she made a big deal about her work with a charity that helps battered women. Couldn't she of gotten some help from them? I think it is horrible for her to write this book for the fact that Russell has 3 kids and now this book will be around forever for these kids to read.
ReplyDeleteI think she will find a new rich man and move on with her life and these kids will be left to pick up the pieces..Shame on her.
I didn't read through all the comments so sorry if this is being redundant: @Casual Observer, I think you are spot in with the grifter comment. How and why do you marry a man accused if abuse if its nit for the money? Also, Russell does/did seem like a complete dirtbag but as passive aggressive he was in his abuse I find the physical abuse hard to believe. Mental, emotional torture? Absolutely!
ReplyDeleteI didn't read through all the comments so sorry if this is being redundant: @Casual Observer, I think you are spot in with the grifter comment. How and why do you marry a man accused if abuse if its nit for the money? Also, Russell does/did seem like a complete dirtbag but as passive aggressive he was in his abuse I find the physical abuse hard to believe. Mental, emotional torture? Absolutely!
ReplyDeleteNope! He *maybe* shoved her once. Maybe. That's the extent I believe her.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, but it's important to note that abuse is abuse is abuse. I work with DV/IPV survivors, and while we note the different kinds of abuse -- physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial -- one is as bad as any of the others.
ReplyDeleteI think she was physically abused by Russell. After all, he abused the other women in his life. Just because Taylor may not have been an angel doesn't mean she wasn't the victim of abuse in this relationship. The abuse messes you up and causes you to act-out.
ReplyDeleteI knew Russell was a jackass the first time I saw him. Creepy egomaniac who put her down in public and on camera. He gave me the creeps from the get-go.
How many more threads are you going to do questioning if Russell was abusive towards her, Enty? You were the one who originally posted Russell going on the record with People or some mag admitting to the physical abuse.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a safe assumption to make that he did it. Taylor may be a victim but she is also very clearly messed up mentally and doesn't need any more attention.