Watch it now: Bree Walker, reparative therapy and Rob Ford
L.A. Times columnist Robirn Abcarian gives video reporter Ann Simmons her take on ex-TV anchor Bree Walker’s arrest for DUI, the debate over so-called gay “conversion therapy,” and reporter Robin Doolittle’s book on Rob Ford, Toronto’s manic mayor.
On The Takeaway video wrapup, The Times’ Ann Simmons and columnist Robin Abcarian chat about former KCBS-TV news anchor Bree Walker, reparative therapy, and the always entertaining Rob Ford, Toronto’s crack-smoking mayor who is the subject of a new biography.
Walker, who has been out of the public eye for many years, was suddenly thrust back into the headlines when Anaheim police pulled her over early Wednesday on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol. Her unflattering booking mug shot was picked up by Internet news and gossip sites, and became an instant object of ridicule. What, people wondered, was going on with this talented former journalist?
Abcarian decided to drop Walker a note, and Walker responded by inviting the columnist into her home for a chat. Abcarian tells Simmons she discovered a woman struggling with her demons and life after a high-profile career.
Reparative therapy, also known as “pray away the gay,” has done untold damage to youngsters coming to terms with their homosexuality. In a move to thwart the misguided idea that homosexuality can or should be “cured,” gay rights activists have led the charge to outlaw the therapy aimed at reversing the sexual orientation of gay minors. So far, California and New Jersey have passed such legislation, and many more states are considering it.
Finally, is there any way to explain the continuing bizarre behavior of Toronto’s crack-smoking Mayor Rob Ford? “Crazy Town,” a new biography by Toronto Star reporter Robyn Doolittle, the first journalist to see the video of Ford smoking what looked like crack, delves into Ford’s background and tries to explain the inexplicable.
Twitter: @robinabcarian
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