Celebrity’s Retort

The Feb. 27 Times story, “The Stars’ Investments Come Down to Earth,” was unfortunate in how it exploits the names of some well-known people. My name is included among the “Hollywood luminaries who have lost big in tax shelters and other frauds--or who had business managers who were convicted of cheating them.”

The poor language used suggests that those listed lost money and also have business managers who cheat. While it is true that I have lost money in one or two investments, how does The Times know how many successful investments I have or the quality of the team of advisers that review my investments? Your quotes from a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, Robert Youngdahl, are also regrettable, as Youngdahl probably sees only the worst cases of “business managers” who have been indicted, most of whom may not have the professional credentials of a certified public accountant, lawyer, etc.

Youngdahl naturally would have a cynical view just as would any prosecuting attorney who deals solely with criminals rather than with competent and ethical citizens and their advisers.

HENRY MANCINI

Los Angeles