Peter A Clarke

I was initially appalled by the media’s intrusion into Matthew Newton’s admission for in patient treatment for substance abuse.  That is one of those matters where privacy should be afforded.  In UK the House of Lords found it so with Naomi Campbell in Campbell v MGN Limited. The media, especially the tabloid press. were all over it. There are similarities in the cases. Both were minor celebrities with a reputation for anti social antics.  Neither advertised or highlighted their addictions.  There are differences too.  And that it is the rub.  Campbell did not engage the media about her problem.  It remained private to her. In that respect the sting of the invasion of her privacy was pronounced.   It seems team Newton can’t keep their traps shut.

The Herald had a splash on 27 April with Bert Newton’s son Matthew being treated at a Melbourne rehabilitation clinic

Yesterday, his mother Patti Newton said her son was still recovering from his unspecified personal issues.

“It is a health issue and he needs time to recover,” she said.

The one-time Dancing With The Stars contestant said she and husband Bert believed their son’s privacy was paramount.

“We support him and we love him and we just want people to leave him alone so he can mend,” she said.

Newton’s agent Titus Day said his client was making good progress.

“He’s doing really well, apparently,” Day said yesterday.

And then today’s piece Matthew Newton in Sydney on the road to recovery after stint in rehab.  Everybody jumps in for a say with:

Yesterday, his mother Patti Newton said her son was still recovering from his unspecified personal issues.

“It is a health issue and he needs time to recover,” she said.

The one-time Dancing With The Stars contestant said she and husband Bert believed their son’s privacy was paramount.

“We support him and we love him and we just want people to leave him alone so he can mend,” she said.

Newton’s agent Titus Day said his client was making good progress.

“He’s doing really well, apparently,” Day said yesterday.

So everybody around him is now giving a sound bite.   Having dealt with the press and press secretaries and public relations flacks there is pressure to manage the media lest it manage you.   I don’ t buy it. It is possible, and often easier than one imagine to throw a blanket over a story. Here Newton pater and mater engaged and became part of the story.  Of course none of this has anything to do with Matthew. If he was to enforce his rights he would not have to have regard to the trailer park desire for a quote by his relatives. But it is an awful look.