14 DAY TRIAL // Here’s more proof that celebrities and public figures should never tweet whatever comes to mind whenever they feel the urge, but rather take a couple of minutes, breathe, rethink what they’re about to say, and only afterwards post their message on social media.
Actor, comedian, and director Todd Bridges, best known for his role on “Diff’rent Strokes,” has been pressured to apologize for a tweet he sent out just hours after the death of Oscar winner Robin Williams.
The tweet is no longer online, but it said that Williams had committed “a very selfish act” by taking his own life, when he should have fought hard to overcome whatever problems he had. It is believed that the actor had been struggling with severe depression at the time he killed himself.
“You don't think that my life has been hell and I've had so many ups and downs now,” Bridges also wrote. “If I did that what am i showing my children that when it gets tough that's the way out No you gotta buckle down ask God to help you. That's when prayer really comes into effect. Rest in peace Robin Williams I hope you found what you were looking for.”
The moment he posted this message online, he was flooded with criticism from his fans and not only, with all of them saying that his timing and wording were the most unfortunate and that he should think twice before posting.
It seems that Bridges too has understood what he did wrong because, after removing the offensive tweet, he posted more messages to apologize. He says that one of his good friends also took his life some months ago and that he still can’t believe that he (the friend) didn’t ask for his help.
“I would like to apologize for the terrible timing of me comments that I made in reference to the untimely death of Robin Williams,” he writes, adding that “I am sure that my attitude toward Williams's death was a delayed reaction of my best friend's death.”
Bridges goes the extra mile to assure all his followers and particularly Williams’ fans that he meant no offense by saying those things.
Robin Williams was 63 years old and his death came as a shock to industry people, the fans, and even his family. He was found dead in his home, with police saying they believe the cause of death to be asphyxiation.
In July this year, the actor had checked himself into rehab as part of his ongoing commitment to sobriety. In the ‘80s, he became addicted to cocaine and alcohol, and said in later interviews that addiction was the one demon he never felt like he could exorcise completely.
I would like to apologize for the terrible timing of me comments that I made in reference to the untimely death of Robin Williams.
— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 12, 2014
my bestf riend committed suicide a few months ago, and I was devastated to discover that he did not solicit my help. I am sure that my
— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 12, 2014
I am sure that my attitude toward Williams's death was a delayed reaction of my best friend's death. Again, I apologize
— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 12, 2014
Again, I apologize for my negative comment, and I ask forgiveness for any pain that I have caused
— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 12, 2014