Ciolino Speaks: Is Media to Blame for Erin Andrews Peephole Scandal?
NEW YORK (CBS) Following the Erin Andrews story reminds me that I must be getting old. As a father of six and the grandfather of an attractive 14-year-old granddaughter I am just a little pissed off that Erin can't rely on the privacy of her hotel room while getting ready to go out.
If there ever was a non-story this is it. An attractive hard-working reporter for ESPN is secretively filmed by some degenerate who then posts the illegal, unauthorized video on the Internet. The rest of the media goes wild and voila we have a scandal.
Photos: Erin Andrews Naked Peephole Video Scandal
Now this overblown response will probably not harm Erin's career one bit. But, if I were Erin's dad, I would be one unhappy camper right now. In fact, if I could find out who took that video, I might take his little camera and just help him make it a permanent part of his anatomy.
On the other hand, I think that Erin might be protesting a bit too much. Let's face it. Her god-given assets have not hurt her career any. This is not a crime. But when you put yourself out there, these issues often go hand-in-hand with the territory you occupy. In this regard, female reporters take a lot more heat than their male counterparts. They aren't anymore guilty then the boys in exploiting their looks and charm, but they are treated differently.
At the end of the day we should all take a deep breath and just hope that Erin's dad gets to have a special moment with her secret admirer. That would be a story worth videotaping.
PREVIOUSLY ON CRIMESIDER
July 21, 2009 - You're Busted! Watching Erin Andrew's Naked Video is a Crime
July 20, 2009 - Hackers Use Naked Video of ESPN Star Erin Andrews to Attack Your PC
Paul Ciolino is a special consultant to 48 Hours Mystery and a private investigator specializing in complex criminal defense and fraud investigations. His participation in wrongful conviction investigations has helped free five men from death row.