Growing up with famous parents, particularly parents who have it all and are considered ‘perfect’ celebrities may not be as easy as we think. Chloe Lattanzi is the daughter of Matt Lattanzi and mother Olivia Newton-John, who both starred in Grease. Chloe received her first record deal at age fifteen, but as she entered young adult hood she was spending much of her earnings on cocaine and vodka. Similar to other substance abusers her, meltdown in 2012 was the result of pressure, alcohol and prescription drugs. Following her meltdown Chloe entered rehab and began to consider her problems while comparing them to other celebrities and to the ‘celebrity cult’ that she believes is harmful to many young stars.
“Fame totally messes you up,” she said. “I don’t blame my mother for my problems, but I would never want to be famous or raise a child of my own around the cult of celebrity. It ruins lives. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it is that you can’t be fragile in this business, or else you end up like Lindsay Lohan.”
It may seem that Lattanzi was taking a shot at Lindsay Lohan, which these days isn’t uncommon, but she goes on to say that she understands the addiction cycle of young celebrities, particularly those who have grown up with famous parents. Again Lattanzi compared herself to other celebrities and made a solid point regarding famous people and their difficult recoveries from drugs and alcohol. She says that young stars like her and Nicole Richie for instance have had to deal with their dependence problems in the spotlight, which is added pressure that an addict doesn’t need on the path to recovery. Lattanzi entered rehab in August of 2012 and was there for seven months, which is an encouraging end to her struggle, but I ask you this: Should celebrities, who are constantly monitored, have to deal with their addiction problems under the scrutiny of the public? Is it any of our business? Or are their famous breakdowns just part of the show for us?
