Author's Note: This is just a little update for anyone who has my two stories "Evenings with Lenny" and "Very Necessary" on alert or anyone who is reading my work in general and enjoys it.
If you've visited my profile at all you know I'm a fan of Jon Togo's. I write Ryan centered stories because I'm a fan of the actor who plays him, and because I get the character (I think that I do anyway) better than I do say, Horatio, who I'd have trouble writing a whole story around.
That said, this past weekend something kind of crap happened. Those of you hardcore Miami fans may already know; on Dec 12th, 2009 Jonathan Togo was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. This isn't a rumor or slanderous statement (like I said I dig Togo/CSI: Miami/Ryan Wolfe). It's been reported by many, many media outlets the world over and their source is the LAPD itself (use google if you doubt). I can't post any news sources here due to rules, which I respect. Naturally, as a fan I'm pretty shocked. So shocked I'm not sure if I'll be finishing up my current stories.
I believe in innocent till proven guilty. I believe no one knows what went on that night but the people involved and the LAPD. However, I also think domestic violence is a serious issue, and I believe in the rule of law. As in, being a celebrity doesn't exempt you.
I don't know if Mr. Togo will be formally charged. I don't know if he will be exonerated. What I do know is domestic violence is a very serious issue for me personally. And, I view fan fiction as a form of tribute to our favorite shows, and by extension the people on them. For this reason I'm not sure I should continue to write for the character of Ryan Wolfe if the man who portrays him potentially has such serious clay feet.
At the same time not writing suggests I've decided a man's guilt preemptively. And, it also suggests that the character cannot be separated from the person playing them. I'm not sure what my position on that is. I do however, feel that continuing under my pen name, which references Jon's independent work, and pimping his web series in my profile would be not so awesome, if the charges hold. So, maybe I'll wait and see if more details come to light. Maybe I'll just change my pen name and distant myself from promotion of the actor. Or maybe I'll stop. It's mostly maybes because well, it's confusing when you find out people have the potential to fall down.
As I said, innocent till proven guilty, but at the same time, Hollywood justice shouldn't prevail if the charge is real. And, I don't want to participate in Hollywood justice. I'm not gonna go buy Chris Brown's new album. But, I wanted to update these stories just to let you know the dealio and also to say thanks for reading. Seeing my traffic reports on my profile and knowing that people from all over the world read is awesome! You guys are terrific! To anyone that's reviewed, or even taken the time to read my stuff…Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
And, I might start posting again if I can feel not guilty about writing Ryan centered stories. And, if there seems to be no reason to feel guilty. So, maybe I'll be back in a week, but I'm gonna have to have a think on stuff.
Feel free to put in your two cents in reviews or PM's. But, no flames please. Like I said, I'm not saying he did it, I'm just saying being arrested on suspicion of it, is not so cool on its own. My concern at this point isn't really if he did or didn't, that's for the cops, lawyers and courts to figure out. My dilemma is whether I feel it is morally ok to write for this particular CSI character at the moment. I don't feel very tributary at the moment if you get my flow. So, if you are going to get at me, get at me about your feelings on the separation of character from representative on television, and story writing and creativity in general…not Togo's case. It's not our burden folks. My thoughts to the people who are carrying it.