It seems I have struck a nerve with my post on Jonathan Allen. I have received several emails and comments stating that Jonathan Allen was not honest when he told his story to the judges' panel while auditioning for the TV show, America's Got Talent.
To recap, the clip I included on my previous post (link provided above) starts with Jonathan telling an interviewer he is gay and was kicked out by his parents on his 18th birthday because "they did not support his lifestyle". He goes on to say that he had not talked to them in 2 1/2 years. He also states that he loves them with all his heart, but is not sure whether they still love him. He is emotional and believable, at least to me, but then as a PFLAG facilitator I hear some version of this story a lot at my meetings. So maybe I was too quick to buy in to Jonathan's story, but for now I stand by my post.
The gist of the complaints is that Jonathan is lying about his backstory and his parents have been supportive. The emails and comments have been adamant that there is a lot more to this story than Jonathan has let on. And maybe there is, but there has been no proof presented at this point that what Jonathan said is a blatant fabrication. And until there is, I will stand by my earlier post.
So I will end this post by saying this, if in fact it turns out that parts or all of Jonathan's story turn out to be false, I will post that here on the front page along with an apology to his parents. But it will take a lot more than angry emails and comments, with no links or proof that Jonathan's story is bogus, to make me believe Jonathan's story is a lie. I have simply seen way too many stories just like Jonathan's. My gut says that the truth may fall somewhere in between.
We shall see ...
4 comments:
Yeah, I don't buy it. Shadowy statements about there being "more tot he story than you know about it" is a standard tactic among those who wish to obfuscate the truth because it somehow damages them. I say if there's "more to the story," then the young man's parents should come out and pull a Paul Harvey so we can actually hear the rest of the story rather than being goaded into silence based on some shadowy facts that gossips wish to merely hint at.
Thanks Jarred. As always your opinion means a lot to me. And I know you will call me on it if you think I am wrong about something, which is something I really appreciate.
A month later, still no public statement from his parents denying his allegations. I admit I believed him instantly because it sounded similar to my own. I wish him well.
And your blog has a new fan :)
Welcome Michael, it's so nice to have you stop by and leave a comment. The welcome mat is always out.
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