Having a love child is something of an occupational hazard for celebrities. Always has been, likely always will be.
Last week it was fresh-faced Justin Bieber facing a paternity suit after a romp with a Californian that, by her account, lasted all of 30 seconds. But if British actor Hugh Grant is anything to go by, it's the ability to handle scandal that ultimately makes the man.
And Grant knows of what he speaks. After being caught with a prostitute back in 1995, instead of denying or not commenting on allegations, Grant openly acknowledged on Leno that he'd "made a mistake."
While Bieber plans to (quite rightly) sic his lawyers on Mariah Yeater if his forthcoming DNA tests prove he's not the daddy of her 3-month-old son Tristyn, Grant has publicly rejoiced in the birth of his love child -- a daughter to actress Tinglan Hong.
Notwithstanding that he wasn't there for her birth (ironically, he attended a "Labour" party conference in Blackpool instead), let's hope Grant puts his money where his -- ahem -- manhood was and rises to the plate.
It's high time celebs learned that being a dad isn't about throwing some money at your love child; it's not the equivalent of paying off a bad debt. It's about being involved and taking responsibility for the little person you had an equal hand in creating.
Owning up is a mark of maturity. At 51 years old, let's hope Grant is ready to provide the kind of example young wipper snippers like Bieber need in their moment of controversy.
Bieber's child support hearing is scheduled for December 15.
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