Ted Williams, homeless man with golden voice, detained by LAPD at Hollywood hotel [Updated]
Ted Williams, the Ohio homeless man whose golden voice made him a YouTube sensation and brought him offers of work, was detained by the Los Angeles Police Department Monday night at a Hollywood hotel.
According to law enforcement sources, Williams and a unidentified family member were detained after police were called to the Renaissance Hotel on a disturbance call.
[Updated at 8:32 a.m.: The sources described the incident as an altercation with his daughter, but declined to provide further details.]
Williams was eventually released, and the sources said the investigation was continuing. The sources stressed it's unclear if any arrests would result from the probe. Sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.
Williams was in Los Angeles for several televisions appearances, including "Entertainment Tonight." Earlier Monday, he visited the Lakers.
"It was good. It was the first time," Kobe Bryant told The Times' sports blog. "I had never seen him before, but I had heard a lot about him. It was pretty cool."
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-- Andrew Blankstein
Photo: Ted Williams, center, and his mother, Julia Williams, talk with "Today" show co-host Meredith Vieira on NBC's "Today" show on Friday. Credit: Peter Kramer / NBC
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Like I said a week ago when everyone compared his arrival on the scene to the second coming of JC... "this deadbeat dad/drugger/mugger/etc. will be back on the streets (or in the big house) within six months and we'll be back paying for all his children and wives/girl friends living expenses as per usual."
Why don't we save our praise and accolades for people that have eared it? Like the common man/women that goes to work every day, takes care of their family and obeys the laws of the land.
Posted by: westcoastkid | January 11, 2011 at 03:49 PM
it already came out overseas that he has an EXTENSIVE criminal background....forgery, pimping, etc. so not surprised that he isn't the angel the news media has led him out to be.
Posted by: virgi | January 11, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Like I said a week ago when everyone compared his arrival on the scene to the second coming of JC... "this deadbeat dad/drugger/mugger/etc. will be back on the streets (or in the big house) within six months and we'll be back paying for all his children and wives/girl friends living expenses as per usual."
Why don't we save our praise and accolades for people that have eared it? Like the common man/women that goes to work every day, takes care of their family and obeys the laws of the land.
Posted by: westcoastkid | January 11, 2011 at 03:56 PM
Bubbles from "The Wire" should play Ted Williams in the movie
Posted by: Sooker | January 11, 2011 at 04:18 PM
It really amazes me how American has such little faith in one another by crushing this poor man (Mr. Williams) before he even get a foot in the door!
Posted by: Jose | January 11, 2011 at 10:54 PM
The media is just going to chop this guy up and spit him out after dragging the poor guy through the mud. Everyone knows he had problems in the past and he admitted that. Give the guy his chance without propping him up on a pedastal that is only meant to knock him back down.
Posted by: Sadly | January 12, 2011 at 12:02 AM
SO MUCH -LETS BE+
Posted by: HEATHER HAWKINS | January 12, 2011 at 01:51 AM
hang in there you haveto take the good with the bad but most inportant stay sober and remember all eyes are on you be carefull a lot of people are out to help you but the same amount might be out there to hurt you also good luck and GOD BLESS.
Posted by: don mays | January 12, 2011 at 01:57 AM
his daughter can't wait until he has something to give for them to start fighting over money how dare that girl scratch his face!in her interview wtih her dad she said i don't care how much money you give me Not i don't want your money but your love ! it says it all right there!
Posted by: angelia | January 12, 2011 at 04:39 AM
Dude 17 years of soberness here. dont mess this up its the last chance, god i hope you stay sober and do your best every thing will come to you in time
Posted by: Jerry Malone | January 12, 2011 at 04:51 AM
what a loser!!! DRUG ADDICT:P
Posted by: kelly | January 12, 2011 at 05:53 AM
He should be the voice of the.....Clippers. Coming up next...Hip to be Clip, Clippers basketball! Lakers already have a good deep voiced annoucer.
Posted by: Lorenzo | January 12, 2011 at 06:44 AM
Hello, this is for Ted & his family
Ted first I would like to say keep your head up, keep GOD first an ALL you do. And he will direct your path. The road is not going to be easy, if you can get someone around you that has your best enterest at heart. Someone that will stay with you nite & day, until you become stronger. Thats what its going to take, Dr. Phill is the rite person to go to for help. I have been watching everything good unfold for you, but you cant do it alone. Some times family that have been hurt through addiction, is not a good support rite now. They need time, you need time. Everything is moving very fast for all of yall, take a deep breath & pray. I no the power of God an what he will do, he didnt bring you to this point to leave you. God bless you & your family
Posted by: lisa maples | January 12, 2011 at 08:17 AM
If I could only get to hime for a short time and encourage him. Fate has intervened and I know if he just tries he can do it. DON'T LET ME DOWN TED,PLEASE! I've had enough bad times in my life and it lifts my heart to see you get a new chance at life.
Posted by: Jack Eiermann | January 12, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Clearly Ted means well. I pray for him and his family and wish them the best. Personally, I think its just too much too fast for him. All the media attention should be toned down a bit so that he can refelect. He needs intervention in a serious way and I hope that he continues to get that medical advice to gain the confidence he will need to go forward. Ted take yout time!
Posted by: Delores Wright | January 12, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Ted,I hope you read this.DON'T loose your focus on God. He's your Rock and stabality. REALLY hope you get to see this message.
Posted by: Mary Bryan | January 12, 2011 at 11:08 AM
This man has made mistakes his entire life.I understand his children not being able to forget, but the fact remains,it's going to take alot of counseling to save this family,starting with forgiveness.His children have got to understand the DISEASE HE HAS IN ORDER TO START THE PROCESS.
I know there are people who think it's up to him but that is NOT the way Addiction works.He has admitted his faults but I believe he doesn't understand his addiction either.
Hopefully the jobs he has been offered will get him the counseling that will help him dicover the medicine for the mind.
Posted by: sharon | January 12, 2011 at 11:24 AM
PLEASE!!! Find another homeless person to help..I truly don't think that this deadbeat dad, non child support payer deserves any of this attention he's getting!! All he'll do is waste all of whatever money he gets, and pay for hookers with it like he did before when he had money. Why is everyone acting like this guy is so great, I don't believe he's reformed, people really need to stop being brainwashed so easily!!
Posted by: Lori | January 12, 2011 at 11:31 AM
This is to Ted Williams. It doesn't matter what you have done in the past. What matters is what you do with your life now. Don't worry about what others might say or think. It's all about you and getting well. You have been given an "golden" opportunity. It's up to you to do the right things.
Might I suggest one method of treatment....equine psychotherapy. Horses are amazing animals. You might contact Monty Roberts who is a phenominal horse wisperer who had suffered great trauma during his young life. He can help you learn to trust yourself and your emotions.
Good luck.
Posted by: Circleville Ohio | January 13, 2011 at 07:21 AM
I guess he´s not the only one that needed to be rescued from personal crisis. On Mr. William support this may be a reaction from a reaching daugther trying to get a piece of his suddent fame, she founds him in a hotel, makes a drama (hurted, left alone daugther) and a disturbed hotel guest makes a phone call. Here we have "pointing finger" America again, but now with a Inet/Temporary celebrity. That´s the irony about this country always hungry for The Great American dream kind of stories but at the same time so close to greed and Corpocrasy!
Posted by: ShamaGuru | January 13, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Here's a man who lived on the streets, homeless, It may have been his fault, but it was his reality for years. I can't imagine the emotional, social, physical and mental changes a must go through. suddenly he is in the public eye. there is no way that he can suddenly catch up with all the changes of society. He needs personal 'one on one' help to transition into his new role and expectations. I know of some who lost JUST their JOB and went crazy, other even taking their own lives. This man was used to nothing and now is given everything-i would go insane a little bit too. Dr. Phil had him as a guest on his show and he's telling him that he need help and i going to get him help. i just wish that it was done on a one on one level that would have been big of Dr. Phil but i guess he has a forum for that....
Posted by: pk | January 13, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I'm not surprised. This is typical of an addict. This is why Mom was apprehensive to jump on the bandwagon; she's heard it all before. Hopefully he'll make a recovery at some point in time.
Posted by: Gail M. | January 13, 2011 at 02:15 PM
I am so proud of you, Ted... Way to go! Youv'e been blessed with a wonderful miracle. I have a son who is homeless, only 23 years old. I worry about him everyday. He too is a drug addict. I pray and cry for him everyday. I hope one day his dream will one day come true as well. Ted, my son doesn't want this life, but he has no place to live, no money, no job and no insurance. He feels hopeless. How does one move on, and move forward when all the odds are agaisnt you? I know you can relate. My son has also had many moments of not wanting to wake up. He wants help, but he has no insurance to get any. If you or anyone can help my son, I am begging, pleading and praying for some help and advise. Currently, he is in jail, due to drugs and wants drug court, but it doesn't sound like he is going to get it becasue, he needs a place to live in there County. How can he have a place to live, when he is homeless?
Congradulations Ted on your new life. Your story has proved to me that there is a GOD. Please pray for my son, pray that someone will take a chance on him too.
God Bless, Stacey (dshassel@aol.com)
Posted by: Stacey | January 13, 2011 at 09:52 PM
It was a big jump to go from homeless to star. Ted needs basic supplies, support, and education on how to get back on his feet in the limelight.
Posted by: cara | January 14, 2011 at 07:28 AM
that was not right for him to get arrested
Posted by: jason mathis | January 14, 2011 at 09:01 AM