to tell Oprah (and the entire world) that their son was sexually abused? What about the rights of the victim, and wouldn't this jeopardize a criminal investigation? I think his parents are going to make a fortune off of this.
2007-01-18 09:57:02 · 7 answers · asked by A nobody from Oklahoma 4 in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
I actually did not watch the show, only read the Yahoo story. I think it was wrong to speculate on sexual abuse publically, at least on such a popular show. It's damaging enough to this child's psyche if he had been molested by a man, but to have the whole world know about it would only compound it.
2007-01-18 11:35:16 · update #1
I watched the show today. I personally was shocked that Shawn's parents put him out there for the whole world to have more to speculate about. You know anyone that watched that show is trying to make scenerios up of what happened to him based on his body language, demenor, etc. I, (thank God), have never walked in their shoes, but as a parent of a 13 year old boy myself, don't think that I would allow an interview this soon after his recovery. I almost feel that they might have harmed Shawn emotionally (even more) by doing this interview. I am shocked that they did not keep their silence until after a trial and after Shawn has time to adjust and come to grips with the extent of what has really happened to him over the last 4 1/2 years and after counseling.
I don't think that the interview was put on the air without their attorney's and the prosecutors watching it first and I know Oprah would not have aired something that would harm any prosecutions against Devlin, (believe me she has good enough ratings..she would not jeopardize getting this creep off the streets and Oprah has staff attorney's advising as well, I'm sure!)
I don't think the parents are out for any money, obviously if money comes out of this it would be great (Shawn deserves to have a great life), but it does not appear that money is their motivating factor at all. They have always been very active with search and recovery missions of missing children and now they are gloating in the fact that they have Shawn to hug and squeeze... and they have waited 4 1/2 long years for those hugs..they just want the world to know that they are hugging him again and will never let him go!
2007-01-18 10:56:21 · answer #1 · answered by wickedness_one 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They did not say he was sexually abused. They say that they believe he may have been sexually abused. It is difficult at this time, as Shaun is unable to talk at this time. Think about it. What would you believe if your child had been abducted 4 years ago, by a suspected child molester from another state. And as far as profit..........How could the family possibly profit from such a tradgedy turned into a reuniting of an entire family. Obviously people arent thinking clearly. Put yourself in the same scenario, and see what you would say. Im certain, everyones comments and reactions would all come to the same conclusions as the Hornbeck families. I truly feel for this kid, and hope that he can regain his old identity.
2007-01-18 10:16:59 · answer #2 · answered by stevedastallion 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Oprah is a dirty opportunist. But the family did agree to go on. Perhaps the family thought they'd just get it out there on the table, and bring up the sexual issue, since everyone was assuming that anyway, and get such suspicions discussed and done so they could get on with their lives.
2007-01-18 11:30:22 · answer #3 · answered by CJ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They spent 4 years without their son. I don't know exactly why they appeared on the Oprah Show. Obviously, their attorney didn't advise them not to say anything.
2007-01-18 10:05:17 · answer #4 · answered by kayboff 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they suspect he was abused. certainly the FBI would not let them say anything incriminating, or it would not have made it on the air. How closely did you actually watch the show today?
2007-01-18 10:11:37 · answer #5 · answered by dog whisperer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was wrong of Oprah to have them on her show.
2007-01-18 10:18:16 · answer #6 · answered by Barrett G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very strange case, indded
2007-01-18 10:02:14 · answer #7 · answered by Rabbit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋