Making Headlines
After this.
Society column, San Francisco Examiner, July 5, 2005
Word on the Street
SAN FRANCISCO -- Last night, philanthropist/playboy Todd Campbell managed to upstage a roomful of politicians and celebrities, and he did it without even showing up. Mayor Gavin Newsome was about to address a fund-raising dinner/Independence Day celebration attended by a host of luminaries -- including actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn, Grammy-winner Wynton Marsalis, and at least two members of the rock band Green Day -- when a woman dressed in what observers described as full Julie Newmar Catwoman regalia took to the podium. "Catwoman" announced that Campbell, thirtieth birthday boy and intended guest of honor, was boycotting the event due to the inhumane treatment of stray cats in Golden Gate Park. Asked to elaborate on her statement, the woman curled up her fingers, said, "Meow," and fled the room.
An informal survey of attendees found them divided about whether the incident was meant seriously, or as an elaborate practical joke. Said Penn, who was scheduled as one of the evening's keynote speakers, "Todd's a helluva guy, man. And I never really thought about the cat thing, but a guy's gotta put on the line what he thinks is right. As long as it helps the kids, man. Because otherwise this is just a fascist state, and I don't think we want that in America."
An anonymous source within the entertainment industry stated that the Catwoman incident, "Explains a lot," adding that "the best explanation for Todd Campbell's [alternately reclusive and outlandishly public behavior] would be that he is, in fact, Batman."
Campbell was reportedly scheduled to attend the dinner with a "P. Halliwell," which speculation identifies as one (or, given Campbell's history of arriving at public events with a woman on each arm, possibly more) of the proprieters of the local nightclub P3.
Campbell was not spotted at P3 or any other site in the city, but Word on the Street heard from several sources who identified Campbell, in smart casual attire, shooting pool around midnight at the Red Room in Santa Cruz, accompanied by a mystery brunette. One source insisted that the brunette was actress Shannen Doherty, while another identified Alyssa Milano. (Doherty could not be reached for comment, but Milano issued a statement, saying, "Wasn't me, but if he wanted to call me? You can bet I wouldn't complain.")
Society column, San Francisco Examiner, July 5, 2005
Word on the Street
SAN FRANCISCO -- Last night, philanthropist/playboy Todd Campbell managed to upstage a roomful of politicians and celebrities, and he did it without even showing up. Mayor Gavin Newsome was about to address a fund-raising dinner/Independence Day celebration attended by a host of luminaries -- including actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn, Grammy-winner Wynton Marsalis, and at least two members of the rock band Green Day -- when a woman dressed in what observers described as full Julie Newmar Catwoman regalia took to the podium. "Catwoman" announced that Campbell, thirtieth birthday boy and intended guest of honor, was boycotting the event due to the inhumane treatment of stray cats in Golden Gate Park. Asked to elaborate on her statement, the woman curled up her fingers, said, "Meow," and fled the room.
An informal survey of attendees found them divided about whether the incident was meant seriously, or as an elaborate practical joke. Said Penn, who was scheduled as one of the evening's keynote speakers, "Todd's a helluva guy, man. And I never really thought about the cat thing, but a guy's gotta put on the line what he thinks is right. As long as it helps the kids, man. Because otherwise this is just a fascist state, and I don't think we want that in America."
An anonymous source within the entertainment industry stated that the Catwoman incident, "Explains a lot," adding that "the best explanation for Todd Campbell's [alternately reclusive and outlandishly public behavior] would be that he is, in fact, Batman."
Campbell was reportedly scheduled to attend the dinner with a "P. Halliwell," which speculation identifies as one (or, given Campbell's history of arriving at public events with a woman on each arm, possibly more) of the proprieters of the local nightclub P3.
Campbell was not spotted at P3 or any other site in the city, but Word on the Street heard from several sources who identified Campbell, in smart casual attire, shooting pool around midnight at the Red Room in Santa Cruz, accompanied by a mystery brunette. One source insisted that the brunette was actress Shannen Doherty, while another identified Alyssa Milano. (Doherty could not be reached for comment, but Milano issued a statement, saying, "Wasn't me, but if he wanted to call me? You can bet I wouldn't complain.")