Fleiss’ Sentence

Re “Fleiss Sentenced to 37 Months for Tax Evasion,” Jan. 8:

Not until the end of her trial, when nothing else worked, did Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss admit any culpability. Not until the end of her trial did she apologize to those she hurt and scandalized--a last-stand ploy for leniency worthy of an Oscar nomination. While her father and brother stood outside the courtroom lamenting to reporters that it really wasn’t Heidi who should go to jail ... no, her “customers” were the bad guys, they were the ones who should be prosecuted, Fleiss’ therapist was blaming her actions on her family’s breakup, her sister’s injury, attention-deficit disorder, an impetuous nature, an abusive boyfriend ... anything but Heidi’s bad judgment and unfortunate life choices.

Here is an affluent young woman who grew up in a loving family. She made a mistake. A big mistake. I have four daughters. I can understand that. What I don’t understand are the excuses. She knew she was breaking the law and she got caught. And if she were my daughter, I would expect her to hold her head high, admit wrongdoing and accept the consequences. I would love and support her to the best of my ability. Translated: I would not undermine her character by trying to place the blame elsewhere.

Fleiss has a shot at growing up and she has 37 months to do it. I wish her well.

BARBARA TRAFFICANDA

Tarzana

* It is unfortunate that Fleiss must serve some jail time for her so-called “crimes.”

The real justice in this case would have been for the judge to divide the sentence equally among her male clients and have each one of them serve their allotted time in lieu of Heidi.

BOB CONSTANTINE

Placentia