Actors Studio host Lipton was a pimp in France

ABC Action News - Tampa Bay ^ | October 21, 2007 | AP

[beezdotcom]

James Lipton, the host of U.S. talk show, Inside the Actors' Studio, once worked as a pimp in Paris, France.

The revered TV presenter, who has sat down with Hollywood's biggest names for in-depth chats about their life and work over the last 13 years, has revealed he once procured clients for French hookers.

He says, "This was when I was very very young, living in Paris, penniless, unable to get any kind of working permit... I had a friend who worked in what is called the Milieu, which is that world and she suggested to me one night, `Look, you'll be my meck... We would translate it perhaps... as pimp.

"We were earning our living together, this young woman and I, we made a rather good living, I must say."

Lipton reveals in his new book Inside Inside he would set up sex shows for clients of his lady friend.

He adds, "I had to accompany my clientelle to the Rue Pigalle, which is where these things occurred. And then I'd take them up to the room and I had to remain there because they were very nervous, they were young Americans for the most part... and they didn't speak French."

[beezdotcom]

Eh, all he does nowadays is pimp other actors on his show, so he really hasn't changed that much....

[beezdotcom]

For the Salacious Ping List, perhaps?

[AU72]

Can’t say he doesn’t have experience for the job.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Already pulled once, FYI. ;)

[PurpleMan]

Was it illegal or just “unseemly”?

[Badeye]

Exactly.

[beezdotcom]

Already pulled once, FYI. ;)

Really? I can't imagine why, unless the replies got out of control. Moderator - If you pull it, how about a FReepmail so I know what not to do next time?

[2ndDivisionVet]

One of the GOP candidates, Rudy Giuliani, thrice-married, is a serial adulterer and philanderer, pimps killing babies and homosexual marriage, believes in sanctuary cities and illegal immigration. Compared to that, Lipton’s sins are a trifle.

[BibChr]

Wow.

Confirming two of my stereotypes in one fell swoop. Cool.

[CT-Freeper]

My wife's grandfather, who was in the Army during WWII and stationed in Europe for a few years after the wars end, has admitted that a couple times he hired a French prostitute while stationed there. This was, of course, before he was married, but his wife still gives him dirty looks every time he tells that story.

His response is usually something like, "What? I was a lonely guy in the Army, a long way from home. You did what you had to do."

[stinkerpot65]

That is one creepy show. They way he and the audience grovel for celebrities is nauseating.

[beezdotcom]

Uh, okay, maybe these sorts of posts are why...

[Freedom2specul8]

"That is one creepy show. They way he and the audience grovel for celebrities is nauseating."

A pimp for the celebs? (groan)

[Tijeras_Slim]

Who knows what reasons lurk in the hearts of the Mods?

The Shadow does, but not poor Slim.

[juliej]

If Lipton wants to clean up his act, he can stop pimping mediocre Hollywood actors such as Ben Afflect and Gwynneth Paltrow.

[hawkeye101]

"Dis Lipton cat betta not mess with my ho's....."

[dead]

Will Farrell’s impersonation of this pompous, pimping windbag is hysterical. In this clip, he captures him to a tee, and (I have to admit) Alec Baldwin is quite funny as Charles Nelson Reilly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcMbaS3lvyo

[Choose Ye This Day]

ANd according to his book—and what he said about the incident on Conan O’Brien’s show last week—one Barbara Walters used the services of the brothel girls.

[beezdotcom]

That is one creepy show.

Lipton makes obsequious people seem downright hostile in comparison to his stercoraceous fawning...

[juliej]

Matt Damon!