Dear The GrayVine,
So, a friend of mine from way back is now kind of famous. Lives in Hollywood, does well, and we still catch up from time to time. I live about an hour and a half away, so we hang out now and then.
A while ago, I casually mentioned knowing this person during a group conversation. One of the people there, who’s more of an acquaintance than a close friend, didn’t believe me at all. They kept pushing for proof and basically acted like I was lying. I didn’t bother proving anything because I didn’t feel like I owed them an explanation.
Now I’m seeing my famous friend this weekend, and suddenly this same person is a believer. They told me they’ve been huge fan since they were a teenager. They’re in their 70s now, so we’re talking about 50 years of being a fan. They asked if they could come with me to meet my friend.
I said no. They didn’t believe me before, and honestly, I’m not close to them. I also wouldn’t bring anyone to meet my friend without asking first, and this didn’t feel like the kind of situation where I wanted to do that.
Now they’re telling people I’m being mean and holding a grudge. They say I’m gatekeeping and ruining what could’ve been a dream moment for them.
Maybe I could’ve been more understanding, but I don’t think I did anything wrong. I’m not their ticket to meet someone famous just because I happen to know them.
Was I being too harsh?
Should I have given them the benefit of the doubt?
Am I letting a past insult get in the way of a nice gesture?
Or is it fair to keep my distance from someone who only believed me once it suited them?
- Not Their Publicist
