Friday, 10 October 2014

Gay candidate accused of harassment





  • Carl DeMaio has won national name recognition as a "new generation Republican".

  • Todd Bosnich is a former campaign staffer accusing DeMaio of sexual harassment.

  • DeMaio says Bosnich's version of events is a cover story for a suspected criminal.

  • DeMaio is challenging Rep. Scott Peters, a vulnerable first-term Democrat.




San Diego (CNN) -- Charges of sexual misconduct, plagiarism and burglary have pitted a former staffer against a high-profile congressional candidate just weeks before the midterm elections.


The drama is unfolding in a city that just weathered a sexual harassment scandal ending the career of its Democratic mayor. The latest accusations by a former campaign aide could derail the career of up-and-coming Republican Carl DeMaio.


In a story of charges and counter charges, the one constant is this: they both insist the other is lying.


DeMaio has won national name recognition as a "new generation Republican," calling on his party to ditch social issues and winning plaudits for helping the Grand Old Party shed what many see as its intolerant image.


The openly gay, former San Diego city councilman has won support from GOP heavyweights like Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker John Boehner and even former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.


But behind the scenes, things are much messier. DeMaio's former campaign policy director is accusing the candidate of sexual harassment, even saying DeMaio masturbated in front of him. DeMaio vehemently denies the allegations, saying they're the cover story of a plagiarist and suspected criminal.


This is not the first time DeMaio has been accused of sexually inappropriate behavior. Last year, a fellow city councilman said he twice caught DeMaio masturbating in a city hall restroom -- an allegation DeMaio denied.


THE CHARGES


Todd Bosnich says he joined DeMaio's campaign last year eager to work for a candidate who shared his values and who, like himself, is an openly gay Republican.


But Bosnich said his enthusiasm for his boss was soon replaced by dread, because DeMaio would find him alone and make inappropriate advances, massaging and kissing his neck and groping him.


One morning last April, Bosnich said he arrived early at campaign headquarters and DeMaio called him back to his office.


"I came over to his office, door was open. And he was masturbating," Bosnich said. "I saw his hand, his penis in his hand and he had a smile on his face. And as soon as I came over he was looking at me."


There was no mistaking what was happening, he said.


Bosnich said the harassment that culminated that spring morning started months before, when DeMaio drove Bosnich back to his car after drinks with the staff at a local bar.


"We were making small talk on the way back. And when he pulled up to my car, he reached over into my lap and grabbed my crotch. And I flipped out. And I pushed his hand away," Bosnich said. "I just was shocked because I'd never had anyone do something like that to me, especially in a position of authority and trust. And, at the time, I just figured, well, maybe he was drunk and blew it off. But he progressively and progressively, the inappropriate touching incidents continued from there."


It was several more months, Bosnich said, before he mentioned the behavior to campaign manager Tommy Knepper, who laughed it off.


"'That's just the way Carl is,'" Bosnich recalls Knepper saying. "And that if I really felt that uncomfortable I shouldn't have let him know that I'm a gay man."


Knepper, Bosnich said, was blaming him.


"He was implying that it's my fault, that it's incumbent on me to stop Carl DeMaio from these behaviors," Bosnich said. "And I was really offended."


It wasn't until a few weeks after the masturbation incident, Bosnich said, that he confronted DeMaio, telling him to either stop the harassment or drop out of the race.


"It was the very next day, in the morning, that the campaign manager called me into his office and said that Carl lost his trust in me and that he'd terminated me," Bosnich said. "He offered me a position in the county Republican Party and also told me to sign a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for $50,000."


Bosnich said he considered the offer "an attempt to bribe me to keep my silence."


He left the campaign, he said, without taking any money or signing any papers. A day before the primary, Bosnich recorded an interview with a local conservative radio station outlining his allegations, but the interview never aired.


AND COUNTER CHARGES


After hearing that unaired interview, CNN asked DeMaio about Bosnich's allegations. He denied them.


"This is an individual that was let go by our campaign manager for plagiarism. A well-documented plagiarism incident of taking a report from the National Journal and passing it off as his own work," DeMaio said. "He was terminated. He admitted that he plagiarized. He apologized for plagiarizing and when we told him he was no longer welcome in the staff and in the campaign office, even as a volunteer, he left. Days later, he broke in."


DeMaio claimed the San Diego Police Department is investigating Bosnich for breaking into his campaign headquarters, smashing computers and cutting phone lines just days before the primary.


"It's unfortunate. He's clearly troubled. He got caught for the damage that he did to the campaign and now he's manufacturing in essence a cover story to explain away his actions," DeMaio said. "It's unfortunate. It's untrue. And my hope is that the police department will hold him accountable for his actions against our campaign."


During the interview, DeMaio said he could provide evidence that would refute Bosnich's claims and show that the former staffer was behind the break-in. However, DeMaio later offered to briefly share the documents only if CNN agreed not to report it. On its own, the material did not appear to refute Bosnich's claims.


The San Diego Police Department recently forwarded its completed investigation into the break-in to the district attorney, who is reviewing it, according to spokesmen for the police department and district attorney's office. But four months after the break-in, police still have not charged anyone or named any suspects.


A police spokesman said in an email that DeMaio identified two former staff members as potential suspects and Bosnich confirmed he was interviewed by police. But he denied breaking into DeMaio's office.


TRYING TO GET ANSWERS


After interviewing Bosnich on camera, CNN repeatedly tried to get detailed answers from DeMaio's campaign. Last week, CNN officials participated in a conference call, which they were led to believe would be an opportunity to ask questions. Instead, the call was led by hired consultant Richard Grenell, a former Mitt Romney presidential campaign spokesperson and Fox News contributor. Grenell refused to answer questions and accused CNN of being on a partisan witch hunt.


The next day, CNN sent the campaign a detailed list of questions, including whether the campaign manager knew about Bosnich's complaints. CNN was then contacted by high-powered Washington attorney Ben Ginsberg, who counseled both the Romney and George W. Bush presidential campaigns. Ginsberg said he would be handling CNN's questions. Ginsberg asked for more time and information before responding.


CNN's attorney granted Ginsberg more time and sent a second letter laying out the information that prompted the inquiries. Ginsberg then responded to CNN by saying its reporters needed to contact the campaign manager. Back to square one.


Nine days after seeking answers to our follow-up questions, the campaign manager, Knepper, sent a statement that was almost exactly what DeMaio said when we first asked him about the allegation weeks ago.


"These allegations are completely false. The individual making the claims was fired from the campaign months ago for plagiarism," Knepper said. "The individual only made these false allegations after the San Diego Police Department started investigating him as the suspect for the campaign office break-in."


PREVIOUS ALLEGATIONS


This is not the first time DeMaio has been accused of sexually inappropriate behavior. Last year, a fellow city councilman, Ben Hueso, said he twice caught DeMaio masturbating in a semi-private city hall restroom accessible only to city officials.


The Democrat declined an interview request, but councilwoman Marti Emerald said she learned about the 2009 incident immediately after Hueso witnessed it. On the way to the women's room, she said she literally bumped into Huseo as he exited the men's room across the hall.


"He was furious; he looked like something serious had just happened," Emerald said. "He said DeMaio was in there (masturbating). And I said do you want to grab a police officer and have him arrested? Because this is a violation of the (city) code. He said no, but he was pretty upset."


It's a claim DeMaio denied — even saying he took a polygraph test to support his denial, but he declined to provide the results to CNN.


"This lie crossed the line. It's so gross. It's so untrue. It's so humiliating that it demands a response," DeMaio said last year.


Bosnich also took an independent lie detector test to support his allegations, a copy of which Bosnich's attorney provided to CNN. The report said Bosnich's answers were "truthful" and found "no deception."


"It corroborated my account of being sexually harassed by Carl DeMaio," Bosnich said.


Bosnich also denied that he was the one who plagiarized from National Journal.


"Carl authored the report. And I offered input on it. But in terms of the final draft, in terms of the, even the composition of it, that was from Carl, as he admitted to the National Journal," he said.


At the time, DeMaio told National Journal that while his staff produced the report at his direction, he didn't know how much had been lifted. But he took full responsibility and told the Beltway publication, "I don't throw my staff under the bus."


The charges of sexual harassment echo those brought against another San Diego politician, Mayor Bob Filner. The Democrat was forced to step down last year after allegations of sexual harassment by 18 women.


DeMaio lost to Filner in the 2012 mayor's race and tried to make Filner's behavior an issue during a debate.


"You need a mayor who respects women. You need a mayor who sets that tone," he said then. "And you need a mayor who is willing to insist on zero tolerance when it comes to the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and in any other environment."


This time around, it's DeMaio who's fending off charges of sexual harassment as he vies to replace Rep. Scott Peters, a vulnerable first-term Democrat.


Curt Devine and Sean Kennedy contributed to this report.



'Walking Dead': Prep for season 5






Comic book-based movies are all over Hollywood in recent years ("Guardians of the Galaxy," anyone?). But this season, TV is following suit in a big way. AMC's "The Walking Dead" got the comics-on-TV trend going in 2010, and it's now <a href='http://ift.tt/1kXneUd' target='_blank'>one of the top five most-watched shows on TV.</a> It kicks off its fifth season on October 12 at 9/8 c.Comic book-based movies are all over Hollywood in recent years ("Guardians of the Galaxy," anyone?). But this season, TV is following suit in a big way. AMC's "The Walking Dead" got the comics-on-TV trend going in 2010, and it's now one of the top five most-watched shows on TV. It kicks off its fifth season on October 12 at 9/8 c.

The CW has a high-profile new series this season with "The Flash." Critics are praising Grant Gustin's performance as the "fastest man alive."The CW has a high-profile new series this season with "The Flash." Critics are praising Grant Gustin's performance as the "fastest man alive."

One of the hottest new series is Fox's "Gotham," which examines Batman's city many years before Batman began.One of the hottest new series is Fox's "Gotham," which examines Batman's city many years before Batman began.

The fan base for "Arrow" has grown over the last two seasons. This new take on Green Arrow is a guaranteed action extravaganza each week.The fan base for "Arrow" has grown over the last two seasons. This new take on Green Arrow is a guaranteed action extravaganza each week.

Fans enjoyed last season's finale of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," which took a nod from the events of "Captain America: Winter Soldier." The Marvel TV and movie universes are sure to collide again this season on the ABC series. Fans enjoyed last season's finale of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," which took a nod from the events of "Captain America: Winter Soldier." The Marvel TV and movie universes are sure to collide again this season on the ABC series.

"Marvel's Agent Carter" will debut in early 2015, while "S.H.I.E.L.D." takes a break. This series chronicles the beginnings of S.H.I.E.L.D. as co-founded by Captain America's World War II-era girlfriend, Peggy Carter."Marvel's Agent Carter" will debut in early 2015, while "S.H.I.E.L.D." takes a break. This series chronicles the beginnings of S.H.I.E.L.D. as co-founded by Captain America's World War II-era girlfriend, Peggy Carter.

Rabid fans of Guillermo del Toro's vampire comic book series "The Strain" have praised the FX adaptation.Rabid fans of Guillermo del Toro's vampire comic book series "The Strain" have praised the FX adaptation.

The 2005 Keanu Reeves movie "Constantine" didn't exactly launch a franchise, so NBC is giving it a go again in October with a new version of the comic book anti-hero, as played by Matt Ryan.The 2005 Keanu Reeves movie "Constantine" didn't exactly launch a franchise, so NBC is giving it a go again in October with a new version of the comic book anti-hero, as played by Matt Ryan.

Rob Thomas of "Veronica Mars" fame is loosely adapting the cult comic book favorite "iZombie" for the CW in 2015. Rose McIver ("Masters of Sex," "Once Upon a Time") stars as a zombified woman who tries to live a normal afterlife ... when not snacking on brains.Rob Thomas of "Veronica Mars" fame is loosely adapting the cult comic book favorite "iZombie" for the CW in 2015. Rose McIver ("Masters of Sex," "Once Upon a Time") stars as a zombified woman who tries to live a normal afterlife ... when not snacking on brains.









  • Season five of top-rated "The Walking Dead" returns Sunday

  • Most of the survivors were in danger, having been locked up in a train car at the end of season four

  • Executive producer Gale Anne Hurd "can't imagine" that it won't be a deadly season




(CNN) -- "The Walking Dead" returns for a fifth season on AMC Sunday, and fans have been waiting since March to find out the fate of Rick Grimes and many of the survivors.


Last season ended with the group having discovered a place called Terminus, which was anything but the sanctuary they were led to believe it was.


The residents of Terminus quickly locked them in a train car, but Rick was determined to make an escape with his friends.


CNN spoke with executive producer Gale Anne Hurd about what's to come on one of TV's most popular (and secretive) shows.


CNN: The survivors were in a lot of danger at the end of the season. Do things move at a quick pace as the season begins?


Hurd: You can get a sense of the pacing and the scope from the promos that we've released. We've never left our group of survivors before, in such perilous circumstances. We pick up pretty much where we left off, which is also new for us.


CNN: They're in a new situation with Terminus. Are we going to see a lot of changes this season?


Hurd: Yes. The prison has been left behind. They've been on the road. Some are still on the road, like Carol, Tyreese and Judith. Beth seems to be in jeopardy as well. We have multiple strands of stories that we're telling in different settings.


CNN: Can we expect a big body count coming up?


Hurd: Sadly, this is a world in which we tend not to make it to the end with the same characters intact. We can't imagine that this season will be any different.


CNN: We've had a lot of human threats lately, as opposed to the walkers. Is that going to continue?


Hurd: It is the zombie apocalypse, and the loss of society, civilization, and law and order has enabled all of this to take place. They find themselves in that world, and they have to adapt or die. We see the journey that each character takes, they're all different as to how they adapt, and how they can reconcile the terrible things they've done. Or perhaps they turn evil as the Governor did.


CNN: Is there a particular character we should keep an eye on this season?


Hurd: As always, Rick goes through a great number of changes, and has over the season. Last season, he threw down a gauntlet, saying that the people of Terminus had no idea who they're dealing with -- which is quite a threat considering that they're locked in a train car. But it shows that he's embraced the mantle of leadership that he tried to throw off in the previous seasons.


Carol's journey has been incredibly remarkable, and it will continue to be so.


CNN: Five seasons in, are there things that continue to surprise you about this world?


Hurd: Robert Kirkman's underlying comic book continues to surprise me, and it's an inspiration for all of us who work on the show. In some ways, we hew closely to it, in others we vary greatly. But it's also something of a road map for us.


AMC grabs 'Walking Dead' companion series pilot



The ups and downs of Amanda Bynes






Amanda Bynes has been famous since landing a role on Nickelodeon's sketch comedy show "All That" at age 10. But in recent years she's been<a href='http://ift.tt/Pqiauh' target='_blank'> better known for legal trouble</a> and <a href='http://ift.tt/YIfVRI' target='_blank'>tweeting</a> strange statements and photos, leading to speculation about her mental health. In October 2014, that speculation continued as disturbing tweets were posted to Bynes' account containing allegations of abuse. Here's a quick timeline of Bynes' life and career:Amanda Bynes has been famous since landing a role on Nickelodeon's sketch comedy show "All That" at age 10. But in recent years she's been better known for legal trouble and tweeting strange statements and photos, leading to speculation about her mental health. In October 2014, that speculation continued as disturbing tweets were posted to Bynes' account containing allegations of abuse. Here's a quick timeline of Bynes' life and career:

Amanda Bynes became a superstar among the elementary-age crowd starting in 1996 as a member of the Nickelodeon show "All That," on which she memorably played a sweet young lady full of rage during the "Ask Ashley" skit.Amanda Bynes became a superstar among the elementary-age crowd starting in 1996 as a member of the Nickelodeon show "All That," on which she memorably played a sweet young lady full of rage during the "Ask Ashley" skit.

By 1999, Bynes had become popular enough to host her own show. Nickelodeon put her at the center of the "All That" spinoff, "The Amanda Show." By 1999, Bynes had become popular enough to host her own show. Nickelodeon put her at the center of the "All That" spinoff, "The Amanda Show."

By 2002, Bynes parted ways with her Nickelodeon shows and transitioned into movies. She starred in "Big Fat Liar" that year and followed it up with 2003's "What A Girl Wants."By 2002, Bynes parted ways with her Nickelodeon shows and transitioned into movies. She starred in "Big Fat Liar" that year and followed it up with 2003's "What A Girl Wants."

Bynes landed not only a hit TV series with "What I Like About You," on which she starred with Jennie Garth from 2002 to 2006, but also reportedly a new boyfriend. Bynes and co-star Nick Zano reportedly began dating in 2003. Bynes landed not only a hit TV series with "What I Like About You," on which she starred with Jennie Garth from 2002 to 2006, but also reportedly a new boyfriend. Bynes and co-star Nick Zano reportedly began dating in 2003.

Between 2005 and 2007, Bynes steadily worked in film in addition to her TV sitcom. Seen here at the premiere of her 2005 animated movie "Robots," she also starred in "Love Wrecked" (2005) and a comedy with Channing Tatum, "She's The Man" (2006).Between 2005 and 2007, Bynes steadily worked in film in addition to her TV sitcom. Seen here at the premiere of her 2005 animated movie "Robots," she also starred in "Love Wrecked" (2005) and a comedy with Channing Tatum, "She's The Man" (2006).

In 2007, Bynes starred in a summer hit with the remake of "Hairspray," which also featured John Travolta, Allison Janney (seen here), Zac Efron, Queen Latifah and Nikki Blonsky. In 2007, Bynes starred in a summer hit with the remake of "Hairspray," which also featured John Travolta, Allison Janney (seen here), Zac Efron, Queen Latifah and Nikki Blonsky.

While working on movies like "Sydney White," Bynes' personal life also took the spotlight. She was briefly linked to athlete and reality star Doug Reinhardt, here at a Los Angeles Lakers game in December 2008. While working on movies like "Sydney White," Bynes' personal life also took the spotlight. She was briefly linked to athlete and reality star Doug Reinhardt, here at a Los Angeles Lakers game in December 2008.

Bynes hadn't yet announced that she was through with acting when she walked the red carpet at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. She <a href='http://ift.tt/1g6zKIy' target='_blank'>saved that revelation</a> for the following June, only to announce that <a href='http://ift.tt/1g6zKIC' target='_blank'>she'd "un-retired"</a> by July. Bynes hadn't yet announced that she was through with acting when she walked the red carpet at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. She saved that revelation for the following June, only to announce that she'd "un-retired" by July.

Sure enough, Bynes was still acting: Her comedy with Emma Stone, "Easy A," arrived in September 2010. It is, however, Bynes' last credited film. Sure enough, Bynes was still acting: Her comedy with Emma Stone, "Easy A," arrived in September 2010. It is, however, Bynes' last credited film.

In April 2012, Bynes shocked fans when she was arrested on suspicion of DUI after getting into a fender-bender with police not long after her 26th birthday. The DUI charge was later dismissed in February 2014 in a plea deal that gave the actress three years on probation, a requirement to attend an alcohol education course and a fine.In April 2012, Bynes shocked fans when she was arrested on suspicion of DUI after getting into a fender-bender with police not long after her 26th birthday. The DUI charge was later dismissed in February 2014 in a plea deal that gave the actress three years on probation, a requirement to attend an alcohol education course and a fine.

Bynes, seen here in April 2012, again made headlines that June when she asked <a href='http://ift.tt/PqidGr' target='_blank'>President Barack Obama on Twitter to fire the officer</a> who had arrested her. That August, she allegedly hit another vehicle, incurring a second hit-and-run charge. Bynes, seen here in April 2012, again made headlines that June when she asked President Barack Obama on Twitter to fire the officer who had arrested her. That August, she allegedly hit another vehicle, incurring a second hit-and-run charge.

By September, Bynes reportedly <a href='http://ift.tt/1g6zKZ5' target='_blank'>had her car impounded</a> and <a href='http://ift.tt/1g6zJ7B' target='_blank'>was cited</a> for driving <a href='http://ift.tt/NOXERL' target='_blank'>on a suspended license</a>. Despite her legal issues and other reports of oddball behavior -- like locking herself in a dressing room and taking off her top in spin class -- Bynes told <a href='http://ift.tt/SEwgS4' target='_blank'>People magazine</a> at the time that she was "doing amazing" and had plans to move to New York to work on her fashion career. By September, Bynes reportedly had her car impounded and was cited for driving on a suspended license. Despite her legal issues and other reports of oddball behavior -- like locking herself in a dressing room and taking off her top in spin class -- Bynes told People magazine at the time that she was "doing amazing" and had plans to move to New York to work on her fashion career.

In November 2012, Bynes, who became a regular celebrity snapped by paparazzi, <a href='http://ift.tt/PqidWP' target='_blank'>announced that she's a 26-year-old retired multimillionaire.</a>In November 2012, Bynes, who became a regular celebrity snapped by paparazzi, announced that she's a 26-year-old retired multimillionaire.

Around that time, speculation about Bynes' state began to grow as she appeared to share photos from social media accounts that were credited to the star.Around that time, speculation about Bynes' state began to grow as she appeared to share photos from social media accounts that were credited to the star.

Early in 2013, Bynes generated plenty of press with a new look that included long blond hair and apparent cheek piercings. In March, she nearly brought down Twitter when <a href='http://ift.tt/1g6zJo1' target='_blank'>she seemingly sent Drake</a> a lewd tweet.Early in 2013, Bynes generated plenty of press with a new look that included long blond hair and apparent cheek piercings. In March, she nearly brought down Twitter when she seemingly sent Drake a lewd tweet.

In April 2013, the same month that Bynes turned 27, the headlines about her behavior were popping up almost daily. The news typically revolved around her reported Twitter account, where self-portraits and unsettling statements were shared.In April 2013, the same month that Bynes turned 27, the headlines about her behavior were popping up almost daily. The news typically revolved around her reported Twitter account, where self-portraits and unsettling statements were shared.

Between her tweets and her attention-grabbing appearances in NYC, it is easy to forget that Bynes also has legal issues. She was sentenced to three years of probation for her suspended license case in early May. On May 23, <a href='http://ift.tt/Pqiauh'>she was arrested in New York </a>after allegedly tossing drug paraphernalia out of the window of her apartment. Between her tweets and her attention-grabbing appearances in NYC, it is easy to forget that Bynes also has legal issues. She was sentenced to three years of probation for her suspended license case in early May. On May 23, she was arrested in New York after allegedly tossing drug paraphernalia out of the window of her apartment.

Bynes and attorney Gerald Shargel arrive for a court appearance in New York on July 9, 2013. She was charged with reckless endangerment and attempting to tamper with physical evidence. <a href='http://ift.tt/1qa85g2' target='_blank'>The case was later dismissed. </a>Bynes and attorney Gerald Shargel arrive for a court appearance in New York on July 9, 2013. She was charged with reckless endangerment and attempting to tamper with physical evidence. The case was later dismissed.

Bynes uses her dog to block her face from photographers while shopping in Chelsea on July 10, 2013, in New York City. On July 24 of that year, Bynes was detained for a mental health evaluation after being "involved in a disturbance in a residential neighborhood" in Thousand Oaks, California. She was then placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold for four months. Bynes uses her dog to block her face from photographers while shopping in Chelsea on July 10, 2013, in New York City. On July 24 of that year, Bynes was detained for a mental health evaluation after being "involved in a disturbance in a residential neighborhood" in Thousand Oaks, California. She was then placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold for four months.

In December 2013, Bynes was released from an inpatient treatment facility into her parents' custody, and that same month made her first public appearance on a walk with her parents. In December 2013, Bynes was released from an inpatient treatment facility into her parents' custody, and that same month made her first public appearance on a walk with her parents.

At the start of 2014, Bynes seemed to want a fresh start. She deleted all old tweets from her Twitter account, and instead began posting about her enrollment at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Yet by September, <a href='http://ift.tt/1vdHq97' target='_blank'>Bynes' was again arrested on a DUI charge</a>. There were also <a href='http://ift.tt/1q5BsjB' target='_blank'>more reports of bizarre behavior.</a>At the start of 2014, Bynes seemed to want a fresh start. She deleted all old tweets from her Twitter account, and instead began posting about her enrollment at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Yet by September, Bynes' was again arrested on a DUI charge. There were also more reports of bizarre behavior.








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  • Amanda Bynes posted a series of strange tweets Friday

  • Bynes once had promising career, has struggled in last few years

  • Actress seemed to be doing well after mental health treatment

  • In last month, she's had DUI arrest and made troubling statements




(CNN) -- Actress Amanda Bynes grabbed media attention Friday with a series of tweets about her father, her looks and her mental state.


It's the latest bizarre event in what has been a rough couple years for the performer, who was charged with a hit-and-run in 2012, hospitalized for treatment last year after a psychological evaluation and put on probation after a DUI earlier this year.


Bynes, 28, has been in the public eye much of her life.


Up: She was a child star


She was born in 1986, was raised in Southern California and first rose to fame as one of the stars of Nickelodeon's "All That," a sketch comedy show that also produced Kenan Thompson and Nick Cannon. Bynes, who joined "All That" when she was 10, was so popular that she got her own show, "The Amanda Show," by the time she was 13.


Before she'd turned 20, she'd co-starred with Frankie Muniz in the 2002 movie "Big Fat Liar," had a leading role in the TV series "What I Like About You" and was on the cover of Vanity Fair. She starred in the 2003 film "What a Girl Wants," a modest success.


She also was a straight-A high school student, according to an interview in Cosmopolitan.


Cannon has remained a friend and has stood up for Bynes throughout her difficulties.


"You're not alone," he wrote last year. "I'm here for you. I understand. I care and I appreciate you, because that's what family does and that's what family is for."


Up: She was on the verge of major movie success


In 2006, Bynes was named one of Teen People's hottest stars under 25, and the next year had her biggest success as Penny Pingleton in the 2007 movie version of the musical "Hairspray." She was also one of the stars of the well-reviewed 2010 comedy "Easy A."


But there was also trouble on the horizon. She signed a deal with a fashion designer to market clothes under the name Dear, but the designer went out of business. She was replaced on one movie. Another, "Hairspray 2," never materialized.


In June 2010, she tweeted she was done with acting at 24.


"I've never written the movies & tv shows I've been apart of I've only acted like the characters the producers or directors wanted me to play," she wrote. "Being an actress isn't as fun as it may seem ... I don't love acting anymore so I've stopped doing it."


Down: Her behavior became erratic


Within a month, she'd taken back her announcement.


"I've unretired," she tweeted in July, not long before "Easy A's" release. However, she hasn't made a movie since.


Relationships reportedly came and went with Nick Zano, reality star Doug Reinhardt and (briefly) Seth MacFarlane.


Then came the gossip about her own behavior. She was arrested on suspicion of DUI after getting into a fender-bender with police not long after her 26th birthday in April 2012. In August, she was accused of hitting another driver and then driving off. She was charged with two counts of hit-and-run.


In February 2014 the DUI charge was dismissed in a plea deal that gave the actress three years on probation, a requirement to attend an alcohol education course and pay a fine after she entered a no-contest plea to reckless driving.


Things became stranger. She asked President Obama on Twitter to fire the officer who had arrested her on the DUI charges. Clients at an L.A. gym reported she was acting bizarrely and talking to herself. But, she told People magazine that she was "doing amazing," and planned to move to New York to pursue a career in fashion design.


Up: After treatment, new goals


Bynes' social media posts started attracting more attention, whether they were selfies of constantly changing looks or unsettling comments about others. One of her tweets read, "If I'm not following you on twitter, I hate you."


In May 2013, she was arrested in New York after allegedly tossing drug paraphernalia out of the window of her apartment.


In July she was placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold after she was "involved in a disturbance in a residential neighborhood" in Thousand Oaks, California. She eventually entered an inpatient psychiatric facility.


Yet things seemed to improve after she was released. She moved back in with her parents, who had taken custody of her and had said she was "making great strides towards recovery" from mental illness. She hadn't always had a solid relationship with them. In 2012, People reported that she had tried to emancipate herself while working for Nickelodeon, though she never moved out entirely.


She continued outpatient treatment this year while going to school.


Down: More troubles


In late September, Bynes was arrested on a DUI charge in Sherman Oaks, California. Her arrest report noted a "disheveled appearance."


On Wednesday in New York she was nabbed by security at a clothing store for suspected shoplifting, though she was let go after signing a "no-trespass agreement," TMZ reported. She also threatened to sue InTouch magazine for writing "lies about me."


Then came Friday's tweets.


First, a series of comments were posted to Bynes' official account that day alleging the star's father was verbally, physically and sexually abusive. But within a few hours, another tweet was posted claiming that the allegations were false.


Due to the sensitive nature of the tweets, which haven't been confirmed to have been posted by Bynes herself, we're refraining from sharing them here. CNN has reached out to Bynes' parents and Bynes' lawyer, and hasn't yet received a response.


CNN's Alan Duke, Jane Caffrey and Breeanna Hare contributed to this story.