Here’s one to file in your “Nope, not surprised” folder. David Archuleta’s parents have filed for divorce. Back in January, you may recall, David’s dad, Jeff Archuleta was busted for soliciting a prostitute in Utah. The news didn’t leak to the press until June, but it looks like by then, the marriage was already over.
via Radar Online:
Less than a month after he was arrested during a sting operation at a massage parlor in Utah, James Jeffrey Archuleta — the father of American Idol runner-up David — filed for divorce from his wife of over twenty years Lupe Marie. RadarOnline.com has all of the details, including the legal papers.
The couple had previously filed for divorce in 2002 but reconciled soon after David placed first in the Star Search competition. Citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, the couple will share joint physical custody of their three minor children (they have five children in all). Lupe will have one night less of custody than James Jeffrey per year.
James Jeffrey requested that Lupe pay an approximate $349 in child support each month, though they will split any additional costs regarding the children and have waved any alimony requests. As for their house in Murray, Utah, they have agreed to sell the house and split the proceeds.
I met David and his father at a radio event in Boston last year. David was absolutely endearing–sweet as could be. His dad was nice enough, but very oily, you know? He reminded me of a used car salesman. He was co-managing David at the time. I would imagine, since the news of his arrest broke, he’s keeping a low profile. Sad.
Saw this on Rickey’s:
“Jeff DID NOT ask for child support. Radar didn’t read the whole thing before stating something WRONG. The first 7 pgs are all preliminary stuff. Page 8 has the agreed to items laid out. Page 10, it states very clearly that Jeff is to pay Lupe the $349.
Radar needed to do some research and read things BEFORE they post, because now everyone else will just repost what they posted and be completely WRONG.”
MJ CAN YOU PLEASE RETRACT!!??
What to do? He could have not been so physically close to the fans. He was always near the line where David was autographing and such with the fans, always close by. Always TOO assessable. As I see it, he was there for attention for himself! Hey, fans would not have approached him or even looked for him if he had HUNG BACK or STAYED on the BUS. He didn’t need to be out there. You saw Jeff in the background on red carpets. Often in pictures of David you’d see Jeff-O hovering in the near distance. TOTALLY unnecessary! Geez, and SITTING with his son at the TCA. Again, if he had to be there, why not just sit back in the audience somewhere. Jeff liked the spotlight on him. Was living vicariously probably. David and Jeff will always have their father/son relationship, but for David’s professional dealings, I hope Jeff gets out of the picture and stays out. He’s totally controversial and a troublesome distraction. Enjoy David during your personal family time, holidsays or whatever, but PLEASE, go get your own career going Mr. Jeff. Stop trying to “rear” an adult son. He’s doing fine. Bottom line, your reputation is shot. We (most of us) are weary of seeing or hearing about you. Go awayyyyyyyyyyyy.
My thing is that David doesn’t need any more parenting. He’s a perfect son. Jeff needs to start hovering around Daniel and work on parenting him.
As for Jeff and the fans. He definitely enjoyed it all a little too much. Manager or no manager, commingling with the fans looked bad. Especially to fans who weren’t “in” with the family like some other fans. My wish is that he resign as David’s manager or that David let’s him go somehow, and that he goes back to Utah full-time to help raise the other children. THAT is his job.
My thing is that David doesn’t need any more parenting. He’s a perfect son. Jeff needs to start hovering around Daniel and work on parenting him.
As for Jeff and the fans. He definitely enjoyed it all a little too much. Manager or no manager, commingling with the fans looked bad. Especially to fans who weren’t “in” with the family like some other fans. My wish is that he resign as David’s manager or that David let’s him go somehow, and that he goes back to Utah full-time to help raise the other children. THAT is his job.
This is way old news to most Utah fans. I don’t know if David’s parents have been good parents, but David seems to be one of those rare, really good people who was going to turn out well no matter what his situation. His dad has said this to many fans when they have asked him what he did to raise such a good son.
I won’t pretend to be close to the family or drop names, but from what I hear among people who seem to know what goes on, this situation has been very hard on David, but he has learned to deal with it and has found peace about it.
David is an adult now and is making his own decisions (some upcoming ones that may not be very popular among some fans) and managing his life the way he wants to, choosing to include his parents, but I would prefer we discuss David’s life and not his father’s and mother’s life.
“some upcoming ones that may not be very popular among some fans”
Well, there’s a comment to get a fan’s thoughts going. Maybe you know something you don’t want to say. I know David inspires fan loyalty (I feel it too) and won’t ask.
But I’ve got a whole list of ideas about what these decisions might include — interesting.
KathyH,