Exclusive: David Archuleta's Painful Family Secret
Behind American Idol favorite David Archuleta's ever-present smile is the dark memory of a family feud that nearly destroyed his parents' marriage — and forced his father to refute a horrifying, false charge of sexual child abuse. After getting married, David's father Jeff Archuleta and his mom Lupe settled in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy, where their family grew to five young children. But the household also included a number of Lupe's family members — and tensions between Jeff and his in-laws were rising. According to Sandy Police Department documents obtained by Star, on April 7, 2002 — exactly a year before David won $100,000 as a 12-year-old singer on the CBS series Star Search — the police went to the Archuleta home after someone inside had tried to place a 911 call but was cut off. When police arrived, they found a "frantic" woman — one of Jeff's in-laws — and a young girl "crying hysterically," says the police report, which also stated that Jeff and his live-in in-laws had been feuding. A Sandy police source tells Star the in-law "later claimed that Jeff had been sexually abusing two children over a three month period." But Jeff was not arrested, and the local district attorney declined to take the case — and for good reason. "One of the alleged victims denied any abuse had taken place and said the in-law was lying," says the police source, who adds that it came out the in-law who had made the child abuse allegations "had promised Barbie dolls to the two alleged victims if they backed up the false claim." During his son's Idol success, Jeff has gained a reputation for being pushy and overbearing — and was reportedly banned from rehearsals after telling David to change the lyrics of "Stand By Me," the song he performed on May 6. But David, 17, has always praised his parents. "They've always been there to give me support and advice," he says. "They help remind me of what matters in life." Now, following Jeff's ouster, will he still get that support? Pick up the new issue of Star — on sale now — to see the court documents. Do you think David will be the big Idol winner? Tell us what you think.
Photo by FOX
READERS COMMENTS:
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WHAT!!!!
-- lulu
SO SORRY DAVID STILL LOVE YOU
-- aLYssa
I think David A did win...I believe Paris Bennett. It's not all about America voting. In the end, the producers get what they want. Clearly, they thought they'd sell more records in the short run if they went with the rocker. I like Cook but compared to Archuleta?? not even close.
-- Maria
He already lost, but he should have won! I think David Cook is awesome and he deserves to have the title, but Archuleta was so young and had a beautiful voice! It would have been something great to see someone like him win.
-- Melissa
SOMETIMES OUR LIVES CAN SUCK BAD BUT IT MAKES US STRONGER. GOOD LUCK TO HIM.
-- MARY FAY
I think david would have won if it wasnt for his dad
-- me
I think the article about Jeff Archuleta was not necessary. It is articles like this that cause alot of harn to people. Shame on the Star and the writer of this article.
-- David Archuleta Fan
YES I THOUGHT CUTIE DAVID .A.
WOULD HAVE WON BUT IF YOU WANT TO GO OUT WITH ME IF IT DOESNT WORK OUT WITH IDOL -- DAVID IS SO CUTE
hey were taling here about electing a president, obama, who has the same experience and knowlede as david a. --hardly any. while david cook is experienced and accomplished and can step right into the fray as can clinton. this is serious stuff.
-- janet miller
no, he wont't be the winner now,he does not yet have the versatility, but in time when he becomes his own man, without dad, he will develop naturally in to a poised connsumate entertainer. he needs maturity to learn how to handle his future, he needs living. he needs expierience he will only get out of dad's shadow. to sing and feel about life one must live it. the experiece will only enrich, and you can add that enrichment to the vocals.
-- janet gallo |
