Lionel Richie performed at the Essence Festival in New Orleans this past weekend. After his show, he talked about his daughter Nicole’s recent behavior, ranging from drinking and driving, drug addiction, and possibly (but who the heck knows) being pregnant with boyfriend Joel Madden’s baby. Here’s a recap of some of Nicole’s legal issues:

In February 2003, Richie was arrested in Malibu, California and charged with possession of heroin. She was also driving with a suspended driver’s license. On December 11, 2006, Richie was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after she failed a field sobriety test and was charged with driving under the influence on California State Route 134 in the Burbank/Glendale, California area. Several motorists had reported a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class entering the freeway on the exit ramp and traveling in the wrong direction. She admitted to using marijuana and Vicodin before the incident.

[From Wikipedia]

As a result of her latest run-in with the police, Nicole is scheduled to go on trial on July 10. She pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. She likely pleaded not guilty due to her previous arrests, and thought it better to take her chances than go to jail for sure. Theoretically Nicole could get more time than Paris did, and could be sentenced to 90 days to a year in jail.

I am continuously amazed at what an enabler Lionel Richie is. The first time or two I saw him interviewed regarding Nicole, I thought, “Wow, she’s lucky to have such a supportive parent.” But then she just kept messing up, and he kept making excuses, and after a bit you realize he’s a big part of the problem. In past interviews Nicole has talked about Lionel not allowing her to be around her younger siblings due to her erratic behavior, fearing for their safety. He seems to think that just because she’s not quite as messed up as she used to be, she’s okay. When asked about Nicole’s recent trials, Lionel said:

“’She keeps apologizing to me. I told her, You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing to your father at this age.’”

[From Newsday]

Wha… what? You’re supposed to have a heroin addiction? Eating disorder? Drive under the influence? I think Lionel really missed the memo. You’re supposed to stress out your parents. You’re supposed to stay out late, not call enough, date a few guys that aren’t good enough for you, and make them worry in that way. You’re not supposed to go to jail. He really needs to get his act together just as much as she does. She needs to surround herself with people that are good for her, not people that tell her it’s okay to do seriously unhealthy things.