HEATHER LOCKLEAR - LOCKLEAR'S DIRECTOR BLAMES ARREST ON SHOWBIZ LIFESTYLE

LOCKLEAR'S DIRECTOR BLAMES ARREST ON SHOWBIZ LIFESTYLE

LATEST: The director of HEATHER LOCKLEAR's latest film has attributed the actress' recent driving arrest to the pressures of her "showbiz" lifestyle.
The 47-year-old was detained by police in Santa Barbara, California, on Saturday (27Sep08) and booked on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and being under the influence of a controlled substance. She was released on Sunday (28Sep08) without posting bail.
But police tests showed that the star had not been drinking at the time, and it is believed she was under the influence of prescription medication - thought to be related to her recent stint in rehab seeking treatment for anxiety and depression.
And moviemaker Jim Amatulli, who worked with Locklear on new film Flying By, insists that it is not unusual for actresses to suffer from such disorders - as female stars in Hollywood are under increasing stress by being in the public eye.
He tells the New York Daily News, "It is very easy to see the effects of the 'showbiz' environment, and the stress it puts on relationships and families. Add to that the pressure that women face as they get older and roles narrow, with so much 'value' put on superficial elements, it's sad to watch the results play out."
And Amatulli is adamant that Locklear's arrest will not affect promotion of her new film, which also stars Billy Ray Cyrus and is due for release in early 2009.
He adds, "(The arrest will not have) any immediate affects.
"Naturally, I wish Heather the best and feel certain that she has the support of her close friends and business associates to work through whatever her issues are."