Letters published May 14, 2008

"King Cheapskate," First Punch, May 7

Cavalier Conscience
Stiffing the working stiff not a problem for LeBron: Thank you for your article exposing the real LeBron. My daughter works at another one of the tightwad's favorite downtown places. The cheap-ass receives the same royal treatment there as well. He is showered with complementary meals, expensive wines, desserts, and pricey drinks. Then he thanks all their kindness and generosity with a slap in the face.

I suppose LeBron will have some lame excuse for his bad behavior. But I think all that read your article will always know the true dishonorable LeBron.

Anne Reddy

We'd sure complain if his shooting percentage were 5: Instead of this being a short piece in First Punch, this could have been a five- or six-page story, if Scene felt like asking around a little. LeBron is infamous in the Warehouse District for being a cheapskate. He doesn't feel he should have to pay to have his car valeted, and he obviously never tips the valet. Blue Point, XO — all the major spots he goes to — you're lucky to get a 5 percent tip from the "King."

Andrew

They seem to think waiters should kiss their . . . rings: I've heard tales from people that have dealt with him direct and stories passed down from friends. As far as the cheapskate side goes, a lot of celebrities do this, because they believe their presence is worth more than what they leave the server. (Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods are notorious for this — running up thousands for a tab and not tipping at all.)

I have also been told about when he has walked into a clothing store and bought everyone an outfit, or been in a restaurant and bought everyone's dinner (hopefully, he didn't leave his standard 1 percent tip). I do think that he should give at least a 20 percent tip, but most affluent people I know match the bill 100 percent.

Don't judge unless you actually know, but 10 bucks on an $800 bill — LeBron, you are better than that.

Jeezy

"Catch Him If You Can," May 7

Cat-Loving Con
Victim says shyster's not all bad: When the news reporter called me last week to interview me about Zachary Coleman, it was a big shift for me to remember that past life in New York and the man who stayed in my apartment and used all my credit cards.

Yes, he was well dressed and charming, but there was something about him that was off. I'm sorry that I didn't trust my intuition at the time. Although I felt violated, I'm grateful that Zachary Coleman took good care of my cats and my home, and that I wasn't responsible for the thousands of dollars that he charged on my credit card. I feel as if God took care of the naïve, trusting young woman that I used to be.

Despina Gurlides

"Divorced From Reality," May 7

Credibility Gap
We'll just get in line behind everyone else: Earlier this week I contacted Scene to inquire as to whether there was any ongoing investigation of the domestic relations court, following an article you had previously published. A Scene employee indicated that he would check and call me back. He assured me repeatedly that this was the only action he would take.

I was very clear that I was not seeking the magazine to do a story on my case, that I did not want my daughter's privacy violated or for her to be manipulated or publicly exposed.

Instead of responding to my simple request, I was called later that day and told he contacted numerous attorneys, that in violation of the attorney-client privilege my attorneys had given him statements, and did I want to respond? I indicated that he had lost all credibility — that I was not going to be strong-armed into a story.

An article on my case would require extensive investigation to determine the facts. The tactics employed since my inquiry do not demonstrate a commitment to journalistic integrity or the type of investigative work required to produce an accurate or relevant story. If you cannot honor commitments involving my family or me, then I will take appropriate actions as to all damages and inaccuracies.

Julie Singer