Talk of the Town

By Sherry

June 16, 2005 05:51 AM | Link to this

I think this the most sickening thing I’ve heard since the OJ Simpsom verdict. Money talks obviously and Jennifer Wilbanks must have a lot of it. She totally blew apart her family during the time she was gone with no remorse.

By Faye

June 16, 2005 06:03 AM | Link to this

Isn’t that like America..To capitalize off your personal dysfunctions or someone else’s pain. Why don’t Jennifer Wilbanks and Ashley Smith team up this summer and go on a world wind tour!!!!?

By Louis

June 16, 2005 06:05 AM | Link to this

That lucky huzzy!

Anyway, if that was a African-American woman, she would be under the jail. Put her in jail.

By Janice

June 16, 2005 06:31 AM | Link to this

I think that this young woman has some really big problems. There is absolutely no reason for her to profit from her own mental disability. Maybe she plans to replace as much as possible of the non-refundale funds that were expended on her spectacular (non) wedding. I think it’s time for the media to let her sink back into the hole that she crawled out of.

By Richard Mills

June 16, 2005 06:41 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, this just shows how morally bankrupt Ms. Wilbanks really has become. Her fiance is either the world’s biggest fool or just as culpable as her. … I wonder if the ending of the proposed movie will include her taking the rights money and leaving him standing at the altar?

By j.d.

June 16, 2005 06:47 AM | Link to this

I thought Georgia had passed a law prohibiting criminals from profiting from the crime.

By Ann

June 16, 2005 06:47 AM | Link to this

I cried when I heard she was missing, I prayed for her safe return, I rejoiced when she was found, now I just want to throw up. She makes me sick!

By Darlene

June 16, 2005 06:47 AM | Link to this

Wilbanks simply represents how sick our society is. We crave this kind of garbage and it only takes a nut like Wilbanks to fuel the flames! If you want to keep things like this from being profitable to these idiots, then don’t watch the Katie interview, don’t buy the book (or magazine that has articles), and don’t go to the movie. We make people like this rich and famous by craving for their sick stories!

By Patrick Cecere

June 16, 2005 06:48 AM | Link to this

If all you media types out there would just ignore this loon like most sane people are already doing, she would quickly disappear into the oblivion that she deserves.

By John

June 16, 2005 06:49 AM | Link to this

Until now I was totally in her corner. I still do not believe she should have been prosecuted criminally or that she should have been required to pay back one dime. However, this outages me. She should not make any money from the book or movie rights. What she is doing is not illegal but it certainly is not decent nor moral.

By Linda

June 16, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this

Before you start casting stones, take a look at your own life. I’m sure all of us have made mistakes that we deeply regret. She’s lucky to have the loving support of family that many of you wish you had - probably the reason for all of your nasty comments about her. If you don’t want her to make money off of this deal, then don’t buy the book. She’s only getting attention because people are eager to read about and relish in her mistakes. Hopefully for her, she will profit mentally, humbly, and spiritually as well.

By Mac

June 16, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this

Her willingness to make money off this whole sorry episode is absolutely pathetic. Shame on her and shame on her fiance for continuing to pander to her. Please will someone make them go back to wherever they came from so they can go on with their sorry lives in anonimity - don’t let them profit anymore at everyone else’s expense - they obviosly don’t give a darn about anyone but themselves!

By paul

June 16, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this

I believe this whole runaway episode was contrived from the beginning. This was a money making scheme and the entire state of Georgia was the sucker. They expended money and emotion while she laughed her way to the bank.

By MSgirl

June 16, 2005 07:00 AM | Link to this

I told you all!!! But what’s really funny is that she played the city of Duluth. She got her lawyer, Ms. Sartain to reduce the payback (while we know Ms. Sartain put it towards her St. John budget ((did you see her in court that day? Nice suit huh?)) She can really afford to pay them back. Now if anyone still feels sorry for them she is playing them too!!

Get over it people, it’s the way of the world. Let’s enjoy a cup of coffee and laugh about it. Just like I was right about this, I guarantee you she’ll be back in the news soon for some other criminal act.

By Robert

June 16, 2005 07:01 AM | Link to this

Who wants to team up and pull off our own fraud for book and movie deals? Let me know, I need the money!

By Susan

June 16, 2005 07:03 AM | Link to this

I think that she is entitled to make money off of her story. We all know the media did, so what’s the difference. She may decide to donate some or all of it. Who knows.

By HP

June 16, 2005 07:05 AM | Link to this

I really would like to see what the rest of the story is…I’d like to know what pressure she was under before she left. I’d like to know what caused her to lie about everything. I’d like to know how John forgave her. I’d like to know where she’s at now.

She probably has a lot of bills to pay and no job. This may be the only way to get the truth about what happened out there.

By Barbara

June 16, 2005 07:09 AM | Link to this

Jennifer Wilbanks’s demeanure may be that of someone who is shy and withdrawn but she is one smart individual who knows exactly what she wants:recognition and money - at all costs. John Mason should back out of this relationship and not feel one bit of guilt. Marriage is built on trust, love and communication and I don’t personally see Jennifer displaying any of these virtues toward John.

By Jon Keepers

June 16, 2005 07:13 AM | Link to this

I live in Gwinnett county and why a deal was made for her to pay back such a small amount of our money is beyond me. She should have been made to sign a “no tell, no profit” statement at the time of the agreement. Now all we can do is stew for awhile and maybe replace our officials when we vote with someone who does not cave to money. Angry Gwinnett Resident, Jon Keepers

By Margaret

June 16, 2005 07:15 AM | Link to this

I hope all the people who said we should feel sorry for Jennifer Wilbanks and reach out to her with love and support and forgiveness should now feel like the chumps that they are.

By Dororhy Wilson

June 16, 2005 07:17 AM | Link to this

Why are we spending precious time judging Jennifer, its obvious she is dealing with her own personal challenges. Let not pour any more salt in the sore.This too shall pass.

By Chris

June 16, 2005 07:18 AM | Link to this

Jennifer’s 15 minutes of fame should have been up long time ago. She is a liar, a racist and a con. Yet she will still profit from breaking the law. I really wonder how “sorry” she really is about waiting Duluth’s time and money and its really sickening that she stands to make money of of it!

By Bill

June 16, 2005 07:19 AM | Link to this

I think she got off light in her court appearance by not having to reimburse even close to what was spent looking for her inconsiderate self. The city of Duluth, the sheriff’s department and all others involved should consider bringing a civil suit on her. $500,000 or so ought to cover it, don’t you think?

By Carrie

June 16, 2005 07:19 AM | Link to this

I gurantee that if I ever pulled a stunt like this woman did, I would be too mortified to ever show my face in public again. This situation only proves what we have known all along…she is nothing but a money-grubbing attention hog who will stop at nothing to get attention. It wasn’t enough that she was to recieve a wedding more lavish than most movie stars, nor was it enough that the state stopped dead in its tracks to look for her. Her only “mental illness” is a delusion of adequacy fueled by greed and selfishness. I only pray her fiance’ wises up and dumps her for good, and that she faces all the ridicule and scrutiny that she deserves.

By rog

June 16, 2005 07:21 AM | Link to this

This is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard. If this deal goes through then she needs to pay ever penny of expense she caused both here and in New Mexico. I am appalled at the media company as they obvious have no scruples. What a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kush

June 16, 2005 07:23 AM | Link to this

She won’t make a dime off of me!

By Betty

June 16, 2005 07:25 AM | Link to this

This woman is both morally bankrupt and mentally disturbed. She is also smart as a fox which makes her doubly dangerous. John needs to remember that “if you lay down with dogs, you will get fleas”. She will not profit from me, not one cent.

By Marilyn Carter

June 16, 2005 07:28 AM | Link to this

This woman has no ethics whatsoever. Maybe she needs the money to pay off the debts from her wedding fiasco. She ia a liar attention seeking person who needs medication. Her employer most likely wouldn’t want her coming back to the practice after all of the negative press. But she knew all of these factors before she made her decision. Any man who would give her the time of day has greater issue than she has. Flee run to the mountains. Yes I can forgive her but she should have stood up and spoke her for herself and explained her position. Apparently she has gotten over her shyness to make a book deal.

By Karen

June 16, 2005 07:30 AM | Link to this

Ann, I totally agree with you. But she needs to raise some money (at other people’s expense) to reimburse herself for the fines she’s paying and for her mental health treatment! With all of the media attention to her escapades, she is certain to get a lot of free hype and ‘celebrity’ interviews when her book is released. And what will probably follow the book is a made for TV Lifetime or We Channel movie.

By Jim Chambers

June 16, 2005 07:32 AM | Link to this

Dear Runaway Bride: JUST FADE AWAY. PLEASE!!!

By Karen

June 16, 2005 07:35 AM | Link to this

Margaret, We are not chumps for worrying about Jennifer. Now if she does it again…”Fool me once, shame on You, fool me twice, shame on Me.”

By Ruth

June 16, 2005 07:35 AM | Link to this

Ashley Smith has a story to tell, Jennifer Wilbanks does not. John Mason is along for the ride. He really got caught up in all the media hype and is now trying to benefit financially. They both need to seek therapy and live their lives out of the public eye!

By rita

June 16, 2005 07:36 AM | Link to this

I can not believe she would try to profit on what she did! She hurt many loved ones and friends plus wasted thousands of dollars on her escapade. If she was my daughter I would strongly advise her that she did not need an agent.
What she needs to do is to move on with her life and get out of the limelight. We are tired of hearing about her and this is the last straw!!!

By Dave

June 16, 2005 07:36 AM | Link to this

The city of Duluth settles for $13,500 out of $43,000 and this girl gets all the money. In the future terms of probation should include a clause that any monetary gain she receives from this will be used to pay in full all expenses the county incurs. She can’t face the local public to apologize, yet she agrees to go on national television for money. If she is ever convicted of another crime and they don’t throw the book at her they are weak.

By Carol

June 16, 2005 07:40 AM | Link to this

It seems almost like Jennifer Wilbanks planned the entire thing from the start to the end. It also seemed that John Mason was never that upset by it all, maybe he was in on it too. If he wasn’t then he is a fool to hang on to someone who would lie and lie big time. If she would do this to him and her parents what else would she lie about? And to write a book about it is the ultimate slap in the face of every person who helped look for her and was involved in her case!

By Susie

June 16, 2005 07:42 AM | Link to this

I’m beginning to wonder if Jennifer and her fiance weren’t in on this together, knowing they would profit from the media in the end. When is she going to show some remorse, to help us think otherwise?

By civilian

June 16, 2005 07:45 AM | Link to this

who cares,everybody wants cash! this society acts so Holy,if given same chance they would to.I,ve decided to just forgive her and deal with my own issues.Not being eager to SHOUT!!Crusify,Crusify!!

By David

June 16, 2005 07:48 AM | Link to this

I didn’t hear much criticism of Bill Clinton self-promotion of his book “My Life”. Or of Hillary’s financial windfalls from selling her story. Seems kind of a big double standard here. Sure, I wouldn’t have done it, but then some of us still have standards of right and wrong.

By kim

June 16, 2005 07:48 AM | Link to this

Jennifer Wilbanks a compelling story!?! Please! This is garbage I am not even going to waste my time on. What is it going to be a pamphlet or an infomercial… There are many more important issues that could be discussed…instead a “princess” with attention issues. The sad thing is that when I really thought she was missing. It made me sad…and I hoped the would be safe. What a sell out….when she just created a delusion to make some money and get into the spotlight. We all know what she is thinking about $$$$$$$$$.

By H Thomas

June 16, 2005 07:50 AM | Link to this

One more example of the lowest depths the American public will stoop to. Not only will the “unfortunate” bride (and groom as well) will make out like a modern day Bonnie and Clyde the public will go hog wild in anticipation of the exciting story she must tell. Sounds as though both the bride and the husband may have thought this plan up from the beginning. Remember his reaction when he was told that one of the major newspeople would be contacting him? “Oh, wow!”

By Trina

June 16, 2005 07:51 AM | Link to this

Where are all of those people that were in her corner saying “Jennier and her family just want to return to their private lives away from the media”?? You would think the Jennifer hated the media by the way she coved her face while at the airport in Mexico - but now that the media is willing to pay her she has nothing to hide. I just can’t believe so many people fell for the “Depressed Jennifer Act”. I guess $$ must have cured her!!

By Donna

June 16, 2005 07:54 AM | Link to this

Why should she benifit from her misdeeds? She needs psycological help not a publisher to glamorize her deeds. She got off very light by paying what she did. She should have to pay all the expenses to every entity involved in each state if she profits at all. I guess that this is a new get rich quick skeem - run away from your big wedding and then write a book and make a movie. Don’t we have anything better to fill our minds with?

By AJ

June 16, 2005 07:55 AM | Link to this

She is doing nothing different than any other criminal, celebrity, athlete, or by-stander. She is human. Release and let it go!

By Jackie

June 16, 2005 07:58 AM | Link to this

What a disgrace she is to her community and her family. There should be someway to stop her from profiting from her deceit that cause everyone such trauma, cost money and tooked needed resources from the police. Moreover, she is a racist by making up such an outrageous story.

By norman

June 16, 2005 07:59 AM | Link to this

Perhaps the whole runaway affair was a money making scheme from the beginning.

By John

June 16, 2005 08:00 AM | Link to this

The fact that the media is willing to pay for this story says many things about our society, none of them good.

By Angelique Perry

June 16, 2005 08:00 AM | Link to this

I’d be too dam embarassed to show my face back home, so chances are I would move to another country. As for cashing it, everyone who assisted in the search should sue her personally for distress, fatigue and been misled. ONLY in America you can do some crap like this, then cash in and become a millionaire!

By Roy Lee

June 16, 2005 08:03 AM | Link to this

Most intelligent people saw this coming from day one. Jennifer Wilbanks is a known liar, a known thief, and a super con artist. She’s as transparent as an empty picture frame. Why John Mason doesn’t see what a terrible person he’s involved with is beyond me. Maybe he does know what he’s doing and is actually as culpable as she is. These two won’t get a dime from me. If felons are allowed to profit from their crimes, its time to change the law. I could feel sorry for them if it were not for the fact that they turn my stomach. Karma will get them in the end.

By Alexis Dubois

June 16, 2005 08:05 AM | Link to this

So what else is new. Can we move on to something else, NOW!

By Donald

June 16, 2005 08:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t think that anybody should profit from any criminal action and she was convited of a felony and now ahe’s going to get rich while I have to work my tail off just to barely make ends meet.

By Peggy

June 16, 2005 08:07 AM | Link to this

What’s to say Jennifer and her fiance didn’t plan this from the beginning, in order to profit? I guess neither of them knows the definition of the word integrity, because they certainly don’t have any. The only way this would be acceptable would be if they were going to donate 100% of the profit to repay the ENTIRE cost of the search, and reimburse the businesses who lost money because if it.

They should be ashamed of themselves. Maybe when they get rich from this they’ll move away, I don’t think that would be a loss for Georgia at all.

And I certainly hope they never have to ask for help again.

By ba

June 16, 2005 08:07 AM | Link to this

She should pay back the remainder of the money the city of Duluth spent looking for her without question. If she doesn’t on her own, I am all for the Mayor suing her with interest and attorney’s fees. Dispicable.

By BUDDY

June 16, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this

Is sad how one person can profit from this ordeal, after what she put thw whole state and some others states along, she should be punished or at least all the money she can made of it, would be donated for a good cause, as a latino man im very disapointed for this.

By Karen

June 16, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this

I have a great idea! Let’s have Julia Roberts play Jennifer and Richard Gere play John…..oh wait! Sorry that has already been done. I don’t think we need another “runaway bride” movie of the week. As with other “high profile” cases, she was able to buy her way out of jail. I say all searchers unite and sue the daylights out of her and her “loving” fiance, so any profit will go straight to them.

By F. C. Hulsey

June 16, 2005 08:09 AM | Link to this

For Jennifer Wilbanks and her fiance, John Mason, to profit from her childish and immature behavior is totally disgusting. It has got to be one of the tackiest displays I’ve ever seen. What a total lack of class. At first I felt for her thinking she was having a nervous breakdown. Now I wonder if the whole thing was a premeditated and underhanded affair. I am sure her family and friends are humiliated.

By Sharon

June 16, 2005 08:11 AM | Link to this

People need to see the actual legal documents for this case on (http://www.thesmokinggun.com) just to see how sick this woman is and to what depths her story went to. This is one sick woman! She apparently got over “her issue” rather quickly because she couldn’t face the public but yet can now be on a national tv show. She must of had a great therapist, a miracle therapist no doubt.

By sarah

June 16, 2005 08:12 AM | Link to this

For people who wanted to be left alone to heal and work out their relationship, this is NOT the way to do it! It is obvious that John Mason has ISSUES too! IF they wanted to be left alone, the they should have said no to Couric’s interview. Wilbanks did this for attention - and boy is she getting exactly what she wants! John is a fool, and I have no more sympathy for him!

They deserve each other and they desrve what awaits them in the afterlife!

By M. Leonard

June 16, 2005 08:13 AM | Link to this

This is the “American Way”. I think that she should donate every single cent made from any deals to some needy cause. She should NOT be be able to profit from the wrongful things she did.

By Maery

June 16, 2005 08:15 AM | Link to this

Jennifer needs to get the hell outta Dogdge - or Duluth - and Gainesville too. We don’t take kindly to being made fools of and wasting our hard earned tax dollars on the likes of her.

By ron

June 16, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this

Either these two have absolutly zero integrity or they are trying to make a mockery out of the media. Maybe this whole thing was planned for money. If this is the case you guys sure fell hard. It just goes to show how shallow Americans have become. The really sad part is that if they do turn it in to a reality show half of the people who went searching for her will tune in to find out “the real story”. Forget about jail time, the real punishment would come from forgetting about the whole……and ignoring Ms. Wilbanks and her estranged, clueless, sidekick.

By Pat

June 16, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this

One of the comments described her as being “morally bankrupt” - that about sums it up. Anyone supporting her in this new endeavor is likewise. However I know what I can do - I will not participate in supporting this, by not buying from any sponsors, etc. We can vote with our pocketbooks. She has a Maker and He is likley frowning now and will conront her some day.

By Valerie

June 16, 2005 08:19 AM | Link to this

Come on! We knew it was coming. This is by no means a shock or surprise. The article says it’s a story of love and forgiveness. Right. It’s simply and opportunity for profit. I’m sick of the bride!!

By kdw

June 16, 2005 08:20 AM | Link to this

Why is it that now, since financial gain is part of the deal, she can speak for herself. But when it was time to explain herself to the citizens who searched for and worried about her, every statement had to come from a family friend or a minister?

By Joe

June 16, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this

This girl is like school in the summertime…NO CLASS AT ALL! Let us count the ways: 1) Shoplifter. 2) Shafted family by skipping the grandest (and probably most expensive) wedding that I have heard of in these parts. 3) Threw the entire city & county into a panic when she lied to her fiance, and we thought she befell some ill fate. 4) Lied TO THE POLICE and concocted a story of her “abduction”, complete with a perpetrator of color (with bad teeth, even). 5) Slunk back into town under cover of darkness to hide in an asylum. 6) Reimbursed our fair city with a fraction of the cost of searching for her. 7) Has now profited from the whole shebang by “selling her life story”. Shall we call it “Jennifer’s Sleazy Adventure?”

Oh, also, can I play the part of the “abducter”? I am not hispanic, but I am sure whatever sleazy producer makes the movie wouldn’t mind putting me on in “brown face”.

By Sheila

June 16, 2005 08:23 AM | Link to this

Kinda makes one wonder if the whole thing was not planned well in advance. Especially if John is going to participate too. They both will make money off of it. She may come across as being a little off her rocker, but let me tell you — she knows exactly what she’s doing! What’s to stop anyone else from doing a similar act and subsequently making money off it?

By Envy

June 16, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

If she is going to get all of that money from the rights to her life story (like anyone in their right mind would be interested in that), she should pay back ALL of the money they spent looking for her sorry behind. Intelligent people are not interested in this foolishness.

By K

June 16, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

I will be so happy when I can turn on my tv or open a newspaper or magazine without seeing this woman’s over caffeinated face glaring back at me. I can’t believe that after the misery she caused her family and friends, after that stunt she pulled blaming a hispanic man for kidnapping and rape, after all this she has the nerve to cash in. It is outrageous that she cannot apologize to the people who were honestly frightened for her and concerned about her welfare, those who were praying for her and her family, those who donated time and money to look for her. For those people she has nothing to say, yet the big networks come calling and all of a sudden she has something to say? I for one am not interested. Maybe now that she is a big star she should move to California, I don’t imagine her neighbors here will want to have much to do with her, especially now.

As for the person speculating that she may donate some of her profits…yeah, riiiiggghhhhttt. I would not hold my breath on that one.

By danielle

June 16, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

Apparently she can appear on NBC and reap monetary gain from a book deal but she can’t (because she is too fragile) make a public apology to the community that spent days looking for her. Her only illness is self-absorption.

By David

June 16, 2005 08:26 AM | Link to this

What a LOSER !! She needs to turn over any money to the City of Duluth and Gwinnett County.

By Jerry

June 16, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this

I don’t find it a bit disturbing that they should profit from this ordeal. What I do find disturbing is that there might actually be enough idiots out there who would actually purchase the book and make it profitable for them and the publisher.

By Jo Ann

June 16, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this

It appears this is a total drama queen -there’s nothing wrong with her - going in for treatment was just part of her plan.

How very smart she is and how gullible the media and Hollywood!!! I wouldn’t pay a dime or waste my time on her life’s story. We all have a story but she has been smart enough to outsmart seemingly intelligent people.

How many brides, and grooms for that matter, have cold feet and second thoughts? But you don’t rip your family and friends apart because of an exaggerated ego.

By Liz

June 16, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this

This woman makes me sick. The fact that she did not have to pay back ALL of the money is bad enough, but now she is going to PROFIT???

By PW

June 16, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

This woman is reprehensible. She needs to crawl back in the hole that she came out of and stay there. If she feels the need to write a book about her ‘ordeal’ she should donate any profits from it to various charitable organizations. Mark my words, we’ll see her again. This is not the first crime she has committed and it won’t be the last. I’m afraid that if she has children that they may come to harm. Run, John, run! Get out now!

By Randy

June 16, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

This is great, now we are making more people want to run away and make a mint.

By S.P.

June 16, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

All the money she makes from telling her “story” should be given to Gwinnett County as restitution for the money spent searching for her.

By J D

June 16, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

The public servants searching for Ms. Wilbanks were merely doing their jobs. What is sickening is that anyone thinks that Ms. Wilbanks should have to pay for being found safe and sound. Obviously she has some mental issues to sort out. Does anyone prefer that she were found dead??? I’ll bet that the Holloway family in Alabama would like to be in this position. Get a grip, folks. This is why we collect taxes and pay police! Thank heavens this story had a happy ending.

By diane

June 16, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

Hello, she won’t have fame and fortune if not a sole buys the book or sees the movie….

Believe me, my money is staying in my pocket.

By Jen

June 16, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

We knew this was going to happen so I don’t know why we are so surprised and sickened by it. This kind of thing happens all the time in this country…just part of the lifestyle, I guess.

By John Berry

June 16, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

If Wilbanks cashes in, you are going to see a lot more run-away brides…and the cost to taxpayers to search for these “missing” people will skyrocket. In the end, though, some defenseless person will be tragically killed because the public and law enforcement authorities will have heard the “cry of wolf” once too often!

By Leslie

June 16, 2005 08:36 AM | Link to this

I think it is disgusting. She is going to profit off of people’s misery. What she did to her family was wrong, what she did to the world is wrong. What will it take to have her behind bars? Obviously shoplifting won’t do it and neither will filing false reports. I think she has slapped all of the rape victims in the world slap dab in the face. She has no morals or ethics, obviously. And the fiance is sticking with her for the popularity.

By Linda E

June 16, 2005 08:36 AM | Link to this

It is very disappointing that Jennifer Wilbanks would even consider this since the Runnaway Bride event was so emotional to her. So emotional she couldn’t face the public and make a public apology. Yet she will sign a book and movie rights. How sad is that. What’s up with now going public? You have yet to apologize to the people who seach for you. Saying you are sorry does not cut it. It’s just not right.

By Don Hill

June 16, 2005 08:37 AM | Link to this

When Jennifer was missing and the citizens of Gwinnett were ask to pray for her safe return…..We did not know it included a book and movie deal$$$ I think this episode should quitely fade away. We still wish her the best of luck…but not in the movies.

By Bree

June 16, 2005 08:37 AM | Link to this

I always felt that the fiance was too calm during this ordeal. His face was all over the media from the beginning. Now I feel my hunch was correct, they planned the whole thing for profit. Too bad the Media bought into it. Let’s have a very quiet boycott of the rest of this mess

By veronica

June 16, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this

On a positive note: If Jennifer Wilbanks stands to gain any money from either interviews, a book deal, and or a movie, she will stop shoplifting.

By Jay

June 16, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this

Well…couldnt we all see this coming…except of course for Danny Porter and the Gwinnett DA’s office - who could have nixed this type of profiteering somewhat by prosecuting her for a felony instead of a bubble gum case misdemeanor with a light slap on the wrist and a lightweight acceptance of a check from her for the sum of only $13,249

The should have sent a clear message by prosecuting her for at least 1 felony count and given her 5 years in prison and a hefty fine of $100,000 to $250,000 - she probably would have served 18 months to 2 years in jail and if she still madea media deal while in jail or shortly afterwards at least a message would have been sent. In the case at hand—sure it was embarassing (but perhaps not for her) but she got no jail time and for the paltry sum of $13,249 she is a freaky nationwide celebrity with the chance to make milions

By Marilyn

June 16, 2005 08:39 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe that it’s right that when someone is guilty of a crime that they should be able to profit from it. They should have to pay back all of the expenses incurred as a result of their crime and if there is anything remaining after that, they should have to give it to charity.

By Lisa

June 16, 2005 08:39 AM | Link to this

We dont know whether she did this spontaneously or on purpose-either way, it seems wrong. But, we all make mistakes daily, and nobody is perfect. Only she knows and God knows what is in her heart. You people so quick to judge should take a look at your own hearts/motives/mistakes in things you say and do. It could be anything, not something big. Become humble and realize how imperfect we all are, and that God’s grace is there for those who seek it. I really dont know Jennifer’s heart, but I would hope she would change her mind about the book/movie deals and realize this is a temptation she needs to flee from. These deals just dont seem right.

By Patricia

June 16, 2005 08:39 AM | Link to this

I think its all a game to her. Who hasn’t had their own set of problems? And to think everyone was looking for her because of her lie. The real heros are them. All that time wasted when they could have been out looking for her when they could have been looking for others who are actually missing.

By Phillip

June 16, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

I still don’t like Katie Couric or anything she does. Her “Tragedy Ann” act after the bombings at the Olymplic Games in 1996 made me sick of her and anything she touches. Atlanta and Gwinnett County ought to ride her and Wilbanks out of the county on a rail. Wilbanks is a criminal and should be treated as such. She has no respect for her family, friends or fellow citizens and she flaunts it by trying to profit off her criminal actions. Oh, and for David the Republican in previouse comments, great job there connecting this to Bill and Hillary Clinton. I hope you can someday remove your head from where it has been stored.

By Matt

June 16, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover but with this one I’ll bet you can. She has always looked kind of out there. This whole deal proves it. Hopefully she’ll make enough money to leave the state of Georgia and go far, far away. Some people have no shame. As for her so-called fiance, he deserves everything he is getting but I don’t think he is smart enough to realize exactly what that is.

By Todd Berger

June 16, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this

Jennifer Wilbanks and Ashley Smith are two different cases. Ashley Smith did what 200,000 law enforcement people couldn’t: stopped a mass murderer.

Jennifer Wilbanks is a crazy woman that tormented her family and community at their expense, and got a free pass.

My question is, isn’t it illegal to profit from the commission of a felony? Isn’t what she’s doing now illegal? If it’s not, I want Danny Porter and the staff at Gwinnett county to file new charges and possibly civil charges in an effort to recoup every dollar that was spent finding that loon.

By Susan Grace Farner

June 16, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this

I find it disgusting that people who do wrong profit from it. Our society has sunk to a level so low it embarrasses me!

There are so many of these stories out there that’s it no wonder our society is the way it is! I feel no one reads uplifing literature anymore.

I will not be reading her book although I do plan to watch the interview!

I have this to say to Miss Wilbanks-GET A DECENT HAIRCUT! You can certainly afford it!

By Mary Ann Hall

June 16, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this

As Jennifer has had to pay thousands of dollars back to the City of Duluth to reimburse them in part for the search for her, and as it has been proven that she needed emotional help, I think she has to use this method to make some income for herself. I doubt that she is employable due to all of the publicity about her. I sympathize with the young woman. I think that she has been treated in a very cruel manner by the media in general.

By C.M

June 16, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this

This young woman has laughed at American Justice. She is out of control. She has some serious mental problems and publishing/televising her story is not going to solve her underlying problems, if anything it will make her feel like she was right in her thought process. On the other hand this is what television has turned to with all this reality tv stuff and thriving off others mistakes.

By Jeanie

June 16, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this

I am so totally disappointed. How sad that people will do anything for money. She is the one that has to live with herself. Lying, stealing, seems to be part of her personality. What is wrong with her finance? He must be of the same cloth to want to stay with her. I feel for all the persons that took time out of their life to look for her…and in the photos I see, Jennifer is smiling? How sad.

By Voice of Reason

June 16, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this

The idiots are running the asylum. It is a sad day when idiotic decisions and lies take precedence over “normal” behavior. People wonder why our country is in the shape it’s in…here is a perfect example of being rewarded for all the wrong reasons. The real mind blower…people are actually stupid enough to continue to follow this “riveting” story about the runaway bride.

Speaking of running, if my bride of 22 years decides she wants to run, I hope she has someone to run to that is as blind and understanding as Mr. Mason because once you go, there are no 2nd chance excuses.

By Andre Ross

June 16, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this

This chic is SMART, what a way to get famous and CASH IN. She had a plan and executed it PERFECT. I do not agree with this because I know if SISTA did this she first would have not made the news and secondly would have been prosecuted to the FULLEST! Only in America baby…….

By chris

June 16, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

I thought this was all about fame, when that Saturday morning the fiance said “Maybe Sean Hannity would come there now”. Sure enough he was on his show on Monday.

By Stuart

June 16, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

She was stressed over a wedding and this doesn’t add to her stress and emotional instability. Very sad that life is all about herself! When she is done with her publicity stunt, maybe we can have a day in her honor and give her the key to the city.

By Angela

June 16, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this

Will not buy the book. Or see the movie.

By MC

June 16, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this

Two unrelated points points: 1 - More than anything, I am concerned with the message this sends to society:
Want a little excitement and a lot of money? You too can do it in four easy steps; Put your family and friends through Hell for a week, make up a big lie, fake remorse, cash in. That is why she should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent possible, including jail-time. 2 - The Hispanic community was up in arms about her story of abduction. Since she claimed it was a Hispanic man and White woman, I have to wonder where’s the backlash from the white community?

By harriet

June 16, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this

Wilbanks is a criminal. She has a record in her past and should be treated accordingly. Another slap on the wrist and paying a fine won’t make her see that she is really screwed up. Time in jail - even for a short period may make her see the error of her ways. Any monies made should be donated to everyone’s lives she turned upside down during that ordeal - especially to the law officers!

By jerry

June 16, 2005 08:51 AM | Link to this

The first time I felt Jennifer’s disappearance failed to pass the smell test occurred during one of John Mason’s early press interviews. He was almost giddy to announce that he thought Shawn Hannity was coming to interview him.

By Chip

June 16, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

Any further attention shown to this woman, other than the medical attention she needs, is further proof of our society’s hollowness and willingness to be a party to sheer stupidity.

By Tami (from Acworth)

June 16, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

My first question to Wilbanks/Mason wanting to tell their story is: “WHY?!” There’s nothing to tell, really. I wouldn’t be motivated to buy the story. There are probably more interesting choices of reading for me to choose from in the limited time I have to do any reading. I also think that if Wilbanks does see any profits whatsoever from this, that she needs to direct it back to the city of Duluth. They haven’t been reimbursed nearly enough. I think the whole metro Atlanta area is ready for this story to go away once and for all. So, let’s move on.

By Deb

June 16, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

As a Gwinnett County citizen, and a daughter of a former attorney, I am appalled at the latitude that was given Ms. Wilbanks. I too, at first was extremely concerned for her safety, then even thought that perhaps John might have known what had happened. As time went by, and then she called home, I was sickened by the thought that someone could have possibly abducted her, and treated her in such a selfish manner…..But……then the truth came out, and I was no longer appalled, but disgusted by what she had done, and now has gotten away with. In a discussion with my family members, we all saw this coming, and I am amazed that the county has allowed her to get away with nothing more than a slap on the hand.
What in heaven’s name are we teaching our kids now. Accountability, don’t we teach our children that they need to be responsible for their actions, including desciplinary actions for the wrong choices. How is this family holding Ms. Wilbanks accountable for her actions, and how is the county holding her accountable??? Personally, I think that the family should help monitarily with the search for the young lady that has gone missing in Aruba, hopefully she is still alive. The effort that was afforded them, should be afforded others. The least that should happen if she in fact gets the movie deal, and book deal, is….. all monies should be given to a charity that is deemed in need by the Duluth police, & or the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s department. This should be a charity that helps boys and girls who are at risk. One should not profit off of their chosen mistakes, allowing others to pay for it.

By Katherine

June 16, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

I think she realized that she will never have her privacy back anyway, so she might as well regain some control over the publicity.

By Marc Stamatovich

June 16, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

The public - not Jennifer or the media is to blame! If there wasn’t a market for this kind of trash, the media wouldn’t be selling this kind of trash. Yellow journalism is alive and well in Amerika!

By Samar

June 16, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this

No matter what she has done, like most of us, she loves money. In her case, she needs it too. If this “Jerry Springer” society wants to provide it to her on asilver platter, who are you and I to expect her to act like the Dalai Lama? On the other hand, people who has the time and money to watch her show and buy her book should be forced to pay their way and come to Duluth for cleaning up the roadside. We all will be better off.