Patti fears for Matthew
Just when he thought he’d beaten his demons, Matthew’s past catches up with him
Patti Newton’s heart nearly burst with pride when she saw Matthew mixing with A-list talent and well-respected industry people at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
Fast-forward a year and Patti’s fearful her dream of a fresh start for her son could come crashing down as he again hits headlines.
Last week, actress Jessica Chastain, a vocal campaigner for the Time’s Up movement, came under fire for deciding to work with Matthew, 41, on his film project Eve because of his history of domestic violence.
Now, Patti is praying the backlash won’t put Jessica off working with Matthew Mat – she desperately believes beli this is the second chance chan he needs. “As “A a family, they’ve been through a lot, but Patti and Bert will always want wan the best for Matthew,” says an insider. “While they’ve they’ never condoned what’s what happened in the past, he’s their son and they love him. They believe he’s changed and overcome his demons and they’d be thrilled to have him back in Hollywood’s good graces.”
ASSAULT CHARGES
Matthew’s troubles began in 2006 when he was arrested for allegedly assaulting then-girlfriend Brooke Satchwell. Prosecutors dropped charges of stalking, intimidating and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and Matthew pleaded guilty to common assault. The charge was later overturned. In 2010, Rachael Taylor took out an AVO against him and accused him of punching her, spraining her jaw and causing concussion.
That year Bert said, “I do love him and I do support p him, but I don’t support or condone any of the things that have happened.”
Then, in 2012, Matthew was arrested in Miami for trespassing, resisting arrest and battery but the charges were dismissed after he spent 90 days in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction n at the Betty Ford Center in California.
The fallen star, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has been living a quiet life away from the limelight in New York.
“Matthew is focusing on writing and directing and Patti would love for him to become a respected member of the industry again,” reveals the insider.
“In her mind, he’s really tried to rehabilitate himself through therapy and taking time out of the spotlight. She believes he deserves to be known for his talent rather than his scandals.”
HYPOCRITICAL?
It was announced on August 1 that Eve, an action thriller written by Matthew, is being produced by Jessica’s company Freckle Films. Matthew will direct the project with Jessica, 41, starring.
However, some fans have branded the Oscar-nominated actress a hypocrite for working with Matthew at the same time as supporting Time’s Up, which calls for an end to sexual harassment.
As criticism pours in, the Newtons are hoping the actress won’t back out. “There’s a chance Jessica will decide the negative criticism isn’t worth it. Of course, Patti, 73, will be praying that doesn’t happen,” adds the insider.
“A movie starring a big name like Jessica could put Matthew back on the map. This kind of opportunity is rare. This may be his best shot to redeem himself and that’s all Patti wants for him.”