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TechnoratiThe entertainment and media industry has responded to the news of Jamie Lynn Spears’ pregnancy by halting some projects but spurring others as they consider how to best respond to those affected by the news.
(Photo: AP Images / Dan Steinberg, file)Actress Jamie Lynn Spears poses on the press line at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in Los Angeles in this Sept. 20, 2007, file photo.
In the latest edition of OK! Magazine, which hit newsstands nationwide on Friday, the 16-year-old younger sister of pop artist Britney Spears revealed that she was “shocked and scared” when she found out she was three months pregnant and her long-time boyfriend Casey Aldridge was the father. Spears intends to raise her child in her home state of Louisiana.
Calling it a double-edged sword in the Christian community, Bill Maier, vice president of the conservative ministry Focus on the Family, hailed Spear’s decision to keep the baby but did not excuse teen sex.
"We should commend girls like Jamie Lynn Spears for making a courageous decision to have the baby. On the other hand, there's nothing glamorous or fun about being an unwed teen mother,” Maier told The Associated Press.
Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, said Spears’ choice was a “mature response,” noting the young teen star pretty much admitted to making some wrong choices but is acting responsibly as she faces the consequences.
Nickelodeon, which airs Spears’ show “Zoey 101,” has responded to the news by issuing a statement of support and is considering a special for its young audience about teen pregnancy in which topics on sex and love would be discussed. The popular show, which stars Spears as an innocent teen, is aimed primarily at youngsters aged 9-14. The television network has made no announcement about the future of "Zoey 101."
“We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well-being," read a statement by Nickelodeon.
The television network confirmed that it is talking with Linda Ellerbee, who has done specials on talking with children about difficult issues in the news such as same-sex parents, AIDS, the Columbine shooting and President Clinton's impeachment scandal.
"I think it's important that something be done," Ellerbee told The Associated Press on Thursday. "But I think it's important that it be done in a measured way, and not just to feed the beast of news stories.”
Meanwhile, Thomas Nelson, which publishes Bibles and inspirational books, said Wednesday it has suspended publishing a parenting book by Lynn Spears, mother of Jamie Lynn.
"We have postponed the book indefinitely," said Lindsey Nobles, spokeswoman for Tennessee-based Christian publisher, in a Reuters report Wednesday.
The book, which was scheduled to be released on Mother’s Day next year, had the working title, Pop Culture Mom: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World. Publishers' Weekly described the book as "Lynne Spears' personal story of raising high-profile children while coming from a low-profile Louisiana community."
A spokeswoman said Tuesday the book was not cancelled but simply delayed, according to People Magazine.
"We are standing behind Lynne at this time and understand that she needs time with her family,” the spokeswoman said.
A speculation over whether 19-year-old Aldridge would face charges of statutory rape has also arisen. The criminal charges he could face depend on the state where the conception took place. Continue »
