When Bad People Do Good Things

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Simon Cowell may not be known as a great philanthropist, but it seems like the witty and sarcastic American Idol judge does have a soft spot underneath that hard exterior.

Cowell was a guest Monday on Oprah, and during the show they mentioned a good deed that the mean spirited judge did.

Oprah's Big Give show is all about helping those in need and that's just what Cowell decided to do.

A couple, Randy and Amy Stoen, were struggling daily in order to travel more than 100 miles from their home each day so their daughter could receive treatment. The young girl, Madeline, is struggling with a life-threatening cancer.

Cowell decided to alleviate some of the stress and burden the family is dealing with and paid off their mortgage!!!

He said "I never knew that doing good could feel so good."

Cowell paid over $162,000 to cover the family's debt.

And, hey, it's a tax write-off for him! Right? And he got to announce it on Oprah!

[Image via WENN.]

    Posted: Mar 18, 2008 at 1:50 pm / Email this  »

    110 comments to “When Bad People Do Good Things”

    More comments: [1] 2 »

    1. bella01 says – reply to this


      1

      first!

    2. karlo ortega says – reply to this


      2

      second!

    3. sjs says – reply to this


      3

      first!

    4. Vitamin says – reply to this


      4

      Take away the publicity and he and Oprah would never do any good for anyone. Oprah is as fake as you can get.

    5. Carina says – reply to this


      5

      That's awesome! Doing good things is always a great!

    6. bella01 ima douche says – reply to this


      6

      I belle01 is the biggest loser on this site. I'm # 1. I hope you all agree.

    7. LOVE SIMON!! says – reply to this


      7

      He also told the parents if he could help in other ways they should let him know because now he is their daughers guardian angel. :)
      ~
      Prayers to the family and the sweet little girl.
      I hope she heals and can get back to being a kid soon!

    8. Agyness says – reply to this


      8

      2cnd wohooo!! It is nice to hear that some celebrities are not greedy! It's awesome that Simon did this!

    9. colleen says – reply to this


      9

      yooooo

    10. victoria says – reply to this


      10

      Re: Vitamin – Agree–and Simon wouldn't have done this either if it weren't for the positive publicity. Plus, $162,000? I don't know how much Simon is worth, but I suspect that is NOTHING to him. I'm sure it didn't make a dent in his bank account.

    11. 13th says – reply to this


      11

      yeah man

    12. Woop! says – reply to this


      12

      Can I get some props for beng that close? Damn.

    13. tax-ie says – reply to this


      13

      i don't think this is a tax write off unless he gave the money to oprah's foundation first. otherwise, it would be a taxable gift, and cowell would have to pay the tax in addition to the gift.

    14. 14th says – reply to this


      14

      .

    15. fsdf says – reply to this


      15

      SIXTEENTH

    16. Candice says – reply to this


      16

      You stole the whole.. Hey its a tax write off, Right? I know I seen that on another show like only a couple of days ago.

    17. Shark says – reply to this


      17

      And, hey, it's a tax write-off for him! Right? And he got to announce it on Oprah!

      Re the above perez. fuck you pig. Do not do an article on a guy saying that his hard exterior hides a soft heart, then go on to try and completely ruin the compliment in the end by mentioning the obvious tax writeoff etc. Why not just compliment him and leave it at that.
      By throwing in your negative comments at end you are diminishing in some peoples eyes the positive. Although not for me. Do not like him as a personality on tv but this is a great story. Next time leave it at that.

    18. RH says – reply to this


      18

      What a great thing! It's a shame so few of the overpaid jerks in LA do things like this. Yep, a Brit helping an American family. Thank you, Simon. Perhaps you'll serve to remind our own AMERICAN "stars" that there are many children/families, right in this country, who could benefit from their money. It's lovely to see many helping children in other countries, but how about starting at home??

    19. YAAAAY! says – reply to this


      19

      I got it right.

    20. Shining Star!!! says – reply to this


      20

      Love Simon! What he did was great.
      His skin was looking a bit shiny/greasy on the show though.
      I like how he isn't all Mr. Make-up like Seacrest, but a little powder would help.
      We don't need a Greasy Bear II on our hands, now do we…

    21. Jo says – reply to this


      21

      Hey - whether it was a fake gesture or not - Simon's right!
      It does feel great to be kind and generous.

      I'll never be famous - or infamous - but just taking the time to go through my closet and my kid's clothes and then donating them to the needy is a kind gesture. Let's all clean our our closets, our garages, and storage areas and pay it forward!!! As a nation - we have been given so much. Let's stop being cruel and do some more good.

    22. AshBone says – reply to this


      22

      I absolutely love Simon! He is charismatic and charming, and he only says what everyone else wants to say. I used to hate him and think he is an ass but he has really grown on me the last couple of seasons!
      If he wasn't on the show it wouldn't even be half as good. What with Paula praising people that suck balls and Randy and his "dog, dude,, i was feelin it man..yeahhhh!"

    23. paranormalcosmos.com says – reply to this


      23

      WHATEVER his motives were, it sure made their lives suddenly a hell of a lot easier. Thank you, Simon!

    24. British says – reply to this


      24

      Oh look, a Brit helping the Americans.

    25. Sarah says – reply to this


      25

      Simon rocks!!! And Perez, who are you to say that he did it for a tax right off? Where are your donations and contributions to society. I am sure you are making a fortune off of this site. Simon plays his role as mean judge perfectly, but did you really think that he was that awful of a person to make it seem like he did it for a tax right off. Get a life, besides ridiculing others. Kudos to Simon! More people that have money should be doing more good deeds. And the media should not make it look like publicity stunt. That is sick.

    26. Nikki says – reply to this


      26

      Good for him and how nice for those people.

      And no it is NOT a tax write off. You can't deduct donations to individuals. It has to be a valid charitable organization.

    27. Marie Cooper says – reply to this


      27

      Psh, whatever it's not that big of a deal
      And he acts like he's never donated to charity before

    28. Lilac Purple says – reply to this


      28

      99% of celebs are fake and only do good deeds for publicity. The biggest fakes are Brangelina.

    29. lil k says – reply to this


      29

      Who doesn't adore Simon? His interaction with the judges is the reason I watch AI. But gee, wish he'd pay off my kids mortgages; thankfully, they'll continue to struggle without the life-threatening aspect. And hey, if health care was affordable in the USA, perhaps the couple's struggle wouldn't have been so great. Whatever…Simon is a first class guy.

    30. gusser says – reply to this


      30

      Tax writeoff - how so? Are parents a non profit 501 c3 - likely not. Simon did a good thing from his heart - very nice gesture.

    31. Jason says – reply to this


      31

      I bet that family was white.

    32. DIDN'T OPRAH GO TO THE SAME CHURCH AS OBAMA? says – reply to this


      32

      FAKE!

    33. mdog says – reply to this


      33

      its not a tax right off retard- unless the couple was a 501(c)3 charity- leave the tax advice to the pros dutch bag

    34. Suzanne says – reply to this


      34

      do you americans really believe that he is a horrible guy?!!!!

      if you didnt notice he's just very blunt and truthful and has to put a bit of drama on for the camera…not as a person

    35. Tana says – reply to this


      35

      But when your precious Angelina does it it's 100% genuine and NOT for publicity? She's the first one to alert the press.

    36. Smarter than you says – reply to this


      36

      Tax write off? Ah………I don't think so. Might want to check up on your tax laws there buddy.

    37. sandtrap says – reply to this


      37

      It might be considered a charitable gift, but he can't take the tax write-off since the family is not a 501(c)(3) organization. Just a good deed with no benefit for him expect the positive press.

    38. Mr. Not So Nasty Simon says – reply to this


      38

      Re: British – Oh look, a Brit helping the Americans (yeah, for a change.)

    39. Stacey says – reply to this


      39

      Re: victoria – How do you know he did this for the publicity? Him and you discussed it over coffee this morning?

    40. SIMON ROCKS!! says – reply to this


      40

      Re: British
      Good to see that miracles happen.

    41. stacey says – reply to this


      41

      Re: Jason – what does the family being white have to do with anything?

    42. Paula is horrible, not Simon! says – reply to this


      42

      Re: Suzanne
      No, Suzanne, we Americans don't think he is a horrible.
      We love Simon. That is why he is successful here.

    43. fionaf says – reply to this


      43

      Simon Cowell does loads of charity work over here, it's just that he doesn't usually make a song and dance about it so it never gets mentioned. It would probably harm his 'Mr Nasty' persona if people knew he was actually quite kind. And he's very good to his Mum.

    44. YUM says – reply to this


      44

      NOW THAT IS SEXY!!!!

    45. You're sorely mistaken ... says – reply to this


      45

      … if you think that paying someone else's debt is a tax write-off. That was personal "charity" and goodness, pure and simple vs. celebutards "donating" millions to official "charities" which are tax-deductions and publicity opportunities to boot.

    46. christine says – reply to this


      46

      that's great! but its not a tax write-off since he gave it directly to a family. it's written off only if given to a charitable organization

    47. becky, uk says – reply to this


      47

      this is so weird! im just watching t.v. and an rspca advert came on and simon voices it- very wooden

    48. BDB says – reply to this


      48

      When are we in USA going wake up and start believing what people do not what they say . How many times have you seen Simon drunk , accused of partying on dope are pissing in the street. Have you heard him cuss or talk vulger? I dont recall nothing but being sarcastic. I wish more youg people would use his examples instead of the Paris Hilton Types .

    49. mia says – reply to this


      49

      Good on you Simon! Your good deeds will come back to you.

    50. Aileen says – reply to this


      50

      I admire and adore Simon. What he did was very kind and thoughtful. I don't read too much about other celebrities doing this.

      Aileen

    51. ME says – reply to this


      51

      Perez - I think you'll find he does quite a bit of charity work in the UK & supports quite a few sick childrens charities/hospitals … He just doesn't publicise it.

    52. I wish... says – reply to this


      52

      Dent in his bank account or not, it was a sweet gesture made out of kindness, and it has alleviated a lot of stress for this couple to not have to worry about it they will have a home to return to after paying all the medical bills for their daughter. Hmm, maybe Oprah could pick up the tab for the medical bills–they must be astronomical. I wish someone would do something like this for me.

    53. annenne says – reply to this


      53

      Whether it's for publicity, for a tax right off or simply to make himself feel better, the point is that someone in need was helped. I don't care what the reasons are behind celebrity charity, as long as there are real beneficiaries. Good for him. He didn't have to do that.

    54. chad says – reply to this


      54

      Re: Mr. Not So Nasty Simon

      Oh please … when do american help british? you never see american stars helping british families … thats probably due to the british government paying for healthcare … unlike the dumb americans who'd rather see families lose their home than provide vital healthcare … your healthcare system sucks, even Cubas is better!

    55. caroaber says – reply to this


      55

      Good for you, Simon. I don't watch "A.I." but your face is ubiquitous. Your act was kind, and I'm glad you felt good doing it. God bless you and this family.

    56. wink says – reply to this


      56

      I wouldn't call him a bad person, he's just blunt. If you watch AI his opinion is the only one the contestants give a shit about.

    57. Jenny says – reply to this


      57

      He doesn't get a tax write-off - a real actual gift with no benefit to him at all (unless you count publicity!)

    58. Takes One to Know One says – reply to this


      58

      Re: chad
      According to your post, the Brits don't need help from Americans because they get the help they need from their own government. So why would Americans help Brits if they don't need help? What are you bitching about?
      And you have the nerve to call Americans dumb!

    59. Barrinton Smythe the third says – reply to this


      59

      The tax comment just goes to prove the Perez has never given to charity in his life, otherwise he would now the difference between tax deductable & non deductable donations.Simon would have to pay the tax himself. I find that the comment was disingenuous & defamatory & I hope that he retracts it.

    60. SO says – reply to this


      60

      So what? Who cares *how* the good gets done. Thank god the good deeds get done.

    61. MR.T says – reply to this


      61

      he's
      done
      waaaaaaay
      more
      than
      that!
      he doesn't feel the need to publicly masturbate over it, though,
      like some morally challenged people(angelina jolie)
      He's
      not
      an
      image-obsessed
      vampire.
      .
      .
      .
      .
      ..
      .
      .
      ____________
      ______________

    62. MR.T says – reply to this


      62

      he's
      done
      waaaaaaay
      more
      than
      that!
      he doesn't feel the need to publicly masturbate over it, though,
      like some morally challenged people(angelina jolie)
      He's
      not
      an
      image-obsessed
      vampire.
      .
      .
      .
      .
      ..
      .
      .
      ____________
      ______________.

    63. Tanya Williams says – reply to this


      63

      He's a great guy.

    64. MR.T says – reply to this


      64

      he's
      done
      waaaaaaay
      more
      than
      that!
      he doesn't feel the need to publicly masturbate over it, though,
      like some morally challenged people(angelina jolie)
      He's
      not
      an
      image-obsessed
      vampire.
      .
      .
      .
      .
      ..
      .
      .
      ____________
      ______________.
      do some research, fool.
      "oooh, i saw it on oprah!"-you fuckin' sheep.

    65. OH HOLY OPRAH! CAN YOU SAVE A DYING CHILD? says – reply to this


      65

      ……ISN'T IT FUCKING DISGUSTING THAT A FAMILY WITH ONE MEDICAL CRISIS FACES BANKRUPTCY, BOTH EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL, IN THIS COUNTRY…..THE RICHEST IN THE HISTORY OF THE PLANET. AND…..THEY ARE "LUCKY" ENOUGH TO WIN THE "OPRAH LOTTERY" AND STAND THERE WHILE TWO VERY WEALTHY CELEBS DEIGN TO GIVE THEM THE MONIES TO RETIRE THEIR MORTGAGE….POCKET CHANGE FOR EITHER SIMON OR OPRAH!
      ….. WHY YOU COULD ALMOST SEE THE ABSOLUTE HUMILIATION ON THE FACE OF THE FATHER….GRATEFUL BUT TOTALLY HUMILIATED….A HARD-WORKING, AND LOVING PARENT WHO WAS REDUCED TO 'CELEBRITY CHARITY' TO KEEP HIS HEAD ABOVE WATER WHILE HIS CHILD FOUGHT FOR HER LIFE…..HIS PRIDE RIPPED FROM HIM [[[[[[DISGUSTING]]]]] …..VERY, VERY SAD.

      ……..JUST LIKE THE LINE FROM "EVITA": Write your name and your dream on a card or a pad or a ticket

      Throw it high in the air and should our lady pick it

      She will change your way of life for a week or even two

      Name me anyone who cares as much as [Oprah Winfrey]!!!!!!!
      ………. THIS MEDICAL SYSTEM IS SICK!!!! AND DON'T FORGET IT…..YOUR FUCKING ASS COULD BE NEXT.

    66. Marky says – reply to this


      66

      Bad people? What are you two years old? Simon is no more good or bad that any other person in this world. He happens to have the ability to speak his mind on AI and, as a result, has access to Oprah and her show. It sounds like you're jealous of him, his position, this giving, and the publicity he got for it.

    67. laura says – reply to this


      67

      Simon is a good guy at heart. His "meany" character sells the show. People love to hate him. Actions speak louder than words. He paid up! God bless this family and their baby.

    68. dee says – reply to this


      68

      The best charity is annonymous…

    69. dee says – reply to this


      69

      Re: Shark – perez has a black heart…and so he understandably thinks everyone's the same…a waste of clothes

    70. YOU'RE SAFE NOW! SMILE FOR THE CAMERAS! says – reply to this


      70

      ………THIS REMINDS ME OF "EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER"……AND OBSCENE ENTERTAINMENT THAT IS QUITE LUCKY FOR A FAMILY THAT 'HITS THE TV LOTTERY'……. WHILE A HUGE NUMBER OF FAMILIES STRUGGLE AND LOSE EVERYTHING BECAUSE THEIR PLIGHT DIDN'T MAKE GOOD TV AND THEY WEREN'T "CHOSEN" FOR THE TY PENNINGTON / HOME DEPOT BLESSING.
      ………WHAT A FUCKED UP MESS OF A HEALTH AND SOCIAL SYSTEM THAT IT BECOMES ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE BRAIN DEAD MASSES. A BANDAID ON A HEMMORAGE IN BOTH CASES……AND A BANDAID FOR ENTERTAINMENT SO WE CAN SAY, AHHHHHHHHHHHHH, AREN'T THEY LUCKY? WOW! ISN'T OPRAH WONDERFUL? ISN'T TY SO SWEET AND HELPFUL? TRAGICALLY SAD AND PATHETIC.
      YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

    71. ERR says – reply to this


      71

      Re: tax-ie – tax ie is right - it wouldn't be a tax deduction unless it went through a charity.

      Still a nice thing to do. Publicity stunt or not.

    72. Taxman says – reply to this


      72

      Gifts are not tax write offs, you dork. They aren't a registered charity, so it's a gift.

    73. calico says – reply to this


      73

      He's a good person. He just needs to stop having botox!

    74. e says – reply to this


      74

      dude. i saw that. even i started to tear up for that family. it was ridiculous.

    75. Meadow says – reply to this


      75

      Re: victoria – maybe that's the point. $162K WASN'T a lot to him. Maybe he actually did a good deed because he could. Why does it have to be evil? Settle down, devil girl!

    76. Hubris says – reply to this


      76

      Definitely a good deed. The cynic in me, however, sees the family selling the house and using the money as a down on a much larger pad. Lets hope not.

    77. mr.t says – reply to this


      77

      ……….
      ………
      ……………..Re: Taxman – ………..
      ………..
      YEAH….
      That's what i thought, but correcting perez could take up your whole day!





    78. AAAAHHHH says – reply to this


      78

      Re: Barrinton Smythe the third – ….


      …yes
      yes
      yes
      yes
      yes
      yes…
      ………..absolutely right.

    79. hohohohohohoHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHHHHHHA says – reply to this


      79

      ……………….Re: dee – true……………..
      ..
      ..
      ..

    80. Kimberly says – reply to this


      80

      I heart Simon.

    81. Simon is cool says – reply to this


      81

      Who cares if it's a tax write off, it's still a wonderful thing to do and I am proud of Simon for this good deed.

    82. jimmyjazz says – reply to this


      82

      LET'S NOT GET TOO CYNACIL ABOUT SIMON..HE REALLY IS A GOOD GUY…REMEMBER "IDOL GIVES BACK?" HOW IS HE MEAN SPIRITED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH IN THE MOST VISCIOUS BUSINESS THERE IS? "MEAN SPIRITED?"………LOOK AT US. POT. BLACK.

    83. deedee says – reply to this


      83

      Tax write off or not he does't have to do anything if he chooses not to.

    84. heather says – reply to this


      84

      whatever i love her anyways

    85. teenieweenie says – reply to this


      85

      What a fabulous thing to do.

    86. deedee says – reply to this


      86

      Tax write off or not he does't have to do anything if he chooses not to. I wonder if this girl was from the US. Probably.

    87. lustig says – reply to this


      87

      I used to live in Claremont MN and it is not 100 miles to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN from Claremont. Unless they have to make more than one trip a day…just wondering how they came up with 100 miles.

    88. kelsey says – reply to this


      88

      Perez, I love you, but I think you should give Simon Cowell some credit. He's the only judge on American Idol that actually keeps it real. Don't tell me you think that Paula's constant praise is going to help them grow and improve as singers? Simon rarely crosses the line - the only time he did was with Danny, but that's a whole other topic..

    89. CBE -in DC says – reply to this


      89

      Why do people always throw that TAX WRITE-OFF shit out whenever someone does a charitable thing???? Who gives a fuck! I wish someone would pay-off my mortgage. They can write the whole f'ng thing off far as I'm concerned.

    90. CBE says – reply to this


      90

      Re: Hubris – LOL

    91. Harry says – reply to this


      91

      An impressive debut.

    92. LEC says – reply to this


      92

      Re: lustig

      I'm in Owatonna (right next door to Claremont, west) and was thinking about that 100 mile statement also. I do believe they mentioned 100 miles round trip but, even for me in O-town, it's less than that to drive there and back.

      LEC

    93. danielle says – reply to this


      93

      aw.thats so nice of hime.♥

    94. smartie says – reply to this


      94

      definitely not a tax write-off. donating to individuals in need is not a qualified charity.

    95. LL says – reply to this


      95

      DUMB. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT A TAX WRITE OFF. It is a gift to an individual. Simon would actually have to pay taxes on the money he gave to this person because its a gift in excess of $15,000. He will pay taxes on it, not get a tax deduction for it, so it actually is costing him more!

    96. Beccahoffman. says – reply to this


      96

      Thats really sweet..
      Of him..

    97. sabrina says – reply to this


      97

      fuck off Perez! The only thing you ever gave is a blow job.

    98. oyeah says – reply to this


      98

      Perez, people can say the same for you….mean spirited, can't believe you would do something nice for someone…etc. Simon did a wonderful thing, and he was very involved with last season's Idol Gives Back campaign. How about you, darling Perez? What have you done for anyone lately???

    99. Holla says – reply to this


      99

      P-Nasty… its not a tax right off! It is considered a gift, and they are not tax write-off-able…

    100. Kristin says – reply to this


      100

      Oh hello there! My name is Simon, I like to do drawrings… NO I do not dye my hair, thats crazy! I smoke 3 packs a day and NATURALLY do not have ONE grey hair.

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