The infamous arrest of actor Hugh Grant in 1995 for soliciting the services of a prostitute has been a subject of tabloid fascination for years. But who was the woman at the centre of the scandal? Her name is Divine Brown. Her brief moment in the spotlight might change her life forever. In this piece, we’ll explore the background of Divine Brown and how her encounter with Grant altered the course of her career.
Arrest Of Hugh Grant & Divine Brown
On the night of June 27, 1995, Divine Brown was performing sexual acts with Hugh Grant. The scene took place in Grant’s car on a street in Hollywood when they were approached by police officers. Both were arrested and charged with lewd conduct. The incident quickly became a media sensation, and Brown’s identity was revealed to the world.
The scandal was particularly damaging to Hugh Grant, who was at the height of his fame at the time. His relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley was also put under scrutiny. In a now-famous appearance on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,’ Grant apologized for his behaviour and called it ‘an act of complete insanity.’
For Divine Brown, the aftermath of the scandal was both chaotic and lucrative. She was inundated with interview requests and offers for book and movie deals. She even landed a cameo in the film ‘The Nutty Professor’ (1996), in which she played a character named ‘Divine.’
Brown also wrote a book about her experience, titled ‘The Price,’ which detailed her life as a sex worker and the events leading up to her arrest. She was reportedly paid $1 million for the book deal.
Who Is Divine Brown?
Divine Brown, born Stella Marie Thompson in 1969, grew up in a small town outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her family struggled financially, and Brown often had to help her mother make ends meet. As a teenager, she worked odd jobs to earn money, but she dreamed of a career in modelling and acting. In the late 1980s, Brown moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream.
She landed a few small roles in films and music videos, including a role as a dancer in the music video for ‘Sexual Healing’ by Marvin Gaye. However, the work was sporadic and didn’t pay enough to support herself. To supplement her income, Brown turned to prostitution. She worked on the streets of Los Angeles, charging around $50 per sexual encounter. While the work was dangerous and often unpleasant, Brown saw it as a necessary means to an end.
Post-Scandal Career
Following her brief moment in the spotlight, Divine Brown continued to work as a sex worker for a time but eventually left the industry to focus on her family. However, she continued to pursue her dream of acting, hoping to move on from the scandal and establish herself as a legitimate performer.
Brown appeared in several adult films, including ‘The World’s Luckiest Black Man’ (1997) and ‘Divine Brown: It’s a Girl Thing’ (1999). She also made appearances on some television shows, including ‘The Jerry Springer Show,’ ‘The Howard Stern Show,’ and ‘Celebrity Boxing.’
In addition to her work in front of the camera, Brown also continued to write about her experiences. In 2003, she released a second book, titled ‘Exposed: The Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex Worker.’ The book delved deeper into her experiences in the industry and the challenges she faced in trying to move on from the scandal.
Later Life And Legacy Of Divine Brown
In the years following the Hugh Grant incident, Divine Brown largely retreated from the public eye. Today, she is largely remembered for her role in the scandal that brought her brief notoriety. However, her story has also been cited as an example of the double standards faced by sex workers and how society stigmatizes and marginalizes those in the industry.
Divine Brown’s brief brush with fame may have been the result of a scandal, but her story sheds light on the experiences of those in the sex industry and the challenges they face.
Conclusion
While Divine’s legacy may be complicated, her willingness to speak out about her experiences has helped to break down some of the barriers and misconceptions surrounding her profession. What do you think about this scandal story? Feel free to share your views in the comments below.
