Fans Of ‘La Bamba’ Have A Hard Time Remembering That Lou Diamond Phillips Isn’t Ritchie Valens

Araceli Cruz - 11/06/17 - things that matter
credit: Twitter/@Hoppy_Chulo

You remember actor Lou Diamond Phillips, right?

CREDIT: Columbia Pictures / Warner Bros.

He played Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba” and Angel Guzman in “Stand and Deliver.” Classics.

Well, Phillips was in Texas for a community event in his hometown this past weekend.

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The event honored the history of Corpus Christi, Texas. Phillips, a native of the city, spoke about its diversity.

“I never knew racism until I left for University at the University of Texas Arlington. This town is so diverse and accepting… and I think it is so important now more than ever in our nation to look at our history… It’s that getting out into the world and seeing how other people perceive you and to come back and I am so happy to be here tonight.”

But that’s not why he made headlines. Hours prior to the event, Phillips had been arrested for driving while intoxicated.

According to several news reports, around 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, the 55-year-old actor asked a police officer for directions while in Portland, Texas. The officer smelled alcohol on Phillips’ breath and took him to the police station. TIME reports that Phillips had an alcohol level of .20%, which is more than twice the legal limit for driving. Bail was set at $2,500. Hours later he appeared at his scheduled event.

On Twitter, fans of “La Bamba” couldn’t resist making jokes.

While people joked on social media, Phillips understood the gravity of his mistake. He not only apologized for his behavior but kept his obligations to the city of Corpus Christi.

The actor told attendees that he was sorry for his actions.

“I want to sincerely apologize for an incident this morning. Some of you may have heard about that,” Phillips told the crowd. “I am here to promote and celebrate this amazing event here in my hometown of Corpus Christi, and if anything that I have done distracts from that or diminishes that I sincerely apologize.”

According to the Caller-Times, a person in the audience yelled out “You’re human!” in support of Phillips.

 

READ: Listen To Counter-Protestors Play ‘La Bamba’ To Drown Out White Nationalists

 

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