Idol Judge Blows Smoke

Simon Cowell, the cantankerous British host of “American Idol” who everyone loves to hate, was caught smoking a cigarette at an undisclosed location by TMZ.com photographers. “It’s still legal,” he shouts at the paparazzi who are heckling him for smoking. “It’s good for you,” he adds.
 
If he thought that was a joke, it’s not funny. Millions of children and teens watch his show every week, and even if they don’t “look up” to Simon, his opinion is enough to sway their votes every week, why isn’t it enough to sway their choice in vice? To even joke that smoking is “good for you” is irresponsible and downright dangerous.
 
The dangers of smoking are well documented, killing more than 400,000 people a year. Maybe Simon should take a look at our interview with Damian O’Hara, the head of Alan Carr North America, about how he has successfully gotten people to quit smoking.  [ABC News]