How Hilton and Lohan’s drug-related past can come back to haunt them

WASHINGTON - Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan have recently become the queens of drug abuse, court visits and rehabs-an image, which many think would haunt them everywhere they go and would also take a toll on their brands.

Experts have claimed that while the two starlets’ continued troubles with drugs and the law might affect their travel to many countries, it might not have such a big impact on their successful clothing, perfume, and accessories lines.

Already, Paris has been barred from entering Japan after her cocaine confession in Las Vegas, which further made her scrap planned appearances in Malaysia and Indonesia to promote her lines.

Those countries, too, have strict anti-drug laws.

Meanwhile, Lohan’s future is under speculation as she awaits a court hearing on Friday, which will determine whether or not she should spend more time in jail for failing two court-appointed drug tests.

This comes just weeks after being granted an early release from prison and rehab.

According to Hollywood image consultant Michael Sands, Lohan and Hilton may have reached the point where they think all PR is good PR, and are numb to the consequences.

“Both Lindsay and Paris are drama queens still vying for media attention in hope of keeping them in the public view, but their brands are going to take a serious hit,” Fox News quoted him as saying.

“The buying public does not support illegal drug addicts, foreign countries are not going to let them in because drug laws will rule over any ‘fame’ they claim to have. This is all going to come back to haunt them for many years, whenever they travel abroad they will be questioned about their drug abuse, searched and publicly humiliated. At least for the next couple of years, these ’stars’ are not insurable for other projects. They are not a good image for any demographic,” he added.

But travelling overseas isn’t going to be the only challenge the stars will face.

“They will most likely have issues at border crossings for the next 10 years. And depending on the state, drug offenses cause an automatic driver’s license suspension. Rental car companies may preclude car rental for years. Drug offenses will affect a person’s insurability such as health insurance and life insurance. Everyday life can be affected and charity work if associated with children. Certain agencies and churches may have policies which preclude accepting assistance from people convicted of felonies or drug charges,” said Florida-based attorney Raymond Rafool.

Despite the negative attention surrounding the women in recent weeks, according to some, their most popular products are still selling.

A sales associate at Sephora in Beverly Hills told Pop Tarts that Lohan’s tanning line “Sevin Nyne” was a hot seller throughout summer.

A rep at trendy Los Angeles boutique Kitson on Robertson Boulevard said that LiLo’s leggings line, 6126, also continues to be very popular -although not necessarily because of Lohan’s association.

“It sells because of the style and price of the goods, not because she is behind it. In truth not many people know 6126 is her line,” explained Director of Operations Dean Khial.

Hilton’s string of fragrances are only sold in select Macy’s department stores.

Associates at a Los Angeles area Macy’s stores said the fragrance was still “doing very well” despite her cocaine confession.

However, it is still not known when the world will stop supporting them.

“I think most people are pretty disgusted with them. If they ever want to be associated with anything quality, they’ll need to clean up their brand. They need to do this publicly. Admit their shortcomings, show their human side. People understand being human, but I do believe this will be the last time they can dip into the public sympathy well,” said marketing expert Penny C. Sansevieri.

Branding expert Dan Schawbel believes that while the troubled twosome have the potential to resurrect their image, they need to straighten up fast.

“They can recover … even despite their drug scandals, because they are name brands that people care about. [But] if they continue to be involved in scandals, then they will eliminate future revenue and career opportunities. Tiger Woods lost sponsors with his scandal and there will be more companies that decide to represent other celebrities who have strong morals,” added Schawbel. (ANI)