While MTV continues to prove it pays to be a Teen Mom, the original teen mom Bristol Palin is proving it REALLY pays.
See, after getting pregnant at age 17 in 2008, Bristol was hired by the Candie’s Foundation to become a spokesperson for abstinence, and yes, you read that right.
The AP reported this week that Bristol earned as astonishing $262,500 from the nonprofit Candie’s Foundation in 2009 alone for giving speeches about her experience as a teen mother and why kids should abstain from sex.
The founder of the organization however defends the gross amount. “Bristol did a tremendous amount of work for us — many, many days and weeks,” says Neil Cole. “She is such a lightning rod. Everyone is familiar with the Palins, and Bristol turned out to be, as someone said today, the gift that keeps on giving.”
And just in case you’re still confused or puzzled — Bristol, after getting knocked up at age 17, earned $262,500 the next year by becoming an abstinence ambassador. Yep.
In other news that will leave you scratching your head, Jersey Shore star Snooki is also on the receiving end of some backlash after it was revealed she earned $32,000 to speak to students at Rutgers University.
What makes the story more gross interesting is the fact that Snooki earned $2000 more than Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison will get for this year’s commencement address. Oh but it gets better as Snooki’s speaking engagement only lasted 2 hours.
Snooki’s manager Dan Mackey attempted to defend his client by telling PEOPLE, “The $32,000 covered both shows, the host, all the travel and all the expenses. She roughly earned around $24,000 or $25,000.” Right, because that makes it much better.
The NY Post reports that a number of parents and Rutdgers students are outraged. “It’s disgusting,” said Nester Delgado, 43, whose daughter is a Rutgers freshman.”Next year, is it going to be J-WOWW or The Situation?”
“My tuition dollars wasted on Snooki,” a student wrote. “Rutgers probably could have paid her with a case of beer.” Can’t really argue with that point.
Members of the Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA), which organized the event, are however defending the high speaking fee, stating the group had been looking for someone who could appeal to the student community. “We’re trying to provide different kinds of experiences to students,” said the group’s president, Ana Castillo.
So what did the Snooks talk about? She spoke about her signature hair pouf and GTL lifestyle while offering such advice as “When you’re tan, you feel better about yourself,” and “Study hard, but party harder.”
TELL US – THOUGHTS? IS THE WORLD GOING INSANE OR IS THE WORLD GOING INSANE?
