It was just a few hours ago that I watched an episode of Big Rich Atlanta where I remarked on the inane behavior of a gay interior designer who appeared on the show as a designer to one of the mothers appearing on the show. I pointed out that the show had derailed into a parody of reality shows going even farther with the scripted nonsense than we have ever seen before. Just now, I received a news story stating that the gay designer is Alpharetta City Councilmanm Donald Mitchell. As news of an elected official appearing drunk, abusive to women, needing physical restraint and generally being drunk and disorderly on a “reality TV show” began to make the rounds, Donald Mitchell was forced to make a statement to defend his position. In this statement, Mitchell claims essentially, that he is only an actor playing a role and the whole show is made up and not to be taken seriously. Click through for his full response.
The entire article by Mike Petchenik can be read here.
An Alpharetta city councilman is defending his decision to appear on a reality television show. Donald Mitchell, an interior decorator by trade, has had a recurring role on the Style Network’s “Big Rich Atlanta.” In one episode, he’s drinking and ducking under a woman’s skirt. In another, he comments on female genitalia. A city employee emailed Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik to say that if the employee had done the same thing, it would have resulted in termination. Mitchell declined to do an interview with Petchenik but sent the following statement about his role on the show:
“As you may know, though the show is not scripted, I have been asked to play a defined character. I first agreed to appear on the show at the request of a couple of clients of mine. The television network wanted my clients’ designer to appear and talk about my design work. As things evolved, the directors liked my role and asked that I return repeatedly.
“Although I’m not provided with a specific script for this docu-drama, I’m provided direction and prompting from the directors as I act my role. Thus far, I’ve had a lot of positive responses to my role on the show, and those who know me understand the character I play on the show is merely a character and is different than how I conduct myself elsewhere, as is evident from my actions during City Council meetings, Alpharetta Business Association meetings, and throughout my life.
I do plan to run for re-election, and I know I’m not the first person to work both as a politician and an actor. Whatever role or job I take, I do so with the utmost diligence and dedication to achieving success. I have a passion for historic preservation, an increased presence of the arts, revitalizing our downtown, the City Center project, and business development. These issues require the continued creativity that I have shown in my work on council. I’m excited by the prospect of continuing to provide this perspective and leadership for our city, and those who know me are aware of the hours I devote to our city.
As this is my first attempt at acting on television, I understand there are many who believe my portrayal of the character on the show is so believable, especially since those who know me clearly understand this is not how I conduct myself on council or in public. Incidentally, in taking on this acting role, I made certain the network and my fellow cast members knew my commitment to my work on council, and each agreed not to make any mention of the city or my role on council during this work.”
Well isn’t that interesting. Do you think this guy stands a chance at re-election? I predict his statement will keep him off the show in the future and mar the entire show’s chance for a season two. Style should just give Meyer and Harvin their own show and drop the rest of this nonsense. Thoughts?
I don’t think this guy has a snowballs chance in Hell of getting re-elected.
I do love Harvin and Meyer….they are hilarious…..all the rest can disappear (especially Ashlee, Khadijah, and Sharlinda.)
Whoa boy, has a can of worms ever been opened here! My thoughts:
1. Uh, no, Mr. Donald don’t stand a chance at re-election.
2. Of course, he wouldn’t act like that at a council meeting! LMAO
3. Typical politician…mention a whole other topic in order to throw
everyone off & get their minds on something else.
Although there are a few others on this show that I like, I agree with you, Tamara – give Harvin & Meyer their own show, they sure could carry it.
I know Donald Mitchell through his involvment with the Alpharetta Business Association and as an Alpharetta Councilman. As a business owner in Alpharetta, Donald has personally helped me resolve issues I have encountered with City government. Donald has a passion for Alpharetta, it’s success, and growth. If there is a public event in Alpharetta, you will usually see Donald there. He is an active member of the City. So now he takes a job as an actor and That is what makes the news. People that know Donald know that his character is not the real Donald Mitchell. The City of Alpharetta is very fortunate to have him on City Council.
Donald acted liked a complete drunken fool. What an embarrassment to the city council. I love when people don’t just “own” their actions and admit they acted like fools. I found it interesting that none of the men at the party tried to stop him; I would have punched him in the face.
Acting? Um, it’s a reality show….. not scripted…. but even if it was, that he would consider a role that denigrates women like this shows lack of character and judgment.
Our mayor and city leaders are now in the awkward position of defending the indefensible while trying to recruit technology companies to our town….. Allowed to stand, tech execs conclude this lewd behavior is not only acceptable but lauded in Alpharetta…… it mars the entire Council, city leaders, company execs, and constituency….. please be selfless and say buh-bye.
I think anyone that believes this was “acting” is delusional. He is using acting as an excuse for being a jerk. It is very possible that he has been an okay councilman, but it’s just as likely he is acting at that too.
I dont believe that because I think her name is Marcia that invited him to the party said he acts like that when he drinks. So dont be trying to defend the asshole please.He did it to himself.. Let him live with it now.
I think this whole show sucks.
I’ve just started watching this show and don’t have a favorite to date but this guy went way over the top. Up to this episode he was enjoyable to watch but even as an ‘actor’ with a ‘role’ to play he should have scripted better lines for this scene, he hit way below the belt and it seemed to come out of no where. Not a good actor and not someone I’d want to represent my town.
As far as the hostess is concerned IMO, she should have kicked his ‘_ss’ out immediately, the pretentious Southern Belle, if this had been my party I would have removed him within the first 3 minutes of consistent insults.
I watched the episode after this one (the one where she warns Sabrina about low-income kids) totally lost respect for this ‘life in a bubblel’ female.
I hope that you all know that this show IS fake… so umm what was the point of making this?
Because acting or not, he was abusive to women and a utter fool? Not acceptable behavior for an elected official.
Just reporting in. Mitchell lost last night to his opponent in the election.
Yay! Thanks for the update!
Did not even know that such a “reality” show existed. Alpharetta is so proud of itself. We have been struggling to get the city to enforce codes on an abandoned house next to us, and this buffoon is “playing” drunk for his own amusement. We voted for his opponent yesterday and saw the last count was within 7 votes. It is obvious that politicians have no shame, conscience, or integrity. And the voters are indifferent.
Congrats to Alpharetta getting out and voting! Hope the new guy is decent.