CELEBRITIES ROOTING FOR ROBERT DOWNEY AFTER LATEST ARREST

Celebrities sided with Robert Downey Jr., who was arrested again for alleged
drug possession, saying the 35-year-old actor was ``desperately crying out
for help.''

Jean Kasem, wife of radio personality Casey Kasem, told KCAL-TV in Los
Angeles that it was a mistake to incarcerate Downey.

``Drugs can do that to anyone, whether it be cigarettes or alcohol or an
illegal substance or a prescription substance,'' she said. ``These people
desperately need help. Locking them up in federal pens is not the answer. I
think that was a grave error in his case, and he's desperately crying out
for help, and we need to get him help and not lock him up.''

Downey, released from prison three months ago, posted bail Sunday morning
after spending the night in jail. Arraignment is set for Dec. 27. Bondsman
Jack Duke said Downey told him he's been working up to 18-hour days on the
TV sitcom ``Ally McBeal.''

``He wasn't loaded,'' said Duke ``He looked beat. You could tell by his eyes
he wanted to get away from everything and everybody. He was very nice.''

Downey, who plays a lawyer and Calista Flockhart's love interest on ``Ally
McBeal,'' has earned raves from critics, boosted the show's ratings and
wowed producers with the chemistry between Flockhart and himself.