'Real Housewives' Star Kim Richards Charged In Hotel Altercation

From Phil Shuman:

Kim Richards is quite vocal about her battles with sobriety, whether in a confessional on Dr. Phil or on her own starring vehicle, of course, as one of the 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' I must confess on the rare occasions when I tune that show, or one of it's many cousins, I laugh about their manfuctured drama, but of course there's nothing funny about Kim's very real battles with alcohol.

An April arrest at the Beverly Hills Hotel for public drunkenness, resisting, and battery on an officer. landed her in court this morning, but since they were misdemeanors she wasn't there. In fact, according to multiple reports, and implied by the attorney that was there for her, she's in rehab. Attorney Virginia Desmond, appearing on behalf of the infamous Robert Shapiro, said as she was leaving ''The important thing is Miss Richards is getting the help she needs.''

Richards, now 50 is a former child star, who's been through two failed marriages, a couple of high profile romances that left one fiance a murder victim, and is the mother of four. She clearly has a lot of problems. Cynically, you could say the more headlines she generates the better for the show, but this is someone's life we're talking about.

Earlier:

Richards entered her plea through an attorney. A July 16 pretrial hearing was set for the former child star, who faces up to 2 1/2 years behind bars if convicted.

According to various entertainment-media reports, Richards reentered an alcohol-rehabilitation program last week. Her struggles with alcohol have been a recurring topic on "Real Housewives.''

According to Beverly Hills police, officers went to the Polo Lounge in response to a report about a fight. Police said hotel security had repeatedly asked Richards to leave the property, but she went into a restroom and refused to come out.

"Ms. Richards was displaying symptoms of alcohol intoxication, including slurred speech and belligerent insolent behavior, (and) cursing at the officers, and (she) passively resisted arrest,'' Beverly Hills police Lt. Lincoln Hoshino said.

After she was taken to the Beverly Hills police station for booking,

"Richards kicked one of the officers in the leg,'' Hoshino said.

Richards credits as a child actress include the TV series "Nanny and the Professor'' and "James at 16'' and the Disney movie "Escape to Witch Mountain.''