WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The Washington Post reports that Journey legendary lead guitarist Neal Schon & Bravo's Real Housewives starlet Michaele Salahi, bailed on the audience and fans during the Q&A session after the screening of the Journey (who have sold over 80 million records worldwide and maintained the most downloaded song of the 20th century "Don't Stop Believin") movie, Don't Stop Believin: Everyman's Journey at the Discovery Channel/AFI Silverdocs Film Festival opening night at the American Film Institute Theater and Cultural Center on Monday, June 18, 2012, are simply untrue.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120625/PH29539)
In fact, filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz, was made aware through a series of text messages a week before the event that Neal & Michaele WOULD NOT take part in the Q&A session due to a combination of prior family obligations early the next morning and the ongoing legal battle between Neal and Michaele's ex.
Neal's obligations were to arrive, walk the Red Carpet, complete pre-approved interviews and attend the screening, all of which were satisfied. While we are unsure where and how AFI reps got the incorrect information about Neal participating in the Q&A session, it was made extremely clear to Diaz that he would not, something that should have been relayed to AFI management by the director or her reps.
Below are the series of text message exchanges between Ramona & Neal a week before the event:
RAMONA: Hi Neal, This is a heartfelt plea. It's such a big deal to be opening night of the most prestigious and biggest documentary film festival in the US. For Sky, the Programmer, it's always been a story about u and never giving up on your band. The festival is organized by Discovery Channel and American Film Institute, from what I gather the execs are not only Journey fans but real guitar enthusiasts. I know you're busy and we really hate to impose on your time more than we have but this is a big one.
Please sleep on it.
NEAL: Yes we will come. I'm trying to get Ross as well
:)))))
Hi Ramona
Just to let you know in advance I will not participate in Q and A at end as we have in past. To much going on with Michaele being from there and they will be fishing. The case is still going on and can't afford any mishaps.
N
RAMONA: I completely understand but ur presence there alone will be all important!
NEAL: Ok just want to make sure were on the same page.
RAMONA: But an hoping that you will stay in the theater the entire time? I understand about Michaele and will do everything in our power to protect you and her from unpleasantries
NEAL: Yes we will stay the whole time of the movie. Just want to duck out at the end to avoid any media her ex could have set up.
RAMONA: Okay got it!
Oh. I forgot to mention that the screening on the 19th is by invitation only. So we can make certain that there will be no riffraff in the audience. The audience is very tightly controlled.
NEAL: Yes great. I still don't want to do Q&A's ok?
RAMONA: Copy that!
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