Mark Wahlberg has been in the spotlight, coming from a troubled past, riding his brother Donnie’s success to become the one-hit-wonder Marky Mark. Modern audiences recognise him as Mark Wahlberg, the actor but include a dark moment from his past: the story of Wahlberg’s racially motivated attack on an elderly Vietnamese Johnny Trinh, which has been a topic for discussion. Some claim that Trinh lost an eye in the attack. This is where the real story rapidly becomes a lie. The attack inarguably happened and it is true that Wahlberg did attack Trinh with his friends and actually hurled many racial slurs in the process. Wahlberg was then only 16, and was actually sentenced to two years in prison for attempted murder. But he served just 45 days for his dark misdeeds, put that behind him and went on to do better things in life.
Some Dark Areas
Wahlberg discusses his past warts, including the 1980’s assault linked to him. Inspite of his long career, rapper-turned-actor’s dark cloud due to the assault, has never been fully lifted. Though guilty of the crime, Trinh, the victim does not hold grudges. Trinh mentions though hurt badly; he was not blinded by Wahlberg as his left eye was already gone. Mark was young and reckless, but he forgave him as everyone deserved another chance and also get a pardon. The crime need not hang over him any longer as he paid for his crime by going to prison. While Trinh said that the attack happened, included the pain that was then caused, Wahlberg was a troubled youth, and a victim of racial hatred ingrained in people world-wide. Wahlberg would later seek a pardon for his crime and was regretful of what he did.
Mark Wahlberg opens up
Speaking about his actions, Wahlberg claimed that the fallout of his attack haunts him often, and his attempt at securing a pardon failed to address his problems. He confessed to the Press about not needing that publicity and having spent 28 years righting the wrong. The eye injuries had occurred in the early ’70s and not from the attack. But he met him and his family to apologize for the horrible acts. Some good had come from it. Wahlberg’s past mistakes will linger till he is in the spotlight, as fans and detractors need to know the demons driving him down that dark path. But Wahlberg and Trinh believe that the past is behind them, but the rumour mills keep spinning. Wahlberg, Trinh, and others involved, made the dark moment, a ray of hope.
Mark Wahlberg builds a successful career
Wahlberg hit the headlines with the hit single “Good Vibrations”, making him a music superstar, followed by modest hits. However, his aim was ruling Hollywood. With film roles in ‘Fear’ and ‘The Basketball Diaries’, Wahlberg became a successful actor. The 1997 role in ‘Boogie Nights’ put him on the A-list; thereafter, he has never looked back to be among the most loved actors. Wahlberg’s story is replete with success, from Oscar-nominations to films like ‘The Fighter’ to comedies like ‘Ted’ and action films like the two ‘Transformers’ movies. Hidden in the background is the ugly side often talked about and remains unknown.