Ex-Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has promised to transform his personal website into a spiritual haven after facing critcism for making a fan foot his lunch bill.
Corgan volunteered himself for a charity auction, in which the highest bidder got the chance to eat a meal with the star,but the lucky fan discovered afterwards that they would have to pay for the food.
In a special newsletter from Corgan at www.smashingpumpkins.com, Corgan said: "Todays laughter was me being criticized for a post that had info about a charity that was offering (to the highest bidder) a lunch with me. Unfortunately, unknown to me, the info stated that lunch was on the person who won the auction. Having never offered myself for a charity lunch date before, I was curious to see what fans might say about it.
"I was surprised to see a minor detail I was unaware of that said the winner must pay the bill at lunch turn into an attack on me and my supposed fortune. What an asshole I am to not want to buy lunch? I bring this to your attention because this is exactly what’s to be expected in a mean and bitter world. Every act, no matter how kind or caring must be viewed thru the dim lens of ambition, greed, power, and ultimately selfishnes."
Subsequently, Billy has now pledged to rise above the selfishness of others and adopt a more loving approach to life–and his website.
He added: "This website is going to change. It is going to transform into something that is consistent with the concepts of love, grace, and community. We are not looking backwards anymore, only forward. I for one am willing to stand for something good here, in this little corner of the blogosphere, and say it’s time."