Sam Lufti is a name often affiliated with some of Hollywood's biggest train-wreck situations. He was Britney Spears's right-hand man for awhile before her father stepped in and successfully gained conservatorship over her finances. Lufti has also tried to incorporate himself into the inner circles of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Jackson and Courtney Love when they were struggling to find a lifeline. Lufti has often been referred to as "shady" because those close to targeted celebrities seem to believe he is looking to take financial advantage of those who are struggling mentally. He claims, however, that he simply understands troubled celebs and wants to help them. Lufti's most recent target has been Amanda Bynes, whom he escorted into a treatment facility, and he convinced her to board that flight back to Los Angeles. That ultimately led to her current hospitalization. Lufti decided to finally address the rumors and insinuations in a letter that ran at XOJane.

He attempted to explain his talent for "helping" in spite of having no real experience in managing celebs or training in handling public relations meltdowns. Lufti wrote:

"I've worked in Hollywood for a long time, and over the years, these experiences have led me to see what happens when too much fame and too much money can sometimes get the best of celebrities. I am a problem solver, and I care about helping people get out of what may seem like some of their more difficult places in life. Which is why you have seen me associated with some of the more famous celebrities when they are in their most trying hours ..."

Regarding Bynes's current situation, Lufti wrote:

"All I can tell you is that Amanda is getting the help that she needs and that I am working closely with her and her family in order to ensure that we can move on from the tabloid sensationalism of her 'breakdown' and instead concentrate on what a rare, talented young woman she has always been and continues to be."

Ironically, sources close to Bynes say she hates Lufti and wants nothing more to do with him. Of course, that is an expected reaction since she had no intention of willingly submitting to inpatient care again.

Do you believe Lufti's motives are as genuine and pure as he claims, or is he shady enough to put an innocent spin on his taking advantage of celebs in peril? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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