Shailey Tripp Interview: Follow-Up

 

I selected the most relevant and interesting questions from the comments. I also added a few new questions of my own. I hope her responses clarify some of her statements for everyone.

This time my questions are in bold blue and Shailey’s replies are in bold black.

*****

Shailey Tripp Follow-up Interview – February 21- 22

 

Blade: Why do you dislike Todd?

Shailey: I would think that is self explanatory. I do not like Todd for what he brought into my life and for what he has done to other people’s lives.

At first he is charming and seemingly kind. Kind people do not have you do the things he had me do. Kind men do not exploit women.

I have met a lot of  wonderful, genuine men; he is not one of them. I think he is an abuser and a manipulator. He tells the truth as it fits his life.

Blade: Did Todd have any special requests for or during the sex?

Shailey: No, he was just insistent that he get a massage.

Blade:  Why did you think Sarah was going to confront you?

Shailey: Well, I had been seeing Todd for awhile and other people knew about it. It is a small community and I think you always have that sense of fear that you are going to get caught or confronted. If I were her I would have been confrontational. Sarah is known for being confrontational. I was just scared.

Blade: Did you service any female clients, the way you serviced male clients? Did anyone else in the salon? Did you get any vibes of sexual interest from Sarah when you massaged her, as you did with Todd? Do you think your nervousness could have deterred her from making any requests of that nature?

Shailey: Decline to answer.

Blade: When the news broke at the salon that she had a baby, didn’t the staff or your supervisor remember your massage with her and question you about it? Wouldn’t you have said, no she said she wasn’t pregnant, and wouldn’t that have caused a lot of questions and panic? Wouldn’t everyone immediately start looking for documentation where she states she’s not pregnant, to make sure you all were not personally liable for treating/mistreating a pregnant patient? Did you seek out the advice of a certified prenatal massage therapist to relieve your own mind that you did not harm the fetus during your session? If not, why not?

Shailey: When the news broke that she had a baby, yes, the staff remembered my massage with her. We talked about it with a sense of disbelief, such as "I can't believe she was pregnant. I had no clue."

My massage was not the most remarkable thing to note. I did say I had no idea she was pregnant to the staff.

Documents of high profile clients are carefully stored in a safe place. They are not something any of us could just go and pull out and review at our leisure. I think Ms. Mercier, (owner of AAY spa) was very concerned, very hurt and very shocked.

No, I did not seek the advise of a prenatal massage therapist or an OB/GYN doctor about whether or not I could have harmed a fetus. I did talk to the nurse and doctor I worked for on this matter and they gave me assurance that I didn’t do anything to hurt anyone. Also many massage therapists in the area came to me for training and techniques because people considered me really good. I saw many pregnant women and helped many pregnant women induce labor through massage or Reiki.

Blade: Is there any responsibility of the medical facility (salon) you worked at to report to a patient’s attending physician that medical treatments were given to a pregnant patient in apparent error due to the willful misconduct of the patient? After all, the patient lied about the existence of a fetus. What was your legal/medical responsibility at that point, in the state of Alaska?

Shailey: That is a good question but I am not qualified to answer it.

Blade: Are you stating that from your physical assessment Sarah was definitely not pregnant, or is there still a possibility she could have been? Have you ever massaged a 4 or 5 month pregnant client who did not show physically? Have you ever massaged a woman who recently had an abortion?

Shailey: I am not stating that she was or wasn’t pregnant. I had no reason to believe that she was pregnant when she came in that day for a massage. Looking back,  I do not think I massaged a pregnant woman but I admit that could be wishful thinking on my part. Usually, I am the first person to notify people that they may be pregnant or possibly have cancer. However, I am not perfect so things can escape my attention.

I have massaged women in their first pregnancy that didn't show until their 6th or 7th month. Any women who have had multiple births usually show as early as 3 months. That is because their body has already been stretched out and knows what to do.

I have never massaged a woman who recently had an abortion. That would be a very dangerous and life threatening thing to do.

Blade: You stated “I thought she was pregnant and selfish for the things she did to her body” but then later say “I don’t believe she was pregnant when I gave her the massage.” These are two opposite views. Please explain.

Shailey: The first statement was due to the belief that she must have been pregnant because the news announced that she gave birth to a child.

Later, when I said “I don’t believe she was pregnant when I gave her a massage”, that was in reference to looking back at those events and reviewing things after being asked if I thought she was pregnant.

Blade: Why didn't you expose Todd's cheating and Sarah's not being pregnant much earlier than this; specifically when Sarah was named to the McCain ticket?

Shailey: I had no reason to and I would never want to hurt people on purpose. If I did it would have only been perceived as something mean and no one would have believed me. I just wouldn't have done that. People in my life would have been hurt, too.

Blade: When you first met Todd, were you aware that he was the Governor’s husband?

Shailey: No, not when I first met him. It took me a few months to realize that.

Blade: Just to be clear, was Todd the first client you ever had sexual relations with?

Shailey: In the sense that he was a paying client, yes. I have dated previous clients but I would no longer see them as clients.

Before Todd, I never broke my professionalism in the massage room. Before Todd, I never had sexual contact with a client in the massage room.

Blade: How long after meeting Todd at the school, did he first show up for a massage at the salon you worked at? Did he request you specifically or were you the only masseuse there?

Shailey: About 4 or 5 weeks. I was one of 2 masseuses at the time. As far as I know, he requested me.

Blade: Sarah has stated that her "tight abs" allowed her to hide her pregnancy. As someone who has massaged her abdominal area, do you recall if they were really that tight? Do you remember if Sarah was really slender? Was her abdomen bare when you massaged it? Do you think you would have noticed a pregnancy of at least 19 weeks gestation, which given the stated due date of May 18, 2008, is the number of weeks she would have been pregnant the first week of January and taking into account that you have stated that you believe the massage took place between February and March of 2008? For reference, you can search Google images for pictures of women at various weeks of pregnancy.

Shailey: I am not perfect. I did say I expressed some concerns to her before we parted ways. I have massaged many toned women and athletes. I usually can tell if someone is pregnant at around the 3 month mark. This is because a woman's hips widen, breasts enlarge, and a certain tenderness occurs for women. Also, things like light headedness, headaches and nausea can occur during a massage when a woman is pregnant. These things happen at around 3 months. I did not see her naked. I massaged her through a sheet and I don't remember there being anything to indicate to me that there might have been a baby developing in her. I am not a trained physician and I wasn't her regular massage therapist. I can make mistakes.

Blade: Thanks, Shailey, for taking the time to answer these additional questions and for the original interview.

*****

http://shaileytripp.yolasite.com/

I think Shailey has done a good job explaining her earlier answers. Please be civil when commenting.

 

bladecatz@mail.com

Blade

An Interview With Shailey Tripp: UPDATE

 

Due to the large number of questions in the comments, I will be doing a second follow-up with Shailey to address them. I’m not sure when that post will go live so just keep checking back.

This interview was conducted through an email exchange over a period of three days.

My questions are in bold black. Shailey’s responses are in bold blue.

Shailey Tripp Interview  -  February 16 - 18, 2011

 

**********

 

Blade: Hi, Shailey. I appreciate your granting me this interview.

I already know a little about you from my research. Here is the background information I have for you. Is anything incorrect or would you like to add anything? 

You are 36 years old and originally from Louisiana. You are divorced from your 2nd husband and raising two special needs children, a boy and a girl, on your own. You are a licensed massage therapist and also held a manicurist license. You do computer programming and enjoy writing poetry and short stories among other things.

Shailey: My Dad was military and we moved often. I consider Louisiana my home state and I did complete high school there but I was born in North Carolina.

Blade: When and why did you move to Alaska?

Shailey: I moved to Eagle River, AK in 2002 with my first husband. Later in 2002, I moved back to Huntsville, AL. I went back and forth between Alaska and Alabama until 2004. In April of 2004, I moved to Alaska as my permanent home. I still visited Alabama, trying to repair my second marriage. All contact with my second husband ended in the fall of 2005.

I believe I have kept a driver's license, voting card, and my business license in Alaska from 2002 until the summer of 2010.

Blade: Did you live in Wasilla? If so, when? If not where did you live?

Shailey: I lived in Wasilla, AK from February 2005 until early September 2006. Then in November of 2006, I lived in Palmer, AK. From May of 2009 to May 2010, I lived in Anchorage, AK.

Blade: When did you first meet any member of the Palin family? Who was it and under what circumstances? How would you describe their attitude? Friendly? Uppity? Holier than thou?

Shailey: I first met a member of the Palin family in late November or early December of 2006. I met a daughter at a public school I was subbing at. I was a recess monitor and lunch monitor for 3 days.

On one of those days, this daughter was causing a problem in the lunch line. I scolded her, placed her in a time out and then made her go to the end of the lunch line.

In the gym after lunch, she was a little mouthy. Very typical teenage behavior, nothing really crazy. I sent a note to her parents.

The next day her father came to school and had the daughter apologize. He also offered an apology. We casually talked. He told me that his name was Todd. I  told him mine was Shailey and that I worked at a nearby hair place that offered tanning, manicures, and massages. I was the massage therapist. That is how it all began. It was very casual. Nothing weird. I didn't say anything to him that I wouldn't say to any other person I was meeting for the first time. I only remember it because of the way he was dressed, his manners, and because of what the relationship became.

Blade: When and where did you first meet Todd? How long after you met Todd did your relationship become sexual? Was your relationship with Todd different than with other clients? Did he ever confide in you? What brought about the end of your relationship with him?

Shailey: That is a good question.  I already answered how I met Todd and how our relationship began in the previous question.

My relationship with Todd was different from other clients because we had sexual contact. That was the first time this happened to me in this context.

I want to let you know right upfront that the first time I lived in Alaska, I worked in a very upscale place. The women there taught me that you could take your shirt off to give a massage and earn extra money. It was even encouraged but no one wanted to "know" about it. So I was predisposed to the idea, but was very shocked when it happened. I heard rumors but didn't believe that kind of thing really happened.

After about 3 massages with no incidents or anything, weird things started to happen. At first it was a lot of wiggling on the table and some noises, which he hadn't done previously. He was lingering and making a point to touch my hand. In fact, I think this happened the 3rd time ( the noises, lingering , and touching my hand).

Then the next time, at the end of the massage, he rolled over onto his back and asked if that was it. He then placed my hand on his penis and asked if I could help him out a little. I thought I was going to die. He immediately said nice things to me and offered an extra $50.00. I did what he wanted.

Then it progressed to, “Well, you did this last time. Can you take your top off this time?” Eventually, it led to sex. If that is what he wanted he provided the protection and he left with it. He always paid an extra $50.00 to $100.00 and he always took anything he used with him. Also, he really did want the massage. Weird, huh? Always.

After about 6 months he started to refer what he called “business friends” to me. Sometimes he paid for them in advance, cash only, and those men would also leave $50.00 to $100.00.  Sometimes he would drop the money by in an envelope. The first time he did this the girls in the shop teased me. The first time he sent someone to me, I honestly thought it was a referral to help me. A legitimate referral. When I realized the man wanted more than a massage, both he and I were stunned that the other didn't know what was going on. He was even angry.

Blade: Sometime during Sarah's gubernatorial campaign you donated some gift certificates and products that you thought were for a real estate agency. Was that the Kristan Cole agency? Were the gift certificates for massage services? How long are gift certificates for massage services valid?

Shailey: I do not remember the agency. I think it was along the lines of the owner of the shop said she was gathering donations for such and such a cause. She named what she was donating and asked could we all match her. There was a big real estate convention at the time and a real estate agent picked up the donation. I remember her saying the donated items were going in thank you gift bags. Yes, the gift certificates once used came back to me, and yes it would have names on them and dates used. No, I can not give you that information at this time.

Blade: You said you gave Sarah Palin a massage sometime between January 2008 and March 2008. Are you certain it was in that time period? Was that the first time you had ever seen her in person? If not did she appear different to you in any way?

 Shailey: I am certain. I lean towards the February - March 2008 time frame. No, it wasn't the first time I had seen her in person but it was the first time I had any personal encounter with her. No, I met her while she was laying down.

Blade: You asked Sarah if she was pregnant before starting the massage and she said no. Did she hesitate or was it an assertive no?

 Shailey: She said no. Her answer didn't raise any red flags for me. I had no reason to doubt her.

Blade: You said that Sarah was laying on her stomach on the massage table. Did she seem to be in any discomfort while in that position?

Shailey: She seemed fine to me other than it seemed like it was hard for her to relax. To her credit, that is not unusual for your first massage with a person you don't know.

Blade: You stated that you massaged Sarah's abdomen so at some point she had to move from her stomach to her back or side. Which position was she in for the abdominal massage? Did she have any difficulty changing positions?

Shailey: This particular massage started facedown, which means she laid on her stomach. Then mid way I had her turn over so she was laying on her back. She seemed able to do this without assistance and made no complaints other than her stomach was sore.

Blade: Did you notice anything about Sarah during the massage that indicated she was pregnant? Was there anything about her that seemed unusual? Approximately how long did the massage last? Did Sarah make small talk with you? If so do you remember anything she said?

Shailey: Again, I had no reason at anytime to think she was pregnant. I was more worried that she was going to confront me and get me fired than I was about anything else. I did remember her shoes. 

The massage lasted approximately 50 minutes. She wasn't a talker other than indicating what she needed me to work on or asking me to adjust pressure. I was just happy when it was over and hoped that she got something out of it because I felt it was the worst massage of my life.

Blade: After you finished the massage, did you remain in the room while Sarah got down from the table? If yes, did she request any assistance? When you've given massages to other pregnant women do they usually ask for help getting on or off the table?

Shailey: I did not assist her getting on or off the table. I left the room after telling her to remain laying down. I washed my hands, then got water and took it to her. I advised her on a few things and left the room to give her privacy to get up and get dressed. I charted my notes and left. Usually, I stay to talk to a client after giving a massage but in this case, I left and went to the break room.

Blade: At any time did you see Sarah in a standing position while not fully clothed? If so did she appear to be carrying any extra weight in the abdominal area? Did you observe her walking? Was there anything suggestive of pregnancy in her gait?

Shailey: No, I don't think I saw her in a standing position that day.

Blade: Do you know if Sarah used a gift certificate for the massage that you gave her. If so do you know if it was one of those that you donated?

Shailey: No, she did not use a gift certificate. I was paid for that massage through either the doctor or the nurse I worked for. I would have to really research that to know how I got paid for that massage. I do not know how she paid for this service.

Blade: Did you and your co-workers learn of Sarah's pregnancy prior to the birth of Trig? If so what was the general reaction? What was the reaction to her traveling from Texas back to Alaska to have the baby? Was there talk about it being a dangerous thing to do?

Shailey: One day in the break room, the radio was on. They said Gov. Palin had a baby and we were all like, “What?”. Shortly after another worker came into the office talking about her having a baby and we were all just shocked. It seemed to us that she had recently been in, (meaning within the past month or 2) and none of us had a clue. We were shocked!

We did pay attention to the news on this subject after that. I remember a small T.V. in the break room but it was taken out after we all misused it.

I did not know about that trip until last week. I have been doing some reading up on the curiosity of her being pregnant. I had no idea that it was a big deal or that any theories on her pregnancy existed. When I was 20-something weeks pregnant and needed an angel flight they almost didn't fly me so I am unclear as to how she was able to fly on a commercial flight.

Blade: Did you ever hear rumors about Bristol being pregnant in early 2008? If so what did you hear?

 Shailey: I heard rumors that summer and that fall if I remember correctly. I heard them at a beauty shop I worked at in the valley; not at any of the clinics I worked at.

Blade: Is there anything that you would like to add about your experiences with the Palins or about yourself?

 Shailey: I still feel a little mystified as to why anyone would care that I gave her a massage other than because of her celebrity status. Anything that took place between me and the Palins was really a minor event in my life compared to other things that were happening to me personally. These interactions took place at a time in my life when I was in extreme hardship and was trying to rebuild my life from that hardship. Also, my kids needed a lot of medical attention and that is where my main focus was. I really do not know anyone in that family other than Todd.

That concluded the original interview but I had some follow-up questions for Shailey. Her responses to those questions are below.

 

Blade: The place where you first gave Todd massages, was that AAY Spa or another place? If it was a different place, did your sexual relationship with Todd begin there? Did Todd follow you when you began working at AAY and after that when you had the office in Anchorage?

Shailey: The place I first gave Todd a massage was another place. There are several of these kind of places all over the area. The name of the place I first gave Todd a massage at was xxxxx,and later, there was a massage at ooooo. However, this time was so congested and so many things were happening that I am not 100% sure if I had sex with him at xxxxx. I think I saw him there for his initial massage. Then at ooooo (the original location which later moved), I had sex with Todd for the first time. I am not sure these shop owners would want their businesses’ names published but I mentioned them so you are clear. Also, ooooo and xxxxx are physically very close to one another. At some point xxxxx went out of business.

Blade: When you say that you remember Sarah's shoes, can you explain what you mean? What was memorable about them?

Shailey: I love shoes!!! I fantasize that I, in my daily life, wear ultra high heels. The truth is I am clumsy as hell and they hurt my feet. The aunt I admire most can play basketball in her heels.

Anyway, there were several times I was in Wasilla shopping for shoes and  all of the women’s shoes were not available because Sarah had bought them all. So naturally when she came for a massage, I admit I did check out what kind of shoes she was wearing. She had on these amazing 6 inch taupe heels. I have no idea what brand of shoes they were but I loved them and me being me, thought it was kind of funny that she wore them.

Blade: Do pregnant women usually request assistance getting on or off the table?

Shailey: Pregnant women always ask for assistance getting on and off the massage table as do geriatrics. Most importantly, if I know a woman is pregnant, I have a special stool for them to use and also a special way I like to position them. Sometimes I even offer a chair instead of a table.

Additionally, I would never do certain types of massages on a pregnant woman due to blood pressure issues and possible labor.

Blade: So you weren't aware of Sarah's announcing her pregnancy the first week of March? You didn't hear any of the talk about her not looking pregnant?

 Shailey: No, I was not aware of her announcing her pregnancy ever.

Until a few weeks ago when Jesse Gryphen came into my life I had never heard anything about her being pregnant and certainly not "conspiracies" about her pregnancy. This is news to me and a little silly. If anything I thought she was pregnant and horribly selfish for the things she did to her body while she was pregnant. It never occurred to me that she wasn’t pregnant or faked it. It still seems absurd to me because I can’t relate to it at all or even understand a motive for it.

Blade: After learning that people believe Sarah faked her pregnancy in 2008, what is your personal opinion? Do you believe Trig is her and Todd's son?

Shailey: I honestly don't know what to believe. I don't believe she was pregnant when I gave her a massage. But that may be wishful thinking on my end because I hate to think I harmed her or her child in anyway!

I don't like Todd (at all) and the only nice thing I can say about him is that he really loves his children. I believe he loves Trig.

Blade: Thanks so much for your time, Shailey. I'm sure the the readers of this blog will have questions so feel free to respond to them in the comments section.

**********

I hope everyone appreciates the time Shailey put into this interview. If you haven’t already, please visit her website. Here is the link:

http://shaileytripp.yolasite.com/

Shailey just informed me that she might not be able to respond to any questions until Monday.

Please remember that I am always interested in any information related to the Palins. If something interests you, then send me an email.

bladecatz@mail.com

 

Blade

.

A Bit Of News

 

As I revealed in my last post, I am working on something interesting. I can now announce that I am corresponding with Shailey Tripp and she has agreed to do an email interview.

I have sent Shailey an email with questions. She may not be able to answer all of them but I’m sure her input will be worth reading.

I’m not sure exactly when the post will be ready to go live so stay tuned. In the mean time, please visit Shailey’s website and blog. Here is the link:

http://shaileytripp.yolasite.com/

bladecatz@mail.com

 

Blade

Truth

 

Definition of TRUTH

a (1) : the state of being the case : fact (2) : the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality (3) often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality b : a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true <truths of thermodynamics> c : the body of true statements and propositions

the body of real things, events, and facts

I think everyone reading this will agree that the truth never changes. Events that actually happened a certain way can’t later be changed. I had a chicken tender for breakfast this morning. That will always be a fact. Sometime in the future I might say that I had a bowl of cereal but that would not be the truth.

Sarah Palin said that Trig was born at Mat-Su Regional Hospital on April 18, 2008 and that he was due on May 18, 2008. The same story was reported here and by numerous others newspapers, magazines and websites. Millions of people accept this as truth.

So if this is the truth why has Sarah Palin’s recount of the birth of Trig changed? How is it possible that Trig was now born in Anchorage when Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is located at 2500 S. Woodworth Loop in Palmer, Alaska.

According to MapQuest it is nearly 38 miles from Palmer to Anchorage.

Suggested Route

Via AK-1 S

41 mins / 37.81 miles

They are definitely not the same place but watch the video here. During this speech Sarah says that Trig was born in Anchorage. That may be the truth but if so it was a lie that he was born at Mat-Su Regional Hospital. A baby can’t be born in two different places.

Unless one of the babies presented as Trig was born in Anchorage and the other at Mat-Su Regional and Sarah got mixed up.

Another change in Sarah’s birth tale is how far along in the pregnancy she was when Trig was born. The due date given in the news stories above was May 18, 2008. Trig’s official birthdate is April 18, 2008. Thirty days early or just over four weeks. That would be between thirty-five and thirty-six weeks gestation. Forty weeks is full term.

In this video, though, Sarah says that Trig was born when she was seven and a half months pregnant. That would be thirty-two weeks gestation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eApkZuHplPM

The following links to pictures, video and stories were compiled doing Google searches. They outline what can be expected with a baby born at 32 weeks gestation.

 

Video of baby born at thirty-two weeks.

/Links to stories about babies born at thirty-two weeks.

ttp://www.growingyourbaby.com/2010/07/10/plane-diverted-after-baby-arrives-8-weeks-early/

http://www.birthstories.com/stories/premature-babies/son-born-at-32-weeks-2613

Information about the 32nd week of pregnancy.

All of the babies mentioned above required care in an NICU and they didn’t have the additional complication of Down Syndrome.

After reading all this information I can’t reconcile it with this image of a supposedly newborn Trig.

Maybe he was born at thirty-two weeks and was presented on April 18, 2008 but this picture is not of a baby just born at thirty-two weeks gestation.

The truth never changes. Sarah has either forgotten the lies she told and is making new details up, she is starting to reveal the real facts of Trig’s birth only omitting that she isn’t his birth mother or she is mixing up facts about two babies that have been presented as Trig.

Either way her actions prove that she is lying one way or another.

Personally, I think she is mixing two birth stories up. I don’t find it plausible that she would simply forget what she said at the time Trig was supposedly born with her words easily looked up online.

I am always open to suggestions from readers and interested in any information about the Palins. Email: bladecatz@mail.com

 

Blade