Fans of One Tree Hill know one of the best places to rub shoulders with the cast is at the annual charity basketball game organized by its hoops-obsessed star, James Lafferty.

But not this year.

In a statement posted on OTHfans.com, Lafferty – who has hosted the game in Wilmington, N.C., for the past five years – says problems with fans have gotten in the way of the fun.

“As a result of constant harassment and gross invasions of privacy via e-mail and telephone, targeting myself, my friends and even my family, I no longer feel comfortable holding a fundraiser in such an intimate setting with fans,” he wrote in the statement.”

‘Frustrating’
Lafferty, 23, has said the game is one of his favorite ways of giving back to the show’s audience, and last year, more than 1,300 fans paid $25 each to pack the stands of Cape Fear Community College’s Schwartz Center. Proceeds went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Winnie’s Garden and the Wilmington Family YMCA.

“It is frustrating and discouraging that a few have ruined it for the many this year,” Lafferty wrote, without giving details. “Thank you to all the fans who have been gracious, cordial and supportive of the charity events in the past, and thank you for understanding.”

Lafferty is one of the more accessible members of the One Tree Hill cast. During the Wilmington’s Sea Dawgs inaugural basketball season, he and local filmmakers shot a documentary about the minor league team. The film, For Keeps, debuted in 2008 at Wilmington’s Cucalorus Film Festival. Lafferty and other cast members sat in the crowd with film buffs and fans alike.

Source: People.com

James Lafferty, star of the locally filmed TV series “One Tree Hill,” broke some bad news on the OTHfans.com Web site this week. He won’t be holding a charity basketball game this year in Wilmington as he has for the past five years. The game has been a big hit with fans who get to buy “One Tree Hill”-related merchandise and take photos of the cast and crew competing on the court. Last year, more than 1,300 fans paying $25 each packed the stands of Cape Fear Community College’s Schwartz Center.

Lafferty’s publicist released a statement to the site explaining why he canceled this year’s event: “I will not be holding a charity basketball game this year. As a result of constant harassment and gross invasions of privacy via e-mail and telephone, targeting myself, my friends and even my family, I no longer feel comfortable holding a fundraiser in such an intimate setting with fans. It is frustrating and discouraging that a few have ruined it for the many this year, and I hope that myself and the show have the opportunity to be charitable again in the future under different circumstances. I am not speaking on behalf of any of my cast, or the show as a collective. This is a personal choice. Thank you to all the fans who have been gracious, cordial and supportive of the charity events in the past, and thank you for understanding.”

Lafferty has often said the charity game was one way he and the other cast members could give back to the fans. He’s been known as one of the more accessible stars of the show, not only because of the game, but also because of his involvement with the community.

During the Wilmington Sea Dawg’s inaugural season, he and a few local filmmakers shot a documentary about the minor league basketball team. The film, “For Keeps,” debuted in 2008 at the popular Cucalorus Film Festival here. Lafferty and other “One Tree Hill” cast members sat in the crowd with film buffs and fans alike. He’s also taken time after shooting on location to walk across the street and sign autographs for waiting fans.

Perhaps those affected the most, however, are the charities that have benefited from the basketball game’s proceeds. Last year, money went to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Winnie’s Garden and the Wilmington Family YMCA.

Source: StarNewsOnline.com

Gallery link:
One Tree Hill > Season Six > Screen Captures > 15. We Change, We Wait

A big congratulations to our newest addition on staff, Mel! Mel has been such a great contributor J-Lafferty.com, that we decided to have her on staff. You might know Mel from her wonderful websites Jammers Central and Ashley Rickards Online.

So Mel, a warm welcome to the site and we’ll see you around!

Gallery link:
One Tree Hill > Season Six > Episode Stills > 16. Screenwriter’s Blues

OTHfans.com has received an exclusive statement from James Lafferty. The statement was sent to OTHfans.com via his publicist, and is in regards to the charity basketball game.

“I will not be holding a charity basketball game this year. As a result of constant harassment and gross invasions of privacy via e-mail and telephone, targeting myself, my friends and even my family, I know longer feel comfortable holding a fundraiser in such an intimate setting with fans. It is frustrating and discouraging that a few have ruined it for the many this year, and I hope that myself and the show have the opportunity to be charitable again in the future under different circumstances.

Best,
James Lafferty“

This episode is scheduled on February 2nd, 2009! Promo looks kinda funny, really looking forward to watch this one!