I sense a pattern

[SouthernN'Proud]

Living down to your calling?

NEW ORLEANS - Lionel Richie didn't skirt questions about his daughter's drunken-driving case after his performance at the Essence Music Festival.

"She's just in an unfortunate situation," he said Saturday night.

Nicole Richie, 25, is scheduled to go on trial Wednesday. She was arrested Dec. 11 and pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. In addition, her case contains an allegation that she had a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction in June 2003.

"She keeps apologizing to me," Lionel Richie said. "I told her, 'You're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing to your father at this age.'"

"Gee, Pops, I'm so sorry I got fubarred and hit that car and killed those four people the other night. I swear it won't happen again..."

"Oh do hush my little angel, it's nothing more than what you should be doing at your age. I mean, what else are you expected to do at 25...WORK???!!!"