Father's woes 'helped' teen star
 

US teen star Lindsay Lohan's estranged father has said his bad behaviour has boosted her career in film and music.

Lohan, 18, has starred in Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Mean Girls. Her father, Michael, 44, has hit the headlines with highly public problems.

He escaped when his car crashed and burst into flames, allegedly threatened to kill his wife and daughters and admitted assaulting a son-in-law.

"Don't they say any publicity is good publicity?" he told US TV network ABC.

"She's got more offers than ever now," Mr Lohan told ABC's Primetime Live. "People don't want the good things, they want the dirt."

'Murder plan'

The interview was recorded before Mr Lohan crashed his car on Saturday night. He got out unhurt before it burst into flames.

On Thursday, divorce papers were published which alleged he beat his wife and told his family's security guard he planned to murder them.

He told ABC he was interested in taking part in a reality TV show following the divorce process.

In December, he was ordered to have drug and alcohol treatment after admitting assaulting a brother-in-law at his son's communion party.

He was also arrested in June 2004 for allegedly leaving a hotel without paying the $3,800 (£2,000) bill.

As well as forging an acting career, Lindsay Lohan had a US top 10 album with her debut, Speak, at the end of 2004.