James Franco Instagram 'Relationship': Lucy Clode Flirted For 'Bragging Rights'

Lucy Code, 17, ultimately had the good sense to refuse to meet up with James Franco for a late-night hotel tryst - so why did she bother flirting with him on Instagram at all? Lucy had 'an opportunity to get her name in the news,' and she took it, relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

James Franco has come under fire for trying to seduce a 17-year-old fan, Lucy Clode, via Instagram and text on April 2. But what role did Lucy play in this scandal? Her motives were clear, according to Dr. Gilda Carle, relationship expert to the stars and the 30-second therapist for the Today show. Lucy was of the mindset that 'anything that would raise the status of a teenager would work fabulously for her,' Dr Gilda tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

James Franco Instagram 'Relationship': Lucy Clode Flirted For 'Bragging Rights'

Dr. Gilda believes that Lucy jumped at the chance to flirt with James because the Scottish teen wanted her 15 minutes of fame. 'What teenage girl doesn't want to be rich and famous?'

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'He is reaching out to her, and it's perfect,' Dr. Gilda says. 'She had an opportunity to get her name in the news, and get some notoriety, and she thinks this is gonna be the best thing ever to happen to her.'

Even though she ultimately turned James down, what Lucy couldn't resist was the chance to be in the spotlight.

'Just like Monica Lewinsky kept the blue dress, it's called bragging rights. Anything that would raise the status of a teenager would work fabulously for her, [Lucy] thinks,' Dr. Gilda says. 'And already, obviously, it's worked pretty well because we're all talking about it. She got her wish, she's achieved her goal, and now anything is possible. I fear, however, what is next?'

Dr. Gilda is understandably worried that Lucy doesn't realize the potential harmful consequences of her actions.

'Teenage girls don't think about long-term effects. They don't think about consequences. That's the difference between teenagers and adults,' she says.

Lucy Clode's Grandmother Disses James Franco After Instagram Scandal

Lucy's grandmother, Beryl Sussex, 84, paints a much different picture of her granddaughter.

'Lucy has lived quite a sheltered life, she comes from a respectful family,' Beryl told the UK's MailOnline. 'She isn't one for the limelight at all.'

Beryl thinks James is wholly responsible for the scandal and that he should be held accountable for his actions.

'I think he ought to get a slap on the wrist and I know my son, Lucy's dad, wouldn't be afraid to give it to him,' Beryl said. 'It shows how little these famous actors know about normal people and how to behave. They're out of touch with reality.'

So what do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Should Lucy have flirted with James? Let us know!

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