I guess it's easy for us to understand why politicians, actors, etc. get off the hook when they reveal their true natures. A little "mea culpa," a few photo ops, and some people to say "he/she was an idiot but he's reformed" and they are back in the good graces of the public.
These photos might have meant something before he went into "got to save my career and lifestyle mode." Now, they seem to have too much of the "look, I'm in rehab" feel to them.