PR-Inside.com Entertainment News

MICHAEL JACKSON was living like a drug addict when he died, according to a longterm friend of the singer.
The King of Pop passed away last month (Jun09) after suffering a cardiac arrest, amid rumours he was dabbling with dangerous medications.
Police searching his home following the tragedy confiscated several bags of drugs, including the powerful narcotic Demerol.
Terry Harvey, who was a close friend of the famous family, admits the Thriller hitmaker was dependent on drugs before his death - and had been since the infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial in which Jackson’s hair accidentally caught fire.
Jackson was taking a powerful cocktail of drugs, including Propofol, Vistaril, anxiety drug Xanax, and anti-depressant Prozac in the weeks leading up to his death, according to Harvey.
He tells Britain’s News of the World, "Michael had a long-term drug habit. He was no different to a drug addict living in a crack house. What he wanted was served up to him. He didn’t go to the stores to get his fix, it was brought to him.
"He started in 1984 after he got burned filming that Pepsi advert. But in recent years it spiralled out of control and he was even self-injecting.
"By the end he knew how to administer these drugs himself as he had so much medical knowledge. Now he’s dead everyone is washing their hands of it. I don’t believe that Michael injected himself in the neck though.
"The jury is out on everyone in his inner circle. I believe some of them actually got him drugs. These people should be thrown into jail."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

MICHAEL JACKSON’s personal medic DR. CONRAD MURRAY has spoken out for the first time since the singer’s death - and insists: "I did not kill him." The singer was under the care of Dr Murray at the time of his death on 25 June (09), and police immediately questioned the medic about the events leading up to the singer’s passing.
He was interviewed again two days later but has since reportedly fled California, refusing to talk to cops for a third time earlier this week (begs13Jul09).
Now he’s spoken out to publicly address rumours of his involvement in Jackson’s untimely passing, claiming he is a "scapegoat" for the tragedy.
And amid reports Jackson was on a cocktail of drugs prior to his death, Dr Murray insists he did not administer any substance to the King of Pop that would have killed him.
Dr Murray tells Britain’s Sunday People, "I have lost a good friend. I did not give Michael anything that should have led to his death. I do not know anything more than anyone else about what killed Michael - but it wasn’t me.
"It’s human nature to try and find a scapegoat but if I was the focus of a criminal probe I would have been told by now. I have been told nothing even though I have been co-operating with the police since day one." The doctor is also under constant 24 hour protection in the wake of Jackson’s death, fearing he will be targeted by the singer’s fans who see him as responsible.
A source tells Britain’s News of the World, "Dr Murray did all he could to resuscitate Michael. He is in a terrible situation.
"Anyone who was there when Michael died would face similar anger from his fans because they feel he should have done more to save him. He is being given round-the-clock protection from the security team who looked after Michael."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Police investigating the death of MICHAEL JACKSON will bring charges of second-degree murder within days, according to a new U.K. report.
Britain’s News of the World newspaper claims cops have told the King of Pop’s family there will be a criminal trial after an autopsy showed he died from an injected overdose of painkiller Diprivan.
The charges could be brought against whoever administered the drug and anyone who made it available to the Thriller hitmaker.
Jackson’s longterm friend Terry Harvey tells the publication, "The autopsy shows that Michael died of a drug overdose with Diprivan and a range of pills in his stomach. He had needle marks on his neck and all over his body.
"The authorities have told the family the Drug Enforcement Administration are pushing for a criminal charge. It is likely to be second-degree murder, due to the actions which led to his death. They have been assured that someone, or maybe more than one person, will be brought to trial.
"The family are working with the DEA and Los Angeles Police Department to work out which doctor prescribed Michael these drugs and how far back this serious problem runs." Attorney General Jerry Brown admitted earlier this week (begs13Jul09), "We’ve found some things, but this is early on", and murder or manslaughter charges could not be ruled out.
Harvey adds, "The family is speaking about whether there is enough evidence to take a private lawsuit against the promoters or the doctors involved. Once the criminal charges are announced, the family will file for a wrongful death lawsuit.
"I can see Joe filing a lawsuit against anyone who is found to have caused fatal harm to his beloved son.
"He and the rest of the family are serious about getting to the bottom of his son’s death and insists it’s foul play. It’s no secret that (tour promoters) AEG appointed a doctor to look after Michael’s welfare."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

MISCHA BARTON’s recent breakdown came after a three-day cocaine binge, according to reports.
On Thursday (16Jul09), the 23 year old was placed on involuntary psychiatric hold after reportedly suffering a meltdown and calling cops to her Los Angeles home the day before.
According to New York Post gossip column PageSix, friends of the former The O.C. star alerted police amid fears she would kill herself after three days of hard partying.
A pal tells the publication, "She’s in very bad shape. She’s running out of money and can’t find love, so now she is looking for a good time to escape her misery. She is on a downward spiral. She is a mess. She is a suicidal, uninsurable mess." Los Angeles police and Barton’s representative have confirmed the actress required assistance for "a medical issue", but have yet to reveal further details.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

AMY WINEHOUSE’s ex-husband BLAKE FIELDER-CIVIL is reportedly demanding a $9 million (£6 million) divorce settlement - because he was the inspiration for her hit album BACK TO BLACK.
The pair’s two-year union was ended at London’s High Court on Thursday (16Jul09) when a judge granted the couple a decree nisi after Winehouse admitted adultery.
Now Fielder-Civil has asked for a mammoth pay-off to reflect the royalties she raked in for her 2006 breakthrough record - written after he walked out on her.
A source tells Britain’s News of the World, "Amy did write Back to Black when Blake left her, but why on earth should he be getting a dime for making her feel so bad? "She was at her lowest ebb when she wrote that album. Her boyfriend had left her for another woman and she poured her heart and soul into the writing process.
"It’s like saying that the man who writes a book about his murdered wife should give the murderer some of the profits. It’s an absolutely ridiculous request." Fielder-Civil has six weeks to negotiate the financial settlement or walk away from the marriage with nothing - but Winehouse is fuming over the prospect of paying him.
The insider adds, "The judge has given the decree nisi, and the decree absolute will follow in six weeks. Blake has to make a claim before that but he has made it clear to Amy privately he wants millions. She believes she’s right and Blake has no real case for a stake at her money.
"He thinks he was a big part of her success with Back to Black and deserves money for what he put up with. Amy is furious and doesn’t want to negotiate. But she’s happy for his outrageous demands to be made public because she wants to show him up."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

British Royal QUEEN ELIZABETH II and U.K Prime Minister GORDON BROWN have paid tribute to the world’s oldest man, who has died aged 113.
Henry Allingham, a World War I veteran, passed away in his sleep at a nursing home in southern England on Saturday (18Jul09).
He gained the prestigious title last month (Jun09) after previous holder, Tomoji Tanabe of Japan, died aged 113.
Allingham put his old age down to "cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women" - and celebrated his 113th birthday last month (06Jun09) at a party hosted by the Royal Navy.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman says, "The Queen was saddened to hear of the death of Henry Allingham. He was one of the generation who sacrificed so much for us all." Brown, who had met Allingham several times, says, "He was a tremendous character, one of the last representatives of a generation of tremendous characters." The world’s oldest man now is a 112-year-old American, Walter Breuning, who was born on 21 September, 1896.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Stars including BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, ALICIA KEYS and STEVIE WONDER turned out for former South African president NELSON MANDELA 91st birthday celebrations on Saturday (19Jul09).
They performed at a Mandela Day Concert in New York’s Radio City Hall, with money raised going to Mandela’s Aids foundation, 46664.
The civil rights leader missed out on attending the bash in person as he was too frail to travel, but he sent a video message to those celebrating the event, saying: "It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it." Soul legend Stevie Wonder’s sang a rendition of his hit Happy Birthday - originally written to remember Dr Martin Luther King.
France’s first lady Carla Bruni wowed the crowd as she took to the stage to perform two songs including Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind, accompanied by former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart.
Queen Latifah and Aretha Franklin also performed, and Cyndi Lauper teamed up with Lil’ Kim for a duet.
Shawshank Redemption star Morgan Freeman - who is set to play Mandela in an upcoming biopic - gave a speech to the crowd and U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a personal message via video, saying that Mandela’s life "teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

LINDSAY LOHAN has poured her heart out about her relationship with SAMANTHA RONSON - she fears they will split every day.
The Mean Girls star and DJ Ronson have had a turbulent relationship and split on numerous occasions, but appear to be back on track after reconciling last month (Jun09).
And Lohan say that despite their constant arguing she is still very much in love with Ronson.
She tells Britain’s Sunday People, "I am so in love with Sam but the truth is neither of us can ever stop arguing with one another. I wake up every morning and despite being more in love with Sam than I have been with anyone in the past, in all honesty I don’t know if we’ll still be together by the time we go to bed." The 23 year old insists that when she is not embroiled in a public spat with her lover, they enjoy happy times together.
She explains, "All people see from the outside is our rowing. But there are a lot of times when we are very happy together. We have split a few times but are really trying to make it work." And Lohan reveals the couple is considering relocating to the U.K., where Ronson’s parents live.
She says, "We both love England and it would be good to get away from here. I feel trapped sometimes. British people tell me that they really like me so maybe I would do well working over there."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

GEORGE CLOONEY and ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER have paid tribute to revered U.S. news anchor WALTER CRONKITE, who passed away on Friday (17Jul09).
The legendary broadcaster died at his New York home with his family at his bedside after a long illness, aged 92.
Cronkite fronted the evening news for American TV network CBS from 1962 to 1981.
Former action star-turned-California Governor Schwarzenegger was saddened to hear of his passing, and described him as "the most trusted man in America".
He says, "For decades, Walter Cronkite was the fixture in American living rooms whose reassuring voice reported on some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. He was the most trusted man in America who calmly explained monumental events such as the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the moon landing - events that shaped and defined a generation.
"Walter remains the benchmark for what it means to be a television journalist and he will be missed. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our sadness over his passing and we send our thoughts and prayers to Walter’s family and friends." Ocean’s Eleven star Clooney was also full of praise for Cronkite: "He was the most important voice in our lives for thirty years. And that voice made people reach for the stars. I hate the world without Walter Cronkite."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Rapper FOXY BROWN has been hit with a lawsuit from U.S. tax officials after running up debts of $641,558 (£427,705).
The star is accused of failing to keep up with her taxes since 2003, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents have taken their case to a court in New York to try to recoup the cash.
IRS officials have filed tax lien documents against Brown for allegedly missing payments between 2003 and 2006, reports AllHipHop.com.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

British rockers OASIS were at the centre of a second security blunder after a crazed fan stormed the stage at a Spanish festival.
Last year (08) guitarist Noel Gallagher was hospitalised with three broken ribs after a man ran onstage and shoved him into monitor speakers in the middle of a gig in Toronto, Canada.
During their set at Benicassim on Thursday (16Jul09), a female fan stormed the stage desperate to get close to the band, but this time security managed to step in before any damage was done.
A witness tells Britain’s Daily Star Sunday: "She ran on to the stage, punched and kicked security and even crawled under the stage. At first there were just two guys guarding the band but they called for back-up and in the end it took ten burly bouncers to get rid of her."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

JERMAINE JACKSON has slammed reports he and siblings MARLON, RANDY and TITO are set to stage a JACKSON 5 reunion for a Jamaican music festival as a tribute to late brother MICHAEL.
TMZ.com reported on Friday (17Jul09) that the brothers were planning to perform a mix of Jackson 5 songs and solo hits at the Reggae Sumfest, which runs on the island from 19 to 25 July (09).
This year’s festival is dedicated to the Thriller hitmaker, who died on 25 June (09) after suffering a cardiac arrest, and their elder brother Jackie was also reportedly in negotiations to join the group for the show in Montego Bay.
But Jermaine Jackson has refuted the claims, insisting the family is not jetting out to the island.
He tells E! Online, "No. TMZ need to get their facts straight. We’re not going to Jamaica."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Rockers KINGS OF LEON have apologised to fans for axing their slot at Benicassim Festival in Spain after the event was hit by heavy thunderstorms.
The group, along with Maximo Park, were due to play the outdoor event on Friday (17Jul09) but their sets were scrapped at the last minute when the town was hit with severe weather conditions.
Organisers had hoped to appease angry fans by rescheduling the Kings Of Leon’s headlining act for Saturday (18Jul09).
But the group was unable to perform, as its stage equipment had already been shipped to Switzerland for a set at the Gurtenfestival on Sunday (19Jul09).
Drummer Nathan Followill writes on his Twitter.com page, "I’m sad to say that we aren’t playing Benicassim. We are so sorry and bummed about last night. Our gear is already headed to Switzerland."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

JOE JACKSON was so desperate to help his tragic son MICHAEL beat his drug addiction, he pleaded with the King of Pop to enter a rehabilitation centre.
The Thriller hitmaker passed away on 25 June (09) after suffering a cardiac arrest, and rumours about his substance abuse have swirled in the wake of his death.
The singer had signed up for a 50-date comeback residency at Britain’s O2 arena and was in rehearsals for the show, but his reclusive lifestyle alarmed his family.
His father Joe staged a last-minute intervention in a bid to get his son back to full health in time for the gigs and a planned family reunion show next year (10).
And during an emotional phone call, the Jackson family patriarch pleaded with the 50 year old to kick his demons by entering a stint in rehab.
Pal Terry Harvey tells Britain’s News of the World, "Joe Jackson has made no secret of his efforts to step in to get Michael to rehab while he prepared for his London shows.
"Joe wanted to get his son cleaned up as he was so keen to do the family show deal for 2010.
"He knew he wasn’t ready for these summer shows in London. Joe called him on the phone and said to Michael, ‘Let’s get it together. Let us help you and clean the house.’ "Michael said ‘Okay’ to appease his dad but he didn’t even take his words in. By that stage he was an addict.
"He still thought he was the biggest star in the world. He did what he wanted. He felt he wasn’t ready to go. Joe went to the house at least three times to intervene, but couldn’t get through to his son.
"We had suspicions who was getting him prescription pills, but it was important to stop it first and deal with them later."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

KATHERINE JACKSON has filed new legal papers in a bid to contest her son MICHAEL’s will.
In documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday (17Jul09), the Jackson family matriarch asks the judge in the King of Pop’s probate case to allow her to contest certain elements.
The 2002 document, which names Katherine Jackson as an indirect beneficiary of the estate, includes a clause cutting out anyone who disputes the will.
The 79 year old wants to object to specific elements - reportedly the appointment of longtime financial adviser John Branca and music executive John McClain as executors - without losing her beneficiary rights.
The will reportedly states Katherine will receive 40 per cent of Jackson’s estate, with a further 40 per cent going to his kids, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II aka ‘Blanket’, seven, with the remaining 20 per cent going to a number of as-yet-undecided children’s charities.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

ELIZABETH TAYLOR has been released from a Los Angeles hospital after undergoing surgery.
The 77 year old Hollywood legend was admitted to a medical centre near her home in Beverly Hills on Monday (13Jul09), with reports claiming she was emotionally drained following the death of her longterm pal Michael Jackson.
Her spokesperson slammed the claims, insisting: "(She is) in for standard tests and a minor, though painful, surgical procedure. That’s it. No drama, no shrieking, no sedation required. Nobody on her staff is worried. Period." And after five days in hospital, Taylor has returned home to continue her recuperation.
She writes on her Twitter.com blog, "I’m home from the hospital sore, but intact. Of course I’m still grieving for Michael… I always will.
"I’ve had many tragedies in my life, but I guess they have all taught me something. I have to look at it that way."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Veteran actress and former model ANITA EKBERG has been hospitalised in Italy.
The Swedish-born La Dolce Vita star checked into the San Giovanni hospital in Rome, according to a medical official in the neurosurgery department.
Ekberg, 77, reportedly fell ill at home and is under observation at the facility.
No further information was available as WENN went to press.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

KATHERINE HEIGL and GERARD BUTLER were left fearing for their lives after a bomb scare at a Los Angeles hotel on Saturday (18Jul09).
The Hollywood stars were inside the Four Seasons Hotel to promote their upcoming film, The Ugly Truth, when they were forced to evacuate, along with 400 other guests.
Heigl and Butler were left waiting outside the luxury complex while police investigated the premises after a phone call warned of a nearby bomb, according to People.com.
The Scottish actor was seen posing for pictures with members of the AC Milan soccer team, who were in the city to play a game against Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday night (19Jul09).
Cops found no unattended packages or luggage and the hotel reopened two hours later.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)