The cause of Brittany Murphy’s death has been determined

The Los Angeles coroner’s office has released a short statement regarding the death of Brittany Murphy, 32.

There were multiple factors that led to the actresses death. According to the coroner, she died from a combination of pneumonia, anemia (iron deficiency of the blood) and multiple drug intoxication. The specific types of drugs were not listed.

Brittany died in her home on December 2oth. Her mother discovered her collapsed body in the bathroom. More information on her death will be available in two weeks when the autopsy report will be completed.

Well, I hate to say I told you so in this case, but it was no shock to me that drugs were involved. When we learned that multiple prescription drug bottles were found strewn throughout the home with multiple names on them (Brittany’s, her husband’s, her mother’s and others) it seemed logical that the entire household had a drug problem. It’s not like the pill bottles were hidden in only a place Brittany knew about, everyone in the house was most likely popping them like candy. And sure, I’ll get hate mail for saying so, but c’mon. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. Sad, yes. But the truth hurts sometimes.

[Source: CNN]

Leif Garrett latest arrest mug shot

Former 70’s teen heartthrob Leif Garrett has been arrested for possession of black tar heroin.

It all went down early Monday morning at an L.A. train station when officers noticed Leif, 48, shaking and sweating his ass off. They became concerned with his well being and asked to search him. They asked if he was holding and he said no. However, soon after he admitted to having black tar heroin in his shoe. The officers then placed him under arrest, confiscated the drug and took him to jail, where he remained until Wednesday morning when he posted $10,000 bail. He is expected back in court on February 24th.

Some people never learn I tell ya. Leif has had problems with drinking and drugs since he has been able to take them. In 1979, only days before he turned 18, he crashed his car while under the influence of alcohol and quaaludes. It was a sort of Nick Hogan type of accident….he escaped with no injuries but his best friend, Roland Winkler, was left a paraplegic.

Like Nick Hogan, Leif promised to take care of his friend for life, but then was sued by Winkler’s family or $25 million. He ended up settling for $7 million (he said he was broke) and never spoke to Roland again. That is until 1999 when a VH1 special, Behind the Music, reunited the two. On the show Leif claimed he had been sober for three years and Roland forgave Leif. A couple months later Leif was busted for possession. in 2005 he was also arrested for cocaine possession. In 2006 Leif was caught on a subway without a ticket. He was arrested again after police discovered heroin and quaaludes on him.

Another story about a child actor gone wrong. Unfortunately this is what Hollywood does to a lot of people. It gives them everything they could ever want, and sometimes that is drugs. Then later in life, whether or not they remain famous, they are left with a terrible addiction. Some of them  still manage to function with their habits…others lose everything.

Sadly it is going to take a lot to get Leif back on track. I wouldn’t doubt if we see him on the next season of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew….or as one of the celebrities that die in 2010.

Brooke Mueller, from hospital to rehab

Brooke Mueller was released from the hospital Monday and is now in rehab.

Mueller was suffering from pneumonia and an infection (sinus?). Her mother Moira Fiore spoke with People magazine after her release and told them: “I picked her up [Monday night] and brought her to a friend’s house in Los Angeles where we will stay until we decide what we are going to do and where we will go.”

And it seems they decided on rehab. Brooke is currently at a  North Carolina rehab center, receiving treatment for drug & alcohol abuse. She is still prohibited from seeing Charlie due to a protection order.

UPDATE: TMZ says Mueller’s attorney is disputing the claims and insists hi client is merely recovering from her (pneumonia) illness at a facility that will help her do so. Hmmm…

Mark McGwire admits to using steroids

Mark McGwire has FINALLY admitted to using steroids.

After long denying that he ever used steroids or performance enhancing drugs, he has now come clean about his steroid use.

In a statement he admitted his wrongdoing:

“Now that I have become the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals I have the chance to do something that I wish I was able to do five years ago. I never knew when, but I always knew this day would come. It’s time for me to talk about the past and to confirm what people have suspected. I used steroids during my playing career and I apologize.

“I wish I had never touched steroids. It was foolish and it was a mistake. I truly apologize. Looking back, I wish I had never played during the steroid era.

“I’m sure people will wonder if I could have hit all those home runs had I never taken steroids. I had good years when I didn’t take any and I had bad years when I didn’t take any. I had good years when I took steroids and I had bad years when I took steroids. But no matter what, I shouldn’t have done it and for that I’m truly sorry.”

Well now. Certainly no surprise, we all knew he had used them, but because he is admitting it now does that wipe his slate clean? I don’t think so. Now that he wants back into baseball he comes cowering back, finally admitting what he so steadfastly denied for years. And we should just forgive him? He tried to play everyone for a fool, insulting our intelligence.

Hmph. I see he’s not so cocky anymore. Must have been a deal with the Cardinals. If you want the job, you gotta come clean… I have a feeling it wasn’t exactly his decision to come forward.

Dr. Conrad Murray is expected to be indicted on charges of Involuntary Manslaughter, according to the AP.

AP:

The Associated Press has learned that prosecutors will seek an involuntary manslaughter indictment against Michael Jackson’s doctor for the pop star’s death.

A law enforcement source says Dr. Conrad Murray will be prosecuted on a theory of gross negligence. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation remains open.

Before an indictment can be sought, the source says the Los Angeles Police Department will follow the formality of presenting the case to the district attorney.

Both agencies have been working on the case along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement since Jackson died in June.

I don’t know about you, but I think this is great news. I think it is about time that doctors start assuming responsibility for these extreme cases where patients overdose because of their doctor’s willingness to overly prescribe dangerous drugs.

Sure, it is ultimately the addict’s fault, but sometimes and especially in Hollywood as we have seen numerous times in the past year, the rich & famous have crazy access to prescription drugs. Mindblowingly so. And in the case of Michael Jackson it was the extreme of the extremes!

Do you agree with the prosecution? If not, why?

Redmond O’Neal arrested for drugs

The son of the late Farrah Fawcett, Redmond O’Neal, was arrested for drugs, once again, during a 24-hour pass from rehab.

The arrest occurred on December 29th and resulted in a felony drug charge. Since he violated his probation, he now faces six years in prison.

This is just an ongoing cycle with this kid. It’s sad really, but hell, his dad is an addict too, and forgive me for talking about the deceased, but I’m pretty sure Farrah did her fair share of drugs as well. (Remember the Comedy Central’s Roast of William Shatner, or her crazy appearance on Letterman?) So this kid really never had a chance.

Sadly, he is probably going to spend most of his life behind bars. I don’t see him getting any better. He has no support group or family to help him. It’s unfortunate..

Artie Lange

Artie Lange has been hospitalized at an undisclosed hospital in new Jersey.

Lange, a sidekick on the Howard Stern Show, has been missing from the show the past couple weeks. He is known to go on massive cocaine/alcohol binges and I’d be willing to guess that this is the case this time as well. I think Artie is one hell of a comedian but it’s just too bad that he cannot get over his demons. Dude needs to lose some weight as well. If the drugs don’t kill him, the weight will.

Lange’s publicist is trying to keep things under wraps, which probably means Artie overdosed. He released the following statement:

“I can confirm that Artie is in the hospital. Artie has chosen to keep all information on this matter between him and his doctor. There will be no further comment.”

This guy is like a cat. Nine lives is an understatement. Get better soon, Artie – and get your sh*t together, will ya?

Brooke Mueller’s mug shot

Brooke Mueller apparently has a bit of a past and unfortunately for her, it is being revelaed today.

Mueller’s mug shot from a 2001 3rd degree felony cocaine arrest has been published, as has her criminal record. She got a DUI in 1996, and as I just mentioned, was arrested on cocaine charges five years later.

Funny this is all coming out now, could Charlie Sheen’s camp be behind this? It would surely be a way to turn the tables, so to speak. These arrests of hers were ages ago and really have nothing to do with what is currently at hand.

And wouldn’t that be like an abuser to place all the blame on their victim?

Again, before those of you on Team Charlie start calling me names, yes this is purely my speculation. It’s what I do for a living. Some people can’t seem to get that through their heads. This is not CNN, bitches!

BUT…let’s pretend that maybe it IS Brooke who is the crazy one. If this IS the case, which I am still doubting , then she is seriously a NUT. Anyone who lies about someone assaulting them or about raping them, or whatever, should do the jail time that they are putting the accused in jeopardy of. It’s that simple. Then we wouldn’t have as many false allegations.

Are you on Team Charlie – or Team Brooke?