CORONER: WHITNEY HOUSTON WAS A CHRONIC COCAINE USER
Whitney Houston died from an accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub, but heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors, according to coroner’s officials.
The autopsy findings were released yesterday (Thursday), ending weeks of speculation about what killed the singer on February 11th when her body was found underwater in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Whitney was found to have cocaine in her system at the time of her death as well as marijuana, Xanax, the muscle relaxant Flexeril and the allergy medication Benadryl.
At a press conference yesterday, L.A. County Coroner Chief Craig Harvey said the results indicated Whitney was a chronic cocaine user.
Patricia Houston, the singer’s sister-in-law and manager, said, “We are saddened to learn of the toxicology results, although we are glad to now have closure.”
A full autopsy report is expected to be released in two weeks.
THE SITUATION IN REHAB FOR ALCOHOL TOO
It wasn’t just prescription meds that landed The Situation in rehab — it was alcohol abuse too.
TMZ says the Jersey Shore star is blaming his lucrative club appearances on increasing his alcohol use. The problem isJersey Shore and drinking go together like Snooki and tanning. Is anyone interested in seeing a sober Situation on TV. We’ll soon find out. Season six begins filming this summer.
LINDSAY LOHAN WON’T TALK TO COPS ABOUT HIT-&-RUN
Lindsay Lohan is not cooperating with police in her alleged hit-and-run case. The actress has refused to be interviewed by investigators, but the good news is that her supposed victim has also refused a sit down. Neither party is under any obligation to agree to an interview. Also helping Linds — the man who accused her of hitting him with her Porsche may have staged car accidents and filed phony claims in the past.
Lindsay’s probation is set to end next week — as long as this new drama doesn’t blow up in her face.
CHARLIE SHEEN HONORED TO HAVE KATHY BATES PLAY HIM
If producer Chuck Lorre was trying to diss Charlie Sheen by having Kathy Bates play him on Two and a Half Men, it didn’t work.
Charlie is reportedly “honored” to have the actress play the ghost of his character — who was killed by a train in France earlier this season. Sources tell TMZ that Charlie thinks Kathy is a funny, talented actress, and he couldn’t be more thrilled that she’ll portray him on his old show.
HILARY DUFF GIVES BIRTH TO BOY
Hilary Duff gave birth to a baby boy, Luca Cruz Comrie, Tuesday night. She announced the news yesterday (Thursday) via Twitter. She wrote that she and hubby Mike Comrie are “overjoyed and feel like the luckiest parents in the world. He is surrounded by so much love!! Mom and baby are both doing extremely well.”
CELEB QUICKIES
Britney Spears had her monthly meeting with the judge overseeing her conservatorship yesterday, and according to TMZ, the jurist was impressed — but didn’t change Brit’s terms one bit.
A financial analyst says Oprah Winfrey‘s struggling cable network could lose $142.9 million this year. Though she already cancelled Rosie O’Donnell‘s show and laid off 30 staffers, firm SNL Kagan suggests more drastic measures are ahead.
The ex-wives of Prince, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy and Jose Canseco are set to star in the VH1 reality showHollywood Exes. The 10-episode, hour-long series will air this summer.
