It's hard to believe it's been a little over two years since Anna Nicole Smith died of a drug overdose. I remember writing about her death with a sense of sadness that this was one more Hollywood tragedy that really would be remembered as nothing more than another salacious footnote of Hollywood indulgence. Though certainly the public perception has lingered that those around Smith, including boyfriend Howard K. Stern, enabled her prescription pill popping habit, I certainly hadn't heard that anything was being pursued legally. So it was with surprise and a sense of relief when I read the news over the weekend about the arrest of Howard K. Stern and two of the doctors who allegedly aided Stern in acquiring numerous prescriptions to fuel Smith's addiction.
I don't really understand why it has taken so long for these arrests to occur. I am sure there is some back story to the delay that has yet to be made public. But regardless, I think these arrests and possible indictments are not only important for the sake of the daughter Smith left behind so that she may find out the rest of the story, but for other reasons.
With the memory of Heath Ledger's death still fresh in many movie fans' minds, and in light of hit reality shows like "Celebrity Rehab," it is past time to send the message that people who enable celebrities to have unrestricted access to drugs will be punished. If the consequences are harsh and swift for those who get rich by preying on celebrities maybe it will be tougher to obtain illegal meds and maybe a few lives will be saved.

Add to Newsvine
Add to StumbleUpon
I knew all a long that Stern had to have some thing to do with senseless death of a young woman and mother. Stern and the Dr.'s need to be punished for the terrible things they did to her.
Anna Nicole started to abuse alcohol and drugs in High School.She had many plastic operations, and became addicted to painkillers afterwards.
Anna Nicole was adult, middle aged woman not a teenager.She made her own choices.She was in detox centers but didn't stop to abuse painkillers and sedatives.
She is the victim of her own egoism and vanity.Howard was a victim of Anna's manipulations.
Howard isn't to blame for Anna's drug problems Anna was. She new what could happen she seen what happend to her son. People want to put everything on HOward. What about all the other people in her life why did'nt they do anything to help her if they cared so much? Anna's problems with people in her past and drugs started way before she even met Howard. People see it as easier to blame him for everything than to believe the hard cold facts. She said in many interviews in her early career about her troubled relationships with family and drug problems and Howard was nowhere around then.
I always believed Anna cared for Larry and Howard somehow told her things that were not true and that is why she turned to him. It has been told that she only slept with Howard a couple of times so that showed he was only there to be her lacky. She conceived with Larry and I believe if it were not for Howard she would have still been with Larry and they would have a wonderful family. Howard is still connected to the fortune DannieLynn may get someday so that shows his greed. He cannot let go. I wonder who is supporting him. Larry tried to talk some sense into her about the drugs.
Anna was one of the most tragic individuals that I ever met. She had no self worth, and to know her was to realize that the vast majority of her life was spent under the influence of various substances...in an attempt to deal with just getting through the day. You need only know her for 5 minutes to understand that she was vulnerable and that she was easily exploitable. Throughout her life there were many low-lives that used and abused her, however Howard K. Stern was the most devious and cunning offender. After positioning himself to win, he made it possible for Anna to go the way we all knew she would go. He was never a friend or a lover, and it is comforting to know that he will get just what he deserves.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.