« IRIE TV & IRIETV.COM INFRINGING ON IRIE FM TRADEMARK | Main | "The Harder They Come" resurfaces in UK...The Film and Theatrical Production differ »
January 17, 2008
Drug Scandal
A few entertainers were linked to an Albany-based steroid investigation, but they are not part of an ongoing criminal probe, according to a published report.
Law enforcement officials revealed on Sunday that R&B music star Mary J. Blige, rap musicians 50 Cent, Timbaland and Wyclef Jean, and award-winning author and producer Tyler Perry may have received or used performance-enhancing drugs.
A spokeswoman for Blige denied the singer had taken illegal steroids. Ken Sunshine, a spokesman for Perry, declined to comment.
Soares' multi-state investigation has focused on Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, Florida. So far, 10 defendants have pleaded guilty and news reports have linked some professional athletes to Soares' probe.
Law officials have said evidence does not suggest that the celebrities broke the law, but that investigators are focusing on doctors, pharmacists and clinics that provide the drugs. Albany District Attorney P. David Soares launched the investigation into steroid trafficking last year.
Soares has said Signature was at the centre of a web of businesses and doctors that illegally wrote prescriptions for steroids. Authorities raided the company almost one year ago and its owners and operators are awaiting trial in Albany on related charges.
Investigations done have lead to allegations that the celebrities received prescribed human growth hormone or steroids, the newspaper said.
Reports are that Blige received the human growth hormone Jentropin and Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, in orders sent to her at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
However, Karynne Tencer, her spokeswoman refuted the report, stating, "Mary J. Blige has never taken any performance- enhancing illegal steroids, or any anti-ageing steroid."