Heath Ledger video, Part 2

My earlier blog item about Heath Ledger was written after I received the ID PR e-mail asking people to protest the upcoming airing of the so-called Ledger drug video.

My sources told me that legal action was an issue in the decision not to air the video. Kelly Bush of ID PR says that legal action was never even discussed.

The video I watched on the Web this morning on an Australian newspaper website, a video that has now been taken down, was "Entertainment Tonight/The Insider" promo for its ensuing coverage. The video has since been posted on this site. Who knows how long it will be up?

It showed Ledger at a dark party in a small room, and his voice was audible saying, "I used to smoke five joints a day for 20 years," and purports to show how much trouble he was going to get in for being there ("I shouldn't even be here") from his girlfriend Michelle Williams, who had just their daughter, Matilda. It was pretty intriguing, I have to admit.

Heath's publicists say the video was designed to make it look as if Heath was doing drugs or was at a party where drugs were being used. The video even ended with his body being carried out of his New York apartment, bringing back that horrible sense of useless waste and sadness we all felt.

Subsequent reports circulating on the Web based on viewings of the complete video reveal that Ledger, in fact, contrary to the framing of the promo, is not shown using drugs at all.

None of Heath's fans or friends want to read or make unfair and untrue accusations about his past behavior. I guess most of us are just so shocked by the sudden death of a 28-year-old talented, kindhearted actor, who had his whole life ahead of him, that we want to turn over every possible rock to find out the truth.

The outcome of the toxicology report will, we hope, put to rest any speculation about illegal drugs as a cause of Heath's death.

But the way in which Hollywood tries to draw a curtain over stars' substance abuse will remain an issue worth talking about.

Is Hollywood whitewashing Heath Ledger's biography?

"Entertainment Tonight/The Insider" paid a hefty chunk of cash for a video that reportedly shows Ledger doing drugs at the Chateau Marmont in January 2007. In a clip that has been widely teased, Ledger is seen talking about smoking five joints a day for 20 years.

But after an e-mail from the actor's publicity firm, ID PR, was circulated throughout Hollywood, both shows decided not to air the video.

My inside sources say the decision was less about taste and more about a threatened lawsuit.

"Out of respect for Heath Ledger's family, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider have decided not to run the Heath Ledger video which has been circulating in the world media,"' said a statement on the show's website.

But is this a good precedent to set for so-called entertainment news shows?

I'm a huge fan of Heath Ledger. I first talked to the then-unknown young Australian actor for USA Today about his role in Mel Gibson's "The Patriot."  And I was fortunate enough to speak with him often during "Brokeback Mountain's" sweep of the 2006 awards season.

I found him to be gentle, sensitive, sweet-natured, incredibly talented. He also seemed incredibly vulnerable, a lot like Johnny Depp.

That said, I'm also a fan of the media serving the public with information that might help prevent unnecessary tragedy. If the public knew that Ledger was struggling with addiction, is it possible that resulting media scrutiny could have forced Ledger's loved ones to get him the care he needed?

Dr. Drew Pinsky had viewed the tape and was interviewed to offer perspective.

"I have treated many celebrities and many of them have been functioning at a very high level using a lot of substances. The reality is that when a 28-year-old seemingly healthy man, whom we love and respect, dies suddenly, there is a reason. His death plays upon our deepest fears. We owe it to the public to try to answer the question why. I am convinced that if this heart-wrenching video had aired, it would have gotten through and had a positive effect on young people in America. Perhaps it could have even saved lives," Pinsky told "Entertainment Tonight."

I watched a very under-the-influence Brad Renfro make quite a scene at a swanky Hollywood party several years ago. Not only did none of his celebrity friends, or the publicists throwing the bash, find his stumbling, slurring, falling down and bleeding nose unusual, but not one reporter covering the party reported it. I tried to. But it was edited out of my then-newspaper's party item.

Hollywood publicists, managers and agents can often be the worst enablers. They are the spin-meisters, part of the protective circle that surrounds stars and tries to keep any bad behavior -- drugs, spousal abuse, drinking -- out of the news.

Why? Because that is what they're paid to do. Make no mistake, they make money off celebrities just like the paparazzi.

The big problem I have with Hollywood's time-honored "Cone of Celebrity Silence" is this: When drug use or addiction goes unreported, unspoken and unnoticed, the addict continues to use drugs without the consequences needed to help them hit bottom and seek help. And very often, these people die.

And when the truth about a celebrity's drug use isn't reported, that person's millions of fans never know how dangerous drug use -- often perceived as glamorous and cool -- really is.

So I don't think showing a video of Heath, reportedly showing him doing drugs and talking about his use, would be doing Ledger's memory a disservice.

Perhaps it's a little too soon and feels a little too sensational. But as the days go by, if I were his parents, or his girlfriend and mother of his child, I would want his fans to know how evil, deadly and dangerous drugs can be.

Revealing possible drug use doesn't take away from his talent or his legacy. It spreads awareness.

So think what you want about "The Insider" teasing the video and attempting to air it. And say what you will about TMZ dogging Britney Spears. Sure, the paps are making money off the videos and photos of Britney. I'm not saying their motives are noble. But consider for a moment that the resulting media attention might have spared Spears from many more months, perhaps years, of confusion, unhappiness, questionable behavior or worse.

Had TMZ not videotaped her high-speed driving antics, her erratic mood swings, her British accent, those kids might still be riding around with her -- and probably not in child-safety seats. And she might not be in UCLA Medical Center right now, with her parents around her, finally getting the medical help she desperately needs.

So if you want to honor Heath's memory, don't censor yourself from reading or viewing new information about the causes of his untimely and unnecessary death. In my opinion, drug abuse is an important public discussion. But please post your comments on this topic if you disagree.   

Below you can read the statement released by Heath's former publicity agency IDPR....

In 2006, the iconic shirt/jacket hanging in Heath Ledger's closet at the end of "Brokebeck Mountain" was snapped up at auction by a thrilled film fan/gay activist.

This year, Keira Knightley's memorable green silk evening gown worn in "Atonement" will be auctioned off to benefit Variety -– The Children's Charity of Southern California.

Clothes Off Our Back will host an online auction of the green gown from the epic love story, which has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, including best picture and costume design.

The auction begins Friday, Feb. 1, and ends on March 1. Bidding starts at $1,000.

The dress was one of several made specifically for Knightley. Multiples were needed because of the fragile nature of the dress, which got a little shredded on those tricky library shelves.

The gown has been authenticated by Jacqueline Durran, nominated for an Academy Award for "Atonement" costume design.

Go to Bravo to watch an exclusive interview with Keira discussing the film's costumes, including that oh-so-sexy green dress.

Photo: Focus Features

We already have such amazing British actresses working in Hollywood, Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave, and Keira Knightley.

And now we have the always uniquely attired, down-to-earthTilda Swinton.

The Oscar-nominated "Michael Clayton" actress is the latest talented UK export to grace the Hollywood award carpets. And at Sunday's SAG awards, she explained why the show was a real "family affair."

By now, she's undoubtedly used her ticket and is back at home in chilly Scotland, still using her "internal umbrella."

But not to worry. She'll be back in time for the Oscars. If there is one.

Oh, and it's Haider Ackermann. Click HERE for info on one of Tilda's favorite fashion designers.

Things went from bad to weird to worse for Britney Spears last night. Click RIGHT HERE NOW for a report on what went down after police were called to transport Brit -- referred to as "the package" -- to UCLA Medical Center after a tumultuous evening that included ... hot chocolate.

Oh, and her mom Lynn Spears drove to the hospital with ... Adnan!

Guess he's back in the picture and Sam's out?

Anyway, last report is that a 5150 has been signed by an L.A. judge and Britney is on a three-day hold for evaluation.  Click HERE for more.

Could there be a light at the end of Britney's trainwreck tunnel? Hope so!   

Stay tuned!

Photos: WireImage

Do not even point a camera at Quentin Tarantino! Seriously. And if he asks what you're doing, for God's sake, tell him. Or he just might go all "Grindhouse" on your sorry A.

Want proof?

Check out QT's startling over-reaction to an annoying, but seemingly harmless, video pap hanging outside a Park City Starbucks during the Sundance Film Festival.

Frankly, if we were QT, which, thank heavens, we're not, we'd be happy someone even recognized our filmmaker-judge mug. Especially at Sundance, where paps were focused on more famous faces such as Paris Hilton, Mischa Barton, Sharon Stone, Mary-Kate Olsen and Tom Arnold.

Click HERE! to witness QT's impressive take-down. All done while holding a freshly brewed and steaming cafe venti!

Might wanna lighten up on that double-latte with foam, friendo.

Or you could end up in the room next to Britney at UCLA Medical Center, stat!

Photo Credits: WireImage

We caught up with an upbeat Ricky Gervais, "The Office" creator who was SAG nominated for his comic role in "Extras," at the awards Sunday afternoon.

Keep in mind this was before the awards.

He talks candidly about his loser face, the writers strike, his live performances, petting his cat, his new website (rickygervais.com) and cheese.

Cheese?

Mere days after the Screen Actors Guild Awards, comes the release of 'Julie Christie: the Directors Cut!'

This is the raw and unedited version (no, it did not get an R-rating)  of my backstage chat with the SAG award-winner who is unquestionably the 2008 award season's "Darling."

In this longer version, Julie reveals why she doesn't like to get all glammed up for these red carpet events. And she bemoans having to wear high heels Sunday night.

You gotta love this woman.