HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A videotape has emerged which shows late actor Heath Ledger surrounded by drugs at a hollywood party.
The video, which was shot at L.A.'s Chateau Marmont back in Jan. 2006, was acquired by Australia's Channel 9. "Entertainment Tonight" had planned on airing the tape today, but has decided against airing the footage. The syndicated magazine's sister show, "The Insider," aired a "preview" of the video Wednesday in which an unidentified man is apparently snorting cocaine. However, the video does not show Ledger doing drugs.
"Out of respect for Heath Ledger's family, `Entertainment Tonight' and `The Insider' have decided not to run the Heath Ledger video that has been circulating in the world media," a posting on the Web sites said Thursday.
While Ledger is not seen doing any drugs in the grainy video, his crowd of people is and the tables around the actor are reportedly covered with drugs as well. At one point, Ledger can be heard saying, "I'm going to get so much s**t from my girlfriend." When he's asked "Why?" he responds, "Because we have a baby together.... Matilda, Matilda Rose." Ledger goes on to say, "I shouldn't be here at all." Ledger also talks about his drug use on the tape. "I used to smoke five joints a day," he says.
The 28-year-old Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last Tuesday. An initial autopsy report came back inconclusive and the cause of his death will not be known for at least a week, after medical examiners complete further toxicology tests.
Several prescription drugs were found near the "Brokeback Mountain" actor's body and authorities suspect he may have died from a possible drug overdose, however nothing conclusive has been determined.
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