A video of Anna Nicole Smith denying allegations of drug abuse has been shown to jurors as her ex-boyfriend HOWARD K. STERN battles accusations he helped feed her habit.
Stern is on trial in California, along with two doctors, and has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to provide strong prescription pills to the tragic model, who passed away in 2007 after suffering an accidental overdose.
Larry Birkhead, who fathered a daughter with Smith, took the stand on Friday (20Aug10) and broke down in tears as he claimed she suffered seizures because of the medications she was taking and would even fall asleep during meal times.
Stern's defence attorney Steve Sadow cross-examined Birkhead on Monday (23Aug10) and he showed the court a video of Smith in which she denied allegations she had been under the influence of drugs during an appearance at the 2004 American Music Awards, which raised concerns about her slurred speech.
The video was filmed with Birkhead four days after the awards show and Smith is seen telling the camera, "People thought I was drunk, on drugs, losing it. I'm not losing it, America. I'm fine, happy."
The judge overseeing the case urged the jurors to take note of Smith's behaviour on tape and not her words, according to the Associated Press.