Heath Battled Drugs
Filed under: Australiastic > Heath LedgerWhile it remains uncertain if Heath Ledger's tragic death on Tuesday was the result of an accidental overdose or a suicide….
It has now become apparent that the actor kept a substance abuse issue hidden very well. Ledger may have also been suffering from depression.
Click here to watch a shocking video of Heath being interviewed just two months ago, and appearing to be clearly under the influence of drugs.
Posted: January 22, 2008 at 7:09 pm
It does not matter now whether he was high or not. The only thing you are doing is tarnishing his name. You should be fucking ashamed that you are capitalizing off of this. You're such a selfish fat cow.
It does not matter now whether he was high or not. The only thing you are doing is tarnishing his name. You should be fucking ashamed that you are capitalizing off of this. You're such a selfish fat cow.
It does not matter now whether he was high or not. The only thing you are doing is tarnishing his name. You should be fucking ashamed that you are capitalizing off of this. You're such a selfish fat cow.
It does not matter now whether he was high or not. The only thing you are doing is tarnishing his name. You should be fucking ashamed that you are capitalizing off of this. You're such a selfish fat cow.
It does not matter now whether he was high or not. The only thing you are doing is tarnishing his name. You should be fucking ashamed that you are capitalizing off of this. You're such a selfish fat cow.
he is extremely self conscious and uncomfortable, He is touching himself because it is comforting. Why does that make him a drug addict?
He is coherent and articulate, he is not pinned or unable to follow the conversation. he just hated being interviewed, always did. Even at home in Oz he hated talking about himself or his work to the press.
I seriously doubt that he is on drugs in this. What is your source perez? This is anxious behavior, not from drugs. He obviously has serious depression, hence the reason he committed suicide. Seriously, think before you type, or at least inform yourself. Especially for those who are depressed, including myself and many others, he is not on drugs.
saying that he was on drugs in this video is an unfounded accusation that should not have been made. maybe he was anxious about something. drugs are highly unlikely in this video, and the statement should be retracted.
I love Heath.. but its obvious he is on drugs.. the constant itching and feeling of bugs under the skin..ophoids anyone??
I feel bad for his daughter Matilda.
He is so hot.. i loved him in 10 things i hate about you.. its so sad..i think im gonna cry..
RIP.. will be missed dearly
Wow…can't believe that. I feel sorry for his little girl.
he is not a drug addict !!! he overdosed by mixing multiple over the counter and non prescripiton sleeping aides , he wasnt a drug addict ….thought id let you guys know !
That is how I act during interviews and I never take drugs before them. Maybe he was just nervous..
Hey asshole, Heath doesn't appear to be under the influence during that interview you presumptious, gossip spreading moron. Heath was a shy, "different" kind of guy. He just looks like anyone else would who didn't like to be interviewed…nervous and fidgeting around with this arms, etc. Plenty of people do that. When people get nervous, they fidget…big whoopie doo, that doesn't make them a junkie! The poor guy is dead, stop spreading bullshit rumors about him and have some respect for the little girl and family he left behind Perez! Think of them before you pull this shit outta your ass!
how is that CLEARLY under the influence of drugs…? if you knew anything about him he has said numerous times that he does not like interviews and is not good with them, obviously has been under a lot of stress from playing the joker which you have also shown an article in which the character really got to him. I'm sure he just was nervous and barely sleeping.
why don't you shut the fuck up and think about your belen days when no one gave a fuck about who you were, and the people who still make fun of you while you inflict the same shit on other people that are better than you.
Sounds like Elvis Mitchell from the radio show the Treatment. Might be a reason Heath was less conscious of his physicality, or could in fact be a battle with uppers. I wouldn't say this interview was any sort of definitive evidence either way. So sad to hear he died today. He was a real a revelation to watch on screen and will be missed.
he looks like hes on something, either that or hes craving some after coming down. i mean i dont know for sure if he is or isnt but he probably is high if i had to bet on it. probably was into meth or coke. thats probably why he never slept and needed to take sleeping pills to come down. duh! not that all people who take sleeping pills are high but he seems like he is to me. who knows. its just so sad. what a waste. stay off drugs kids, theyll mess up your life. they are not cool.
oh let the man rest in peace.
hes prolly juss nervouse. why say hes under the influence of drugs.
I'm having a bit of a tough time understanding the "shocking" nature of this clip. I wonder which interview we're watching out of the 30 or so interviews an actor does like this in one sitting.
You've never sat down in a chair for a few hours and felt a little restless or distracted???
Restless? Yes. Shockingly under the influence? No.
Maybe he is just tired, he obviously had an insomniac problem
You suck, Perez. You're jumping the gun saying he had an abuse problem. Because he's moving his arms a lot? He seems articulate. Maybe he's anxious. No one else is reporting this as poorly as you are.
so much talent, so much to give, his sun set at the brightest hour, an enormous loss for us all.
It looks like it P.
Such a waste.
he was taking sleeping pills because he was incredibly stressed after filming "i'm not there". assuming this interview was done shortly after he finished filming, that's probably the reason he's acting kindof strange. he really doesnt seem like hes "under the influence" of anything. he just seems distracted and probably TIRED.
perez, you should be able to relate. how else do you sleep at night?
clearly under the influence of drugs? Clearly a stupid assumption.
Its so sad, your whole website is sad. Tonight I came to look at it after a friend told me you will have up to date info about how Heath passed. Its no wonder these people are tormented, I would never want to be a celeb and honestly I dont think they do either. Most just want to express themselves and to do what they are good at. They don't want the fame. They live in such sheltered paranoid states. Heath obviously learned this, so did Brad Renfro and hundreds of others in the past. Its just sad, they just want to do what comes natural they don't realize they are selling themselves to satin until after the deal is sealed. They truly want an escape, they want anonymity and once its gone they search for it. I go to work everyday and am also a type of artist yet I am always able to remain anonymous. There aren't people standing outside my door. Its so so sad. So many of these brilliant artists just want to be an artist, they don't want to be in the limelight. Artists come in so many forms, yet a painter, a writer, and a sculptor can create their art and still remain out of the spotlight. So sad, so sad. You just want to help them get away from stalkers like you.
Arrivederci
He just looks like hes ADD to me!
While he may in fact have been battling a substance abuse issue, it is still terribly inconsiderate and hateful for you to post such an article. Your blatant lack of respect for those mourning him is utterly disgusting.
I find it sad that you have to pray on someone who is no longer alive to get attention. I pray his family doesn't see the filth you have posted about this this extremely talented man. Just remember Perez, when they find you dead from Twinkie overdose, someone like me will be sure to post a video of your gluttony.
Hi That is not "on drugs" that is withdrawal symptoms from a drug or looks like someone with high anxiety who is trying to work through it rather than take something for it. I recognize the symptoms of someone with anxiety trying to work through an attack and when you have anxiety it is hard to sleep because your mind races
Heath was NOT on drugs. He was tired and also if you knew him personally perez you fat fuck, you would have known that he was quite shy!!! Get your facts right.
Just because he's restless doesn't mean he's on drugs. How many interviews have you seen him do? not a whole lot i'm guessing! i think more likely, he's uncomfortable in interviews. he's completely coherent. ridiculous
he is clearly on some shit, im sorry, all that fidgeting is soo obvious, maybe you crackheads are showing your colors, i feel so bad for him though i want to hold him in my bossom and make everything alright
He is not "clearly under the influence of drugs" during this interview. If you know anything about him or have read other interviews he's done, he is simply very uncomfortable talking about himself. He is fine here, (look at his eyes) he's just a little restless and uncomfortable. One shouldn't make comments like that without knowing–especially when he doesn't even appear to be on anything. He was a good and talented man with a good heart.
I love the oh-so-clear description of "appears to be clearly." Nice way to try to not get sued, yet make a baseless accusation.
Re: erin – FINALLY SOMEONE WHO IS ACTUALLY AN INSIDER AND NOT JUST A FAT LOSER WHO CAN'T GET FAMOUS WITHOUT WRITING OFF EVERY PERSON BRIGHTER, BETTER LOOKING AND WAY MORE TALENTED THAN HIM.
FYI PEREZ - BEING A WALKING STEREOTYPE OF A BITCHY FAG DOES NOTHING TO HELP THE GAY CAUSE (AND YES, I'M GAY TOO)
clearly on drugs???????? wtf? I'm not quite sure how the folks that posted this cold make that determination? Cold, tired, maybe a bit BORED? RIP
It was freezing in those interview rooms and he did the interview for press not tv, therefore moving ones arms about during a press interview is not a big deal especially if its ass cold.
I don't think he's under the influence of drugs here at all. I dunno if you know many Kiwi/Aussie men, but this kind of fidgety discomfort isn't uncommon in this part of the world. He was articulate and not erratic, just clearly uncomfortable being himself, rather than a character, in front of the camera.
Sounds to me like an accidental sleeping pill overdose after his revelations about insomnia. Poor bloke.
RIP Heath and god bless Matilda and Michelle, so tragic.
Perez, you're a waste of space. After this I'm never checking this site again.
He does NOT clearly appear to be under the influence of drugs. He appears to be cold and sleep deprived. So sad…let him RIP perez. Britney and Paula clearly under the influence of drugs. This guy just looks exhausted. Quit reading into things and creating drama.
Oh for Christ's sake! Give the guy a rest and wait and see what the real deal is. This kind of speculation is so toxic!
why would you post this? uh a little soon dont you think?
I disagree that it's "obvious" he's on drugs. Anxious, maybe. Maybe even manic. Maybe high… but he seemed to be able to maintain eye contact and say appropriate things. His body just seemed physically restless… Poor Heath. Poor Matilda.
u know who needs help? you doo! get a life.
RIP
You are a dumb ass Perez. He is NOT clearly on drugs. He has always been like that. Ive been watching him on TV long before anyone in the US in Australian dramas & movies and he always acted that way. Its because hes nervous and maybe restless from doing so many interviews. Do you realise that all of Australia is grieving right now because he was an inspiration to so many people and we were all so proud of him & all you can do is to make him look bad and stretch things way beyond what they really are. Anyone that takes your word for it is just as pathetic as you are. Have some respect asshole. PS He has phnemonia and was talking medication for that…purely accidental, try to keep up!!
Wow. All I have to say for pretty much everyone posting on here …. if you saw a man acting like that on the street-who wasn't handsome, rich and famous- you'd call him a druggie and all sorts of names.
But he's just "nervous", right?
Poor, sad man.
how the fuck does that show that hes on drugs..shut up perez youre an insensitive idiot
As an Aussie, I'm really saddened to hear of Heath's death. I've followed his career and was looking forward to the new Batman movie. Sympathies to his family. And shame on Perez for saying he's a drug addict just because he was a bit hyper in the video posted on this site - Heath was never a fan of being interviewed and was probably uncomfortable - how about waiting until the autopsy's in before passing judgement.
Wow, all I have to say to pretty everyone posting on this… if you saw a man acting like this on the street-one nowhere near as handsome, rich or famous- you would totally think in your head that he was a druggie or something.
"Nervous," huh?
Poor, sad man.
he's the hottest guy in hollywood by far. this is depressing.
He's not "under the influence of drugs" he's got (and has admitted to in the past) ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
this is too too sad
however, i agree with him not seeming to be under the influence of drugs
perhaps he was, and perhaps he wasnt
but just now saying he was "clearly" under the influence, after the fact,
is pretty irrelevant
if this news didn't come out today, i wouldn't have connected him with drugs at all
and besides, if he died on sleeping pills, does it automatically prove he was on hardcore drugs?
so please, have some respect
the man is dead
aight aight lemme clear shit up cause they only givin me 15 minutes at tha public library.
ni99a is NOT under the influence. ni99a WISHES he was under the influence.
see he be scratchin his shit up all over the place. thats what a dope withdrawal look like.
I am calling on anyone who thinks this kind of shit crosses the line to impose a LIFETIME BOYCOTT on this website and anything related to "Perez Hilton"
If we're going purely by statistics, then 3/4ths of the people posting here that Perez "is a fat pig" are fat themselves. Keep up the fun, Perez.
I heard it was Mary Kate Olsen's apartment that he was found in!!!???
All of this speculation…it's not fair to him and his family. How do you know he had a substance abuse problem? He has always been kind of a "different" guy. Maybe he did drugs, maybe he didnt. For you and everybody else to speculate and pretend you know what happened just makes me sick. A life is lost and a child is going to grow up without a father and all anybody can care about is getting the autopsy report first. Sad.
Under the influence of drugs? Get fucked. You try sitting through 5 hours of interviews being asked the same questions over and over again by different reporters each time and not fidgeting. Drug addiction my arse!
Heath you're one of the best actors ever to come out of our country.
RIP Mate.
As so many others have clearly stated, Heath was SHY and uncomfortable doing interviews. You are such an evil asshole to post this AND say he's clearly under the influence of drugs. You are such a scumbag.
You have lost a daily 'visitor' and I hope I'm one of thousands that don't visit this site again. RIP Heath - your death has really hit me hard.
He seems pretty alert…he eyes are focused and he's not slurring, just pausing quite often. His only problem is his movement, which could be a nervous thing. I've always thought Heath was a bit odd, but a lot of actors and artists are…it doesn't mean he was a drug addict Perez. Focus on his life and his family, PLEASE.
On drugs in the interview MY ARSE!
He just looks like he wants to GET THE FUCK OUTTA THERE! And is making it known that he is bored as fuck.
He HATES being INTERVIEWED it's well KNOWN. Remember the orange peeling interview drama??
Re: bdawg –
if youve done drugs, you know what it looks like,and for the facts! it looks like hes done drugs, I am guessing opiates or adderral. so sad, but oh so true….
I don't see evidence of drug use. He's been known to go on two hours sleep and may have had neurological or medical/mental healt issues.
Oh Lord he is completely on something!! It's terribly sad…and indicative of a tortured artist…and like it or not, he is as high as a bloody kite!!! Why in America can you not admit deeply troubled people to psychiatric care? Screw the politically correct/sue your ass/constitution!!You guys are stuffed…..these tortured people need help!!!
Perez what is your problem? Can't you give his fans and more importantly friends and family time to mourn? You're already coming up with ridiculous conspiracy theories? LOW. Seriously, low…
it looks like he's very uncomfortable with interviews and cameras. i do that when i'm nervous. it doesn't mean he's on drugs.
He could be tired… you fucking asshole. Its a press junket. Sometime people figit to stay awake. You're a douche!
Normally, I wouldn't come to this site, but when I found out Heath Ledger was dead I wanted to know more details. Thus, I figured there would be no one better to go to than Perez. I think the main issue here is that this death is a tragedy. Beyond being extremely talented, he has a family and loved ones he will never see again. It is not fair to turn this tragedy into something bored Americans can gape at. I personally believe that the only reason people like Britney spears are so fucked is because of the negative press they receive. However, I do want to say that many of you would probably say that he is not on drugs because you don;t do hardcore drugs. Of course there is no way to be sure, but look at the way he is constantly licking his lips and the pause he takes to swallow before he can find his words. Plus, the extreme uncomfortableness….looks like he is massively coked up. Yet, beyond this I dont think his drug use is something to dwell over. Point is he died and its such a shame! RIP
How can people watch that video and say he doesn't look like he's on drugs?!?!? WTF people. He was smacked up beyond belief. It is very sad.
You're an idiot Perez! You say he is "appearing to be clearly under the influence of drugs." How? Because he is fidgety? What's even more dumb, is the blurb you have about Heath says that he very easily could have accidentally overdosed if he took OTC sleeping pills with prescription. And not the very next item you hint that he is on drugs! Wake up idiot. Don't jump to any conclusions before you hear the facts.
so sad. her was so hott.
and talented.
Perez,
Oh man, you are fucking piece of SHIT. How about a little class and a little respect. This was probably his 15th interview of the day answering the same question again and again. His answers and clear. He's restless. Period! You're a fucking idiot. Seriously dude, try doing something with a little integrity. Get a real job. Put the twinkie down and go for a walk. Karma man…. watch out. Did I say you're a fucking piece of shit??????
Rest In Peace Heath
What makes it "clear" that he's on drugs in this interview? Because he's fidgety? Guess what, that happens to lots of people because of different reasons… ADD, or maybe even just nerves. He was a private person, so you know he didn't love doing interviews all the time. Let the poor man rest in peace. Leave him and his family alone. I'm devastated by this, and I'm just a fan. I can't imagine how they're feeling.
he wasn't "clearly under the influence of drugs" at all. he hated being interviewed and was a shy person who felt very uncomfortable talking about himself, etc. all this interview shows is a person who hated media attention and talking to the media. stop reaching.
He's definitely on something. He is constantly figeting and itching his arm. This is really sad. Hopefully Britney, Lindsay Lohan, and Amy Crackhouse can learn from this and clean their act up.
Heroin and opiates make you itch, people. He was obviously on dope
Just a celebrity uncomfortable doing yet another interview. He is not slurring his words - seems completely coherent. So you're telling me, if you stretch your arms, your under the influence? You obviously haven't been to any business meetings have you? Melanie
Oh my gosh, thats tragic, my heart goes out to his little girl and family.
I think its pretty ridiculous tho, only hours after his death this whole drug thing has to come up, even if it is/isn't true. I think the guy and his family could use some respect.
my prayers go out to the family of this amazing actor. I feel mostly for his daughter who will grow up without knowing her father. It will be a huge void in her life and will ultimately define her character. I hope that her mother is able to keep the memory of Heath alive so that her daughter can feel some kind of connection to him even though she won't remember him. Losing a parent is awful (fact) but never knowing your parent is probably worse. This is such a sad story…. and absolutely no truth to it being suicide. This young guy accidentally lost his life …. and had so much to live for. God bless his family and friends. For those who believe it was suicide, please read up…. he admitted only 2 months ago that he was popping sleeping pills (ambien) b/c he had been filming (batman movie) and was only getting 2 hours of sleep b/c his mind was racing. There's no reason to think that he brought this on himself intentionally. Be respectful.
It is about time that you hire someone with at least an ounce of medical experience and education on your staff. You often mistake what can be common medical problems (e.g. OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder) for substance abuse. True, these illnesses can often mimic substance abuse, but it is slander to label someone as "clearly under the influence of drugs" without having the facts. My prayers go out to Heath's family.
that is exactly how I used to fidget while on lots of coke…the stretching, the twitchiness, crossing my arms.
i'm not saying for sure that he was on drugs, but i can definitely see where perez is coming from on this one. i don't think perez is an idiot for posting this, at all.
WOW!
Half of country consists of people who are addicted to prescription drugs. The other half, who posted here, are ignorant morons who have no idea how the addict behaves after he pops the pill. Heath shows clear signs of opiate influence; either oxycontin, percocet, or methadone. CLASSIC behavior. It is said that so many morons read your website Perez.
oh yeah, the swallowing makes it seem like coke too…
drugs or emotional problems? It's hard to say. RIP and prayers to the family.
I don't think he's high here. If you knew anything about Heath-and I do because I have been following his career from the beginning because I used to have a massive crush on him- you'd know that he is ALWAYS like that in interviews. He's always really uncomfortable in interviews that's just how he acts.
HOW ABOUT RETHINKING BEFORE IMPUTING YOUR INAPPROPRIATE-DISRESPECTFUL-INACCURATE ASSESSMENT WITH THIS INTERVIEW OF HEATH … MR.HILTON THIS WILL ALL COME BACK TO YOU….YOU ATTENTION WHORE
Oh, I see, so poorly miked = drug abuser. Perez you are a toxic idiot.
Trust me Heath has ALWAYS been like this in interviews. He was like this back in 2002! He would always fidget around and stretch his arms and look really uncomfortable. In EVERY INTERVIEW. I doubt he was high in everyone of them. I think that's just how he is.
CLEARLY UNDER THE INFLUENCE? Yeah bullshit!
If anything this is him reacting to the high levels of stress he had talked about. He seems fairly anxious and fidgety, which is a prime symptom of stress and anxiety.
its soo sad to hear what happen to him … his poor litlle girl
oh dear - what an assumption you make, Perez. "Clearly under the influence of drugs" in bold - what an attention grabber, eh?
All I see is an actor who, self confessedly did not like being interviewed; after all, acting is being someone else, not yourself. I also see the Heath who said he started dancing lessons while still at school because he knew he was fidgety and very ADHD-like - he could never keep still.
So the very things that helped him become an extremely talented actor, you are now saying are signs of drug abuse.
Perez - your talent is in making a dollar. A lot like Paris Hilton really. It doesn't take an creative talent, not the sort of talent Mr. Ledger had. Perhaps you should stop making those headline-still assumptions? Oh, no, of course not. Then your "hits" might not be so high.
Condolences to Heath's family, Michelle Williams, and most of all his young daughter Matilda.
.: RIP :. HEATH…. this is soo shocking..i cant even believe it.
Yes, his death is extremely tragic. However, you guys who say it doesn't appear he is on drugs are morons! If you know one thing about drugs you would know this poor guy is not right!! Read a little…educate yourselves…it is crystal clear!!
He just seemed very nervous in this interview…not clearly under the influence.
hmmm, to those of you saying he was NOT "clearly under the influence of drugs"
-while I do agree, Perez is mostly just trying to be an asshole 99% of the time, honestly? YES, it's clear! those who don't see it are the ones who haven't experienced drugs for themselves.. unfortunately, I have made the mistake many times in my past. YES, it's clear. Wish somebody would have stepped in.
what it looks like isnt drug related..it looks like he is exhausted probably tired…
making movies is a long hard process for some……
stop making crap up that he had a drug problem..besides the sleep aids…
Please show some respect, it's unbelievable talking shit about this guy when he just died today….
I am a RN and he is definately on some type of opiate. When there is an excess amount in your system you are fidgety and your there is constant scratching. I agree that this is not the appropriate time to talk about this.
RIP….
Perez, sometimes I love you, but sometimes you are an idiot!! Why is he "clearly under the influence of drugs" in this video? Haven't you ever been tired, stressed or fidgety? Haven't you ever wanted to be somewhere other than where you HAVE to be at that moment?? Perhaps the "drug" he was needing was nicotine or caffeine…both bad, yes, but not that unusual…I've acted this way before…clearly uncomfortable - I'd hate to think someone assumed I was on drugs (which I DON'T do…EVER!!)
RIP Heath…So sad…If you go to you tube and watch several of his interviews at different points in time, you will see that him being figgity and using his hands to talk is just how he was. He was very personable and inviting, especially when he was on ELLEN. Drugs or no drugs, no one knows the struggles that people go through when they live in the public eye. Depression is NOT a joke and you can't imagine the dark and lonely place that a person can fall into. Now he can rest…