Mary-Kate Olsen says Heath Ledger was a “friend” in a brief statement released Friday, the same day police said they have no interest in interviewing the “Full House” star.
Released by her publicist, the statement is the first word from Olsen since the Australian-born actor’s death. In its entirety, it reads:
“Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.”
Police said the masseuse who found Ledger’s body Tuesday spent nine minutes making three calls to the Olsen twin before dialing 911 for help, then called Olsen a fourth time after paramedics arrived.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said investigators have no interest in talking to Olsen. They interviewed everyone at the scene, each of whom was cooperative. That eliminated “any need to interview Miss Olsen,” he said.
UB40 frontman quits
Ali Campbell has quit UB40 after almost 30 years, citing management problems.
His bandmates, however, said the 48-year-old singer left to pursue solo projects.
In a statement on his Web site, Campbell said Friday that “management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost five years, had become intolerable.”
“No words can express how upset I feel today that I have been forced to make this decision,” he wrote.
UB40 was founded in Birmingham, central England. The band fused reggae and pop, notably on hits “Red Red Wine,” “I Got You Babe” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.”
Roger Ebert in recovery
Roger Ebert, who has undergone a series of cancer surgeries, was recovering Friday after having yet another operation.
The 65-year-old film critic had successful surgery Thursday in Houston to address complications from previous operations, his lawyer said in a statement.
“Chaz and Roger Ebert are grateful to everyone for the continued prayers and concern,” lawyer Eliot Ephraim said Friday. “The surgery went well, and the Eberts look forward to giving you more good news about Roger’s recovery in the days to come.”
From Herald news services
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