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Jackson Doc's Drug Dealing Past
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Arnold Klein, one of the Michael Jackson doctors being investigated in connection with the star's death, was kicked out of his first medical residency for peddling prescription drugs, The Daily Beast's Gerald Posner has learned.
Arnold Klein, one of Hollywood’s star dermatologists and a doctor for Michael Jackson for nearly 25 years, was apparently forced to leave his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in the 1970s because of allegations that he was selling unauthorized prescription drugs to fellow students, according to two people who know him.
The Daily Beast has confirmed that Klein is one of the doctors being investigated by authorities in connection with Jackson’s apparent drug overdose. These allegations raise questions about his attitude toward prescription drugs, and also whether Klein would have been licensed for practicing medicine had Penn authorities shared the information with law enforcement or the California medical-licensing boards, the state to which Klein moved and established his tremendously successful practice.
Klein’s colleagues recalled that when he left for California, there was no indication of wrongdoing, but that he told them he was moving to the West Coast because he was about to become engaged to a woman who lived in Los Angeles (Klein has never married).
Walter Shelley, the former chairman of Penn’s Dermatology Department, where Klein had his residency, often told colleagues about the incident (Shelley passed away this past February at age 91). Two of those doctors, familiar with the account as related by Shelley, spoke to me, and independent of each other, verified the same information. Shelley told them separately that Klein’s residency had been terminated because he had sold prescription meds to other students. The Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, Shelley told them, agreed not to turn the information over to local authorities in return for Klein leaving the school. He did so, completing his residency at the University of California at Los Angeles, where he was the chief resident in dermatology in 1975.
Klein’s colleagues recalled that when he left for California, there was no indication of wrongdoing, but that he told them he was moving to the West Coast because he was about to become engaged to a woman who lived in Los Angeles (Klein has never married).
One of Klein’s Penn colleagues thought that Klein might have been influenced by a book he cowrote, Drug Trip Abroad: American Drug-Refugees in Amsterdam and London, which was published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1972, a year after Klein graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Shelley said he believed that Klein had obtained his medications from Mexico.
“That book immersed him in the drug world,” a fellow physician told me. “It might have been the catalyst for what got him into trouble with the school administration.”
Klein’s attorney, Richard Charnley, did not reply to two emails, setting forth the details of what The Daily Beast had learned about Klein and his residency problems. I telephoned Charnley and left a detailed message, offering Klein the opportunity to rebut or answer the substance of these new revelations, but Charnley again did not respond. I also telephoned Klein’s office directly and spoke to a receptionist at length. I did not receive a return call. Administrators and lawyers at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which covers the hospital at which Klein was a resident, declined to comment on why Klein left Penn.
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Gerald Posner is The Daily Beast's chief investigative reporter. He's the award-winning author of 10 investigative nonfiction bestsellers, ranging from political assassinations, to Nazi war criminals, to 9/11, to terrorism. He lives in Miami Beach with his wife, the author Trisha Posner.
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Gerald Posner is The Daily Beast's chief investigative reporter. He's the award-winning author of 10 investigative nonfiction bestsellers, on topics ranging from political assassinations, to Nazi war criminals, to 9/11, to terrorism. His latest book, Miami Babylon: Crime, Wealth and Power—A Dispatch from the Beach, was published in October. He lives in Miami Beach with his wife, the author Trisha Posner.
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Gerald Posner is The Daily Beast's chief investigative reporter. He's the award-winning author of 10 investigative nonfiction bestsellers, on topics ranging from political assassinations, to Nazi war criminals, to 9/11, to terrorism. His latest book, Miami Babylon: Crime, Wealth and Power—A Dispatch from the Beach, was published in October. He lives in Miami Beach with his wife, the author Trisha Posner.
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Gerald Posner is The Daily Beast's chief investigative reporter. He's the award-winning author of 10 investigative nonfiction bestsellers, on topics ranging from political assassinations, to Nazi war criminals, to 9/11, to terrorism. His latest book, Miami Babylon: Crime, Wealth and Power—A Dispatch from the Beach, was published in October. He lives in Miami Beach with his wife, the author Trisha Posner.
Nuld001
Gerald Posner's tidbit about Dr. Klein being kicked out of UOP Med School for selling unauthorized prescription drugs certainly implies and adds to his appearance of culpability in the Michael Jackson death investigation. It would have been interesting to find out what prescriptions the Dr. wrote during his residency. Another piece to the puzzle has been added.
dcbooknurse
If true, this points out a huge problem with the system. Too often hospitals will take the "Just leave quietly and there won't be any trouble." approach. Doctors and nurses with drug problems are given the option to quit to avoid prosecution. Obviously this simply shifts the problem to some other hospital and never addresses the addiction. Worse yet are those professionals who steal drugs to sell. If the allegations about Dr. Klein are true, then the University of Pennsylvania should have reported him to the state medical board. He should have had to at least go through drug counseling and have been closely watched for any signs of prescription abuse. I don't think it's necessary to take away the license of every health professional with an addiction problem, but they need to take action to overcome their addiction if they want to keep practicing. Selling drugs is a criminal matter, and I do think it should be treated more severely.
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Annie57
Gerald Posner is doing a great job of tying together all the dispararte threads of the Michael Jackson tragedy. The plot seems to thicken every day. Reading about Dr. Klein reminds me of another 19702 Penn guy who got into a lot of trouble, Ira Einhorn, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend Holly Maddox a couple of years ago.
RVGrandpa
As usual Gerald, you have done an outstanding job uncovering little known facts about this case. Please keep up the great reporting. I especially enjoy your comments on MSNBC.
dailyplanet
These revelations add pertinent back-story to Jackson's drug life but are no way surprising. His long-term relationship with a task force of doctors, of which Klein appears to be one of many, was the backbone that propped up what the world saw of a super dynamo performer. It can be implied that what sustained Michael Jackson, and basically became his main source of "nourishment," was a warehouse of drugs administered to him by various members of the medical community.
Posner has brought one significant piece of information to the forefront: the reprehensible conduct of this medical community who refuse to expose members of their profession of serious wrong doing allowing them to continue to practice medicine. With his background, Klein never should have been allowed to become a physician. How many others like him are out there who should have had licenses revoked and instead are thriving to the discredit of the entire medical profession? The Jackson case will be spotlighting quite a few of them.
Johnnorth
Bravo Posner and Beast for sticking with this story. What he reveals - has revealed - has wider ramifications.
pclayton
What amazes (not surprises) me about this information is the size of Klein's ego: why would someone who has such an incriminating skeleton in his closet be so willing to blab to the public? My morbid sense of curiosity begs to know more about this "physician."
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n--Y--charles116kilroyrogers
THIS DUDE was interviewed on Larry King, where Klein basically said he invented modern cosmetic surgery, that just about every doctor practicing today uses his techniques, from collagen on to botox, and that he counseled Michael to reduce the amount of plastic surgery, a little late, perhaps. Total glory hound, delusional egotist, it would appear.
CHarris
I AM TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON !!!!
I think we need to change our values on what's important.
This is written by a young man serving his third tour of duty in Iraq .
Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting???""
Was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael
> Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villian to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point
of my rant.
Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the Amercian people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What
> about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where
are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddence," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off
their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?" I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to PUBLICLY
recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have..
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.
Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;
"So that others may live..."
Well put Issac
DJM168
CHarris, thank you for that. I am so sick and tired of hearing about this slimy little child molester and drug addict I could scream. ENOUGH ALREADY! The twisted values that people have in this country now trouble me deeply. The fact that these idiot celebrities get away with the things that they do is not even newsworthy any longer. It happens all the time. People of authority just look the other way and enable these freaks. So they get what they deserve.
I wish there was some way I could respond to that soldier and let him know that not all Americans are as twisted as that in their thinking. Speaking only for myself, I pray for these brave men and women every day. I pray that they are successful in their missions and for their safe return. My family has been impacted by these conflicts as many have. God bless all of them. They are the real heros.
Sunsetbug6
You are green with envy!
I love it how you complain about all the MJ stories but there is your sorry butt reading and commenting on every single one. Get a life or just shut up!
SansSouci572
It really isn't anyone else's business to say whom you "should" or "should not" mourn for. If you don't want to read about it, then don't.
SamuraiWoman
You sound like a very angry and stupid person. Do not read what you do not care about. I have family and friends who are servicemen and women. We all recognize their contribution. We also recognize that it was their choice to do what some of us do not have the guts to be involved with, but like I said ... IT IS A PERSONAL CHOICE. They have veterans day to celebrate. If we were to mourn in the news every day those who were lost in battle, then the news would be just as depressing as it already is when they talk about crime happening every day, every where in the United States. What about the innocent people that those in the service people kill every day to save their own lives and to continue their countries mission, we do not hear about those stories and how those lives are affected every day do we.
It is not nice to be insensitive to the memory of a man who did so much for the children of the world and poor people around the world. He also gave back to service men through his music. Go research and learn to respect an icon to the world. I think we have train you all to feel too entitled so you take advantage of our kindness and our grief over so many lives lost in battle, it does not mean that you should force the minds of the population and the media to always think in sympathy or empathy for you all and your family. You are all sounding like Bush when he use to try to cowarer people after 9/11 who criticized the war as being unpatriotic (fake cough - such bullsh*t). Look how that back fired on him. God bless you all but don't forget that there are many who are suffering at the hands of the US as well, who countries are left in disarray and whose people have to pick up the pieces after you all have left and rebuild their country for the sake of their freedom.
I am tired of the constant peek into Michael's past as well especially since the media does not deserve to utter his name after they ruined his life along with the people he was kind enough to let get close to him. However, for others to feel your pain, one must be humble not berate another especially with speculative information and with information whereby your constitution was used to find that individual "NOT GUILTY". As far as I am concerned, if you are not familiar with the definiton of the negative stuff "pedophilia", then you have no business talking about it like the media who also have no business talking about it as well. In addition, stop congratulating yourself or patting yourself on the back before someone else does that for you. How gratuitous!
Peace out SK!!!
Sunsetbug6
Oh... get off your high horse. People are interested in stories about MJ because he's an enigma, it doesn't mean we don't care about the soldiers or any other important event going on daily. However, it's nice to escape and not have to deal with the crapola every single day - we just got out of being held hostage for 8 years, it's time to losen up.
In regards to MJ being a child molester... you people REALLY need to research your information before sticking him with that title - really do your research. However, I doubt that you will because you're lazy and believe everything the media has to say. Given that they were lazy over the past 8 years, I don't believe anything the MSM has to say about anything.
missbike
Both of you need to re examine your values if you really think such public mourning for a product of the Machine is due the attention that should be lavished on scholars or great thinkers. Try watching the fake news on the Comedy Channel instead of Conan- the big famous show has airhead movie stars. The fake news discusses books about ideas. What's wrong with this country when you have to watch the Comedy Channel for educated television? The same thing as makes people crazy when Michael Jackson dies but Stephan Hawking will get a squib on page two in the paper...
DakotaFleming
If youre so tired of hearing about MJ then why are you here?He was a great philanthropist and we love him.We will always love him so move along little doggy.......
missbike
The wonderful commentator Ben Stein wrote his last column "From Mortons Steakhouse" a couple weeks ago. Pretty much a gossip and observation commentary...
Why did he quit it? Because he's so disgusted by the cult of celebrity in this country, by horrendously over paid "celebrities" and actors who live in obscene luxury and whose opinions are considered to have actual weight. He's disgusted by this when soldiers and trauma teams and fire fighters are real heroes.
How is Michael Jackson a hero? A role model? And why the hell is the Congress paying attention to a child molester? Sickening!!! Why is our government wasting our time like this? And what's wrong with people in general that they actually care?
If it was Walter Cronkite getting a moment in Congress, different story. But a child molesting dope fiend?
FishnJack
Amen, CHarris, I too am worn out on Michael Jackson, but the media is going to milk it for all they can. Even the Daily Beast will keep running it into the ground because we read it and then comment.
Uncommonsense
Umm like you just did?
Look, I think this MJ thing has been overblown also, BUT as a person interested in crime, I read Posner because he is so good. That said, don't you think it is a bit silly to bitch about people reading and commenting and then doing so yourself? Just sayin..............
FishnJack
Your sense is not uncommon because you got me! I stand corrected.
Dreamzville
@ cHarris...
Why is it that every time there is someone grieving for one who has passed too early, someone else has to say..."Yes, but what about the soldiers???" What ABOUT the soldiers?? Their deaths are incredibly heartbreaking. But every time we are in mourning for someone, we should not be GUILTED INTO or indebted to include every single other person who has died in our grief and mourning! YES, we do mourn the soldiers who have fallen. That is a whole other subject, hugely important, but separate and apart from the loss of Michael.
I believe that, despite his huge popularity around the world, America did not fully appreciate its native son, Michael Joseph Jackson. At every turn, the American media, rather than seeing the positive, made snide remarks about his looks, constantly violating him with negativity and suspicion, to the point of charging him with crimes he would never have committed. They never realized what a national treasure they had. But around the world, Michael Jackson is well-known for not only his incredible musical gift, but for bringing hope and help, through at least 30 separate charities, to people around the world. He was a giving, generous, and gentle soul, who died far too soon. Mel Wilson, VP of Michael's own Heal The World Foundation (www.healtheworld.us), responded to his death..."The staff at Heal the World Foundation express our deep sorrow for the loss the world has suffered. We are devastated by the loss of one of the world's great humanitarians and hope that in his absence we will be able to take the torch of his legacy and give back to his memory the same beauty he gave freely to so many."
I believe there are many in the media who, in the context of his death, realized too late just how much joy Jackson brought the world. Maybe now, they are trying to show that they care, trying to find out the truth about why and how he died, realizing how disrespectful they were towards him for far too long. In this day and age, many of us have been impacted by the disease of addiction, in ourselves, in friends and family. In 1982, I lost my youngest brother to his addiction. I believe now, with Michael's death, we as a society will finally say "Enough is enough", and find out what we can do to heal those afflicted by addiction, rather than simply judging and criticizing them.
Throughout almost my entire life, Michael was there, making wonderful music, bringing happiness and joy to myself and many others all over the world. Now he is gone. The answers sought by the media now are those we all must seek...their questions reflect scenarios going on throughout all of our lives, heartbreak we can all identify with, that cries out for the compassion our society has been lacking for far too long.
bluecollarbytes
CHarris, great letter from Issac. Jackson's contributions to society pales in comparison to the service of 1 U.S. soldier. What must our citizen-soldiers fighting for us in foreign lands think, watching and reading about the latest PopCulture crisis?
PoPCulture will continue to feed on the Michael Jackson meal. M. Jackson intentionally surrounded himself with professional enablers. In the rush to find the 'guilty', the party most responsible--->Jackson himself, must be rehabilitated in public perception in order to suck maximum dollars out of his "legacy".
Dreamzville
@ cHarris, FishnJack, & DJM168:
If I was crying for my brother whose life was cut short, would you still also be saying,
"Why aren't you crying for the soldiers?"
One grief at a time sometimes is all we can handle. Please respect that.
PS: M.Jackson was no child molester...he was a victim of extortion and was acquitted of all charges.
StreetProse
This just in....entertainers/musicians like to do drugs - most of the time to their own detriment and in extreme cases like this it leads to their death. Only the truly naive should be shocked at what happened to MJ.
Maybe this is the first high profile case for the younger generation but those of a certain age can certainly recall similar tragedies involving drug overdose. This isn't limited to one genre or field by any means - Truman Capote (author), Brad Nowell (rock n roller), Judy Garland (actress) and Big Daddy Lipscomb (football giant) just to name a few.
for the sake of context and journalistic integrity - Posner still touts the Magic Bullet Theory as a plausible situation
Derida
Look at this guy! Someone look at him. Now listen to him. He is a dermatologist. You know creams, astringent, botox. Why is a dermatologist riding around in limos and bentleys with a drug addicted rock star. He is an old guy. What does he have in common with MJ? Does he also play guitar or drums? Does this guy really think it was his genius as a dermatologist that attracted MJ to him? Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
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