cannabisnews.com: A New Bust for Downey A New Bust for Downey Posted by FoM on April 25, 2001 at 07:53:45 PT By Emily Gest and Leo Standora, Staff Writers Source: New York Daily News Troubled actor Robert Downey Jr. suffered a devastating new setback in his battle against drug addiction when he was arrested again yesterday in California. Hours later, he was fired from the TV show "Ally McBeal."Cops said they nabbed the 36-year-old actor while he was out taking a middle of the night stroll — apparently high on drugs. Downey was arrested and booked for investigation of being under the influence of a controlled substance, police said. They declined to say what drug they think he was using.Downey’s latest drug collar came six days before a scheduled court appearance in a previous drug arrest that could get him serious jail time.And it brought the curtain down on his award-winning "Ally" gig.David Kelley, the Emmy-winning producer of "Ally McBeal," said he has scuttled plans to feature Downey in several more episodes."We are wrapping up the stories on the final few episodes of "Ally McBeal" for the season without him," Kelley said.The producer had publicly supported Downey until his latest arrest, even signing him to more episodes after the actor’s November arrest on drug charges.Police said Downey was arrested at 12:10 a.m. yesterday while on foot in Culver City, southwest of Los Angeles. He apparently was alone in an industrial area of the city.Cops didn’t say what it was about the actor’s behavior that led to his arrest.Lt. Dave Tankenson said Downey was detained for a few hours, issued a citation and released to his parole officer. He must appear in court May 4.Downey spokesman Alan Nierob said the star voluntarily checked himself into an undisclosed rehab facility afterward. "He’s in charge of his own destiny," Nierob said. "Obviously, he is working hard at his sobriety and his rehabilitation."Daniel Brookman, the star’s lawyer, said, "Like thousands of others, Mr. Downey continues to struggle with his disease on a daily basis. He remains committed to combating this disease and taking the necessary steps to do so."Authorities said Downey’s latest arrest could have sent him immediately back to jail. But his parole officer instead sent him to the detox center for at least 72 hours. After that, Downey probably will stay in a live-in drug treatment center for at least six months, they said. Despite his troubles with the law, Downey has had no shortage of work and became an award-winning co-star on "Ally McBeal" — playing star Ally’s boyfriend. He also sings with Sting on a CD of music from the TV show.Even before the new arrest, show sources said it had been "understood but not discussed" that he wouldn’t be around next year, in part because of his legal problems.One plot line this season involved Downey’s character, a lawyer, visiting a son from a former marriage in Detroit. "It’s a safe bet the final few episodes," for which Downey has shot some scenes, "will go in that direction," said a source.Accepting a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in the show this year, Downey thanked Kelley for giving him a chance to play Ally’s love. "I will do my best not to get sent back to the factory," Downey said.Downey, who was nominated for an Oscar in 1992 for "Chaplin," also won a Screen Actors Guild award for "Ally."In November, the actor — who has battled a drug problem for much of his life — was arrested in a Palm Springs hotel room. He was charged with felony possession of cocaine and Valium and a misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance.The actor faces a court hearing Monday in Indio, Calif., in that case.With Richard HuffNote: Fired from 'Ally McBeal'Source: New York Daily News (NY)Author: Emily Gest and Leo Standora, Daily News Staff WritersPublished: Apri 25, 2001Copyright: 2001 Daily News, L.P. Contact: voicers edit.nydailynews.com Website: http://www.nydailynews.com/Related Articles:Drug Habit Sinks Star Again http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9492.shtmlRobert Downey Jr Faces Trial on Drug Charges http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9025.shtmlWill Robert Downey Jr.'s Case Spark a Change? http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8620.shtml END SNIP --> Snipped Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #6 posted by MDG on April 26, 2001 at 18:45:59 PT: The poor guy is being tracked like a deer. I recall watching an LEO on TV talking about Downey's arrest. He said the officer didn't realize who he was until he/she stopped him. Then, it's rather clear what transpired: Aren't you Robert Downey, Jr.? Have you taken any illegal narcotics? My, my...you're sure acting like you're under the influence of drugs. Please come with me and fill this, 'cause I'm going to be a star-catcher and make the news! (I'm sure observer has a nice wide-ranging list of "drug related behavior" by which LEOs determine "under-the-influence". I'd be happy to see one).The only thing that would make these witch-hunt situations any better is the hope that someday a victim might fill that cup with Number 2.Mike... [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Skyline on April 26, 2001 at 16:57:09 PT 3 Strikes?? How many times has he been arrested in California now for this kind of thing? Wouldn't the 3 strikes rule apply at this point? I guess that doesn't apply to celebrities, and neither does jail time, for that matter. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by schmeff c. on April 26, 2001 at 08:12:12 PT But seriously folks, Some self-righteous anti's must be doggin' poor Bob because of the good publicity he provides for those who want to impress upon us the "dangers" of illicit drugs. How else to explain that there seems to be cops around whenever Downey messes up?God help us if Downey ever goes on a binge, rapes an 83 year old blind woman and eats her brain. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Jeaneous on April 25, 2001 at 12:19:57 PT: Stop Harrassing Him This poor guy is being harrassed to "death" by the authorities. Now they got him fired. I worry about how this harrassment could lead to some very bad results. Just wish they would let him get help for his problems instead of causing more for him. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Robbie on April 25, 2001 at 10:26:33 PT LOL schmeff c.! That was great. ... We're only two weeks away! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by schmeff c. on April 25, 2001 at 10:09:51 PT He was just takin' a walk fer chrissakes!! Police said Downey was arrested at 12:10 a.m. yesterday while on foot in Culver City, southwest of Los Angeles. He apparently was alone in an industrial area of the city.Cops didn’t say what it was about the actor’s behavior that led to his arrest.Everyone here knows what it was that led to his arrest.He wasn't wearing a seatbeltGo to jail. Go directly to jail. Do not be free. Do not question authority. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: