EXCLUSIVE: Anna Nicole Breast Surgery Video: Judge Grants Restraining Order to Stop Sale; Larry Birkhead Calls Tape “Truly Disgusting:” Anna Naked Under Knife to “Jaws” Soundtrack? Hollywood Agent Hawking Tapes Put on Notice; Embattled Texas Plastic Surgeon Named in Suit
BALD TRUTH WORLD EXCLUSIVE
By Art Harris, (c) www.artharris.com, all rights reserved
According to exclusive court records we’ve obtained, a Los Angeles probate judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday to stop the sale, or airing of an operating room video showing Anna Nicole Smith going under the knife for breast implants in 1994, and ordered the Hollywood broker hustling it, to surrender all copies to executor Howard K. Stern.
A controversial Texas plastic surgeon, Dr. Gerald Wayne Johnson, 67, who made the original videotapes of his former patient, was also named in the lawsuit. His attorney, Gus Pappas, told me Tuesday Johnson has done nothing wrong.
Sources close to regulatory agencies in Texas tell me the prolific cosmetic surgeon made a financial comeback in the ’90s goldrush days of Anna Nicole Smith’s extreme makeover, bouncing back from an $11 million jury verdict against him in 1982 over patient who died. In 2002, Johnson had his license revoked , then voluntarily surrendered it last August for undisclosed health reasons he felt made him unsafe to nip and tuck at any speed, sources tell me.
In requesting “immediate injunctive relief,” Stern said the late Playboy centerfold never gave her consent to be taped, or permission to release her medical records, which are protected under federal privacy laws, and belong to her estate.
According to the lawsuit, the two hour tape was edited into a five-minute “music video” of the former Playboy centerfold, nude and unconscious, and scored to the soundtrack of “Jaws,” with her own voice asking, “Do you like my body?” That’s the catchphrase she used in her Trimspa ads.
Larry Birkhead called the video “truly disgusting,” in the lawsuit, after Thomas Riccio of Universal Rarities showed it to him, according to the documents. While a Los Angeles judge ordered Riccio to surrender all tapes in his possession, the TRO doesn’t name Johnson–yet, says Vivien Thoreen, one of estate’s probate lawyers.
“But we’re suing him for possession of estate property,” she says. “As executor of the estate, it’s Howard’s job to protect all the assets,” she goes on, “so if someone is trying to sell estate property without approval, he’s got to stand in Anna Nicole’s shoes and put his foot down.
Click the links below to read the court documents.
Temporary Restraining Order
Petition for Temporary Restraining Order
To Show Cause for Preliminary Injunction
Larry Birkhead Affidavit
Howard K. Stern Affidavit
According to court records, Riccio is agenting the video for Anna Nicole Smith’s Houston surgeon, Dr. Gerald Wayne Johnson, who created a new look for the former flat-chested stripper, and made a name for himself and millions of dollars in the go-go days of almost assembly line breast surgeries, hawking his “Grand Teton” specials. On some days, he was known for performing 17 surgeries.
In his order, Judge Mitchell Beckloff ordered Riccio to stop “selling, distributing or otherwise disseminating, in any manner and any form of media, the videotapes at issue, or its contents.” He also set a July 20 “show cause” hearing in Los Angeles for the parties to demonstrate why they should be allowed to sell the tape.
Stern said the surgeon not only unethically taped the Playboy centerfold without her consent, but is trying to sell the medically protected records that belong to the estate of Anna Nicole, according to court records.
He said Thomas Riccio had been hawking the tapes to tabloid TV shows, and probate lawyer Bruce Ross has dispatched several letters putting networks on notice about what he’s calling stolen property.
In June, Riccio called Birkhead to say he’d partnered with Universal Rarities to market “at least one videotape depicting a surgical procedure” performed on the late Anna Nicole Smith by Gerald Johnson, MD, in Houston, who had sent him the tape, according to Stern’s lawsuit.
When I called Johnson’s Clinic to get his comment, there was no answer; then I learned he’d “voluntarily” surrendered his license to the Texas Medical Board last year after suffering health issues that affect his “ability to safely practice medicine,” according to state records. While the condition “appears to be permanent,” said the Texas Medical Board, if he recovers, he can petition the board to be relicensed, if he demonstrates “he is safe and competent.”
That hasn’t always been the case with Dr. Johnson, who had his license revoked in 2002, but the revocation was stayed and he was allowed to practice while remaining on probation for five years, records show. The reason: “failure to practice medicine in an acceptable professional manner consistent with public health.”
Four years earlier, in 1998, he agreed to practice with a restricted license for five years after failing to operate “in an acceptable manner consistent with public health and welfare.”
According to various reports, he routinely videotaped his surgeries, but ” it is unknown why (he) videotaped” Smith, “or pursuant to what authority,” according to the lawsuit. “What is clear, however, is that the videotape was made (under) a confidential physician patient relationship.”
After watching the tape, Birkhead told Riccio it was “extremely disturbing,” and the agent explained, while it may be “emotional” for Birkhead, “it is just business” for him, the lawsuit says.
Riccio claimed two media outlets were interested, along with advertisers, but one major outfit he claims to have offered it to later scoffed when I asked about it. “We’d never touch something like that,” I was told. “It’s disgusting.”
Birkhead says Riccio believed airing the tape would pique interest in an upcoming auction of celebrity memorabilia by Universal Rarities, and the full two hour surgery tape could be sold, according to the lawsuit. He said other tapes of Smith surgeries by Johnson were also available. Johnson performed a second implant on Anna Nicole when she didn’t like the first one, he’s said in interviews.
When Birkhead contacted Howard K. Stern, the executor of Smiths’ will, he vowed to “take whatever action was required” to stop the sale or airing of the tapes, and sought the injunction. According to the lawsuit, Riccio has no release or waive from Smith to sell her surgery tapes, and that Johnson “ostensibly believed that he was permitted to profit (from the tape) “now that Ms. Smith is deceased.”
After Riccio and Johnson “ignored” Stern’s letter to hand over all tapes, the lawsuit says Stern asked for the restraining order that was handed down Friday.
July 9th, 2007 at 2:03 am
OMG what next…
Poor Howard…
Thatnks Art again very fine
reporting.
July 9th, 2007 at 2:03 am
OMG what next…
Poor Howard…
Thanks Art again very fine
reporting.
July 9th, 2007 at 2:15 am
Wow, wow, wow. All I can say is where is Lin Wood?? This is some serious stuff! Each day, new twists and turns…why can’t these people let this woman rest in peace?
Keep up the good work, Art. You are the best!
~Trish
July 9th, 2007 at 2:31 am
That is so sick >:-(
Is nothing sacred? Is everybody having surgery taped? if so, are those tapes going to turn up on the internet?
It’s one thing to tape surgery for educational purposes but quite another to film for entertainment.
July 9th, 2007 at 3:29 am
Art I have to say I find this bit of information truly disturbing what these people are trying to do to Anna.I wonder just where is the human decentsy,why can,t people just let Anna rest in peice instead of someone always trying to cash in because of greed.I,m glad that Larry and Howard are declaring war on the doctor and anyone else who is involved in this scheme.It is wrong and Immoral these people who are doing this fail to understand that by putting this out in the public eye,they are not only hurting Larry and Howard…..but Anna,s precious Daughter.I hope these criminals will be stopped and hopefully persecuted.I am extremely bothered by the lenghts some people will go to sell there souls for money.
July 9th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Thanks again for keeping us up to date, Art.
This just sickens me how someone would try to make a
buck off surgery photos of deceased Anna Nicole Smith.
This is probably the most tasteless, vile thing I’ve
heard so far on the case!
July 9th, 2007 at 9:04 am
How disgraceful! We have a stand up guy in Howard and I know he’ll protect Anna and anything pertaining to, with his last breath. He will take care of it. That Ricco is a smart a.. anyway.
July 9th, 2007 at 9:11 am
WORSE THAN VULTURES FEEDING ON ROAD KILL … AT LEAST VULTURE PERFORM A SERVICE IN NATURE. THESE PEOPLE HAVE SOLD THEIR SOULS TO THE DEVIL FOR A FEW BUCKS AND DON’T CARE. THE TOTAL DEPRAVITY OF THE HUMAN CONDITION IN SOME CONTINUES TO AMAZE ME.
July 9th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Obviously there continues to be those that will do anything for money and OBVIOUSLY blackmail isnt going to work. THANK Goodness HKS is in charge of this mess and won’t let anything happen!!
July 9th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Art,
When will it stop for Howard, Larry and Dannielynn. I can’t believe they have to go through all of this. My heart aches for the pain and suffering they are going through. Howard keep up the great work, thank God you are still here protecting her and Dannielynn. Even though you must go through all of this, remember, maybe it will bring you, Larry and Dannielynn all closer because of it. Stay strong and know you have all of our love and support.
July 9th, 2007 at 10:24 am
OMFG !!!!!!
How dare this medical professional tape a patient WITHOUT consent and then dare cash in on the tape, how underhanded cruel and deceitful can these ppl get ???
Should we be concerned that this same TEXAS doctor be affilliated with O’quin ??? Another fast cash grab for whom??
What about the same lying diary selling thief being apart of this whole scheme????
Dare I ask where the hell Lin Wood is to put a stop to this rather then making a grieving man (H. Stern) having to go before the courts AGAIN to put a stop to the desimination of his fiancee ??? Let alone forcing L. Birkhead whom should be more concerned with getting into the role of single father, having to go before the courts requesting that HIS DAUGTHER not have to face such disgusting video clips taken of her mother without permission when she gets older.
HOW DARE these ppl and their evil attempts to cash in yet again on a woman that has passed … there was no reason to have taped Anna’s surgery without her consent other then a cash grab, to go so far as panning other parts of her body makes me physically ILL … HOW DARE SUCH PPL BE SO REVOLTING AND DISGUSTING !!!!!!!!!!
And where is Virgie in all this .. claiming to be the oh so loving moma, shes in Texas and likely would have heard the whispers of this going on in her own backyard ,,, why isnt she stomping her foot down demanding that her daughters dignity and respect be upheld rather then permitting these perverted slimballs to continue disecting what is left of Anna.
Damnit I am beyond ill with this latest and I do wish strength to Howard to keep going, the hill may be big you are climbing but the top you WILL reach, where the air is CLEAN and the sun is soothing, and your grief will turn to warmth of a life you deserve to live. (((hugs))) & Larry keep trucking buddy this is the life you have been dealt chin up and get to it for your daughter.
Thanks Art for yet another eye opening article, this may make many inflammed but its high time ppl see the evils of the world and start appointing blame on to them, and demanding a stop be made to ensure everyones rights are respected….even in death
THANKS 
July 9th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Art,
How interesting, Dr. Gerald Wayne Johnson of Houston, TX. I know another Texan that was involved with implants, I think you had an article about that. Wonder if these two are working together. Also interesting that Gerald waited until now to release the video tape. Sounds fishy to me. How disgusting that a doctor would stoop this low.
Is nothing sacred anymore, people will sell their soul for a buck, and with no respect or dignity for their fellow mankind. What is this world coming to.
Can we just let poor Anna rest in peace.
July 9th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Ivy 39,
I too am very disturbed by what these two people were attempting to do. Talk about sleaze!!
I hope they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law and I hope that doctor looses his license to practice.
It was wrong of him to tape Anna at all without her permission, and to show the rest of her body, is inexcusable, and then to try to sell it. I really don’t know how these people can live with themselves and that goes for Fox TV and all the rest of the media scum involved in any way.
Thank God, Howard and Larry are putting a stop to it. Howard, Anna was truly fortunate to have you by her side and Dannielynn is also fortunate to have you working for her best interests. You are a very honorable man. Why aren’t there more like you.
Larry, I hope you know how fortunate you are to have Howard on your side. I hope you will treat him with the respect he is so deserving of. You owe him.
As always Art, thank you, you are the best.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Even the so call “real news” shows are still going after Howard. I stopped watching those shows because the few facts I know about the case they and their experts got wrong.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:31 am
How far are ppl going to take this? Anna give us enough in her life, this is unbelievable how far Howard has to go to protect Anna in life and now death.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:46 am
If the doctors taped it w/o her consent, it shud be surrendered immediately to her estate. If, however, this was one of those tapes taken by FS’ clan for ‘safekeeping’, he shud be held criminally acoountable for distributing stolen property and also forced to turn over all, and i mean all items, to her estate that he is still holding. I know in FLA courtroom, he said papers were turned over to the court and to SC, but I believe he needs to be forced to itemize all items(who saw what/ who touched what, who copied what,etc). Does anyone on this planet still believe that he actually took her things for safekeeping now? FS shud be charged w/ perjury for his statements in the FLA courtroom. What a thief of the lowest form!
July 9th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Is there morals in this world anymore. Let this woman rest in peace. People will do anything for a lousy buck these days. I am so glad to see Howard is stopping this and protecting Dannielynn from future disgust from these people that stoop so low as to do anything. IMO, people like this should be stopped and prosecuted! Howard should not have to waste his time and energy stopping the likes of these folks. He said he would protect her always and he is. Go Howard.
July 9th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Art Harris,
Again an again tank’s for the update.During the time that your “consoeur”Greta Van S….try to put again Howard K Stern on a front and insinue by the “biais”of an incompetent nurse that he murdered Anna,Howard and Larry are trying to defend Anna and protect Dannielynn.
That make me feel sick and I whant just just cry.Sorry but I can’t understand how low can be humans .keek on tuch and tell us pubic if we can do something or pressure somewere to help….
July 9th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Thats just disgusting I agree. Are these the same people who sold the birth tape when Dannielynn was born? Lordy who wants to view that kinda crap. I think the people who are trying to sell the Breast job and the Birth tape should be put in jail and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We love you Anna we’re gonna be your advocates even if others are unwilling. Thank you so much Art for exposing these leaches.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Art,
I am shocked and disgusted by the fact that someone would try to take advantage of a person that is no longer here to defend herself. People have no respect nor do they have any self respect to try and pull a stunt like this. Did he really think that he would be able to get away with this. As for the doctor, what quack would release private information on their patients. All I have to say to the rest of hollywood that went to him, get a lawyer. God bless Howard and his continued fight for Anna.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
i can’t belive what these people are up to. will this ever stop, will howard ever be able to rest? money,money,money!! my mom always said when you do something wrong to get your money,your money will do something wrong to you!!
July 9th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I truly hope the Houston surgeon, Dr. Gerald Wayne Johnson gets his medical license taken away! Johnson & Riccio need to be criminally prosecuted. The laws need to be harder on these people who try and make money ‘illegally’ on innocent people. Mr. Stern has worked daily trying to keep Anna’s name and image in a favorable light, Greta asked Larry; “What does Howard do?” Well, Ms. Greta if you’re reading this…know that Mr. Stern is NOT the bad guy, like you seem so intent on making him! (Your last interview w/ Moe’s wife…bordered on having Mr. Lin Wood serve you & your network w/ papers) Quit putting Mr. Stern on ‘trial’;
as YOU ARE NOT A JUDGE or JURY!!!
Love all your postings, Art
July 9th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Art, I cannot believe what people will do for money. Certainly Anna’s estate needs to be reimbursed for all this
embarrassment to Howard Stern and those others who loved Anna. Howard will never see any peace until he is with the Angels. I support Howard 100%. By the way, I am from Charleston, W.V. Read your biography and enjoyed it very much. Take care,
Mary Schoolcraft
July 9th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Art
The thought that a woman is sedated for surgery, totaly helpless, at the mercy of the surgecal team, that she trusted,has got to be the lowest form of humanity. I can speak for many women,when I say that is no different than rape, and should be treated as such. I wonder how many other women and girls have been taped and may be on some adult internet site. I have watched some tv shows, they always edit the film and leave the patient with their dignity. I believe it would be a service if more of the public were to find out about this DR. after the hearing.
July 9th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I believe even if they could produce a release, it would be like her diaries apearing magicaly,I’m sure ANS would not OK the kind of video they have produced.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
What has happened to people in our society in general? Just when you think they can’t get any worse – they somehow manage.
Ivy39….. I don’t think that Larry has what it takes to declare war on anyone. Larry just happens to be Dannielynn’s biological father – that is all. He does not have the skills and has too much self interest. I agree that Howard is capable of declaring war on all these people who continue to try and destroy him and harm Anna’s memory/image. He has the skills and is driven by his love for Anna, Dannielynn, what is right and legal. I hope Howard knows that for those of us who believe in him, we are left feeling totally helpless with an overwhelming desire to help him fight these demons.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Art, I keep forgetting to tell you, I love the way Anna is looking at Howard in this picture (her hero). I call this picture the Stern,Smith family…so so so sad to see the three of them in better days.
July 9th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Yes, Yes !!!! And the use of HIPPA, perfect!!!!!!!!
Howard, you can hold your head up high as you protect Anna and little one. Wanda
July 9th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I love how Howard is going after these people who are exploiting Anna. He truly is a honorable man, and a class act, lol, and if my hubby wasnt ringing my chimes, I would fly to the bahamas to comfort him.
July 9th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
How despicable , all i can say is Anna is so lucky to have Howard fend off these vultures ,just as i thought some people can’t get no lower along comes this. I wonder if the good Doctor’s other patients know he was probably was filming them too.
July 9th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
What next??? at this point nothing should come as a
surprise…only hope..Justice will be served!!!
July 9th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Shocked and upset here
awful!!!!
July 9th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Wow, I can’t believe that when your under aneasthsia your Dr. may be doing things without your consent. It is horrible how every one and anyone os profiting of Anna’s death. It’s dispicable how your worth more dead than alive. Poor DL has to grow up and she’s going to find out about all this crap that has came out about her mother. It’s bad enough she has to live with the fact of the actual things her mother did and went through. To learn about how and why she died, her brothers deaths. The battle of the multiple father’s and the list goes on.
July 9th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Truly and utterly despicable what these bafoons won’t sell for money and fame.
Howard, what can I say. Handling business as usual. My hats off to you. Larry thanks for doing the noble thing which would only stand to hurt your daughter in the long run.
Sad to say, but greed will cause people to be heartless and cold, to forget that their is a precious little girl who is so innocent and unaware of the trash around her. Her smile is infectious and she is so trusting. Lurking in the dark, are greedy varmins who will sell their family to make a buck at the cost of someone else’s pain. Shame on any person or media that uses this as a means to boost ratings. How do you people sleep at night? Is this kind of exploitation really that rewarding…. LIARS, because it’s not. If you dare say so, you are no better than someone who does not know the value of a life. How can you promote safeguarding our children and comment, report violence around our world when you are in the process of creating irreversible damage to an innocent child that has not begun to see the world as it truly is. She has that to deal with coupled with the insensitivity of selfish, self absorbed,self gratifying, can’t see further than the tip of your nose and pocketbook sell outs.Try being the voice of some of the lost and forgotten tragedies for a change. Kids are missing everyday, unsolved murders placed on the back burner. Did any of you heartless, egotistical, backwash ever think that the headline could hit close to home. Devout some of your attention to that and maybe, just maybe there won’t be so many mysteries and tragedies. Money is not evil. It’s the LOVE of money that is the ROOT of all evil. Sadly though even her death can’t stop the vultures.
LAY OFF HOWARD’S BACK !! Quit trying to tear him down. GIVE DANIEL AND ANNA’S MEMORY THE PEACE AND RESPECT THAT SHE SOUGHT SO HARD FOR. Art, I’m ranting I know. My apologies for using your site as a forum. I respect your work and you are a man of integrity and fairness. Keep up the great work and thanks again.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Look at the picture of Anna above, look at Anna’s expression. She is looking at someone that she knows she can trust with her life. It’s undeniable. She was proud and confident and at ease, knowing that HOWARD would stand by her through thick and thin.He never had to sell his worth to her. He proved his loyalty and trust. He is still doing that today. Howard, keep your head up, stand tall and strong.You have proven to be tougher than nail. I pray you will continue to have courage like Daniel, and face your giants like David and prevail over them. March on Howard, March on. I know at times it may seem you are alone, but take a turn about and you will see that you are never alone. You have support from all angles.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Hi Art-
Bless you for exposing Dr. Johnson. I was a patient of his 2 years ago and almost died as a result of his incompetence and lack of concern. I suffered a tremendous blood loss while undergoing removal of silicone implants and partial facelift. Dr. J shoved a saline implant into my R breast cavity without removing the silicone drenched fibrous capsule that had grown around the old implant. (I guess that was his way of stopping the hemorraging) He proceeded to do the facelift with full knowlege that scalp skin incisions need adequate blood supply to heal. He dosed me with too much sodium pentothal, and sent me home even though my O2 Sats were 89-91, and did not advise me or my friend about the excessive blood loss. Long story short, I ended up in the ER 3 days later with Pneumonia, severe anemia, an abnormal EKG showing lack of oxigen to my heart, and necrotic and opened scalp incisions which have left large and permanent bald spots. also a grossly swollem R breast. It took a month of treatment and missed work to recover, and an additional surgery (different Dr!) to remove the silicone capsule. My treatment, missed work, and additional surgery were all out of pocket expenses. Although I obtained sufficient documentation to justify a lawsuit, I was turned down by attornies because of the change in Tort laws in Texas.
This guy is an incompetent sociopath. I have great pictures and documentation supporting everything I’ve told you about, and if any of this can help you in furthur outing what a danger to society he is, I’d be glad to send it to you. Keep up the good work!
July 9th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Art,
I admire your integrity as an investigative reporter and journalist. Were you aware of the criminal investigation being conducted by the California Dept. of Justice into the doctors who prescribed medications for Anna Nicole? The Medical Board’s probe is still pending.
I find your story about the doctor in Texas disturbing. Maybe he will be the next doctor investigated for secretly video taping and breach of confidentiality.
July 10th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Ok this is absolutely discusting. I actually cannot (well actually i can) believe a human being would do this to another human being. The thought of putting it to the Jaws theme and her voice over in the midst of surgery turns my stomach. This “doctor” needs to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Did he think it was ok to throw around her MEDICAL HISTORY??? How can he in his right mind think it is ok? BIZARRE. Well I hope he gets what he deserves. As for the tape it better be turned over HKS and lets pray some bootlegger hasn’t already got his greedy paws on it and it isn’t going to pop up somewhere it really is an invasion of privact and a diservice to her memory. I wish people would leave this woman alone. Look at what she is going through in death and it was 10 times worse in life.
July 10th, 2007 at 1:05 am
Thank you, Art.
It is disgusting disturb…Why two doctors want to selling the videos of ANS breast implants surgery to make money??
July 10th, 2007 at 2:02 am
I THINK THE DR. SHOULD BE SEVERLY PUNISHED. WHAT KIND OF SICK FREAK IS HE. NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT THEIR NAKED ,UNCONCIOUS BODY VIDEO TAPED. ITS WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS. WHERE DOES HE GET OFF THINKING THAT BECAUSE ANNA IS GONE HE HAS THE RIGHT TO PROFIT FROM A TAPE THAT SHOULDNT EVEN EXIST. HAS NOONE HAVE RESPECT FOR THE DECEASED? HOWARD IM SORRY THAT THERE ARE SO MANY SLIME BALLS OUT THERE TRYING TO DRAG YOU DOWN. BE STRONG & BRING THIS JERK DOWN. SO DISRESPECTFUL OF THE PEOPLE TO DO THAT TO ANNA. MONEY WONT BUY YOU INTO HEAVEN. LET HER RIP FOR GOODNESS SAKES.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:54 am
So, Larry was approached and contacted Howard who acted in his capacity as executor of the estate. Howard doesn’t need Lin Wood for this one–Wood’s suit against O’Quinn is personal defamation of Howard, Howard is protecting the name and image of Anna as he always said he would from day one in Florida.
July 10th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Art,
I knew I had heard the name of the surgeon, Dr. Gerald Johnson after reading your article. One of my best friends had a very bad botched surgery performed by him. She lost so much blood, she almost died. She had found out afterwards, when no attorney would take her malpratice case, that he had been sued so many times he had no insurance left. The first word she said when I mentioned his name to her was “SCUMBAG”. She ended up having to have surgery again to fix the problems … I believe he left the plastic wrapping around one of her implants.
What a loser! I thought we had seen the worse…but the bottom feeders keep coming up to the surface to cause more havac.
I think Ricco is one sorry human being. When will it end with these lowlifes that keep coming out to cause more pain to the family of not only Anna but I’m sure so many more?
Disgusted in my home town of Houston.
July 10th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Of note is that Dr. Gerald W. Johnson’s name was crossed out on the order to show cause and temporary restraining order.
I take that to mean that the “Texas surgeon” was NOT “put on notice” and was NOT ordered to “surrender all copies to executor Howard K. Stern”.
July 10th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
This doctor is no different than Larry Birdhead and Howard “the video director” exploiting the name of Anna and her daughter! Larry should be ashamed of the way he is acting and suing that attorney who got him all he was seeking. Larry is pathetic now that he is in cahoots with HK$. I think Larry is on drugs!
Nice reporting as always Art!
July 10th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
This has to be THE sickest thing I have ever heard of someone doing. It is disturbing that someone would try to make money off of the deceased but even more disturbing that a “professional” so called doctor would do so. It makes me wonder about the medical field within itself and what actually goes on when we are put under for sugeries.I hope this man’s license is taken away from him immediately! Poor Howard, will the man EVER have time to grieve? I’m honestly concerned as to how much more he can take. My prayers and loving support are will you Howard.
July 10th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Yet another twisted addition to the Anna Nicole saga. It’s truly amazing just how many people around Anna Nicole were corrupt, unethical, or even criminal in the endeavors to acquire fame and money. In fact, it’s difficult to find anyone close to her, save her daughter, who is not guilty of this charge to some extent.
July 10th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Dear Art,
I haven’t commented in a while, aren’t you glad?
It looks like you have plenty to read, more than enough
to make your eyes bleed.
And now you’re even giving me faith in Dannielynn’s DNA
Daddy.
I’m sorry I ever contributed to your eye strain, but just
wanted to let you know I’m still one of your devoted fans,
and I still have no reason to doubt Howard K. Stern.
Thanks,
Freida
July 10th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
This is absurd! Just about as bad as a pregnant Anna Nicole dressed up as a clown under the influence of mushrooms. Is there no shame?
July 10th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Art
This is disgusting. To be sure what this doctor has done is illegal, not to mention unethical. I can’t believe how low people will stoop for a buck.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Does this have anything to do with John O!Quinn? He made his money of the class action breast implants.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
I find it simply horrifying that a so called professional would stoop to this level.
There must be documentation of the chain of custody of the original footage. I certainly hope that anyone who has had anything to do with the handling, editing and merchandising of this video is named in public and reprimanded accordingly.
I am so angry! I feel so badly for Howard. He now has this issue to deal with at this most difficult time in his life.
Has anyone thought about setting up a fund to help him? The poor man.
God Bless,
Jessica
July 10th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Guess Birkhead forgets he saw his daughter for the first time on a C-section video that was authorized and sold by Stern to E. T. so millions of people could view it at the same time as Birkhead. It appears others have accepted that published (personal and very private) experience as a precedence for doing likewise with early material possession of (things) Anna Nicole Smith.
Stern, attorneys, and various courts in the USA should remain quite busy throughout the remainder of their lives in the name of the one client, Anna Nicole Smith. Trustingly, Birkhead won’t allow himself to be overconsumed with the lawsuits (a full-time job) as there is a precious biological daughter to raise and ensure that she matures psychologically sound and with the best education possible to avoid the same type of entrapment as her mother.
July 10th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
THANKS ART, ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE. I SURE HOPE THOSE PEOPLE ARRE STOPPED FROM CASHING IN ON ANNA NICOLE. THAT IS SICK AND VERY SAD. SOUNDS LIKE SOME OF THOSE JOKERS THEY HAD ON THAT E SPECIAL ON ANNA NICOLE.
July 11th, 2007 at 8:46 am
#27, Anne, you’re right. Howard is the only one to fight this. He knows what he’s doing and I trust his judgment, no matter what.
July 11th, 2007 at 9:14 am
#53, Kira,
Birkhead had just better be thankful he saw the part of the birth video at all. Anna carried that baby and suffered the pains. She had every right in the world to say who, what and why. He was not her husband,but a hopeful baby daddy. LOL Everyone wants to blame Howard, but Anna was controlling this. This was her life and she had the right to live it the way she wanted as we live ours the way we want. Stop being so damn judgmental!
July 11th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Can someone tell me just how HKS can say that when he had never met ANS back in 1994? He wouldn’t know if she had signed an agreement or not to be taped during surgery! Not that what the DR is doing is right, but HKS is just as unethical and immoral as the DR is and he’s proved it over and over again.
I bet you don’t let this post go through or stand but you know it’s true. If you don’t let it go through then it proves you are just another of those hired bloggers paid by HKS attornies to help improve his image.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
EJ, you said……… Birkhead had just better be thankful he saw the birth video at all… He was not her husband but a hopeful baby daddy… Stop being so damn judgemental! True, I could not agree with you more but would like to add that Howard is the best thing that ever happened to Birkhead – well, I guess the best thing was when his DNA matched. Howard will hold everything together for Dannielynn (which includes Birkhead) just as he did, and will continue to do for Anna and Daniel. Everything and everyone involved would fall like a house of cards if Howard were not in charge. Anna knew it and now we all know it too.
July 11th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Oh please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough of the sickening stuff praising Howard!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 11th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
#57, Anne, You’re so right. It just bothers me at times the way Larry acts when he’s in front of the camera. Until he acknowledges Howard as being more than Anna’s friend and lawyer, I see him in a very dim light. He’s so damn naive. If being naive was a birth control, he would probably never would have children. LOL
July 11th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
If anyone is interested in a discussion on the legal effects of Anna Nicole’s case, Marshall v. Marshall, that she appealed to the Supreme Court and won, you should tune in tomorrow, June 12 from 10-11am online at the Washington Legal Foundation. Here is a website for more details – http://paelderestatefiduciary.blogspot.com/2007/07/webnar-on-usscs-marshall-decision.html
Enjoy.
July 11th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Kira 52-
Are actually trying to compare the video tape of Dannielynn’s birth that was not just done by Anna’s best friend/ partner, but she told him to go home and get the camera before he could witness the birth of her child to that disgusting video that was set to the theme of Jaws?!!
As for your second thought, I have no idea what you are talking about. Do you think that Howard and Larry LIKE spending half of their summer in court?? Do you think that Howard LIKED getting that horrible phone call from Larry?? Did you really think for one second once both Howard and Larry found out about that awful tape they weren’t going to do what ever they had to do to stomp those awful people who are trying to hock it in the a**??!
July 12th, 2007 at 3:23 am
Anne and EJ, I agree with you.
I will add that Anna gave birth to beautiful Dannielynn and since she was not married to the baby’s father, he had no right to view the tape at all and neither did the thief who stole it.
When people say the tape belongs to Dannielynn, I scratch my head! Dannielynn was the product that came out of that painful caesarean and not the owner.
These days when everyone shacks up and thinks it is their life and nobody else’s business, they need to remember that without that “little piece of paper” they forfeit many legal rights. They can even be NOT permitted in the hospital room with their “other half” in case of a tragedy — and after death, we have all seen that nobody cares what the deceased person’s wishes are. It may be spelled out in the most beautiful words in a will, but all it takes is a cold, ruthless person to ignore a dead person’s wishes.
Food for thought!
July 12th, 2007 at 3:32 am
Kira’s words: “Trustingly, Birkhead won’t allow himself to be overconsumed with the lawsuits (a full-time job) as there is a precious biological daughter to raise and ensure that she matures psychologically sound and with the best education possible to avoid the same type of entrapment as her mother.”
Kira, if you trust Birkhead to have the maturity to raise a psychologically sound child, you must see the glass half full — even filled to the brim and spilling over. While we are at it, I have a bridge I need to sell.
July 12th, 2007 at 5:33 am
Art Harris,
#50 Martha have a good question.
July 12th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Jessica,
That’s a good idea about setting up a fund to help Howard. The attorney fees are going to be staggering.
July 12th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
EJ since you are so quick to jump on other allow me to express to you,
you give me the impression you believe fathers do not have rights to their own child.
While I agree the mother has the right to pick her husband but do you really know Anna not going to allow Larry to see Dannielynn? She was in contact with him prior to her death.
He was not her husband but he is Dannielynns dad. Where are you getting all this arrogance from? Yes, it was her life and it gave her rights but it does not give you the right to not allow a father to see their child, no women has that right unless the father signs adoption paper.
finally I say to you get off your high horse.
July 12th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
why is every thing in such a mess . with all the attornies and howard, why did’nt they see that ever thing was air tight and done right, what kind of lawyers are they anyway. and with or with out howard this mess would get unraveled. he helped make the mess .
July 13th, 2007 at 2:53 am
Maryst… I don’t mean to be rude but – what are you talking about?
July 13th, 2007 at 11:07 am
#66, maryst, under normal circumstances, I would not respond to your post directed to me, but since I have read a lot of your posts from other sites and found that you straddle whatever fence is suitable to you at the moment, my words to you are, think what you want and stop addressing me directly. Who the hell are you? Anna knew who she wanted in the delivery room and had that right. She knew Larry better than you or I. You have a personal hangup somewhere about fathers. Were you unclaimed by your father or something?
July 13th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
#68, Anne,
You can see it too. Maryst is at it again with her nonsense. She’s opened the kool aid again. LOL
July 13th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
July 13th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Give me something more creative to respond, your same old insults are boring me.
I don’t even know why I bother, should really know better by now, simply really tired of reading all your insults to me and other.
July 13th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
PS EJ you respond to me all the time, what are you talking about? “maryst, under normal circumstances, I would not respond to your post directed to me”
July 13th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Kitty (56)
Im gonna take a real wild stab on the dark and assume that the person who ANS best knew that she Wouldn’t want to be video taped while she was unconscious and then later had the theme to jaws dubed to it. I mean I know thats the words of a crazy person!! But its just a hunch
And what Exactly has Howard done to prove that he is just as unethical as a doctor who video tapes his patients while they are unconcious??
July 13th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
To Anne, don’t worry this does not concern you, between me and EJ
July 14th, 2007 at 10:48 am
TheMasonic Says:
July 11th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
If anyone is interested in a discussion on the legal effects of Anna Nicole’s case, Marshall v. Marshall, that she appealed to the Supreme Court and won, you should tune in tomorrow, June 12 from 10-11am online at the Washington Legal Foundation. Here is a website for more details – http://paelderestatefiduciary.blogspot.com/2007/07/webnar-on-usscs-marshall-decision.html
I missed this and just went and doesnt look like they have the mp3 audio archive of the seminar up yet. Did anyone get to see/hear it?
July 14th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
GROSS.wtf is wrong with people, and why hasn’t that fat sow Virgie even spoken up ONCE, to defend her daughter? why won’t she tell people to stop picking on Anna??
I think she is enjoying Anna getting expoited and torn apart, even in death, and to me, that is more disgusting than the video….I wonder if Virg was offered a slice o-the-pie?
July 15th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Joli… Howard did not help make this mess – and if he did help make this mess everthing he did was for a very good reason. He is, however, left to clean it all up. He will too, just like always. If everyone had just left Howard and Anna alone (Larry, Virgie, Ford Shelly, Greta, Nancy, etc.) Anna would probably be alive and they would be happy today, in the Bahamas together, raising their little girl. So many people did not leave them alone and so many either will (or should) get sued so this “Mess” could, and probably will go on for a long, long time. Anyway, seems to me nothing is quick or simple when an attorney is involved.
July 17th, 2007 at 4:46 am
Maryst: Oh, but I do worry about you. I said I did not mean to be rude but just did not understand your attack on EJ. I read every post and seems to me that EJ’s focus is on Howard, all he has suffered and not on any one individual who post here – so, I just did not know what in the world you were talking about!!! Sorry if I offended you. I certainly do not want to dialog with you about anything. My only concern is for Howard and I have no desire to get involved in any petty nonsense.
EJ – Yes!
July 17th, 2007 at 9:12 am
maryst,
Nothing is between you and me! It may be on your part, but not on mine. If you think I’m concerned about the nonsense you’re talking, you’ve got me bent.
July 17th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Anne,
I’m cool. I can handle up on anything that I need to. I have always stood with Howard and will continue. This is what my heart tells me to do and that’s the way it will be.
Sometimes we have to be selective in the kind of kool aid we drink! LOL
July 18th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Anne, that is so sweet you worry about me, a complete stranger, it is so nice there is still compassion in the world. Thank you so much.
I believe you are not trying to be rude, maybe you think you are that is why you say it so much, please don’t worry about it. I do wonder why you say it so much, maybe you should try harder.
Mary S.
July 23rd, 2007 at 9:11 am
please stop bickering!!!!!!I don’t come here to read a bunch of sniping between alleycats!!
How about the daughter who **edited* the tape to the sound of jaws???What a nasty, sick bitch she is…too bad Dannielynn wasn’t a lot older, so she could swing this heartless witch around by the hair for trying to exploit her mommy…
July 26th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
You know that tells me just how much Howard loves and loved Anna. He will do anything to keep private moments private. A video of Anna’s breast augmentation is unbelievable. Howard will, I imagine be fighting for his true love for a long time to come. People are so caught up in notarity and money that they will sell their souls and anyone else’s for the right price. What next? Howard is such a gentleman. He is showing his true colors. To all of America and all over the world, if this doesn’t answer your questions about whether Howard is doing this for the money or doing it for Anna because he will always love her than I don’t think anyone will get it. The best of luck to Howard because he is what I thought him to be all along. True, genuine and Anna was his soulmate. My heart aches for all in this tragic mess. I do hope that G. Ben Thompson, Ford Shelly and his doped up wife pay the price for the rumors that they have spread around about the only man that really ever loved Anna. Larry didn’t love her. Larry loved the fame and the fortune that he’s setting back collecting off of Anna and little Dannielynn. He is an asshole and I can’t beleive alot of people don’t see it. This subject really gets me fired up. I loved ANNA, HOWARD and always will. Those two could have been great together if people would have left them alone. All the vultures after the almighty dollar. I hope Larry is happy now that he has a moneymaking deal for the next 18 years. Poor little Dannielynn, she too will se what he is really all about as she grows older. I just hope that Larry has a shred of decency in him to speak well of Anna. After all where would he be without ever having met Anna? Exactly. Thanks again Art for a terrific place to chat.