One month after baseball stars were under fire for reportedly using steroids, now hip-hop celebrities have been accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs. Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Wyclef Jean and Timbaland have all been named in the investigation.
Digital Journal — Have you seen 50 Cent’s arms recently? They belong on the tree-trunk body of a
WWE wrestler. Or what about Wyclef Jean’s tireless energy to promote his recent new album, performing at 12 shows in the next two weeks? These artists may credit stamina and dedication, but an Albany-based investigation is accusing Wyclef, 50 Cent and several other music stars of taking performance-enhancing drugs.
The story first broke on
Times Union from Albany.
Other hip-hop and R&B celebs named in connection with using or receiving steroids include producer Timbaland, singer Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake and author/producer Tyler Perry.
Officials said these artists are not breaking the law, and the investigation will focus on arresting pharmacists, doctors and clinics that provided the drugs.
According to the investigation launched by Albany District Attorney P. David Soares, Blige bought the human growth hormone Jentropin and the anabolic steroid Oxandrolone when she was staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel earlier this year.
A spokesperson for Blige denied the accusation, telling
Associated Press:
Mary J. Blige has never taken any performance enhancing illegal steroids.
Soares' national investigation is mainly looking at Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, Fla. So far, 10 defendants have pleaded guilty and professional athletes have also been linked to the probe.
Last month,
Former Sen. George Mitchell released a report which named MLB athletes past and present who took performance-enhancing drugs. Athletes aren’t the only steroid seekers, it seems, but what exactly are music stars looking for when they inject themselves with HGH and ‘roids? Longer encores at three-hour gigs? Bigger biceps to flex on their Rolling Stone cover shoots?
Steroid controversies continue to be in the spotlight so it will be intriguing to see what other markets face more probes. Will politics, Hollywood or even modeling become the next industry to be accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs?
