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Downey Checks Himself Into Rehab

Aired April 24, 2001 - 16:25   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN ANCHOR: CNN has learned that troubled actor Robert Downey Jr. has checked himself into a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility. I talked a short time ago to a publicist for Downey, who told me that Downey checked himself involuntarily as part of his continuing efforts to rehabilitate himself from drug addiction.

Now, this news comes on the heels of reports that we confirm that Downey was arrested earlier this morning in Culver City, California, on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The actor has been struggling for several years, as you know, with his drug addition problem, and he was scheduled to go into court on Monday for charges that he was under the influence of a controlled substance, over a Thanksgiving weekend in Indio, California. You may recall that, as the case in which Downey was found with cocaine and also a methamphetamine.

So now, the latest on Downey, is he has checked himself into rehabilitation clinic and that he was arrested by police in Culver City, California. That is right here inside the L.A. area. And the rehabilitation clinic, I should add, is also in the area. Another setback for Downey.

As the producers of "Ally McBeal," their word is, no idea yet if he will return to that show next fall.

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