Jackson nanny: Drug abuse, overdoses, failed intervention

June 29, 8:39 AMSF Health News ExaminerJefferson Adams

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The nanny who cared for Michael Jackson's three children provided a
disturbing account of the pop star's final months. AP Photo: Joel Ryan

The following statement is by Grace Rwaramba:

The nanny who cared for Michael Jackson's three children provided a disturbing account of the pop star's final months. Speaking to the Time of London, Grace Rwaramba, 42, says she regularly pumped out the entertainer's stomach after he took dangerous combinations of drugs.

"I had to pump his stomach many times. He always mixed so much of it," Rwaramba said, referring to drugs. "There was one period that it was so bad that I didn't let the children see him," she is quoted as saying. "He always ate too little and mixed too much."

Rwaramba worked for Jackson for over a decade, beginning as an office assistant to the pop star before moving on to nanny to his three children: Prince, now 12; Paris, 11; and Blanket, 7.

Rwamba's account was questioned by Mallika Chopra, daughter of spiritual teacher, physician and close Jackson friend, Deepak Chopra, who suggested that the press may have taken Rwaramba's comments out of context.

Ms. Chopra posted the following comment on her web site: "For the record, Grace never pumped Michael's stomach. She has no idea how she would even do such a thing." She also says of Rwaramba, "Grace is more than my best friend – I refer to her as my sister."

Rwaramba, a native of Rwanda, flew from London to Los Angeles from London, where she is expected to provide information for by LAPD detectives investigating Jackson's death.

Attemped Intervention
Rwaramba claims that she attempted to orchestrate an intervention at one point by contacting Jackson's mother Katherine and sister Janet for their help, only to be dismissed by Jackson as a result, though he later brought her back. "He didn't want to listen," she said, "that was one of the times he let me go."

She claims Jackson dismissed her for the last time in December, and notes that when she came to visit in April that she had to spend her own money on balloons for Paris's birthday, as Michael had no money. "Michael had no idea about money," Rwaramba says, pointing out a $1 million offer concert he gave in Japan. "By the time everyone took their share," she says, "he ended up with $200,000."

**The following was posted by Mallika Chopra and Gotham Chopra**

A Statement by Grace Rwaramba
June 30th, 2009

“Michael Jackson was an exceptional Human Being. He was gifted, deeply compassionate and brought joy to the lives of so many. He loved his family dearly, and above all, his beautiful children.

In addition to being my employer over the past 17 years and entrusting the care of his beloved children to me, he was my dear friend. While our friendship had challenges, as do all friendships, he was loyal to the end. I cherish and honor his memory.

I am shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by recent statements the press has attributed to me, in particular, the outrageous and patently false claim that I “routinely pumped his stomach after he had ingested a dangerous combination of drugs". I don’t even know how to pump a stomach!! In addition, I have never spoken to the Times Online, the original source of the story that has now been picked up worldwide. The statements attributed to me confirm the worst in human tendencies to sensationalize tragedy and smear reputations for profit.

I convey my heartfelt and deepest condolences to Prince, Paris, Blanket and the entire Jackson family. The pain and sorrow I feel over the loss of Michael pales in comparison to what has been taken from them forever.”

- Grace Rwaramba

The statement was originally published on Intent.com