Nurse Practitioner Who Treated Michael Jackson Speaks in His Defense
The media has been bombarding us with news about Michael Jackson's death, which hasn't been noteworthy for our blog until today, when California nurse practitioner Cherilyn Lee spoke up in defense of Michael Jackson, who Lee says sought sedatives from her as a sleep aid but not to abuse. Lee had been providing nutrition advice to MJ.
The Associated Press reported the news about Michael's NP, who said that Michael asked her repeatedly for the IV sedative Diprivan, and she refused because of its risks. She also said she feared he'd been able to obtain the drug from another provider.
The article was a bit murky about whether Lee was a registered nurse, an NP, or a nutritionist, but it does seem that, according to listings on the California Association of Nurse Practitioners Web site, that she is in fact a nurse practitioner.
Lee said she tried repeatedly to educate Jackson about the cardiac risks of using the IV sedative but he waved her off.
Lee said she spoke out now to protect Jackson:
Lee said she decided to speak out to protect Jackson's reputation from what she considers unfounded allegations of drug abuse or shortcomings as a parent.
"I think it's so wrong for people to say these things about him," she said. "He was a wonderful, loving father who wanted the best for his children."
It looks like Lee did her best to protect and educate him before and after his death.