UN slams drug-taking celebs

The International Narcotics Control Board report from the UN has criticised authorities for not coming down hard enough on celebrities who take drugs. It says celebrities are often treated more leniently and avoid doing jail time. Celebrities who openly take drugs such as Pete Doherty - who is constantly up in court - and Amy Winehouse - who was recently videoed smoking crack-cocaine - seem to get off lightly, and the media's coverage of this sends out the message to young people that taking drugs won't get them into trouble. The report also says that cocaine is associated with celebrity and glamour. The Telegraph says that Home Office data shows cocaine use has doubled among 16 to 24-year-olds in the past seven years, and the street price has dropped significantly in this time. UN board member Prof Hamid Ghodse said that celebs "get more lenient responses by the judiciary and law enforcement, and that is regrettable. There should not be any difference between a celebrity who is breaking the law and non-celebrities."

Naomi Campbell urged to say ‘sorry’

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been told “she should be ashamed” for calling her recent appearance at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial “an inconvenience”.