8/7/2007

in

After her death, Howard K. Stern sues to keep breast augmentation tape private

Natalia Galbetti

It seems like controversy and Anna Nicole Smith are bound to walk together...even after her death. Just six months after the model's death, due to an accidental medication overdose, there is more drama.  
  
On Friday, a restraining order was signed by Los Angeles judge Mitchell L. Beckloff that prohibits the distribution of a tape of Anna Nicole Smith's breast augmentation on October 17, 1994. The restraining order comes after Smith's estate executor, Howard K. Stern, sued plastic surgeon Dr. Gerard Wayne Johnson for illegally making the tape and then trying to sell it after her death to Thomas Riccio, an L.A. memorabilia broker.  
  
As stated in court documents, Stern claims Johnson made the tape without Smith's knowledge, which violates federal and state laws in addition to doctor-patient privilege.  
  
The restraining order makes dissemination, distribution or sale of the tape illegal and also orders all copies to be handed to Stern. A hearing is scheduled for September 26.