The ongoing controversy surrounding Anna Nicole Smith's life and legacy continues to captivate the public, with her ex-partner, Larry Birkhead, speaking out against an upcoming biopic titled "Trust Me, I’m a Doctor." This film focuses on Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, who was implicated in Smith's 2007 death due to excessive prescription drug use. Birkhead's strong opposition to the movie is multifaceted, stemming from his concerns about the exploitation of Smith's life and the potential emotional distress it could cause to his daughter, Dannielynn.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Birkhead expressed his disapproval, stating, "We absolutely object to any of Anna Nicole’s, my life, my daughter’s life being used in a movie." He emphasized the sensitivity of the situation, particularly regarding the portrayal of Kapoor, who was charged with illegally providing excessive prescription drugs to Smith. Despite being acquitted in 2010, the doctor's involvement in Smith's life remains a contentious issue.
Birkhead's concerns extend beyond the legal implications. He believes that the biopic could have a detrimental impact on his daughter, Dannielynn, who is now 19 years old. He shared, "I actually have had conversations with this doctor and his representatives. I warned them about the harm and the emotional distress that this puts on not just myself but also, most importantly, Dannielynn, and how this could impact her and the things that she sees."
This isn't the first time Smith's story has been adapted for the screen. Birkhead mentioned that her story has been "done several times" before, including a Law & Order episode and a 2013 Lifetime movie starring Agnes Bruckner. However, he remains unconvinced that any of these portrayals have captured the essence of Smith's life accurately.
When asked about Abbie Cornish, who plays Smith in the biopic, Birkhead was critical but understanding. He said, "I’m sure she’s probably a nice girl and a great actress. But I don’t think she quite embodied Anna Nicole."
Birkhead's legal action against the biopic's release is another significant development. He filed a complaint with the California Medical Board over Dr. Kapoor’s participation in the movie, indicating a deeper level of concern about the ethical implications of the project.
The photographer also revealed that his daughter had a strong reaction to the biopic, stating, "I don’t wanna speak for her on this, but she had some choice words for this doctor and this project."
Despite the controversy, the film is set to be released in theaters on October 16. The ongoing debate surrounding Anna Nicole Smith's life and the ethical considerations of adapting her story for the screen continue to spark intense discussions among fans and critics alike.
