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In defense of Howard K. Stern

Posted: Sunday, February 11, 2007 1:14 AM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under:

On Dateline Saturday, we reported on the life and death of Anna Nicole Smith. Included in the 3-part report was an interview with Trim Spa CEO Alex Goen, a close friend of Anna Nicole and Howard K. Stern.

In the interview, Goen revealed that Smith's house in the Bahamas was broken into, but that the baby is safe and that Anna's will is in Stern's hands. 

Here are a few more quotes from that interview.

On how Howard is doing
GOEN: First 12 hours or so, he was sobbing non-stop, having difficulty catching his breath.  I mean, and understand he lost his wife.  He lost someone that he catered to for the last, almost 15 years of his life.

On the house getting broken into
GOEN: Thank God Howard was very clever. In fact, when Anna passed, he recognized that Dannielynn could be somewhat unsafe in the house, even though she was in very good care—told the people watching the baby—who are very close friends of Howard’s—actually family members—to take the baby to an undisclosed location for safety… He made sure Dannielynn Hope was completely secure.

I found out the house was broken into.  And many, many items have been taken from the house.  And  Howard has to deal with a house that's been broken into-- who knows where that-- the materials are going to end up?  

On the baby
GOEN: She's safe.  And she's at a private location.  And I think the best thing for her safety is to keep it private.... The baby is not a public person, hasn't made a decision to be in the public spotlight.... I'd rather just say that the baby is safe.  Howard is very concerned about the baby.  And Howard called this one right.  He called it right.  You have to say in a very tragic situation he made sure Dannielynn Hope was safe.  And thank God he moved the baby outta the house that got broken into.

Does Anna have a will?
GOEN:  Think about this.  I mean, if the will was at the house and nowhere else, whoever broke in could've had the will.  He did have the will in another location as well.  And there's, I'm sure, other issues along those same lines that he has to deal with. You know, everybody says you should have duplicate set of documents in different locations.  Even lawyers should probably know that.  But I mean, how many people do that?

On suspicions around Howard
GOEN: I just ask that people give him number one, the benefit of the doubt and number two-keep him in their thoughts and prayers.  Just think about how difficult it must be for him. This was a person that was not only a caring person and loving, he went overboard when it came to his care and love and protection of Anna.  So, for there to be an allegation that he could have something to do with this-- I think it's very unfortunate.

Comments from Dateline viewers have been a mixture of suspicion about Stern, frustration with the media, and thoughts and prayers for the late centerfold. Click here to read some of what's been said.

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Comments

It is very strange that Anna Nicole dies five months after her son's death. It is strange that both Anna Nicole and Daniel Smith "appear" to die of drug overdoses. While the Florida police state that there is no "evidence" that there has been a crime committed with regards to Anna Nicole's death, I simply don't believe this to be true. I believe that something horrible and unlawful did happen to her--and Howard L. Stern is the only one that knows the truth. The art of "manipulation" is an incredible skill to have; most lawyers have this art done to a science. This is how they win cases. Mr. Stern clearly mastered the art of manipulation such that he got his name to be on the birth certificate for a child that (we all know) isn't his natural child. He might not hav physically killed Daniel and Anna Nicole; but mentally and emotionally, Stern ruled over their minds and spirits. He is solely responsible for both of their deaths. Howard L. Stern is a bizarre and obsessive man. He is simply way too creepy to appear like his interests were in the best interest of Anna Nicole.

Amber Gitter, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 13, 2007 4:05 PM)

I am concerned about the baby's welfare. The baby has been around drug addicts and drugs and should be taken into protective custody. They need to find out who the real father of the baby is (I hope and pray that it is Larry Birkhead). Howard Stern is a creep and a killer. Dannilynn's life is in jeopardy and the judicial system should act immediately.

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, February 13, 2007 4:15 PM)

I think people need to back off and let it be. I agree with those of you that everyone has skeletons in their closets. There is no one out there than can truly say that they have never done anything wrong. If you haven't done drugs, you've propably had sex with many partners, or you cheated on someone or whatever. The only difference is that no one publicized youir trash but it makes you no different. I truly believe that Anna was a good mother who loved her children and no one should be judging her before you judge someone take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. As for Anna's mother lady I have no pity for you, a mother who truly lovfes her children will NEVER talk trash or Shit about their child so that the whole world could hear it. If Anna wanted nothing to do with you I guess you've shown the world why. We love our children no matter what they are and we never ake their dirty trash and expose it to media. If you really cared about your granddaughter you never should have gone to try and see her with your own camera crew that only proves that you wanted publicity not that you truly wanted to try to reach out to her.

mm Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, February 13, 2007 4:28 PM)

all the men involved wants anas' money. They do not really care for that little girl. i think hks need to investigage. the slime ball is definately up to no good. he claims the child but does not want a DNA TEST?? the whole thing smells like foul play to me. nicole may you rest in peace.

sn dallas, tx (Sent Tuesday, February 13, 2007 5:39 PM)



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