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Robert Downey Back in
Court
Monday
July 16, 2001
This week Robert Downey should have been appearing in the new Julia Roberts movie "America's Sweethearts" and he could have been preparing for his Emmy-nominated role on "Ally McBeal.” But thanks to his drug problems, the actor is doing none of the above, appearing in a real courtroom instead.
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Downey was back in the California desert town of India Monday morning entering a new plea of “no contest” to charges of cocaine use in Palm Springs last fall.
Thanks to a plea bargain, Downey was given three years probation and allowed to continue his drug rehab at a low security facility rather than face four years in prison.
He was even ordered to look for work, which means he could be acting again soon.
Downey arrived at the courthouse more than an hour early, perhaps to demonstrate how serious he is about straightening out his life.
Mark Dagostino, from People magazine says, “I'm being told by people close to him that he is absolutely committed to maintaining his sobriety and keeping himself healthy. But you know, we've heard this before.
Marks has learned the secret drug rehab facility Downey is in emphasizes spiritual healing through yoga and gardening. And Downey is pretty much free to come and go as he pleases. He says, “It's a controlled circumstance that's perhaps looser than a lot of people would like to see him in.”
Downey's been spotted out on the town recently. On Friday night he was seen leaving the Beverly Hills hot spot Mr. Chow's with sting's wife Trudie Styler. Remember, Downey sings with Sting on the latest “Ally McBeal” CD.
Now all of Hollywood is hoping this gifted actor will make the best of this gift from the criminal justice system and get himself clean and sober.
Sources at Fox say with Downey no longer facing jail time, it is possible he could return to "Ally McBeal", but the show's producer, David E. Kelley, will have the final word.
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