Jim Carrey to face trial
Jim Carrey is set to face trial for the death of his girlfriend Cathriona White after two wrongful death lawsuits were filed against him.
White, 30, was found dead in her Los Angeles home in September 2015. The make-up artist overdosed on various prescription drugs. A coroner ruled her death as a suicide.
White’s mother Brigid Sweetman and her estranged husband Mark Burton sued the actor, alleging that Carrey provided the drugs used in White’s suicide.
A judge at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday refused to dismiss the lawsuits filed against Carrey and set a trial date for 26 April 2018. It is estimated the trial will last 20 days.
Carrey’s lawyer, Raymond Boucher, branded the lawsuits “predatory” and “malicious”.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Boucher said: "Mr Carrey loved Ms White dearly and so obviously it will be a very painful process for him."
The 55-year-old actor denied all allegations. In a statement issued during the time of the first lawsuit, Carrey said: What a terrible shame.
"It would be easy for me to get in a back room with this man’s lawyer and make this go away, but there are some moments in life when you have to stand up and defend your honour against the evil in this world.
“I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved. Cat’s troubles were born long before I met her and sadly her tragic end was beyond anyone’s control.
“I really hope that someday soon people will stop trying to profit from this and let her rest in peace.”