Chapter 303: The Fall from Grace

On Halloween in 1993, a piece of news blew up Hollywood: 23-year-old prodigious actor River Phoenix passed away at 1:51 AM.

Newspapers across the country reported this heartbreaking news.

As the autopsy confirmed, River Phoenix had overdosed on cocaine and heroin.

Additionally, a large amount of Valium, marijuana, and ephedrine were found in his body. The cause of death was "acute multiple drug intoxication," which is commonly known as a drug overdose.

Speculation suggested that River Phoenix had been a heavy drug user for many years. A talented young actor, an animal rights activist, a musician, and a youth idol who spoke about environmental issues on TV, his death from an overdose became instantly ironic.

River Phoenix's reputation plummeted to an all-time low.

In North Hollywood, Arthur sat in his office reading the newspaper. The police were investigating the people at the Viper Room, a bar that had been reopened for only a few months but was now closed again.

"That night, was it River Phoenix in that ambulance?" Arthur quickly recalled the ambulance he saw when he and Winona Ryder were heading back to Beverly Hills via Sunset Boulevard after leaving downtown.

Arthur put down the newspaper. Though River Phoenix was good, he was mainly in the indie film scene and didn't capture much attention in the mainstream movie market.

Not to mention, compared to his good friend Johnny Depp, who was a nationwide idol and had gained significant fame in commercial films thanks to Speed, River Phoenix couldn't hold a candle.

In commercial terms, even Keanu Reeves was more popular than River Phoenix, as Depp and Reeves were much more handsome in every aspect.

River Phoenix's brooding and decadent aura gave him an edge in certain genres, but his artistic temperament was too heavy.

According to the newspaper, his family mentioned, "River Phoenix was halfway through filming Dark Blood, trying to gather funds for his siblings' college education."

With November's arrival, Paramount's acquisition was concluded. Although Barry Diller raised the price to $9.7 billion, Sumner Redstone of Viacom responded without hesitation with a high bid of $10.7 billion.

Ultimately, Viacom acquired Paramount Communications for $10.7 billion.

With this, all of Hollywood's six major film studios were now owned by media giants or electronics manufacturers.

At the same time, Michael Jackson, who was holding a world tour in Mexico City, canceled his subsequent shows to return and handle his lawsuit.

The child molestation allegations placed tremendous stress on Michael Jackson, causing him to become dependent on painkillers.

With Michael Jackson's return to the country, the sensational news of the molestation case quickly became America's top headline again.

In the evening, as Arthur left the Wilshire Hotel, he ran into Michael Jackson, surrounded by reporters and looking very down.

Arthur proactively shouted: "Michael!"

"Oh, Arthur, good evening," Michael Jackson waved at Arthur, who then publicly hugged Michael in front of the reporters, showing his support.

Of course, the surrounding journalists wouldn't miss such news. They shoved microphones towards Arthur, who raised his hand for silence and said, "I know what you want to ask. As for Michael, I don't want to say much. If you believe Michael would do such things to kids, you might as well believe I'm Jesus. Neverland is a paradise for kids. If I had children, they would definitely love staying at Neverland!"

"Thank you, Arthur!" Michael Jackson, dealing with slander from unscrupulous media and harassment from investigators, was under immense pressure. Support from someone of Arthur Smith's high status and position was invaluable.

"Truth will always come to light," Arthur could only smile and console him. In contemporary American media, truth and facts were irrelevant; they wanted sensationalism.

Slandering Michael Jackson generated the most attention!

After leaving the hotel, Arthur sighed, got into his Mitsubishi 3000 GT, and drove off. If only Michael Jackson wouldn't compromise this time.

Unfortunately, his career couldn't afford to be entangled in a lawsuit for a year or two, and Sony Records, his backer, wouldn't allow it.

When he reached a single-family house in West Hollywood, Monica Bellucci, who had come from Italy, greeted him inside, "What's the matter, Arthur? You seem a bit down."

Arthur smiled, kissed Monica Bellucci, and sat on the couch. He helplessly said, "I just ran into Michael Jackson; I am a big fan of his!"

"I noticed that news even in Italy. After coming to America, I realized how serious it was," Monica Bellucci sat close to Arthur. "TV stations, magazines, newspapers, all the news outlets are talking about Michael Jackson."

"Exactly, now, any negative news about Michael sells. The media doesn't care about facts," Arthur shrugged. Even with many people speaking up for Michael Jackson, it was useless; the tide was too strong.

Macaulay Culkin from the Home Alone series and Elizabeth Taylor both spoke well of Michael Jackson, supporting him.

"Alright, let's not think about it anymore. How about you? How was it in Italy?" Arthur said, letting Monica Bellucci lie on him.

"I was alright. I shot a comedy film in Italy in the latter half of the year," Monica Bellucci's expression hinted at a bit of helplessness that Arthur didn't miss.

Arthur leaned down to kiss her, his hand slipping under her spaghetti-strap dress to caress her 36D chest. Monica Bellucci passionately responded to the kiss.

"There aren't many opportunities in Italy, are there?" After the kiss, Arthur rested on the couch while Monica Bellucci leaned on his shoulder.

"Not too many. I might need to go to France for more opportunities. Hollywood isn't very friendly to women with my body type!"

"You're so sexy and beautiful; how could Hollywood not like you?" Arthur teased her, brushing his hand over her chest.

"Stay in Hollywood. I'll arrange some minor roles for you to gain experience. Bigger roles will come eventually!"

Monica Bellucci nodded, "You know I started as a model, so I don't have high demands for roles. Actually, I wouldn't mind taking on some sexy, sensual roles."

Arthur shook his head, "That's unnecessary. A trophy role is fine, but no need for anything too revealing. After all, you're my woman; you don't need to rely on that."

"Arthur, are you hungry?"

"A bit. Change your clothes; let's go out for something to eat."

*****

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