Pubdate: Sun, 24 Feb 2001
Source: Mail on Sunday, The (UK)
Copyright: 2001 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/
Author:  Paul Scott

POPSTAR GIRL IS CARPETED OVER CANNABIS CALL

TV Show's Bosses Act After Singer's Drugs Blunder

POPSTARS singer Myleene Klass landed the squeaky-clean band in
controversy after calling for cannabis to be legalised.

Her remarks have caused panic among TV and record bosses, who fear a
backlash from parents. Her group, Hear' Say, manufactured for ITV's
ratings-winning series, have had a carefully crafted image created by
executives at London weekend Television and record producer Polydor.

Despite hours of media training and warnings not to discuss
controversial subjects, 22-year-old Myleene blurted out her views in
an interview with trendy magazine The Face.

Producers of the show, which attracts more than 12 million young
viewers a week, are preparing for a flood of complaints from parents
who fear their children could be influenced by the singer's remarks.

Last night an LWT source admitted: "It is a complete mess and Myleene
is in a lot of trouble.  This is the last thing we need at the moment."

In her interview with the magazine on Wednesday, Myleene was asked
where she stood on the subject of drugs and said that, in her opinion,
cannabis ought to be legalised.

Her comment contradicted fellow band member Kym Marsh's statement at a
press conference that all the band were against drugs.

Popstar bosses were furious and Myleene was hauled before senior
executives from LTW and Polydor.  An insider said: "When she was asked
about the drug issue she said she didn't think it should be illegal to
smoke cannabis.

"She didn't say that she has taken it.  But even so, when LTW found
out what she had said they went ballistic.

"The programme makers and the record company have gone to so much
trouble to manufacture the prefect pop band and know the majority of
their fans will be youngsters.

"They can't believe she has been so stupid."

The shows producers were shocked previously when Myleene's colleague
Kym Marsh announced she had two young children  she had kept secret.

The group release their debut single Pure and Simple on March 12.
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