ALBANY, N.Y. - A spokeswoman for R&B superstar Mary J. Blige has denied a report the singer has taken illegal steroids.
Blige was one of a number of entertainers named by The Times Union of Albany on the weekend in connection with a steroid investigation.
The newspaper cited unidentified law enforcement officials in reporting Sunday that Blige, rap musicians 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and award-winning author and producer Tyler Perry may have received or used performance-enhancing drugs.
The newspaper said that Blige received the human growth hormone Jentropin and Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, in orders sent to her at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Her spokeswoman denounced the report.
"Mary J. Blige has never taken any performance enhancing illegal steroids, or any anti-aging steroids,'' Karynne Tencer said.
Law enforcement officials said evidence did not indicate the celebrities broke the law but that investigators were focusing on doctors, pharmacists and clinics that provide the drugs.
Albany district attorney P. David Soares launched the investigation into steroid trafficking last year.
Soares is "not confirming, denying or discussing any of the names'' involved in the investigation, said spokeswoman Heather Streeter Orth.
Ken Sunshine, a spokesman for Tyler Perry, declined to comment and representatives of the other celebrities named could not be reached.
Soares' multistate investigation has focused on Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, Fla. So far, 10 defendants have pleaded guilty and news reports have linked some professional athletes to Soares' probe.
Soares has said Signature was at the centre of a web of businesses and doctors that illegally wrote prescriptions for steroids. Authorities raided the company almost a year ago and its owners and operators are awaiting trial in Albany on related charges.
Records shared with the Times Union and information from several co-operating witnesses on Long Island allege the celebrities received prescribed human growth hormone or steroids, the newspaper said.
Former Senator George Mitchell released a report last month on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. That report said former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski provided steroids and human growth hormone linked to several prominent players. Radomski pleaded guilty last year to charges that he dealt steroids to players for a decade.
Congressional hearings are to begin this month on the Mitchell report.
