A Current Affair - The Karen Carpenter Cover-Up (Pt 2)
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- "What really killed Karen Carpenter?" On the 10th anniversary of the death of Karen Carpenter, "A Current Affair" offers a few theories.
Part 1 of a 2-part episode of "A Current Affair." Several people are interviewed including Karen's therapist Steven Levenkron.
Whatever happened to "doctor-patient confidentiality?"
A Current Affair - The Karen Carpenter Cover-Up (Pt 1)
• A Current Affair - The...
People saying "she didn't die of an eating disorder" are WRONG. Laxative abuse, overdosing on thyroid meds and ipecac are SYMPTOMS of her eating disorder. She never would've taken them without an underlying eating disorder. Would you?
I agree with you. I think people who disagree may be talking about the What she died of. Which was a badly damaged heart. You're describing the Why behind her death. Both are valid. And incredibly sad. But, imho, the root cause behind the Why of Karen's death was a deep lack of self esteem. Her mother's emotional abuse and lack of unconditional love deeply injured Karen, who was always competing with a perfectionist (fantasy) view of herself. Which led to her eating disorder. Sooo very sad. We miss you Karen. 🙏❤
@@annajacob7981 it’s like saying a man died from the heart failure when he was shot.
His heart failed cos he was shot in it xxxx
Just look at photos of her at the end of her life and then remember that she was only 32 years old.
I don't think she would and could die from anorexia alone. The meds, laxative, thyroids, & the burq..something (this med made her vomit) .. those were the ones had damaged the internal organs the heart, which lead to her death. She took those meds above the dosage....
She could survive when she learned to eat again.
Anor
To say that she didn't die of anorexia nervosa is wrong. Even if everything this report is saying is true about the laxative/ipecac/thyroid medication abuse, these behaviors are all a result of the underlying eating disorder, anorexia (and possibly bulimia). This mental illness is what caused her to abuse these medications. I think what they meant to say was that it was not starvation that ultimately killed her (although, eventually it very well could have.) So tragic.
That doctor is giving himself too much credit. He said Karen recovered from anorexia completely. Well that's completely false. She was abusing ipecac to purge her food which eventually led to her death. He can't admit he failed to treat her successfully.
In the end he says how he just thinks of all the records they could have made, all the music they could have made??? That’s what the larger problem was in that family. She was treated like a commodity instead of a loving daughter and sister. It’s so sad that she never felt like she had any control over anything in her life and that’s what led her down the path to being anorexic. She never fully understood her worth and value, but her brother did which is why he wanted to keep the Carpenter train going. I believe he loved her but I believe because his success was directly tied to her, that was more of his focus than anything else. I’m sure she didn’t want to die but by the time she realized she wanted to live the damage had already been done. No doubt had this happen during later times she would be alive today. I LOVE the Carpenters! The sound of her voice has never been matched, and it’s just something about her voice that resonates with listeners til this day.
He's still making money off her corpse today. I never liked him because I always thought he wanted to run her life. That isn't a loving brother at all.
EB, well said! I love her to this very day, and always!
I think Karen's mother and brother are narcissists. I think they used her and really only loved themselves. If they were concerned for Karen, it was a selfish concern about their fame and money train coming to the end of the line. I can find no evidence of them taking any responsibility for their treatment of Karen contributing to her eating disorder and subsequent death. It was only about securing Richard tool for fame.
They keep saying she didn't die of anorexia, but of these drugs... But she was taking these medications because of her anorexia, therefore, yes she died an anorexia-related death. I mean, clearly the issues were very much related.
Exactly!
It used to be that to be classified anorexic your weight needed to be 25% under the minimum weight for your height.
@@Denidrakes69 Indeed, and death by malnutrition, however, we now know that the disease is not restricted to that definition.
I believe it may have been Patsy Cline who said many people relate more to songs of suffering and sadness than they do of happiness and joy. Patsy and Karen sang the blues as much as Janis. RIP, Karen. Thank you for making the world better for those of us who feel suffering and sadness, too.
😅😅😅
The human condition.
I'm afraid that Karen's mother has to have some of the blame for Karen's illness. She doted on Richard, and pretty much ignored Karen UNTIL Karen became ill. Maybe it was a way of getting attention and love from their mother. Couple that with Richard, who is a control freak, then the pressure on Karen must of been immense. Both her brother and her mother did not like her husband, nor the fact she had made a solo album. I feel very sorry for Karen coming from that family.
Her mother also insisted that she go through with the marriage when Karen wanted to cancel it. The marriage was an absolute disaster in Karen's life.
Her mother and brother are completely to blame. They used her and mentally abused her so that Richard could experience fame. It's absolutely shameful. And even after Karen's death, they didn't seem to do any self reflection or take any responsibility for their roles in Karen's death.
Yes I heard in the end of the movie that Mrs carpenter did,nt say I love you .That bit was put in as Karen walked up the stairs .Very sad 😢😢😢
108# and 5'4" at the time of her death does not prove she not emaciated and severely malnourished. Richard said she gained 30 pounds in 6 weeks but that just could mean her heart was failing and she was gaining dangerous water weight
She wanted to her own woman, she wanted to grow and sing without her brother, sometimes people wants to try things on their own, nothing wrong with that. I think her family would not let her grow up.
So sad, it is all about her voice. She was a human being who needed to be loved unconditionally. Talk about dysfunctional families. I have a whole new view of this entire situation. It makes me sad to hear Richard just say, it is sad because of the music we could make. I hope he said more and they cut it out. Seems perhaps GOD NEEDED HER MORE IN HEAVENS CHOIR BECAUSE SHE really WAS NOT APPRECIATED BEYOND HER VOICE.
When was around 3 or 4 I remember that voice coming from the radio singing 'Every time I listen To The Radio...' and I loved her voice ever since - it's imprinted on my memory
This also doesn't mention that the mother doted on Richard and ignored Karen until Karen became anorexic. I've read that in several places. Have also read negative things about Levenkron, who does seem to be trying to prove in the face of criticism from Karen's friends that he "cured" her of her anorexia.
This type of show is how conspiracy theories gain steam. The sad part of this is that in the early 80's there was not much known in the medical or psychological community about AN. Today, she might have had a real chance at beating this.
It is difficult at best to watch this two part report. It is a sad epitath to a moment in time when Karen was "on top of the world", musically, if not emotionally. I still miss her voice and smile, and think of the happiness she brought to so many.
heres something interesting. richard started going out with the bands hairstylist and when it got seroius, karen and her mother agnes put a stop to it right away. maybe if you reach this level of stardom, there is a control factor that plays in
Ms Midwest Invasion: As I understand it Richard was controlling and when Karen made the album without him he allegedly raged at her for trying to break them up and thinking only of herself.
RC was a control freak. His perfectionism drove their stardom. But his fame was eclipsed by his sister's unmatched voice. He couldn't compete. So, instead of embracing Karen's solo album as a positive thing, he tore it down out of jealousy. Just because Karen had a solo album doesn't mean The Carpenters couldn't continue publishing music and touring. Richard's lack of imagination and controlling nature further damaged Karen psychologically. Which only worsened her self esteem and eating disorder. Truth be told, Karen's mother, brother, and Karen herself were all involved in Karen's death. Heartbreaking. RIP Karen ❤🙏
Strange, I didn't hear the doctor (that so easily jumps to do interviews), name the heart specialist he refered her to... The moment he took those pills from her and learned of the ipecac. He also should have sent her to endocrine, nephrology, etc., (God knows the damage her kidneys/liver may have incurred. They would have had to be very careful to get her balanced and back up slowly and safely. Thank goodness it was public and gave a face to the disease... Too bad symptoms/causes weren't as sensationally addressed.
its a shame she isn't with us anymore, she had the best female voice ever! she is my favorite singer. :)
she helps me deal with SA evetytime I hear her voice and look at her little bold face behind the drums. When she smiles I swear to god my heart flutters like a bird. she overwhelms me.
Helps to listen to the carpenters when driving,who can have road rage when listening to that voice God bless her soul
Goodbye beautiful angel.
This doctor if he is still alive should be ashamed of himself. Making her like she was a druggie. Yes, she was anorexic, any laxative use etc was an extension of that. She may have been trying to maintain, not to gain anymore weight, but she was still anorexic. Poor dear sweet beautiful one. They never last long.
Hey... isn't that doctor not supposed to talk about her, even if she's dead?
Rest In Peace Karen Anne Carpenter. February 4, 1983
From the very start, Karen had 2 huge strikes against her. All of her life, older Brother was favored , doted on, & had his way. Karen was the chubby little sis who tagged along, until that incredible voice overshadowed big brother. Add to that a domineering, controlling Mother , a rival for Rich's attention , & she had not a chance. The marriage was a horrific disaster, & she had no support from her Mother. Karen retreated into laxatives, Ipecac, & thyroid pills. What a tragedy. Wolfsky9
ya, and to make matters worse, joe osborne wanted to sign just karen to a record deal. i think karen had a one in a billion voice that can never be redone. just amazing
Her autopsy report was released long ago. I think what the issue is- and being poorly stated- is that if she was just “ starving herself “. It would be a death from Anorexia. But technically what stopped her heart that day was listed as ipecac poisoning. I was forced to take it one time in the ER after a suicide attempt. But if you drink full a bottle just once, it can permanently destroy heart muscle. Imagine how much damage there was taking it multiple times a week. Granted her illness to pursue thinness at all cost drove her to drink the ipecac but you know that autopsies are legal documents and the law focuses on the details and not the overall picture.
she died of Anorexia Nervosa! if she didn't have it she wouldn't have been taking the drugs simple!
Yes! It's ridiculous to say/think otherwise.
I couldn't believe it when her Psychologist said that! Her use of these medications was motivated by this relentless illness. I also question the ethics, and certainly the motives of a psychologist who breaks confidentiality on national television!
Wow, I use to think this show was so trashy when it was on, but compared to the gossipy shows we have now (i.e. TMZ) it's the soul of decency.
Her marriage failed because her husband, nine years her senior, had an 18 year old child and failed to tell her he had a vasectomy. He refused to reverse it. Therefore, the marriage ended after just 14 months.
what a quack that dr. is: he says “karen recovered from all her anorexic behaviors by the time she died” then immediately starts talking about her taking 70 to 80 laxatives when she died. with?!
When Karen died it was made clear that she had gained 30 pounds which was healthy for her except years of anorexia nervosa damaged her heart. So, I believe the drug uses plus anorexia nervosa damages already done to Karen's body was the time bomb. I cried oceans when she died and I miss her beautiful presence and voice to this day. RIP Karen.
If she recovered was she still taking laxatives and ipacec?
I agree with everything you said but "the saddest life story"..This in my opinion is not true. She has brought so much to us here and now. Personally, everytime I hear Karen sing I feel I am at the gates of heaven. Just look at her smile, I mean really smile,Karen was ver y happy girl you can see that in her eyes. When she got sick of course it went downhill for this lovely woman...but she is still very much alive and happy.
I don't like that doctor at all. It certainly WAS the anorexia that killed her - the death certificate said something like "complications from anorexia nervosa". The severe weight loss first showed up in the mid-70s. All those drugs wouldn't have been taken otherwise - in other documentaries it was discussed that she put the weight back on too quickly for her heart to take and that makes sense. Probably the epicac did tip her over the edge. I'm sure we'll never know everything. So sad.
And who decided to NOT release the album? Damn them straight to hell!
The record company advised her not to and she made the decision. No else but her.
She was skin and bones people..! just look at how little there is to her under that white sheet at 1:27..! She ain,t been eating for week,s..! Even the firefigther,s turned up there know it..! they were just tolled not to say anything to any one about it..!
I could not imagine abusing laxatives. That is just so wild to me.
Just thinking about that makes me ill. The worst way you can destroy your body besides abusing drugs.
R.I.P KAREN CARPENTER WE LOVE YOU AND MISSED YOUR BEAUTIFUL VOICE LOVE FROM AUSTRALIA
To me, doctors seem to care nothing abt mental health or eating disorders. They only fat shame. And you don't have to be emaciated to have an eating disorder. You can look normal, or even overweight. A stupid dr told me iron overload hurts the heart more than anemia. Total bull. Drs need to help people so they want to help themselves.
Some people need more love than others. I hope she is surrounded by the Love of God and his light for all eternity.
IMHO, gifted people like Karen tend to be emotionally fragile. Not only was she gifted, she made it to the very top, so she was also driven. Look at the number of gifted people we have lost since Karen, And now Whitney Houston. I was so shocked when she died, but since then I am never shocked by the death of a gifted musical talent at a young age as it is seen so frequently. Also, I don't believe she had a miserable life. All of those smiles were fake? An unfortunate early demise.
She didn't die of anorexia. She died from complications caused by anorexia. Just as those with aids, the ones that die do not die from aids, they die from complications caused by aids, such as pneumonia. She was beautiful and could sing like noone else. She needed someone to support her in her career and her private life. She was used by everyone, including Richard.
I have to wonder how much control Richard had over his sister... I never saw her with a boyfriend... Draw your own conclusions but mine is clear, She was in his control!
Jim Chouinard and despite whatever Richard may credit himself with? He was nothing behind the carpenters it was Karen's voice alone!
Richard was a very important part of the duo. His arrangements, composing and talent was as stellar as Karen's voice.
Karen did get married at one point in her life. So she did have a man in her life, but the marriage didn't last that long.
I know..its something up with him.
Never had a boyfriend?. Mike Curb and Terry Ellis immediately spring to mind and of course that SOB Tom Burris that she married.
It's sad I get the impression that she was only important to her brother vocally. Not I really loved my sister and miss her everyday or,she would of loved having niece and nephew's and would of loved to be a mother... Nope!!! He last statement look at all the music we've could of made. Um that's fu××ed up. Yes she had an angelic voice you could feel her pain in her music. But her brother only thought about all the music he could of made. Shame on her family!
Love her.and I still do.
To many dreams unfulfilled
I feel Karen's family had a strong dedication to each other; and Karen being the youngest was most likely overpowered by her strong mother. Karen was also believing the press that she was chubby. Society doesn't put this much pressure on men as it does women to be perfect. I believe that Karen, with all her talent, felt not up to par with what society said she should be.
I understand what you're saying. I watched the story about Karen Carpenter and I remember when a man said that he remembers when a producer told Karen that she had to lose weight because she looked 30 pounds heavier on camera. I wish that he never would've told Karen that. People have got to be careful about what they say because all it takes is one remark that could trigger somebody into having an eating disorder. Karen was always beautiful to me and she wasn't overweight before she became anorexic. Her voice was amazing. I liked all of her and her brother's songs.
karen starved herself because of her mom's love added the fact Richard was in the hospital that's the time she was now taking laxatives and etc. if u notice agnes never shed a tear on her own daughter which makes you wonder does she loved karen more than Richard? watch goodbye to love the karen carpenter documentary it will explain everything on why she starved herself
+Jakeian Martinez I really think that Karen starved herself because a producer made an off-hand remark to her. If you watch the story about Karen Carpenter, somebody had mentioned that a producer told her that she looked 30 pounds heavier on camera. I also disagree with you when you said that Agnes never shed a tear about Karen's death. I watched the story about Karen Carpenter and one of the Carpenter's friends had called Agnes shortly after Karen died, and Agnes was so depressed, that she couldn't come to the phone to talk. So Agnes took Karen's death very hard. Richard had to tell the person that called that Agnes was too upset to come to the phone.
im a woman 5 foot 9 and 120 pounds and still feel fat. we all do it, but dont go down all the way to 80 pounds, then you got a problem.
2:25 to skip intros and bits of part 1.
So she didn't die from anorexia but she died from abuse over time of laxatives, synthroid, and ipecac - all tools anorexics use to lose weight and that perfectly signify anorexic behaviors. Let's summarize, shall we? "A Current Affair"'s big revelation is.....She didn't die from anorexia nervosa; she died from anorexia nervosa.
It used to be that to be classified anorexia your body weight needed to be 25% below the minimum weight for your height. Hers wasn't.
What is the song that starts at 4:52?
Solitaire
She was in peace and free with herself and from the pressure from success and her family only in death
I concur. What a voice. But to help us through of grieving we have KD.
The irony is in fans eyes she was perfect, she needed to do nothing to alter herself.
It shows just how much shame is associated with ED. At the end of the day, humans cannot rationalize such an irrational disorder
I’ve never trusted Richard. He comes across as arrogant.
That Dr./Psychologist is a quack.
They killed her anyway. Starved her of love and happiness.
Actually, she died of heart failure, brought on by a weakened body...
4:25 and that's wrong
Nothing. 'She' was recast. Read Miles Mathis.
Why would a doctor give you those tablets
I also wondered how she got the synthroid. That's a medication prescribed for people w/hypothyroidism. It's not an over-the-counter med.
What was the Lily Tomlin quick shot?
Philip Tonee, That was Cherry Boone O'Neil, she suffered from anorexia for many years but actually recovered from and was able to have a normal life.
Karen did not die from ipecac poisoning. For God's sake, the hospital where she died, Downey Community Hospital, listed her cause of death as Hyperosmolar Coma. Diabetic Coma. Her blood sugar was 1110. It shut down her nervous system, which was why she couldn't be resuscitated, paddles or not. Was she diagnosed with diabetes or not, and how long was she in this condition? This is never addressed because the truth is not as headline sensational as "anorexia". Everything surrounding her death stinks of malpractice and PR damage control. How she was functioning when most people would pass out by 500-700 is highly questionable.
She likely wasn’t eating full meals but instead existing on quick non nutritional snacks that would bring on diabetes over a period of time so that makes sense. All the health issues ultimately had to do with anorexia and insecurity issues with her weight and appearance. Self doubt without support can be a terrible issue to endure.
@@pauldrew3696 Let's assume the hospital had done it's due diligence and made sure all her vitals were normal and stabilized at checkout. There was only what, 3 months from discharge to death. During that period her weight had stabilized. No one has explained how in 3 months she went from a normal blood sugar level at discharge to one that was ten times normal while maintaining a stable weight. The only real explanation is that she was diabetic at the outset. The night before her passing she had shrimp salad and tacos, certainly not a spike inducing meal without a precondition. Had she reverted to ipecac and laxatives, her weight would have gone down. It didn't. There's something missing here or it's been intentionally hidden.
@@billparthum206
I wouldn’t even pretend to know exactly what caused her death and I don’t buy into the books and movies that shame her family for it. I would say that 10 years of hard touring and ridiculous pressure from record companies and managers could ruin anyone’s health by keeping irregular hours, not eating right and the absolute worse of not getting quality sleep. Whatever underlying problems she had was magnified by being worked to death in a literal sense.
youre right, being in the spotlight all the time and struggling with being her was very hard thing to go through
Richard and Agnes try to disappear Karens legacy!!!!
PSYOP.
Stop the endless recaps.
I was always of the impression that Karen was gay... no judgment, just the way I'd always thought of her. When she passed away, I wondered if that was somehow a part of the self perception she was struggling with.
I see your point of view. I believe she was a straight woman whose insecurities about “not being beautiful and perfect enough” slowly destroyed her. How I wish she had a strong support group of true friends and she had listened to them. Thank you.
@@nomiddlenamenmn427 Funny to read a reply from a comment made three years ago. I think I'd have to watch it again to make any kind of reasonable reply, haha. One thing's for sure, her voice was incredible, and their songs always take me back to when I was growing up.
If Karen was living in modern day today she most definitely would have been a meth user. It would’ve given her the energy the slimness and it was horribly inexpensive And most of Hollywood is on it.