George Clooney's girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis named 'in cocaine probe'
By Nick Pisa
Last updated at 10:57 PM on 31st July 2010
According to statements leaked to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera and La Repubblica newspaper she is alleged to have been seen snorting cocaine twice at a Milan nightspot The Club which is now under investigation.
Scandal: Elisabetta Canalis, pictured with George Clooney at the Oscars in March, has been named in a cocaine probe
Karima Menad, 26, said to be a wannabe model from Paris, who turned to prostitution after failing to find fame in Milan, told prosecutor Frank Di Maio: 'I remember taking cocaine with Elisabetta Canalis and two others. 'We were in The Club and it was December 2007. We had been at a party of some famous, rich celebrity whose name I cannot remember.
I don't remember who brought the drugs but we all took it.' Reports said that Menad had given her testimony in 2008 and that it had emerged after prosecutor Di Maio used it as part of his official request to have the owners of the club held in custody while the probe continued.
Besides The Club another famous Milan nightspot Hollywood is also under investigation by prosecutors after clients were secretly filmed by police taking drugs in the toilets both are favoured by the Italian jet set as well as passing high profile VIPs including David Beckham.
Wedding rumours: The couple in Canalis's native Italy earlier this month
Yesterday a spokesman for SMI, Canalis's management agency said: 'We have no comment to make on this,' while prosecutor Di Maio did not return calls. Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that a call girl ring operated out of both clubs with some girls possibly being minors.
Among other high profile Italian celebrities linked to the probe is stunning model and TV presenter Belen Rodriguez. She has cultivated a 'squeaky clean image' but according to statements in the investigation was also seen taking cocaine.
