US:Actress Lana Clarkson told a friend she did not want to live anymore just days before she died from a gunshot wound at music producer Phil Spector's mansion, the friend has testified in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Punkin Laughlin, who called Clarkson her best friend, testified on Monday that Clarkson drank, used drugs and was depressed about her faltering acting career. She said Clarkson, who had supported herself acting in commercials and low-budget films, felt "humiliated" by working at the House of Blues as a hostess after acting work dried up.
Her frustration erupted at a party about a week before her death, Ms Laughlin said. When film director Michael Bay, whom Clarkson had once worked with on a car commercial, did not recognise her, the actress broke down in tears, Ms Laughlin said.
Soon afterwards, Ms Laughlin recalled, Clarkson told her, "I don't want to live anymore. I don't want to live in this town. I want to end it."
Clarkson was shot through the mouth in Spector's mansion on February 3rd, 2003.
Spector, the legendary music producer for the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers and Ike and Tina Turner, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is free on bail. His lawyers claim Clarkson shot herself after going to Spector's home shortly after meeting him at the House of Blues.
Prosecutor Alan Jackson questioned Ms Laughlin's memory and motives. He asked why she did not mention the call from Clarkson when she was interviewed shortly after Clarkson's death. Ms Laughlin said a friend had cautioned her not to speak about Clarkson without a lawyer.
Ms Laughlin said under questioning by Mr Jackson that she had spoken to a writer about collaborating on a book that would detail her relationship with Clarkson. She also acknowledged she had contacted a publicist after Clarkson's death.
When Mr Jackson asked if she had sought financial gain from her connection to Clarkson, Ms Laughlin said she had not, adding, "You're kidding, right?" -