US newspaper columnist dubs Heath Ledger 'reckless and selfish'

Melbourne, Feb 8 : A US newspaper columnist has slammed Heath Ledger, describing the late actor 'reckless, greedy and selfish'.

Andrea Peyser wrote in her column of New York Post that she was disgusted by the actor's option to 'self-destruct' with prescription drugs.

The criticism comes on the day when a private funeral is expected to be held in Perth for the star, ruled to have died from an accidental overdose of drugs.

Peyser said that the 28-year-old actor had paid little regard for his daughter, Matilda, ex-fiancee Michelle Williams or his parents.

"There is nothing noble or beautiful about the so-called accidental death of Heath Ledger, a man with everything to live for - a beautiful daughter, a blossoming career, and a Victoria's Secret catalogue-full of willing babes," News.com.au quoted her, as stating in her column.

"He threw it away, as gamely as if he had put a gun to his mouth and pulled the trigger. He was reckless and greedy. He was fundamentally selfish.

"Now his daughter will grow up never knowing the man she worshipped from birth; his parents must bury a son they cherished," she added.

Peyser further said that people should not cry for Ledger.

"Cry for Heath's daughter. Cry for his parents. Cry for Michelle Williams. But don't cry for Heath," she said.

However, Peyser's criticism has sparked controversy with TV talk shows that are debating the columnist's view.

According to Whoopi Goldberg, a co-host on the US morning TV show, The View, the columnist was 'pot-shotting'.

"If you're going to say 'cry for his wife and cry for his daughter' then you cannot sit there and not cry for him," Goldberg said.

Elisabeth Hasselback co-host on 'The View,' said the column was 'irresponsible'.

"I thought 'You don't know him'. For me, it just made me sad because he was dealing with some demons be it depression or anxiety or a lack of sleep," Hasselback said.

"To not know someone's situation and certainly not knowing their intention, to make those claims, I thought was slightly irresponsible," she added.

ANI