Friday, November 21, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: Theory about Roy's stroke stuns crowd

Siegfried Fischbacher points Thursday to the spot of the attack on his partner, Roy Horn, while speaking at the Siegfried & Roy Theatre at The Mirage during a Nevada Cancer Institute benefit. Photo by Jeff Scheid.

Siegfried Fischbacher told a stunned VIP crowd on Thursday at The Mirage that he thinks Roy Horn suffered a stroke just moments before the Oct. 3 attack onstage by a white tiger.

Fischbacher revealed his theory during his return to the Siegfried & Roy Theatre where his longtime entertainment partner was mauled. His remarks came before a crowd of more than 600 attending a $1,500-a-plate fund-raiser for the Nevada Cancer Institute.

While saying he wanted to clarify details of the attack, Fischbacher created more confusion. A series of "mini-strokes ... caused Roy to stumble," Fischbacher said.

Too emotional to continue at one point, he stuck to his earlier story that Montecore, the white tiger, was in a protective mode when he dragged Horn 35 feet "to safety."

An MGM Mirage executive shook his head in disbelief at the latest twist in the bizarre saga.

"Male tigers don't carry their cubs," the executive said.

In the Spotlight

The Michael Jackson case has elevated CMX Entertainment and Sports, a little-known local studio with big plans, into the national spotlight.

The studio where Jackson is shooting the video for his new single "One More Chance" is owned by Chicago commodities traders Tony and Eric Brown, with financial ties to Don King, sources say.

Jackson's relationship with the Browns began last summer during a meeting in Neverland.

The company has extensive show business connections and hired new Las Vegas resident Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant,to work on sports projects. CMX was involved in shooting the recent B movie "Vegas Vamps," starring Mike Tyson's girlfriend.

CMX reportedly paid more than $200,000 for a limo previously owned by Tina Turner.

The Scene and Heard

Sheriff Bill Young was not a Jackson fan on Thursday night while watching the legendary Eagles perform at The Mirage benefit. Choosing his words carefully, he called Jackson's circuitous route around the city on Thursday "a circus."

"I'd like to know what they were thinking," Young said. ...

Jackson fans are calling for global candlelight vigils on Saturday, including one near the CMX studio, located behind the Palms hotel, at 5 p.m.

May I Recommend ...

The Chocolate Pot Pie at The Steak House at T.I., formerly Treasure Island, deserves instant induction in the Hall of Fame of Las Vegas desserts. T.I. executive chef Debra Mitchell describes it as a "gooey chocolate brownie mixed with a chocolate custard," domed with puff pastry and topped with Ben & Jerry's vanilla bean ice cream. Price: $6.50.

The Punch Line

"Police believe he was in Vegas shooting a video with R. Kelly." -- Jimmy Kimmel, about Jackson.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.