PETA president Ingrid Newkirk shoots down report that Pamela was banned from Sam's funeral, saying that the former 'Baywatch' star was in front row and gave a eulogy at the Saturday service.
- March 17, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Pamela Anderson attended fellow PETA activist Sam Simon's funeral in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 14 despite a TMZ report that she was banned from the service over a $800,000 ring. PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement on Monday, March 16 that Pamela was in front row and gave a eulogy before other mourners including Conan O'Brien, Kate Walsh, Bob Barker and Drew Carey.
Ingrid said, "Sam Simon's private service was held on Saturday, and Pamela Anderson was in the front row. She called Sam the only real gentleman in her life. Pam and Sam were both PETA honorary directors. They bonded over their concern about animal abuse, and if he gave her a ring, it's strictly between the two of them and no one else."
"She cheered him up and arranged for a personal trainer to help him be less dependent on his cane, while he supported her as she struggled with divorce. They were solid pals, and Sam was a generous man who knew his own mind right up to the end," she added.
Pamela's friends told Page Six that the former "Baywatch" actress deserved the ring given by Sam.
Sam's girlfriend Kate Porter denied that family of the co-creator of "he Simpsons" was upset because they felt Pamela "took advantage of a weak man and should never have accepted the gift." Kate posted on Twitter, "It's not a true story. Whoever did this should be ashamed of themselves. Very upsetting to all of us!"
