Amy Winehouse enters rehabilitation facility for drug addiction

By David Stringer

LONDON – Amy Winehouse, beset by allegations of substance abuse, entered a rehabilitation facility Thursday to battle drug addiction.

The announcement came just days after the 24-year-old singer was pictured in British tabloid The Sun inhaling fumes from a small pipe. Police have launched an inquiry into the matter.

“Amy decided to enter the facility today after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors,” Universal Music Group said in a statement.

“She has come to understand that she requires specialist treatment to continue her ongoing recovery from drug addiction,” the statement said.

Winehouse, who is nominated for six Grammy Awards for her acclaimed “Back to Black” album, seems to be as famous for her drug problems as for her music. Since the album’s U.S. release last year, she has canceled a slew of appearances amid reports of drug use.

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The album’s most popular song, “Rehab,” references her struggles, and is a defiant anthem against entering a treatment facility.

“Amy is the most talented and important musical artist of her generation and has made huge strides on her road to recovery,” the statement said.

Universal said it hoped Winehouse would “come back to full health and fulfill her incredible potential with the label.”

The statement also indicated Winehouse still planned to attend and perform at the Grammys, to be held Feb. 10 in Los Angeles.

She canceled a scheduled appearance Saturday at the NRJ music awards ceremony in France, Universal said.

According to The Sun, video of Winehouse apparently using drugs was shot before she attended a court hearing to see her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, appear on charges of assault and lying to police.

Winehouse was photographed walking outside her London home last month wearing only a bra and jeans, with no shoes, looking distressed.