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UCLA Worker Snooped in Farrah's Files

News of star's recurring cancer was leaked to tabloid

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 3, 2008 3:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – A UCLA staffer sneaked peeks into actress Farrah Fawcett's confidential health records and apparently leaked information on her treatment for cancer to the media, the Los Angeles Times reports. Sensational headlines about Fawcett's illness subsequently turned up on the website of the National Enquirer before the star had a chance to tell her son that her cancer had returned.

The worker has reportedly been fired and people close to Fawcett say she has been badly shaken by the invasion of privacy. One of her doctors described the breach as "despicable." Fawcett is now receiving treatment elsewhere. California's public health department is launching a probe, as it did when UCLA fired 13 staffers for going through Britney Spears' files.

Farrah Fawcett arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards in this file photo. UCLA Medical Center officials investigated an employee for accessing Fawcett's medical records and took disciplinary action
Farrah Fawcett arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards in this file photo. UCLA Medical Center officials investigated an employee for accessing Fawcett's medical records and took disciplinary action   (AP Photo)
This 1977 file photo provided by ABC shows actresses Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Farrah Fawcett, from left, as private investigators in the television series Charlie's Angels.
This 1977 file photo provided by ABC shows actresses Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Farrah Fawcett, from left, as private investigators in the television series "Charlie's Angels."   (AP Photo/ABC)
A UCLA staffer surreptitiously went through Farrah Fawcett's medical records. The information was subsequently sold or leaked to tabloids.
A UCLA staffer surreptitiously went through Farrah Fawcett's medical records. The information was subsequently sold or leaked to tabloids.   (Getty Images)
Farrah Fawcett attends the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California, March 8, 2004.
Farrah Fawcett attends the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California, March 8, 2004.   (KRT Photos)
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