Anna Nicole Smith's Best Friend Speaks Out About Howard K. Stern

No Love Lost Between Her Best Friend and Alleged Lover

Appearing on FOX NEWS in a live interview, Jackie Hatten introduced herself as Anna Nicole Smith's best friend. A title that has been thrown around by a handful of people lately. Hatten, however, adamantly protested that Anna Nicole had never lied to her and that she had shared many confidences about Howard Stern and other personal issues with her. Hatten claims no stake in the outcome of the proceedings, but says she has stepped forward to help set the record straight and assist in carrying out the last wishes of her best friend, Anna Nicole Smith.

Hatton's description of Howard Stern was that of a manipulator, control freak, and one who kept Anna away from everyone who wanted to help her and help her get off drugs. She reports that Anna Nicole's phone calls were often covert. If Stern realized she was on the phone. He would demand to know who she was talking with, and often just hang up the phone.

Hatten is the godmother of Danielynn. Her interests, she stated, are the best interest of the child. That seems to be the mantra of many participants, but Hatten stands no financial gain from sharing what she believes to be the truth. She explained that Anna had tried to contact her mother, but again, the calls were interrupted by Stern. Hatten believes that Virginia, Anna Nicloe Smith's mother, should receive custody of the child, as next of kin.

She acknowledges, as Stern has repeatedly reported, that the relationship between Anna Nicole and her mother was strained. She did say, however, that the issues between them were old. They were personal and had to do with Anna Nicole's mother and step-father. She said that, especially since Daniel's death, Anna had tried to contact her mother, begging for help. According to Hatten, it was not unusual for the phone to be slammed down, presumably by Howard Stern.