CNN issued a statement Friday saying that gay CNN journalist Richard Quest had entered a "drug rehabilitation facility" on the orders of a judge following his arrest in New York's Central Park last Friday.

"At this time, CNN's primary concern is for his health and wellbeing. We look forward to Richard returning to CNN International," the broadcaster said in a statement.

A CNN spokesman declined to "speculate" on when Quest would return to the network he joined in 2001. He began his career as a BBC news trainee in 1985 and spent 16 years at the corporation.

Quest was busted in Central Park Friday morning with drugs in his pocket, a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his boot. According to a New York Police Department spokesman he was arrested for "criminal possession of a controlled substance, believed to be methamphetamine and for being in Central Park after closing time".

Last update: 04-25-2008 22:26

Posted by ricky lee, on 05-03-2008 06:31, 1. thats a gay only experience This can only happen to gay men I tell you. I know we celebrate our wonderful differences but that is a bit too different. BDSM in public is bad even in New York where anything goes. Seems like he was having quite the good time until the cops showed up, lol. And who knew he likes rope that much?   » Report this comment to administrator