Michelle Williams speaks out

HEATH Ledger's former partner Michelle Williams has revealed she is heartbroken over his death but says his spirit lives on in their daughter, Matilda.

In an emotional statement, the actor said two-year-old Matilda was the "spitting image" of Ledger and she would raise her with "the best memories" of her Australian father.

"I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl, who is the spitting image of her father," Williams said in the statement.

"All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day."

Williams said she and Ledger's father Kim, mother Sally and sister Kate marvel at how much Matilda reminds them of Ledger, who was found dead in a Manhattan apartment last month.

"His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals and takes steps two at a time and we know that he is with us still," Williams said.

"She will be brought up with the best memories of him."

Williams, who has avoided the media since Ledger's death, also issued a plea for privacy.

"Please respect our need to grieve privately," Williams said. "My heart is broken."

Williams and Matilda are believed to be in Los Angeles with Ledger's family, who were seen lunching at an upmarket hotel yesterday.

A family group, which included Ledger's mother and father and several children, looked sombre as they dined in a private room of the restaurant.

It is understood the family have remained in LA for a memorial service for Ledger's Hollywood friends before they return to Perth for his funeral, believed to be scheduled for this week.

The New York Medical Examiner's Office, which is responsible for the autopsy into the death of Ledger, 28, said yesterday that a cause of death would probably be released on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Williams, 27, met and fell in love with Ledger in 2004 on the set of Brokeback Mountain.

The pair, who were nominated for Oscars for their roles in the film, became inseparable and celebrated the birth of Matilda in October, 2005.

But their engagement was called off last September.

Since Ledger's death on January 22, reports have alleged that trouble in their relationship was caused by Ledger's use of drugs, a claim denied by his family.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,2...340-661,00.html

I really wish that the press would leave them alone.

Edited February 3, 200817 yr by SnCCorinthos4ever

I really wish that the press would leave them alone.

Amen. I get so sick of the stalkerazzi. Just because you have power with freedom of the press does not mean you are free to just do whatever you want