LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators confirmed Tuesday they are looking into possible drug use on the set of "The Biggest Loser."
An investigation was triggered earlier this month when "a journalist advised Malibu/Lost Hills station personnel of a news report regarding unsubstantiated allegations of illegal narcotics use in the past on the set of the television reality show, 'The Biggest Loser,'" according to sheriff's Lt. James Royal.
The NBC show "was filmed in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County within the Malibu/Lost Hills station area. Based on the information contained in the news report, Malibu/Lost Hills Station personnel are conducting an inquiry regarding the unsubstantiated allegations," he said.
No additional information was released by the sheriff's department, but the program's production company, Endemol Shine, issued a statement denying the allegations.
"We believe these allegations are without merit and false," it read. "The safety and well-being of our contestants is, and has always been, paramount. Contestants are told at the start of the show that there is zero tolerance for any weight loss drugs. We prohibit the use of any illegal substances, in addition to the many other rules and procedures of the show that are designed to ensure safety."
