Aussie Idol Kiwi denies high time in musical

Lavina Williams

New Zealand singer Lavina Williams, a finalist in the current Australian Idol series, has denied baking a batch of marijuana-laced muffins while starring in The Lion King musical.

The 27-year-old was accused of making the muffins for cast members of the multi-million Disney musical while it was playing in Melbourne.

The show finished in June, but Williams left two weeks before it finished, following a meeting with Disney executives.

"They said either you leave or we will do something about it," Williams told the Sunday Herald-Sun newspaper.

She said she sought legal advice and spoke to her family about the situation, but decided reluctantly to leave the show.

"I would have loved to stay," she said.

"It was just unhealthy [being falsely accused]."

I am not saying I did not enjoy the journey in The Lion King.

"I loved every moment of it, but being put in that position and being accused of something I did not do was so wrong in my books.

"I am going to stick to my guns. I am not going to change my story at all, because all I can say is the truth.

"I did not do that. I am not guilty."

Williams, formerly in the Auckland group Ma-V-Elle, toured with The Lion King for 2 years and was playing the key role of Shenzi, the queen hyena, when she left the show.

She said she had never used drugs and as a role model to her sisters and brother would never be involved with illegal substances.

Williams' sister, Emily, was runner-up in last year's Australian Idol series.

- NZPA