Olivia Newton-John Holds Exorcism at Florida Home
Olivia Newton-John reportedly hired an exorcist to cleanse the home where her contractor committed suicide last month. The performer allegedly made the decision after friend Rosie O'Donnell backed out her deal to buy the home.
Christopher Pariseleti, 41, shot himself while working at Newton-John's home in Florida. Police conducted an investigation into the shooting and determined that he had taken his own life while the house was empty and no other workers were around.
"This case investigation has been classified as a suicide and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Pariseleti," Jupiter Police spokesman Scott Pascarella said in a statement. "Based on preliminary information, we believe the gun did not belong to anyone in the house."
Newton-John and husband John Easterling made the decision to fly in a Catholic priest to perform the ritual, which included prayers and the sprinkling of holy water around the house. Two friends attended the exorcism, according to the Sunday Express.
The actress hopes that the exorcism, and reducing the price of the home, will attract new buyers to the $5.6 million mansion. However, at least one realtor told the Express that "whoever buys the home will always know that someone blew their brains out in there. It is not the nicest housewarming present."
Newton-John and Easterling were not in Florida when Pariseleti took his life, and no one has offered any explanation as to why the successful contractor may have committed suicide.
"He was just the nicest person you ever want to meet," neighbor Marilyn Barfield told Celebuzz. "He's a longtime contractor of Olivia's. He did the total remodel of the house. I can't believe it."
The famous couple has not spoken about the incident but released a statement through a publicist shortly after news broke about the shooting.
"Olivia and her husband John are in shock over the tragic event that occurred at their Florida home yesterday," the statement explained.
