Malcolm McLaren inquest - Sex Pistols manager ‘was exposed to deadly asbestos’

Published: 27 January 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

MALCOLM McLaren, the former Sex Pistols manager who died last year, was exposed to asbestos during his life, a coroner has ruled.

But an inquest at Poplar Coroner’s Court heard that it was impossible to determine where Mr McLaren (pictured) came into contact with the killer dust, which may have led to his illness.

The impresario died last April at the age of 64 from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

He was living in Paris at the time of his death but travelled to a Swiss clinic with his partner, 37-year-old Young Kim, who was by his bedside, along with his son, Joe Corre, when he died. 

The hearing was told Mr McLaren had had various homes throughout his life, but family members had been unable to establish which property could have contained asbestos. 

Coroner Dr Andrew Reid said: “Mr McLaren died from malignant mesothelioma, that’s not in dispute. It also appears he was exposed to asbestos  but it’s not clear in what context or circumstances.”

Hundreds of fans turned out last year to see Mr McLaren’s funeral cortège pass through Camden Town on its way to Highgate Cemetery.