Former Studio 54 Owner Announces He'll End His Life On 13 July

The former owner of the famous New York City nightclub, Studio 54, has announced that he plans to end his life on 13 July.

Mark Fleischman took over the iconic venue in Manhattan in the 80s, where he lived a life that revolved around sex, drugs and rock and roll, partying with the likes of Andy Warhol, Calvin Klein, Liza Minelli and Cher.

But since 2016 he has been suffering with a condition that experts have been unable to diagnose, and now the 82-year-old feels like a 'vegetable'.

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As such, he has taken the difficult decision to book a one-way business class flight to Zurich, where he will legally end his life with non-profit Dignitas.

Speaking to the New York Post, he said: "I can't walk, my speech is f**ked up and I can't do anything for myself.

"My wife helps me get into bed and I can't dress or put on my shoes. I am taking a gentle way out. It is the easiest way out for me."

Fleischman said he has been thinking about suicide for two years. His wife of 27 years, Mimi, initially tried to talk him out of it, but she has now accepted his wishes and will fly with him to Zurich.

She said: "It’s going to be horrible. He is my partner and we are devoted to each other. So it is the end of a part of me as well.

"I have to honour what he wants. [But] he is not giving me a choice. He wants to end his life and this is a dignified way to do it."

Indeed, her husband plans to go out in style.

He said: "We're staying in a beautiful place, a resort on the lake.

"I used to play tennis, and they have tennis courts there. Considering that I have never been to Zurich, maybe we will sight-see a little bit. Then, on Wednesday, I meet in the apartment that Dignitas has. I take a drink, I fall asleep and that's it."

As for why he's decided to go public with the decision, Fleischman said there shouldn't be any shame associated with assisted dying.

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He said: "At 82, I decided, why keep it a secret? I lived on my own terms. I am not afraid of anything. Not even death. I look forward to it.

"I don't believe in the hereafter. But I want to know what happens when I die. I'm curious. If I do come back as something else, I think it will be a wolf or a polar bear, an animal that has a good life."

He added: "I was going to go to Zurich and 'have a stroke' while on vacation.

"I think people are ashamed [of assisted suicide]. But there is no shame in what I am doing. It is proper and reasonable at my age. I have done everything and been everywhere and met everyone I want to meet."

Here's a list of the leading mental health helplines and services that are just a call away in the UK:

- Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will talk to you about anything that's bothering you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Welsh Language Line on 0300 164 0123 from 7pm to 11pm every day.

- The Mix take calls from under 25s on 0808 808 4994 from seven days a week from 3pm to 12am. You can request support by email using the form on The Mix website or using their crisis text messenger service.

- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is there for under 35s struggling with suicidal feelings, or those who are concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 every day from 9am to 12am. You can also email [email protected] or text 07860 039 967.

- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) caters specifically to males on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. Alternatively, you can use their webchat service.

- The Nightline website allows students to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

- Switchboard is there for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and can be reached on 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day. You can also email here or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

- The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). is available for those who live in Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737, which is open 24/7. You can also text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.