Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Carrey said he wants to "stand up and defend" his "honour"

Jim Carrey has said a wrongful death legal case filed by the estranged husband of his former girlfriend is an attempt to "exploit" him.

Court documents show Carrey has been sued for allegedly obtaining drugs under a false name for Cathriona White, who died of an overdose last year.

The Hollywood actor has vowed to fight the case.

"I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved," Carrey said in a statement.

"I really hope that some day soon people will stop trying to profit from this and let her rest in peace."

He added: "It would be easy for me to get in a back room with this man's lawyer and make this go away, but there are some moments in life when you have to stand up and defend your honour against the evil in this world."

Carrey 'shocked' by ex-partner's death

Mark Burton, the estranged husband of Carrey's former partner Cathriona White, said the actor used his "immense wealth and celebrity status" to obtain prescription drugs illegally. It is alleged that Carrey then tried to hide his involvement.

Ms White, who was 30 and originally from County Tipperary in Ireland, was found dead after overdosing on prescription drugs, according to the coroner's office.

Coroner's officials ruled White's death as a suicide.

Reports at the time said the couple had an on-off relationship and had broken up again days before her death.

Further allegations

According to the case filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Carrey, 54, obtained the drugs under the fake name "Arthur King".

He then "took steps to conceal and obfuscate his involvement and culpability".

Mr Burton also claimed that Carrey sent a "bogus message" to Ms White on the day before her body was found "in an effort to cover up his conduct and complicity in her death".

In the message, he asked about the whereabouts of the drugs.

Mark Burton also alleged Carrey had an "obsession with controlling and manipulating" her and that he used surveillance cameras on her home to monitor her.

The case - for violation of the drug dealer liability act and wrongful death - seeks unspecified damages as well as reimbursement for funeral expenses and lawyer's fees.

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