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Several weeks ago rampant rumors spread about Mischa Barton suffering a nervous breakdown. Supposedly this led to her being placed under involuntary psychiatric hold at LA's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and caused her to miss the premiere event for her new show, "Beautiful People," and pushed back production. Barton now adamantly denies the breakdown and any substance problems, claiming she had "terrible" wisdom tooth surgery. As for why she was removed from her West Hollywood home July 15 by police, Barton remains vague.
"I went through a tough spot where everything compounded on me, and it was like a perfect storm, like everything was happening to me at once," says Barton. "I was down in the dumps about everything there for a while...Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom about things and have to get the most stressed out just to feel better again. I got completely stressed out and couldn't handle everything, and now I feel really in control." Hmm, that sounds like a breakdown to us. Barton is entitled to her privacy, but she chose to give an excuse that sounds questionable. We're not sure why.
Kelly Osborne also just came clean about her recent issues. It's no secret her whole famous family has battled with substance abuse problems. but we never knew how severe Kelly's addictions were till now. She says that by 2002 she began experimented with drugs, alcohol and specifically subscription pills, at on point taking up to 50 Vicodin a day. "Most people would overdose on 10," she says. After trying and failing at rehabilitation centers several times, she was placed under psychiatric care are the request of her parents. When she got home, she became a recluse. "I wasn't prepared for the speed of my downward spiral," says Osbourne. "Within a month I wasn't showering or brushing my teeth and my only relationship was with the pizza delivery man. The fact I didn't die is a miracle." She is honest yet optimistic about staying sober. "If I think about relapsing again, I want to cry. I'm realistic. For the first time, I've learned my biggest lesson: there's strong chance I will relapse. But because I recognize that, I feel like I've got the strength to fight it."
We admire Osbourne's strength and her willingness to share her struggle with others whom it may benefit. Do you think celebrities should share their personal battles? Do you think stars should lie about various incidents at the risk of lying, or would it be better for them to keep their private life private? [US][Perez]
