Jackie O. Henderson gave an emotional statement on live TV this morning, revealing that she had been battling drug addiction in her private life.
The 49-year-old radio host, who was scheduled to read from her upcoming memoir, Jackie O: The Whole Truth, broke down in tears.
Speaking to co-host Kyle Sandilands, Ms Henderson said: “I was scared to tell people about it, I was scared to say it out loud. People would look at me differently and judge me. I know that,” he said.
“I was in a really, really dark place.”
Read more: Crown Princess steps away from royal duties
Jackie O Henderson opened up about her private battle with addiction on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this morning. (Instagram / Kyle and Jackie O)
Henderson admitted to taking painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol during a three-year battle with addiction, which ended with a month-long stay at a rehabilitation center in November 2022.
At the time, Henderson announced that he would be taking an extended leave of absence from “The Kyle and Jackie O Show” to focus on his health as he had been infected with the coronavirus.
She was actually absent because she was suffering from COVID-19 and a lung infection and was being treated at the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs, California.
She called it a “lie by omission” when she read part of her memoir’s prologue on air.
Read more: Australian actor marries fiance on billionaire father’s remote ranch
Ms. Henderson made the revelation by reading the prologue of her memoir. (Instagram)
She had previously kept it a secret and told a small group of close friends the true extent of her problem so she could focus solely on her health and recovery.
The group included her personal assistant, her parents, and her best friend and manager, Gemma O’Neill. Mr Sandilands, his extended family and close friends were kept in the dark until this morning.
For your daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
How a chance phone call led to Jackie O’s $200 million salary
“Where do you draw the line?” Henderson said of her decision to keep her health issues private.
“I didn’t want anyone to know until I was sober for at least a year.”
Read more: The uncomfortable topics Charles and Camilla face in Samoa
Henderson asked her 13-year-old daughter Kitty for permission before sharing. (Instagram/Jackie O)
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay up-to-date with all the latest on Celebrity, Lifestyle and Opinion via our WhatsApp channel. There are no comments, no algorithms, and no one can see your personal information.
Mr Henderson said he asked his 13-year-old daughter Kitty for permission before revealing the truth, and praised her for treating him with “compassion”.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter. Her attitude so far has been non-judgmental, just caring and supportive,” Henderson said.
She said she wanted to speak out about the fight to reduce the “stigma” surrounding addiction.
“I want to apologize to my listeners and everyone in my life,” Henderson said. “I needed to focus on that part first: recovery.”
If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone confidentially about addiction, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Reach Out. In case of emergency, please call 000.
