Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic

Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic

As a compassionate observer, I find Jackie’s story deeply moving and inspiring. It is heartening to see someone bravely sharing their personal struggles with addiction, especially when it comes from such a public figure like Jackie. Her journey underscores the universal nature of addiction, affecting people regardless of their wealth or status.


On Thursday, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson faced criticism on social media following her disclosure that she had quietly sought treatment at the renowned Betty Ford Clinic for substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol addiction.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can attest that when faced with adversity, it’s heartening to see unity and support from friends, especially those in the limelight. Just yesterday, the Instagram account of Kyle and Jackie O Show was inundated with messages of solidarity from several 49-year-old radio queen‘s celebrity companions.

Jackie openly confessed that at the peak of her addiction, she was taking as many as 12 Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets every day during a heartfelt chat with her co-host Kyle Sandilands on their KIIS FM radio program.

Tottie Goldsmith was among the earliest to express her well-wishes towards Jackie, as she penned, “Those who care deeply for others will be filled with pride and inspiration by you, and it is they who truly matter. Well done sister! You’ve got this!

‘I’m crying now too!!! Much love to you!!’ added American gossip columnist Perez Hilton.

‘Cam Merchant, a star from Married At First Sight, expressed gratitude towards Jackie for sharing her story. He mentioned that she inspires others and provides them the courage to share their own tales, making them feel it’s acceptable.’

Meanwhile comedian Peter Helliar simply added, ‘Love & strength to you Jackie.’ 

The wave of support follows earlier online criticism of the mother-of-one. 

Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic

As Jackie courageously narrated her struggle with addiction and the reasons behind her prolonged absence from The Kyle and Jackie O Show, not everyone who tuned in found themselves empathetic.

Many criticised the radio personality for using an overseas facility favoured by the rich and famous, while thousands of Australians struggle to afford local rehabilitation services.

Famous for catering to celebrities such as Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr., and Lindsay Lohan, the Betty Ford Clinic offers treatment services that can range from 45,000 to 90,000 Australian dollars for a one-month stay, depending on the specific program chosen.

Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic
Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic
Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic
Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic

Although Jackie’s story about overcoming addiction was shared at the clinic where they offer holistic care, the high cost associated with it seemed to create a sense of detachment among those who listened.

Soon after, social media platforms were filled with criticism, as fans accused the celebrity of seemingly showing off her advantages.

One listener expressed frustration, saying, “In Melbourne, we’re hungry for good ratings. Regardless of your wealth, Jackie, you have everything at your disposal. You’re not like the rest of us.

Others echoed similar thoughts: ‘While it’s great to motivate individuals to cease drug use, not everyone has the financial means for a rehabilitation program at the Betty Ford Center.’

Rewritten: ‘With her annual earnings of $20 million, she should mature. Her wealth doesn’t make her special; it’s the thousands of people who don’t have access to help that matter. It seems like she’s more focused on showcasing herself rather than addressing the bigger picture.’

Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic

Jackie’s emotional confession, however, did have its supporters.

A fan commented, “There seem to be way too many negative people! Kudos to you, Jackie, for showing bravery and integrity by sharing your struggle with addiction. May your story inspire others and potentially save some lives.

Another user posted on Instagram, “I wept profusely this morning… such bravery. What an extraordinary voyage. You’re truly awe-inspiring and an inspiration to countless others.

A second added: ‘These problems she’s detailed don’t discriminate over rich and poor. Look at Andrew O’Keeffe. Liam Payne. It never ends well, so it’s important to get help.’

It can be understood that Jackie confessed she had been told not to lower her medication dosage prior to visiting the clinic, implying that she was indeed consuming the substances on the day she left for the United States.

Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic

In 2022, when Jackie temporarily stopped appearing on the show, Kyle Sandilands informed listeners that she had decided to prioritize her wellbeing, as she had fallen ill with COVID-19.

In private, I found myself ensnared by a relentless battle against an addiction that had grown beyond my control – a struggle hidden beneath my public persona as a devoted radio host.

Jackie confessed that she felt embarrassed about her hidden matter, worrying about people’s opinions, and sought assistance when she reached the lowest point in her life.

Jackie said she began struggling after her split from UK photographer Lee Henderson in 2018. 

Additionally, she disclosed that she sought approval from her 13-year-old daughter, Kitty, before making their story public. Moreover, she acknowledged Kitty’s kindness in dealing with her situation.

Jackie expressed immense pride in her daughter, stating that she’s handled everything with an absence of judgment, instead showing only understanding and support,” (paraphrased sentence)

Jackie expressed her desire to openly discuss her struggles with addiction, aiming to minimize the perceived shame or stigma associated with substance dependency and make it more acceptable in society.

The speaker, showing courage, admitted to the audience that she hadn’t shared her past health challenges earlier, but she would soon celebrate two years of being sober.

She expressed her sincere apologies to our audience and everyone connected with her life. At the time, she felt it was crucial to focus solely on that aspect, which concerned her recovery.

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2024-10-24 07:19

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