After 5 Cast Deaths, Dr. Drew Says No To Another Season Of “Celebrity Rehab”
It's the kind of topic you would expect to be debated on Dr. Drew's CNN show, except that Dr. Drew is the subject of the debate. After five Celebrity Rehab cast members have died, is Dr. Drew's commitment to their recovery being unfairly criticized?
It’s the kind of topic you would expect to be debated on Dr. Drew’s CNN show, except that Drew is the center of the debate. After five Celebrity Rehab cast member deaths, is Dr. Drew’s commitment to their recovery being unfairly criticized?
In a radio interview with Zach Sang and the Gang, Drew fires back: “To have people questioning my motives and taking aim at me because people get sick and die because they have a life-threatening disease, and I take the blame? Rodney King has a heart attack and I take blame for that?”
Citing the emotional strain and unfair critcism, Drew has had enough of his cable series Celebrity Rehab, and opting against more seasons. “I’m tired of taking all the heat. It’s just ridiculous.”
Five former cast members of the series have died, some in ways that appear to be related to their substance or emotional problems. In February, country singer Mindy McCready committed suicide after a long battle with substance abuse, Rodney King died of accidental drowning, with cocaine and alcohol found in his system. Taxi star Jeff Conaway, Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr and Real World cast member Joey Kovar have also died.
Some have criticized Pinksy, claiming the series exploits the personal problems of the stars.
The issue is a complicated one. The personal addictions of these entertainers are long standing, its safe to say that they will no be able to kick their problems in the two months or less that are required to shoot a TV show. It’s unclear just how much counseling went on after shooting concluded, or how their treatment continued. It could be that the series does in fact make matters worse by simply ‘ending’ the treatment when production wraps. Does the show exploit celebrities with problems? It sensationalizes the drama that accompanies it, that’s for sure, but it also provides the stars with an income that they probably weren’t getting for some time… and could very well have put them on a path to recovery. Whether or not you agree with the premise of the series, no one forces them into being on the show, their participation is simply born out of their own desperation.
“It’s very stressful and very intense for me,” said Pinsky.
What do you think?
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