Demi Lovato Opens Up About Overcoming Struggles with the Dark Side of Fame and Past Incidents
Trigger Warning: This article includes references to suicide and substance abuse.
Demi Lovato opens up about the challenges in her latest documentary, where she delves into the impact of early fame.
Partly directed by Nicola Marsh, the documentary, Child Star, features the singer reflecting on how stardom affected her mental health, leading to suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behavior.
In the documentary, Lovato discusses how fame deprived her of peace and contributed to stressful incidents, such as the altercation with Alex Welch during the 2010 Jonas Brothers tour.
Addressing the dark side of celebrity, Lovato stated, “Unfortunately, sometimes that looks explosive, like an incident where you punch your backup dancer on an airplane or you overdose from heroin.” These events led Lovato to seek help and enter rehab. In September 2018, Lovato overdosed on drugs, resulting in strokes and a heart attack.
Working on the documentary allowed Lovato to reflect on her past actions and move forward positively. She felt a strong urge to make amends with those she had mistreated during her difficult times. Filming Child Star facilitated this process for her.
Reconnecting with fellow stars Raven-Symoné and Alyson Stoner, featured in the documentary, proved to be therapeutic for Lovato. Their conversations were supportive and encouraging.
In an interview with People, Lovato shared her motivation behind making Child Star. She has always been interested in the stories of child stars and the challenges they face. Despite her past struggles, Lovato remains open and transparent about her experiences, stating, “I’ve realized that my experiences don’t define me.”
Child Star, released on September 17, features accounts from various child actors, including Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, and Alyson Stoner, discussing their experiences in the industry as children.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please seek help from a doctor, mental health professional, or NGO immediately. There are helplines available for support.
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