Celebrities rally behind Jackie O after radio queen copped backlash for admission she sought addiction treatment at Betty Ford clinic
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson came under fire on social media on Thursday after revealing she had secretly checked into celebrity-favorite rehab facility Betty Ford Clinic for drug and alcohol addiction.
But many of the 49-year-old radio queen’s famous friends have rallied behind her, with a flood of comments on Kyle and Jackie O Show’s Instagram account Thursday.
Jackie made the stunning admission that at the height of her addiction she was taking up to twelve Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets every day during a tearful chat with her co-host Kyle Sandilands on their KIIS FM radio show.
And Tottie Goldsmith was one of the first to wish Jackie well, with the singer and actress writing: “The people who feel deeply for others will be proud of you and inspired by you, and they are the only ones that matter.” Bravo sister!! You got this!!β
‘I’m crying now too!!! Lots of love to you!!β added American gossip columnist Perez Hilton.
“Thank you for sharing Jackie, you are inspiring someone else and giving them permission to share their story so they know it is right,” Married At First Sight star Cam Merchant wrote.
Meanwhile, comedian Peter Helliar simply added: “Love and strength to you Jackie.”
The outpouring of support follows previous online criticism of the mother-of-one.
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson came under fire on social media on Thursday after revealing she had secretly checked into celebrity-favorite rehab facility Betty Ford Clinic for drug and alcohol addiction. Pictured: Henderson
While Jackie bravely shared her story, explaining her battle with addiction and why she was taking an extended break from The Kyle and Jackie O Show, not all listeners were sympathetic.
Many criticized the radio personality for using an overseas facility favored by the rich and famous while thousands of Australians struggle to afford local rehabilitation services.
The Betty Ford Clinic is known for treating Hollywood stars such as Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr. and Lindsay Lohan. The Betty Ford Clinic charges between $45,000 and $90,000 AUD for a one-month stay, depending on the program.
But many of the 49-year-old radio queen’s famous friends have rallied behind her, with a flood of comments on Kyle and Jackie O Show’s Instagram account Thursday. Pictured: model Ellie Gonsalves
Tottie Goldsmith was among the first to wish Jackie well, with the singer and actress writing: “The people who feel deeply for others will be proud of you and inspired by you, and they are the only ones that matter.”
Although the clinic provides comprehensive addiction care, the price tag left many listeners feeling alienated from Jackie’s story.
Social media was quickly flooded with comments, with fans criticizing the star for apparently flaunting her privilege.
‘Desperate for ratings in Melbourne. We don’t care, Jackie. You are rich and have all the resources at hand. You’re not one of us,β one listener vented.
Others chimed in with similar sentiments: “It’s all well and good inspiring people to stop using drugs, but not many people can afford to spend time in the Betty Ford clinic for rehab.”
Another wrote: βGrow up on your $20 million annual salary. Who cares about her? She has money to get help, what about the THOUSANDS of people who can’t afford help? Sounds like a ‘look at me’ attitude.”
The clinic is known for treating Hollywood stars such as Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr. and Lindsay Lohan and charges between $30,000 and $60,000 USD for a one-month stay, depending on the program
Jackie’s emotional confession did have its supporters, however.
‘Why are there so many haters! Good for you, Jackie, for having the courage and honesty to tell us about your battle with addiction. Hopefully your story will save some lives,β one fan wrote.
‘I cried my eyes out this morning… so much courage. What a journey. You are amazing, a true inspiration to so many,β another wrote on Instagram.
A second added: ‘The problems she describes do not differentiate between rich and poor. Look at Andrew O’Keeffe. Liam Payne. It never ends well, so it’s important to get help.’
Jackie admitted that she was advised not to reduce her pill intake before arriving at the clinic, meaning she was still taking the drugs on the day she flew to the US.
Jackie revealed that at the height of her addiction she drank up to twelve Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets every day, often with alcohol. Pictured at the 2022 Australian Commercial Radio Awards with her daughter Kitty, shortly before leaving the country
When Jackie took a break from the show in 2022, Kyle Sandilands told listeners she was taking a step back to “focus on her health” after contracting COVID-19.
Behind the scenes, however, the beloved radio presenter was struggling with an addiction that had gotten out of hand.
Jackie admitted that she was ashamed of her secret, fearing public judgement, and decided to seek help after hitting rock bottom.
Jackie said things hit hard for her after her split from British photographer Lee Henderson in 2018.
She also revealed that she had asked her daughter Kitty, 13, for permission to share her story publicly and praised her for treating her with “compassion.”
βI couldn’t be more proud of my daughter, the way she has thought about it is without judgement, just compassionate and supportive,β Jackie said.
Jackie said she wanted to speak publicly about her addiction struggles to reduce and “normalize” the “stigma” surrounding drug addiction.
The presenter bravely apologized to listeners for not disclosing her health problems sooner and revealed she will be celebrating two years of sobriety in just a few weeks.
βI want to apologize to our listeners and everyone in my life […] I had to focus on that part first, that recovery,β she said.