Australia’s Got Talent judge Kate Ritchie has revealed that she is in rehab for alcohol dependency after her drunk-driving incident.
Australia’s Got Talent judge Kate Ritchie has revealed that she checked herself into rehab for alcohol dependency shortly after being charged with drunk-driving. This comes shortly after the entertainment personality took a step back as a host on Nova radio and announced that she would be going on hiatus until next year.
In a statement on her Instagram, Ritchie revealed that she had come to be unhealthily dependent on alcohol amidst a busy schedule: “The last year has been incredibly [and] emotionally challenging, as well as a relentless schedule, stress and lack of sleep. I came to realise that this had led to an unhealthy reliance on alcohol,” Ritchie wrote.
“I decided to use this time to do something positive by getting the help I need from professionals who specialise in this area. As everyone would understand, this is a very big step for me to take [sic].” she continued.
Ritchie also called out Daily Mail’s ‘unrelenting stalking’ of her to ‘publicly shame me on a private health matter.’ In August, Ritchie revealed that she had been caught driving under the influence in Sydney. She was fined and had her licence suspended for three months.
Shortly after, she issued a statement apologising for her actions. “Recently, I undertook a random breath test. Although it was low level, the test came back positive. I made a poor decision, and there is no doubt I understand the seriousness of my actions. I am truly sorry [sic],” she wrote on Instagram.
In October, Ritchie announced that she would be stepping back from her role as a host on Nova’s Kate, Tim and Joel to recover from a ‘hectic and full-on’ year.
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“This past year has been incredibly hectic and full-on for both me and my family,” she said. “I have had much change and increased stress in my life, like many of you, in a short space of time. And it has taken its toll.”
“So, it’s simple, like some of you, I imagine, I’m tired, and I just need a break for a short while and have more time for me and for my family, to re-energise.” she added in her statement.
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