Machine Gun Kelly, the rapper and actor, opened up about his journey to sobriety in a recent interview. In a wide-ranging and candid conversation, Kelly discussed his past struggles with substance abuse, the trauma of his childhood, and the supportive role of his longtime partner, actress Megan Fox.
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A Difficult Journey
Speaking to Bunnie Xo on her podcast, “Dumb Blonde,” Kelly revealed that he had recently completed his first stint in rehab, seeking treatment after wrapping up his European tour in July 2023. He shared that achieving sobriety has been a challenging process:
“I went to rehab… They gave me so many ways to operate the body, show where this anger is coming from, and methods to quell it… It’s a constant tightrope walk. I continue to embrace that this journey is gonna be hard for me, but I accept it and forgive myself.”
Kelly also admitted to past alcohol abuse and the use of drugs such as marijuana and prescription medications, including hydrocodone, Percocet, and Vyvanse. He acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with psychological withdrawals and expressed gratitude for the support of his partner:
“Megan has for sure been extremely helpful in dealing with the psychological withdrawals that come with [sobriety]. I love that I’m clear when I look at the person I love… I’m really happy that I’m clear when my daughter [Casie] and I are having our conversations and I’m coming from a place of being centered.”
Childhood Trauma
A significant focus of the interview was Kelly’s traumatic childhood experiences, including the revelation that his father was on trial for the death of his own father when Kelly was just nine years old. Describing the incident, Kelly said:
“You sit there and you think about a kid who was on trial at 9 years old for the murder of his father… So that all happened in the room with my dad at 9 years old. His dad dropped the gun, and his head essentially blew off.”
Kelly also recalled his father’s “gnarly” freak-outs in response to loud noises, which he now understands as a reaction to his own childhood trauma. He shared that he has come to a place of forgiveness for his parents, recognizing the impact of their own difficult upbringings.
Public Reaction
The news of Machine Gun Kelly’s sobriety has sparked a range of reactions from the public. Many fans have taken to social media to express their support for the artist, praising his honesty and courage in addressing his struggles.
One fan, @MGKsupporter, tweeted: “So proud of @machinegunkelly for sharing his story. Sobriety is a tough journey, and his willingness to be open about it will inspire so many others. #MGKStrong #SoberLife.”
Another fan, @FoxFan4Life, commented: “Megan Fox has been such a rock for MGK. It’s beautiful to see their love and support for each other. Here’s to a bright future for them both! #CoupleGoals #SoberAndStrong.”
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some online critics have questioned the timing of Kelly’s revelation, suggesting that it may be a publicity stunt to promote his upcoming projects. User @SkepticView pointed out: “Convenient how MGK suddenly shares his story of rehab right before his new album drops. Let’s not forget his past controversial statements. I’m skeptical of this sudden sobriety story.”
Looking Forward
Despite the mixed reactions, Machine Gun Kelly’s decision to share his journey to sobriety has sparked important conversations about addiction, trauma, and the path to recovery. His honesty has shed light on the challenges many individuals face and the importance of seeking help and support.
As Kelly continues on his path to healing, he sets an example for others facing similar struggles, offering hope and inspiration. His story serves as a reminder that seeking treatment and addressing trauma are crucial steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The artist has not shared any details about his future plans or upcoming projects, but his fans and supporters await his next steps with anticipation and encouragement.
By Jennifer Williams, Entertainment Correspondent
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. All opinions expressed herein are fictional and not intended to represent any real individual’s views.