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Dr. Phil Convinces Ted Williams To Check In To Rehab
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 13, 2011
Modified Jan 13, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 13, 2011
Modified Jan 13, 2011
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It's hard to believe that it's only been 9 days since Ted Williams became a viral video sensation, which led him off the cold streets and into the warming spotlight. In that short amount of time he's been on the Today show multiple times, given voiceover work, been offered movie roles, vacations, houses, jobs... but the sudden attention hasn't cured Williams of his past demons. He was on the street because he abandoned his family and turned to drugs and alcohol—though the past week he has proclaimed he's been clean for two years.
Earlier this week Williams's daughter accused him of drinking—telling Entertainment Tonight he was still abusing alcohol; the two were in LA for a Dr. Phil appearance. Sadly, this turns out to be the case. People magazine now reports that Williams is entering rehab for drug and alcohol abuse, putting his happy ending on hold for now. Dr. Phil says he had a long one-on-one with Williams, saying, "If Ted is ever going to get better, he's got to be honest with himself and admit he's addicted to drugs and alcohol. I've told him it's not going to be easy and it's going to take a lot of hard work. It might be a long journey for him, but this is a big step in the right direction."
A rep for the show says the host convinced Williams to get treatment for his substance abuse. The Dr. Phil episode (part two) will air today—get a preview here.
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dr phil
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Ted Williams
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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