Australia’s Got Talent judge Kate Ritchie has confirmed she voluntarily checked into a rehab facility for alcohol dependency, following her recent drink-driving charges.
The 44-year-old – who recently stepped down from her hosting role on Nova radio – released a statement on her Instagram on December 8 that she would be “taking a break until next year”.
“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,” Kate wrote.
She continued: “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 went on to “sincerely thank everybody” who supported her.
Kate also revealed that she was forced to make the statement after paparazzi photos of her entering the rehab facility were released by the Daily Mail.
“It is a shocking invasion of my privacy that the Daily Mail through their unrelenting stalking of me, has forced me to issue this public statement, in their blatant attempt to publicly shame me on a private health matter,” she concluded.
Kate Richie Shared an Apology for a “Low-Level” DUI
It comes after Kate was caught drink-driving over the legal limit while drink-driving in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs on August 22, with breathalyser results of 0.06. She was reportedly fined $600 and suspended from driving for three months.
On August 29, Kate took to Instagram to address the infringement.
“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],” Kate wrote in the post.
The former Home and Away actress didn’t caption the apology and turned off comments.
We wish Kate a speedy recovery.
Want even more goss? Listen to episode 235 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
Know something that we don’t? Spill the tea here! Get the tea first!
Follow So Dramatic! on Instagram and tune in on Tuesday to get your reality tea fix with the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto.
