Jersey Shore star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is sharing his support for costar Ronnie Ortiz-Magro after a viral video sparked concern among fans.
“I want to be clear that I am not responsible for the actions of any other cast member,” Sorrentino, 43, wrote via his Instagram Stories on Friday, May 1. “At the same time, my heart is heavy seeing what Ron, a grown adult, chose to present during press.”
Ortiz-Magro, 40, appeared to drift off to sleep during a recent Jersey Shore interview, causing questions to arise about his behavior. (Ortiz-Magro has not publicly addressed the clip. Us Weekly reached out for comment.)
“The situation is still developing, and while I do not know the full extent of what he may be going through, I do know it is separate from my path,” Sorrentino added on Friday, referring to his own sobriety journey. “I will help where I can, including through my organization, The Archangel Centers.”
Sorrentino, who owns several rehabilitation facilities, said he attempted to contact Ortiz-Magro.
“I reached out to check in and offer my support, and I am still waiting to hear back,” Sorrentino said. “If he is willing, I will be there for him. My heart is with anyone who is struggling.”
He concluded, “I have worked hard to protect my sobriety for nearly 11 years, and I honor that every day while continuing to show up with compassion for others.”
Sorrentino has been sober since 2015, while Ortiz-Magro has also been candid about his own substance abuse struggles after going to rehab in 2018.
“Some stuff happened and [Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano] called me and said, ‘They’re fed up.’ I was like, ‘I’m fed up. I’m at my point where I can’t take it anymore,’” Ortiz-Magro exclusively told Us in 2019. “I just had to surrender and say, ‘I don’t have control over this.’ I don’t know who I am anymore. I don’t know what to do.”
Ortiz-Magro recalled how he would continually drink until he felt “numb.” After reaching his so-called “rock bottom,” the reality TV star voluntarily checked into the HeadWaters at Origins holistic treatment center in Florida.
“I couldn’t live hurting myself, basically having my daughter grow up and it’s eventually going to hurt her,” Ortiz-Magro told Us of daughter Ariana, now 8, whom he shares with ex Jen Harley. “I was in a place of depression, and with depression I turned to alcohol … I was sitting there blaming everything else; I was like the victim, and I’m not a victim to life. I’m blessed and I’m lucky enough that I have different options, different outlets.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
