Owning up. Nicholas Brendon reveals exclusively to Us Weekly that he recently relapsed with alcohol. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, who has struggled with sobriety for years, was spotted drinking at a Comic-Con convention in Des Moines, Iowa, in May.
“Recently, some people have gone to the media saying they saw me drinking at a convention. This is completely true,” Brendon, 45, tells Us in a statement. “I was feeling down, went to the hotel bar and ordered a few beers. I’m in the public eye, but I’m just like any person working the program.”
“It’s minute by minute, day by day, and I’ve unfortunately stumbled,” he continued. “I’m very happy to say that nothing like the events of last year have occurred, and I am committed to making sure that they never do again.”
The Criminal Minds actor was arrested several times in 2015. In September, he allegedly got into a domestic dispute with his girlfriend at a hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York, and was charged with third-degree robbery, which is a felony, along with two counts of criminal mischief and one count of obstruction of breathing. He was also arrested once for public intoxication and twice for trashing hotel rooms while under the influence. In August, Brendon had a disastrous appearance on Dr. Phil and walked off the set mid-taping because he felt the psychologist “went for the jugular.”
Now Brendon says he’s on a better path and is continuing to seek help for his addictions. The comic book writer spent 90 days at a rehab treatment center late last year and was doing much better until his relapse.
“After I returned [from Iowa], I and those helping me deal with my addictions and depression took steps to help me maintain my sobriety. At this time, I’m focusing on the positives and each new day that I can face without a drink is a plus for me,” he said. “For my loved ones and fans, I’m sorry if I’ve let you down, but all any of us can do is try. I am.”
