Former Florida Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum (D) is entering rehabilitation following his highly publicized hotel room ordeal.
On Sunday, Gillum released a statement confirming his intent to enter rehab and withdraw from “public facing roles for the foreseeable future.”
Although Gillum didn’t go into detail about the hotel debacle — which took place on Thursday evening — he did admit that it has been “a wake-up call.”
“After conversation with my family and deep reflection, I have made the decision to seek help, guidance and enter a rehabilitation facility at this time. This has been a wake-up call for me,” Gillum wrote in a statement.
Gillum went on to admit that the loss of the governor’s race contributed to his depression and alcohol abuse. He wrote:
“Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the damaging effects it can have when untreated. I also know that alcoholism is often a symptom of deeper struggles. I am committed to doing the personal work to heal fully and show up in the world as a more complete person.”
He concluded with an apology to his family, friends, and the residents of Florida.
“I want to apologize to my family, friends and the people of Florida who have supported me and put their faith in me over the years,” Gillum said. “I ask that you respect my and my family’s privacy during this time. Thank you.”
Gillum’s apology follows news reports about his hotel encounter on Thursday night. At the time, the Miami Police Department reported details about a call to a hotel room where a man had a “possible drug overdose” and Gillum was found an “inebriated state,” as reported on IJR.
On Friday, Gillum released his first statement about the incident. The former Tallahassee, Fl., mayor explained why he was in Miami. While he did admit that he was inebriated, he denied ever using methamphetamines.
Former FL Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum was in a Miami Beach hotel room last night where a man had "a possible drug overdose," according to a police report.
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) March 13, 2020
The report doesnt say Gillum possessed or used illegal drugs. Here's what we know re: the report 1/x pic.twitter.com/wuCdm91gxp
Gillum statement:
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) March 13, 2020
I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends. While I had too much to drink I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines. I apologize to the people of FL for the distraction pic.twitter.com/pVs8wigSj1
“I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends,” Gillum said.” While I had too much to drink I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines. I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction.”
