Democrat politician checks into rehab after being found in hotel room with gay escort who ‘overdosed’ on meth
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum (Mark Wallheiser/Getty)
A rising star in Democratic Party, Andrew Gillum, has announced he will be entering rehab after being found in a hotel room with a gay escort.
On Friday the former Florida gubernatorial candidate and CNN political commentator, who has a wife and three children, was found in a Miami Beach hotel room with an escort named Travis Dyson.
Dyson was collapsed on the bed, having allegedly overdosed on crystal meth, while Gillum was vomiting in the bathroom.
Police responded to a cardiac-arrest distress call just before 1am. When they arrived, Gillum was under the influence of “an unknown substance” and police were “unable to communicate due to his inebriated state”.
Officers found three small baggies of suspected crystal meth on the floor and bed of the men’s hotel room, but in a statement Gillum firmly denied using meth.
“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,” he said.
“I apologise to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused our movement. I’m thankful to the incredible Miami Beach EMS team for their efforts. I will spend the next few weeks with my family and appreciate privacy during this time.”
He issued a second statement on Sunday night, saying that he will enter a rehabilitation facility to address his alcohol abuse.
“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,” 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,” Andrew Gillum said.
“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.”
Without addressing Friday’s events, he said: “This has been a wake-up call for me.”
