Nicholas Brendon, former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star, visited Dr. Phil to discuss his recent addiction troubles, but the experience proved too overwhelming, and he walked off the set in the middle of the interview.
"When I was in that seat, I felt that Dr. Phil went for the jugular, talking about some of my recent mistakes, with no build up," Brendon later wrote on Facebook. "I felt that he wanted me to lay the darkest parts of myself on national TV right from the start, and I’m not willing to do that."
Dr. Phil and show producers said in their own statements after the fact that hey harbored no ill-will toward Brendon after his abrupt exit.
"Nicholas Brendon appeared on Dr. Phil today. Unfortunately, he chose to disengage before a dialogue with Dr. Phil ever began," a spokesman for the program
told Entertainment Tonight. "There was no drama, he simply chose to leave and did so in a respectful manner."
"Dr. Phil has nothing but the highest respect for Nicholas and wishes him the best in his quest for physical/mental health and sobriety, and stands ready to assist him in any way possible," the statement continued. "The episode was completed as scheduled. An air date will be announced in the future."
Brendon has been arrested three times this year. He has been charged with public intoxication, grand theft, and criminal mischief. Earlier this year, he also separated from his wife of five years, Moonda Tee.
Early this summer, he checked himself into rehab for alcoholism and substance abuse.
"My illnesses and addictions are a daily struggle for me, and I am committed to working on them for the rest of my life," he said in another part of his Facebook note. "A big part of that is focusing on positivity. I’m the first to admit I’ve messed up, a lot, and I’ve hurt people I care about and who care about me."
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