Andrew Gillum Gives Update Following Rehab After Hotel & Drug Scandal

BY Erika Marie 3.2K Views
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Andrew Gillum, Scandal
Andrew Gillum took time away from the spotlight to enter a rehabilitation program, reportedly for alcohol abuse after his recent scandal.

Former Mayor of Tallahassee Andrew Gillum found himself ensnared in a scandal earlier this year. Back in March, the rising Democratic political figure was found by police in a Miami Beach hotel room with a friend and another man named Travis Dyson who authorities believed had overdosed on illegal drugs. Dyson reportedly worked as an escort and an adult film actor in gay pornography, and inside of the hotel room were reported bags of meth. 

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After the news sent shockwaves throughout the media, Andrew Gillum shared that he would be taking some time away from the spotlight and entered a rehabilitation program. There were murmurs that his marriage was on the rocks, as well, but it seems that a few months away has done Gillum good. He returned to his Instagram page with an 11-minute update on his life while thanking those who have sent him encouraging words of support.

"Personal update," he penned in the caption to his clip. "I am thankful to so many of you who have wished me well during this especially challenging time. I wanted to provide a personal update on how I have been doing. Take good care of yourselves during this season and I will see you on the other side. Warmest, Andrew." 

In the video, he spoke about the public shame he felt. "My stuff had to be public and cause great embarrassment and rumors, some false, some true, the shame that I felt from all of that...was tearing me up," said Gillum. "I needed real help to try to unpack that." Check out his video below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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