Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jessica Simpson praised for sharing ‘unrecognisable’ photo from height of addiction

Simpson posted it in celebration of four years sobriety

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 03 November 2021 05:16 EDT
Comments
Jessica Simpson's daughter helped her overcome fear of horses

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jessica Simpson has been praised after posting a picture from the height of her alcohol addiction.

The singer and actor, 41, shared the photo, which was taken in 2017 and has been branded “unrecognisable”, on Instagram in celebration of her four years sobriety.

In the caption, she described the “version” of herself in the photo as somebody who needed to overcome her addiction.

“This person in the early morning of 1 Nov, 2017 is an unrecognisable version of myself,” she wrote.

“I had so much self discovery to unlock and explore. I knew in this very moment I would allow myself to take back my light, show victory over my internal battle of self respect, and brave this world with piercing clarity.”

The Dukes of Hazzard actor continued: “There is so much stigma around the word alcoholism or the label of an alcoholic. The real work that needed to be done in my life was to actually accept failure, pain, brokenness, and self sabotage.

“The drinking wasn’t the issue. I was. I didn’t love myself. I didn’t respect my own power.”

Jessica Simpson praised for ‘honesty’ after sharing unrecognisable photo
Jessica Simpson praised for ‘honesty’ after sharing unrecognisable photo (Instagram @jessicasimpson)

Simpson, who said she has “made nice with the fears and... accepted the parts of my life that are just sad”, was supported by her fans and fellow celebrities after sharing the post.

“WILDLY HONEST,” wrote comedian Chelsea Handler, while Hollywood star Diane Keaton shared multiple heart emojis.

“So much honesty,” Thor actor Jamie Alexander added, with reality TV star Snooki stating: “YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION & this is exactly why you are literally my role model. Love you forever.”

A fan page dedicated to Simpson wrote: “The way you have always led with honesty is moving. Your team of lifers loves you!”

Simpson previously addressed her addiction in the 2020 memoir Open Book.

If you have been affected by any issues mentioned in this article, you can contact The Samaritans for free on 116 123 or any of the following mental health organisations: mind.org.uk, nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth, mentalhealth.org.uk or anxietyuk.org.uk.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in