Bret Easton Ellis recently shared a personal update regarding his longtime boyfriend, Todd Michael Schultz, who was committed to a psychiatric ward following an incident involving burglary. The acclaimed author of 'American Psycho' issued a statement on his website to shed light on Schultz's struggles with mental health and drug addiction over the past decade.
Ellis revealed that Schultz, 37, had been dealing with significant challenges, culminating in a drug-induced psychotic breakdown that led to his arrest for entering a neighbor's apartment in West Hollywood and causing damage. The author acknowledged that he had been unaware of the severity of Schultz's condition for a long time.
In his statement, Ellis shared that he had previously urged Schultz to seek help by entering a recovery facility, but realized that his approach was not effective in addressing the underlying issues. Despite attempts to support Schultz, his mental health and substance abuse issues resurfaced, ultimately resulting in the recent incident.
Ellis emphasized that Schultz is currently receiving care in a psychiatric ward and will be transferred to a long-term dual psychiatric-rehab facility upon release. The author expressed hope for Schultz's recovery and a return to the person he first met in 2010.
Regarding the incident, Ellis clarified that Schultz had mistakenly entered the wrong apartment and was not attempting burglary. He expressed optimism that the legal charge would be reduced to trespassing, highlighting that the episode was nonviolent.
For individuals affected by similar issues, resources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) are available for support and guidance.
Ellis's candid disclosure about Schultz's situation underscores the complexities of mental health and addiction struggles, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion in such circumstances.
