Allison Holker responds to backlash from Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ family as she opens up on mental health

Allison Holker responds to backlash from Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ family as she opens up on mental health
Allison Holker faced backlash over her memoir revealing late husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' mental health struggles (Getty Images)

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Allison Holker, the widow of late dancer and TV personality Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, has found herself at the center of controversy following the promotion of her memoir, 'This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light.'

In the book, Holker, 36, shared shocking details about Boss’ struggles with addiction, trauma, and mental health leading up to his death by suicide in December 2022.

Allison Holker's revelation about late husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 25: (L-R) Allison Holker and  Stephen
Allison Holker and Stephen 'tWitch' Boss attend Illumination and Universal Pictures' 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' Los Angeles premiere on June 25, 2022, in Hollywood, California (WireImage)

In an interview with People, Holker revealed that she discovered a “cornucopia” of drugs hidden in Boss’ closet after his death.

She also claimed to have read his journal, which allegedly mentioned a childhood assault.

Holker stated that her intention in sharing these revelations was to help others address mental health struggles.

However, her disclosures have sparked outrage from Boss’ family, friends, and former 'So You Think You Can Dance' (SYTYCD) colleagues.

Allison Holker's response to social media backlash

Allison Holker's decision to go public with details about Stephen 'tWitch' Boss has divided fans and peers. After posting a clip of her interview online, a fellow dancer criticized her, writing, “Why tear apart his name? This paycheck was not worth disgracing him.”


 
 
 
 
 
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Holker responded, “Just trying to help people feel safe to ask for help and support.”

While some supporters defended Holker’s transparency, others expressed anger over what they called "an opportunistic move."

Boss’ family members, including his cousin, accused Holker of enforcing nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) at Boss’ funeral, preventing them from speaking openly about his death.

One relative claimed, “This crazy woman made me and his family, including his mother, sign an NDA just to attend the funeral,” according to the New York Post.

Courtney Platt, a former 'SYTYCD' co-star and friend, also criticized Holker, calling her actions “tacky, classless, and opportunistic.”

Platt alleged that Holker isolated Boss’ family from his children and accused her of exploiting his struggles for personal gain.

Allison Holker’s memoir and healing journey

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 05: Stephen Boss and Allison Boss attend Critics Choice Associati
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss and Allison Holker attend Critics Choice Association's 5th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television in Los Angeles, California (JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Despite the backlash, Holker continues to promote her book which is set for release on February 4. The memoir chronicles her journey of love, loss, and recovery following Boss’ death.

The couple, who married in 2013, share three children, Weslie, 16, Maddox, eight, and Zaia, five.

Holker has emphasized her goal to create awareness around mental health and provide a safe space for others dealing with loss and trauma.

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room on December 13, 2022, at the age of 40.

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