Ted Williams headed to rehab after being detained by LAPD, meeting with Dr. Phil
Ted Williams, the Ohio homeless man whose "golden voice" made him a YouTube sensation, is entering rehab after being briefly detained by Los Angeles police earlier this week.
Williams appeared on the "Dr. Phil" show, where he was confronted about claims he was drinking. After the show, Dr. Phil announced in a news release that Williams was going to get treatment for a drinking problem.
"If Ted is ever going to get better, he’s got to be honest with himself and admit he’s addicted to drugs and alcohol,” the statement said. “I’ve told him it’s not going to be easy and it’s going to take a lot of hard work. It might be a long journey for him, but this is a big step in the right direction.”
Williams had said Tuesday that the altercation with his daughter at a Hollywood hotel was a minor family squabble.
The Los Angeles Police Department was called to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on a disturbance call Monday night, briefly detaining Williams and his daughter. No one was arrested and it's unclear if any charges will be filed.
Williams told "Entertainment Tonight" that the incident occurred at the end of a family reunion. He said he and his daughter exchanged words. "My daughter exploded, just erupted into this jump-up-in-my-face type of thing. Fists started flying, none of which were mine, none of which were mine, but it could have escalated to the point where it could have gotten really ugly," he told the TV show.
His daughter told "ET" that she was upset because her father was drinking -- something Williams denied to the show.
Williams was in L.A. appearing on talk shows and looking into possible voice-over jobs.
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-- Andrew Blankstein and Shelby Grad
Photo: Ted Williams appears on the "Today" show. Credit: Associated Press
EDITOR'S PICKS:
This man has Jesus, he was given, like he said, a second chance. Hopefully he uses the power of God to help him with his problem.
Posted by: Jamie | January 12, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Get rid of this bum. I am sick of looking at him.
Posted by: uncle_vito | January 12, 2011 at 07:36 PM
I hope Ted will go into rehab. He probably just wanted to celelbrate with family, but as an addict, it shouldnt be at all. The worst thing an addict could have is the money to sistain the habit. He's about to be loaded, so he's going to have to have the courage and strength to lose the desire to get high/drunk; stock up on sparkling cider my brother, don't let your mom down. Sounds like the daughter was just trying to save you from yourself. It's all love. Now you have to love yourself. Dont letsome of the negative things some media may be saying be true about u. We all really want the best for you. stay in prayer and walk with God. K!
Posted by: kate | January 12, 2011 at 07:44 PM
This might be the impetus for Ted for staying straight for the rest of his life and I hope he is a big success with that great voice!
Posted by: Jerry A. Dexter | January 12, 2011 at 07:45 PM
After being on the Dr. Phil show I'd want a drink too! It's good that Mr. Williams is wanting to get treatment. He was thrust into the limelight so quick and now needs to face his demons.
Posted by: My opinon means nothing | January 12, 2011 at 08:07 PM
The guy isn't perfect. He's human. He was homeless for a reason. I just hope he cleans up and makes the most of his the opportunities put before him. It does bug me that certain media outlets are acting surprised that he isn't perfect. Good luck Ted.
Posted by: Mark | January 12, 2011 at 08:07 PM
I am tired of reading about this bum. Drop the stories.
Posted by: uncle_vito | January 13, 2011 at 04:00 AM
i saw this guy on youtube and i really bealieved that his gift will be recognised, but i guess it's hard for him to leave the drugs and drink behind..
Posted by: remi online | January 13, 2011 at 04:55 AM
This is too much too soon for Ted. He needed to be in rehab before going to work. Right off the streets to working and traveling plus plenty of cash. It's very tempting for anyone. I wish him all the luck................
Posted by: Yolanda | January 13, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Who raised the 9 kids he fathered?
Posted by: steve rodriguez | January 13, 2011 at 11:44 AM
If you give a crack addict access to crack what do you think he's going to do with it? The man was homeless. He could not afford to buy drugs and alcohol. Now that he has the money to support his habit of course he's going to revert back to his old vices unless he gets the help he needs.
America just got duped by an addict!
Posted by: Comedian Vince Barnett | January 13, 2011 at 12:32 PM
"Who raised the 9 kids he fathered?"
The mother and taxpayers.
Posted by: Spokker | January 13, 2011 at 01:23 PM
this is sad. he needs to kick the alcohol for good because as Dr. Phil said, he will be an addict for the rest of his life and he needs to start being honest with himself about his situation. i saw the first half of the reunion on the Dr. Phil show and was saddened to see that he couldn't get it thru his head that money and gifts will not make up for his absence as a father.
Posted by: doll | January 13, 2011 at 01:28 PM
His 15 minutes are up. The minute he paired up with that quack Phil McGraw my small amount of sympathy for him turned to disgust.
Posted by: KZinCC | January 13, 2011 at 02:05 PM
i wish him well in getting better even if he couldn't handle the sudden attention its ok maybe being in the spotlight set him off i don't know all i knowis he is h=getting help and no matter what anyone else says i am his biggest fan and pulling for him all the way. to veryone else go back to your own pathetic lives and let this man be himself and work out his problems
Posted by: steven shewfelt | January 13, 2011 at 04:38 PM
It is really tough to stay sober. I lived in Hollywood, was in entertainment there, was homeless there and got sober there. It is TOUGH. I hope that Ted can use this experience to help others. Just because he is an alcoholic doesn't mean that he can't do a good job on some voice overs and he is still an amazing person. But if he doesn't quit, he will end up in jail or dead. This is a life-threatening illness. I am so proud of his courage. Yes, I might drink too (even the vanilla extract) if I went on Dr. Phil. Sorry Doc - half kidding here...
Posted by: Linda Demmer | January 13, 2011 at 06:28 PM
yeah, didnt see this one comin...
Posted by: john p porter | January 13, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Get it together Ted. Your story is a once in a lifetime thing everyone is alway's looking for God's blessing, you got it. You've had your lesson by being homeless so enjoy your blessing. And for those of you calling this man a bum and no good, judge not lest ye be judged. We all have some type vice in our lives which are not apparent to others but we know what they are, whether it is shopping,drinking, gambling, stealing etc... Be happy for the man or tune him out.
Posted by: DeeH | January 13, 2011 at 10:26 PM
This change can only happen if Ted wants it for him self.We can all encourage the best we can ,but at the end of the day he has to look in the mirror and ask himself one question."Do I really want to take full advantage of this new opportunity"?Once his desire for this once in a life time opportunity is strong enough, it will pull him out of that addiction.
Posted by: oscar daniel | January 14, 2011 at 04:12 AM
Dr Phil only cares about money. It just so amazes me how so many buy into his charades. Ted Williams could drop dead and Dr Phil would respond with "Next"
Posted by: John Dozier | January 14, 2011 at 06:21 AM
Note to Ted: Stay away from your family for a while! I know you have children and they are all hurt by you leaving them, etc but they don't have the emotional capacity to help you at this point and if "showing up" at this present time isn't good enough for then then you can't help them either at this time. They would rather get their shots and digs in at you than see you succeed. Help yourself for now. Praying for you! You are so articulate and the quality of your voice is second to none... a gold mind!
Blessings
Posted by: David | January 14, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Ted you can do anything you believ you can do or not do...we all have to fight the battle of the mind, which has and does play over and over good and bad scripts for us to accept as fact or fiction. Satan starts with our thinking ...take in the Word and find revelations for you and your life....He will speak to you and let you know His plan....talk to Him daily no matter what happens...
Ted I hope you read this, understand first that you are a man of God, and truly blessed to know that He is your rewarder, and that no one else can satisfy you nor can any substance (drugs or booze) bring you the peace and comfort you are craving, only Jehovah God who has given you His perfect LOVE, by way of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to help you be who you Truly ARE...A Great Man of God...Chosen you are Chosen! Praise God Almighty!
Don't worry about how many times you have or may trip and or fall...the Blood of Jesus can and will cover you... Trust in the love of God....He is Love not that He has it .....God is Love....LOVE is your Power over all things...remember the enemy will lie to you and about you, but God knows who you really are....listen to Him and He will guide you in your dark moments...He is Faithful and True...never forsaking his children....never...we leave Him. This means everlasting life taking in the Word of God.
We all are given more than second chances.....Every body....we are so loved...and not even our sin can stop God's love....we can only hinder our ability to receive His blessings...
Much Agape for you Ted and your family
Pray daily all throughout the day.....until His light becomes brighter than the darkness....we all face this same war!
Syndah
Posted by: Syndah | January 14, 2011 at 11:41 AM
We are praying for you Mr. Williams, call on the name of Jesus, He will help you. Please do not allow the enemy to wipe you out again. You can do this, Jesus will help you. Get a Bible or someone give him a Bible so he can spend time in the word of God, it will sustain you. Keep Jesus in your heart.
Posted by: The Prayesrs of US | January 15, 2011 at 12:48 PM