Banderas Explains Griffith's Rehab

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 9th 2009 04:20PM

'Spy Kids' star Antonio Banderas paid a visit to Ellen DeGeneres to speak about wife Melanie Griffith's lapse into rehab.

"Melanie has been addicted for many years and we always came out," explained Banderas. "We said it out loud. It was okay, we were never embarrassed of the situation but what happened she was clean and sober for six years," he said on Wednesday's episode of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.'

Griffith maintained sobriety for six years until a skiing accident shook her off the wagon. A skiing accident eighteen months ago requiring three operations on her knee pushed her to use narcotics and set the stage for her latest battle with drugs.

"It was said actually in some magazine that I said that I gave an ultimatum to my wife," stated Banderas in an attempt to dispel rumors of marital difficulties. "That I present the matter of divorce because she has been involved in addictions and blah, blah, blah."

"So the whole entire family is supporting her, and I am supporting her, and at this particular time more than ever," said Banderas. "I'm very proud of her."

Banderas was complimentary of the work of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). "There are a number of invisible heroes working in AA all around the world," he said. "I just say to families, 'Don't get embarrassed, just confront this problem head-on. And don't hide from that because there is a beautiful gift at the end of this tunnel, and it is the person that you love back, and that is what I am searching for.'"

Griffith, 52, was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as a plucky secretary in 'Working Girl' opposite Harrison Ford. She has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout her life and sought treatment for addiction to painkillers in 2000.

Throughout her difficulties, her husband has remained a constant.

"I am very proud of my wife," he said.

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Melanie Griffith

Jesse Johnson and Melanie Griffith arrive at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. More Pics >>

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Actor Jesse Johnson and Actress Melanie Griffith arrive at the 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards Sony Pictures Studios Culver City, California United States June 11, 2009 Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com To license this image (16835606), contact WireImage.com

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©AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Michael Douglas honored at the 37th AFI Life Achievement Award presented by TV Land PRIME. Sony Studios, Culver City, CA. June 11, 2009. Job: 90611A1. www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com Pictured: Melanie Griffith and Jesse Johnson.

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CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 11: Actresses Melanie Griffith, Jane Seymour, and Jane Semel during the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas held at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI) *** Local Caption *** Melanie Griffith;Jane Seymour;Jane Semel

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CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 11: Actress Melanie Griffith, Actor Warren Beatty, and Director Curtis Hanson during the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas held at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI) *** Local Caption *** Melanie Griffith;Warren Beatty;Curtis Hanson

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Actress Melanie Griffith (R) and Jesse Wayne Johnson (Don Johnson's son) arrive at the 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards - Arrivals Sony Pictures Studios Culver City, CA United States June 11, 2009 Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com To license this image (16834951), contact FilmMagic.com

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CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 11: Actresses Annette Bening and Melanie Griffith during the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas held at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI) *** Local Caption *** Annette Bening;Melanie Griffith

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CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 11: (L-R) Actress Melanie Griffith, actor Warren Beatty and director Curtis Hanson attend the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas held at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI) *** Local Caption *** Melanie Griffith;Warren Beatty;Curtis Hanson

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CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 11: Actors Jesse Johnson and Actress Melanie Griffith arrive at AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas held at Sony Pictures Studios on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jesse Johnson;Melanie Griffith

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Tags: antonio banderas, AntonioBanderas, ellen degeneres, EllenDegeneres, melanie griffith, MelanieGriffith

Comments

(28)

Thursday 10 September

By wondering

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I just can't figure out what kind of world we live in, and who are we to judge? Can you clarify this to me? Has anyone not really struggled w/some type of difficulties in their life? Our we really so vindictive that we live on other's pain? It's a sorry state when you look at this on a whole. I hope that Melanie goes forward and becomes the woman she is! We all get a little lost along the way. The real winners are the ones who can pull up their boot-straps and dive in.

By mark

she looks like the Joker

By Me

Banderas is one of my favorites. Cool actor. And I never knew his wife had a serious problem. I'm surprised that he would stay with her for a long time. A good man, he is.

By Pamela

I think that when you find your real soul mate, you will stand by them thru all illnesses. Addiction is an illness. I think that it's wonderful that he gives her the love and moral support to get her thru this. And that he publicly pooh-poohs the gossip rags like that is just icing on the cake! I'll bet it took the wind right out of their sails! LOL!!

By Cate

He should leave that train wreck. Believe me...been there...done that...everyone deserves better!

By pnut166

I can`t believe how positive this comments page is !!!! Nary a shltty remark about Obama or Republicans anywhere !!! Amazing that no one has tried to pin Melanie`s addiction on Dubya or Obama !!!

By Capri1955

Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman stood the test of living with relapse prevention too. I am very glad both those couples handled the problem, with quiet dignity & grace.

Sunday 13 September

By PattyBK41

I am really surprised at most of the comments made only to swoon over Antonio and give all the compassion and understanding etc...
What about the true victum in the story.
After all she is a recovering drug addict true but she did not ask to be in a terrible sking accident requiring 3 surgeries and a mountain of pain and rehabilitation for both her injury and illness...
What about a little compassion and support for her?