Backstreet Boys' A.J. McLean Enters Rehab

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 13th 2011 01:25PM

Backstreet Boys singer A.J. McLean has checked himself into rehab.

"For personal reasons, I've checked myself into a rehab clinic," McLean says in a statement (via PEOPLE). "With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform and sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon! Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends' privacy during this time."

While he gave no reason as to why he is seeking treatment, the singer has battled substance abuse issues in the past and went to rehab in 2001 and 2002 for alcohol and cocaine abuse.

McLean was reportedly six years sober in 2008, but has more recently been photographed exiting Los Angeles nightclubs. On Jan. 9, McLean tweeted, "I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomorrow!"

McLean's drinking was reportedly affecting rehearsals for the Backstreet Boys' upcoming tour with New Kids on the Block, reports TMZ, who first broke the story.

In 2001, the Backstreet Boys postponed their 'Black & Blue' world tour so McLean could enter treatment for alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety.

During a 2003 interview, McLean told Oprah Winfrey he battles his addictions every day. He said he abused Jack Daniels, cocaine, sleeping pills, prescription medication and other illegal drugs, and even admitted he overdosed twice.

Tags: AJ McLean, Backstreet Boys

Comments

(14)

Thursday 13 January

By tony

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really,i dont think aj played in ulees gold,retard.

By Slash

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I hope AJ hangs himself

By Lita

Judging from your posting, tony, you could use a trip to rehab.

By MARIAH

OMG... a celeb going to rehab?
What a surprise.

By bsbmoosemama

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More power to him! At least he realizes that he has a problem and is seeking help for it! that takes guts!

I been sober for 16 yrs . AJ's a puzzy looking for attention

By Mike Larys

"for personal reasons I check meyself into rehab..." as apposed to what AJ, professional reasons? F*cking loser.

By alexis

putting a tour on hold because u want to party. a little bobby brown-ish don't u think

By Shane

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Should change his name to McDirty lol. How is this a story hes been to rehab 100 times. Wake me up when he hopefully ODs soon. Hmmm maybe thats not a good idea, that would mean a marathon of BSB music on the radio. Such a dirtball. How did women ever find him or that shaggy dog Kevin attractive?

By Dean

Going to rehab is the latest celeb fad.Its a great way to get publicity.

By Neko

This goes to everyone except bsbmoosemama: SHUT THE F UP! You know nothing about him! Much less being a big star! You have no clue about the pressures of stardom. He's a good person, he's just got problems.

I know ALL of you have problems as well. So don't pick on the stars just cuz they can't fight back! If you can't say something nice, SHUT THE HELL UP!

Friday 14 January

By kity

best wishes for a cleaner sober life. Keep singing, and don't waste ur gift .

Wednesday 26 January

By Becky

I am really proud of AJ for getting the help he needed! It takes alot of courage to do that. All you haters need to shut the f*ck up!!

Friday 08 April

By Al perry

AJ, i don't care what anybody tells you because you are one in a million and unbreakable and let anybody take that gift away from you. i have been following the Bacstreet Boys's carrers ever since they came out and i am proud to be a part of the Backstreet family. don't ever lose faith in yourself because i have faith in you.

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