The second anniversary of Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ demise handed in December, and whereas these closest to the dancer — who discovered fame on So You Suppose You Can Dance earlier than becoming a member of Ellen DeGeneres’ speak present as her DJ — have had a while to course of his suicide, some wounds have been reopened not too long ago. Boss’ widow, fellow dancer Allison Holker, wrote about her husband in her upcoming memoir, and he or she’s been dealing with backlash over a few of her revelations. Boss’ mother, who shared an emotional publish about tWitch after his demise, is amongst these talking out, in addition to considered one of DeGeneres’ producers.
Allison Holker’s memoir This Far: My Story of Love, Loss and Embracing the Mild consists of particulars of her expertise surrounding her husband’s demise, together with the second she discovered of his suicide. She additionally instructed Individuals that afterward she’d found a “cornucopia” of medicine, together with mushrooms, capsules and “different substances.” Stephen Boss’ mother Connie Boss Alexander took situation with a number of the issues being mentioned about her son, posting a message to Instagram that learn:
Our household is completely appalled by the deceptive and hurtful claims made about my son, Stephen Boss. The latest publications spreading untruths about Stephen have crossed each line of decency. As his mom, I can’t let these accusations go unanswered. We won’t stand by whereas his identify and legacy are tarnished. He doesn’t deserve this, and the youngsters don’t deserve this.
Connie Boss Alexander didn’t name out Allison Holker particularly, however she made it clear she doesn’t recognize the “untruths” which were within the media concerning tWitch for the previous couple of days. Her publish continued:
For the final two years, I’ve remained quiet and away from the general public eye to guard my household. My main focus has been on therapeutic and making an attempt to stay linked to my grandchildren. However once I learn these dreadful claims about my child, our beloved Stephen, I spotted I couldn’t keep silent any longer. Our household will guarantee his identify and reminiscence are protected, and we’re dedicated to defending his honor.
Stephen Boss’ mom mentioned she’s not solely involved about her son’s legacy however how these tales have an effect on his kids Weslie, 16, Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 5, and that’s why she’s chosen to interrupt her silence.
Andy Lassner, government producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Present, additionally referenced Allison Holker’s feedback about tWitch’s alleged drug stash, talking from his personal expertise as a addict. In an Instagram Story he mentioned that whereas he is positive there have been issues he did not learn about Stephen Boss’ life, “his vitality wasn’t the chaos of habit – it was the calm that so many people struggle for.” Lassner known as him “an absolute king” who deserves to be remembered that method. You’ll be able to see the producer’s full assertion beneath:
Along with tWitch’s mother, somebody who’s allegedly a cousin additionally spoke out, responding to an X (Twitter) publish about Allison Holker not defending her husband and their kids, writing:
He wasn’t an addict. He smoked weed and was actively making an attempt to give up. He wasn’t some junkie.
Previous to the posts from Stephen Boss’ mom and Andy Lassner, Allison Holker took to her Instagram Tales on January 8 concerning backlash from others, saying her solely intention was to assist different individuals. She wrote, partially (through EW):
I hope that by sharing our full story perhaps I might help another person who may see themselves or a cherished one in Stephen. In sharing I hope that perhaps they’ll catch a number of the purple flags that I missed earlier than it’s too late.
Allison Holker’s e-book This Far is about for launch February 4.
Stephen “tWitch” Boss was so beloved by followers and mourned drastically by his fellow dancers, pals and different celebrities after his passing at age 40. The ache of shedding him remains to be contemporary for a lot of of them, even two years later, and I hope for continued therapeutic for all concerned. In case you or somebody you already know are having ideas of self-harm, please, name or textual content the Suicide & Disaster Lifeline at 988.