Melissa Rycroft has spoken publicly after her second arrest for driving while intoxicated, saying she plans to seek professional care for ongoing mental health struggles. In a statement posted to Instagram on November 3, she expressed shame and embarrassment over the situation and its impact on her family and friends.
Rycroft, 43, was arrested on November 1 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with an invalid license after a prior conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, and leaving a collision that caused less than $200 in vehicle damage. Authorities said the incident involved her striking an ambulance at a stop sign and driving away.
In her statement, Rycroft said she had tried to conceal how difficult things had become, including from her family. She said she had been dealing with her mental health on her own for a long time, but had reached a point where she needed help and was getting professional care. She also asked for understanding and privacy for her family.
The arrest follows a previous DWI case from just over a year earlier. Rycroft pleaded guilty in that case and was sentenced to 20 months of probation, ordered to pay $2,000 in fines and court fees, and required to complete 36 hours of community service. The agreement also restricted her driving to a vehicle equipped with a camera-enabled ignition interlock device and required her to abstain from alcohol and illegal use, possession or sale of controlled substances, marijuana or cannabinoids.
Sources: Just Jared.