Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is sounding off about mental health awareness, just days after the MTV star sparked concern among fans after appearing to nod off during an interview while promoting the upcoming (and final) season of Jersey Shore Family Vacation.
As The Ashley reported last week, Stars and Sirius posted (and later deleted) a clip from a recent interview with the ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’ cast in which Ronnie could be seen in the background closing his eyes, seemingly nodding off and leaning forward as two of his co-stars, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and Deena Cortese, responded to questions.
Fans were quick to express their concern for Ronnie’s wellbeing after seeing the clip, with some fans even criticizing Ronnie’s co-stars– particularly Mike, a recovering addict who now owns a rehab center– for not helping their troubled roomie.
While Ronnie has yet to respond last week’s viral moment, he posted a series of quotes and images to his Instagram Story on Monday in recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, suggesting that he may be struggling at the moment.
The ‘Jersey Shore’ star’s initial post explained the meaning of “high functioning depression,” which Ronnie followed up with some words of encouragement to his followers.
“Whoever needed this today! You’re not alone!!” he wrote.
Ronnie went on to follow-up that Instagram Story with statistics about mental illness, as well as information about different diagnosis, including depression and anxiety.
“The disease doesn’t discriminate,” Ronnie wrote. “Famous, athletes, single parents.”
In another comment, Ronnie encouraged his followers who “know anyone suffering” from mental illness to “be kind.”
As The Ashley told you last week, after catching heat from fans for allegedly not helping Ronnie, Mike fired back on social media insisting he is “not responsible for the actions of any other cast member,” while assuring viewers that his heart was “heavy” after seeing the state that Ron “chose to present during press.”
“This situation is still developing as we speak, and I don’t yet know the full extent of what he may be going through– but I do know that it is separate from my path, and I will help where I can, including through my organization, The Archangel Centers,” Mike wrote in a social media comment, before going on to reveal that he reached out to Ron to offer his support in the aftermath of last week’s incident and that he was still waiting to hear back.
“If he’s willing, I will do everything I can to be there for him,” Mike continued. “My heart is with anyone who is struggling. I’ve worked hard to build and protect my sobriety– nearly 11 years now– and it’s something I honor every single day. That commitment includes showing up with compassion and supporting others however I can. As more becomes clear, I hope we can all respond with empathy. Please be kind to someone who may be suffering.”
As you may remember, less than a week before the Stars and Sirius interview clip was posted online, The Sun reported that Ronnie was kept from participating in interviews at the ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’ premiere party due to the fact that he was allegedly intoxicated and “too messed up.”
“[Ronnie] took photos on the carpet at the start, but then he was taken away while everyone did the press line,” a source told the outlet. “Ronnie was wasted, so the team made the decision not to let him talk to anyone.”
Days before the premiere, Ron was also reportedly pulled from a press interview with Complex, in which the rest of his roomies– sans Jenni “JWoww” Farley– participated.
Ronnie previously spent time in rehab for alcohol dependency in 2019 before going on to step away from ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’ in 2021 to seek mental health treatment. Ronnie ultimately returned to the MTV series in 2024.
The final season of ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’ premieres May 7 on MTV.
RELATED STORY: Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino Speaks Out After Footage of Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Nodding Out During Recent Interview Circulates
(Photos: MTV; X; Instagram)
3 Responses
I do genuinely have compassion for those struggling with mental illness. I have PTSD, major depression and anxiety. My issue is the people like Ronnie who have the financial means to get better. Oftentimes they go to luxury mental health retreats. Their rehab is in a gorgeous and expensive facility. Yet he chooses each day to not get help. Mike would jump through hoops to help Ronnie. I haven’t watched Jersey Shore since it first aired but Ronnie acts the same then like he does now. That’s pretty sad.
And it was determined by the courts that HE was the more fit parent for his daughter… Jen Farley must be a real hot mess.
Was it really? They both have domestic violence charges against them and they both are addicted to drugs and alcohol. What a low bar the Judge set. Jen Harley has also now had another kid.