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Academic article discussing how Demi became an advocate for Mental Health

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Academic article discussing how Demi became an advocate for Mental Health

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The celebritization of self-care: The celebrity health narrative of Demi Lovato and the sickscape of mental illness - Gaston Franssen, 2020 (sagepub.com)

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Discusses celebrity mental health and how Demi created a profitable vulnerability strategy from openly sharing their struggles

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Discusses celebrity mental health and how Demi created a profitable vulnerability strategy from openly sharing their struggles

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978-3-031-16756-0.pdf (springer.com)

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Demi Lovato wrote a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community

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Demi Lovato wrote a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community

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Demi Lovato is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community. She wore a shirt with a gender-neutral bathroom symbol for her Billboard Music Awards performance last year, and the following month, she wrote a message expressing her support in the wake of the Orlando shooting. This year, in honor of Pride Month, she demonstrated her allyship by writing a "Love Letter to the LGBTQ Community" for Billboard.

Her letter describes how inspired she is by the way LGBTQ people have promoted love and acceptance, even in the face of hate. "This is for some of my closest friends, for the young gay men who dance their hearts out at my shows, for the fabulous drag queens at bingo night who own every room they walk in to, and for a wonderful and kind community who have embraced, loved, and championed me for as long as I can remember," it reads. "Every single interaction I've ever had with the LGBTQ community has always been filled with pure love, enthusiasm, and passion for life. I know there are millions of people out there who feel exactly the same way as I do."

She also described how saddened she is by the discrimination LGBTQ people face and the government's attacks on their rights. "I struggle with wrapping my head around the fact that we live in a world where love and equal rights still have to be questioned or discounted," she wrote. "You all have been a huge part of my life and my existence. You inspire, empower, and encourage me every day, and I will continue to stand with you and will give you all the same and more in return."

Demi told People last year that she doesn't label her sexuality. "I grew up in a home where there was absolutely nothing wrong with somebody identifying as another sex or liking the same sex," she added. "People will say, 'Thank you so much for all that you do.' And my response is: It's just something that people should already be doing."

She's absolutely right: Regardless of how you identify, being an ally to the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups is the right thing to do. In a world where many people still judge others by their gender or sexual orientation, showing solidarity with LGBTQ people instead can go a long way.

Related: Demi Lovato's Billboards Performance Outfit Made a Major Statement About Transgender Rights
Check This Out:

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You Need to Read Demi Lovato's "Love Letter to the LGBTQ Community"

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Demi Lovato is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community. She wore a shirt with a gender-neutral bathroom symbol for her Billboard Music Awards performance last year, and the following month, she wrote a message expressing her support in the wake of the Orlando shooting.

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CBBC Newsround UK Childrens educational uses Demi Lovato to educate children on non-Binary and other identities outside of gender norms

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CBBC Newsround UK Childrens educational uses Demi Lovato to educate children on non-Binary and other identities outside of gender norms

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Highlighting how Demi is perceived as a positive role model to younger people

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Singer Demi Lovato has announced on social media that they are non-binary.

This means a person doesn't see themselves as either a male or a female and they ask that people don't use the gender identity words 'she' or 'her' when describing them.

In a post online Demi said: "I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary and will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward."

Demi said they came to understand their gender identity after spending time doing "healing and self-reflective work" over the past year.

What is non-binary?

Being non-binary means you don't see yourself as fitting into the category of being a man or a woman.

Physically you might have all of the male or female characteristics but being non-binary is more to do with your gender.

People who are non-binary ask other people to use the non-gender identity pronouns 'they' and 'them' when describing them.

Non-binary people are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Demi said that they were not an "expert or spokesperson" on being non-binary, and that they would speak to other non-binary people in a video series about gender identity.

"I'm doing this for those out there that haven't been able to share who they truly are with their loved ones," they added.

"Please keep living in your truths and know I am sending so much love your way."

In the first episode of Demi's new podcast series, they spoke about clothing and gender: "There might be a time where I wanna wear a full wig, there might be a time where I want to dress completely femme presenting.

"That doesn't mean that in that moment, I'm identifying as a woman, it just means that's what I want to wear in that moment. I want people to understand that just because I'm non-binary, doesn't mean I'm not going to dress the way I want."

What is a pronoun?

Pronouns are short words like, 'it', 'she', 'he', 'you', 'we', 'they', 'us' and 'them'. They are used to describe either an individual or groups of people, rather than using their name or names.

Demi also talked about the importance of pronouns to them and said: "To me it would mean the world if people could start identifying me as they/them. I will also be accepting if people slip and say her/she, because I know being in my position, it's going to take a while for people to get used to. I just want them to be making the effort.

"I think it's important because I want to use these pronouns to feel right to me; I also just don't want people to be so afraid of messing up that they don't try to use them."

Demi has been a supporter of LGBT rights throughout their career and in 2017 they wrote a letter to the LGBTQ+ community for Billboard magazine, as part of its Pride Month coverage.

"I struggle with wrapping my head around the fact that we live in a world where love and equal rights still have to be questioned or discounted," they wrote.

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Demi Lovato: The singer says they're non-binary - CBBC Newsround

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Singer Demi Lovato has announced on social media that they are non-binary. This means a person doesn't see themselves as either a male or a female and they ask that people don't use the gender identity words 'she' or 'her' when describing them.

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Demi Lovato a pop star publicly coming out as non-binary is significant representation for people who don't conform to gender norms and is extremely significant for the LGBTQ+ community. Although Demi has shown they don't conform to stereotypical gender roles in their early work when they state they wear 'converse with my dress' in the song 'La La Land', the huge significance of a non-binary star openly adopting they/them pronouns helps normalize the stigma around identities and combats the negative perception often enforced by the right-wing surrounding pronouns and neopronouns often used to mock transgender and non-binary people.

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Demi's new album is very different in the sense it no longer includes the pop-style genre featured in the rest of their discography and is more influenced by rock and heavy metal, however, the lyrical element of discussing their trauma and past is still prevalent in their music. For example, in song rock song '29', the lyrics discuss the grooming and the age gap in abusive relationships that Demi faced at age 17 with Wilmer Valderrama who was 29 when they started dating. For example the lyrics 'Finally 29, 17 would never cross my mind', discuss the discomfort Demi now feels at age 29 even thinking about dating a 17-year-old.

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Demi Lovato who identifies as non-binary recently had a “funeral” for their pop music and hinted at going back to their “rocky emo” days. Suggesting Demi is entering a new era of more rock-influenced music. Lovato told Rolling Stone that they want to put the rest of their music “behind them” and says fans can expect a bit of “heaviness” in the future.

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Demi Lovato - SUBSTANCE (Live On Jimmy Kimmel Live! / 2022)

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Demi Lovato on Coming out as non-Binary and breaking gender stereotypes

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Demi Lovato on Coming out as non-Binary and breaking gender stereotypes

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The "Sorry Not Sorry" singer appeared on Fonda’s "Fire Drill Friday" livestream where they discussed recently coming out as non-binary and using they/them pronounces on the first episode of their podcast. The star noted that they didn’t come out sooner because they were unknowingly battling "the patriarchy" and its expectations for women.

"After years of living my life for other people, trying to make myself smaller for the patriarchy -- they run the industry, they are at the center of everything. When I realized that, I thought, ‘What are the ways that the patriarchy has been holding me back?’" Lovato said (via Entertainment Tonight). "And for me, it was putting me in a box telling [me] that ‘You are a female, this is what you’re supposed to like, this is what you’re supposed to do, don’t dream bigger and don’t speak louder.’ That didn’t vibe for me because I’m too outspoken for that."

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Support of the Feminist Movement on Social Media

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Support of the Feminist Movement on Social Media

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Despite Demi's tendencies to sway towards post-feminism in her earlier work, they have always remained vocal on social media about openly being a feminist at a time when the word 'feminist' had very negative connotations. For example, when the #Feministsaregly was trending on Twitter Demi clapped back with a statement claiming "... the fact that #FeministsAreUgly trended is atrocious, ignorance kills any chance that humanity has at improving itself." I would argue that Demi Lovato as an influential celebrity combatting hate towards the feminist movement on social media in itself is influential, as they were changing the narrative of feminism as a negative thing to their younger fanbase.

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Pop singer Demi Lovato has come out publicly on Twitter in open support of feminism. While some people consider the word "feminist" to be a dirty word, Lovato and other famous pop idols like Camila Cabello have been clarifying its true meaning as an ideology in support of equal rights.

Demi Lovato was pulled into the discussion with the start of the trending hashtag #FeministsAreUgly used by internet trolls and anti-feminists on Twitter to perpetuate the negative stereotypes of radical man-hating feminists. In response, many women, including Demi Lovato, tried to counteract the #FeministsAreUgly hashtag. While lots of female users on Twitter used the hashtag to post beautiful selfies to promote positive body image and self-esteem and counteract the negativity, Demi Lovato and Camila Cabello took it a step further in support of feminism.

According to E! Online, Demi Lovato first publicized her proud feminism by retweeting something Cabello posted:

"... the fact that #FeministsAreUgly trended is atrocious, ignorance kills any chance that humanity has at improving itself."

Demi Lovato apparently didn't think this was enough to get the point across of what feminism truly means. Shortly after the retweet, Lovato posted a quote from another famous musician, Kate Nash from the U.K., and a more modern definition of feminism:

"Feminism is not a dirty word. It does not mean you hate men, it does not mean you hate girls that have nice legs and a tan, and it does not mean you are a 'b****' or a 'd***,' it means you believe in equality."

Lovato posted this tweet in the hopes of defending the beliefs behind feminism, which don't necessarily advocate for women's rights alone but gender equality and general social justice. While feminism may have had a bad reputation in the past, stars like Demi Lovato are trying to clear its name and fight back against the misconceptions.

It's clear that Lovato agrees with Nash's words that feminists don't have to hate women who wear makeup and are proud of their feminine physique, because Demi recently posted a strange and silly Instagram video showing off her bikini body, tropical tan, and curves. Lovato's video has been making the rounds around the internet lately and you can see it at The Inquisitr here.

Meanwhile, Demi Lovato's feminism and independence does not make her immune to celebrity rumors. According to J-14, the gossip that Demi had broken up with her boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama are completely false.

"They have been through a lot together and the great part about their relationship is that they have a lot of trust," said a source close to Lovato.

What do you think of Demi Lovato's public profession of feminism?

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Pop singer Demi Lovato has come out publicly on Twitter in open support of feminism. While some people consider the word "feminist" to be a dirty word, Lovato and other famous pop idols like Camila Cabello have been clarifying its true meaning as an ideology in support of equal rights.

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Demi wearing a $710 Dior T-shirt that says 'We Should All Be Feminists'

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Although Demi's intentions when wearing this t-shirt, many people took to social media to say that wearing a $710 designer t-shirt is out of touch with reality, appears performative and does not actually do anything productive for the feminist movement.

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Demi Lovato as of 2022 has now recovered and has released a new album 'Holy Fvck' on which they plan on going on an international tour. After coming out as non-binary, Demi has entered a new era as a rockstar and continues to voice their experiences and opinions about their traumatic past and suggests that much of their mental health and drug abuse was caused by trying to conform to the 'ideal pop-star image and the gender norms that were pushed onto them. Demi's genre and star image have changed drastically to a more punk-rock-inspired image which we can see in the recent image above through the black rugged hair, dark heavy eyeliner and leather jacket.

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Demi Lovato's new album, "Holy Fvck," tackles the star's struggles with addiction, depression and her sexuality. Getty Images

Demi Lovato has never been one to hold back, keeping it raw in her songs that can make you feel like you're a fly on the wall of her therapy sessions.

Her new album, "Holy Fvck" - which dropped on Friday, the day before the former Disney Channel star turns 30 - unapologetically addresses the issues she has dealt with regarding her addiction, sexuality and mental health struggles.

Lovato comes out firing on the first track, "Freak," a thrashing rave-up with punk-rocker Yungblud on which she embraces the power of being an outcast: "Get your tickets to the freak show, baby/Step right up to watch the freak go crazy."

Then on another rocking cut, "Skin of My Teeth," Lovato - who has been open about her struggles with addiction - admits that "I'm alive by the skin of my teeth."

And the pop star is very much aware of the fishbowl she lives in as she deals with her own recovery journey: "Demi leaves rehab again/When is this s-t gonna end?/Sounds like the voice in my head/I can't believe I'm not dead."

Demi Lovato turns 30 on Saturday, the day after the release of her latest album, "Holy Fvck."

Getty Images

Demi Lovato's new album, "Holy Fvck," features guest appearances by Yungblud, Royal & the Serpent, and Dead Sara.

Meanwhile, the guitar-charged takedown "Eat Me" - featuring Royal & the Serpent - gives the middle finger to all the haters who have shaded her for how she identifies: The singer came out as nonbinary and was using they/them pronouns, but she has recently adopted using she/her again.

"Would you like me better if I was still her?/Did she make your mouths water? ... I know the s-t that I've ignored/I know the girl that you adored/She's dead, it's time to f-king mourn."

And on the confessional power ballad "Happy Ending," Lovato shares her struggle with depression - and how she has tried to cope with it: "I got high/You name it, I've tried it/Sure, I'm sober now/And everybody's proud/But I miss my vices."

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Demi Lovato opens up about her addiction, depression and sexuality on new album 'Holy Fvck'

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Demi Lovato has never been one to hold back, keeping it raw in her songs that can make you feel like you're a fly on the wall of her therapy sessions. Her new album, "Holy Fvck" - which dropped on Friday, the day before the former Disney Channel star turns 30 - unapologetically addresses the issues she has dealt with regarding her addiction, sexuality and mental health struggles.

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A Podcast that discusses how Demi is a Supportive Ally to the LGBTQ+ by SuperQueero

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A Podcast that discusses how Demi is a Supportive Ally to the LGBTQ+ by SuperQueero

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Title

SuperQueero: Demi Lovato

Document Type

Student Work

Description

Demi Lovato is currently 29 years of age born on August 20th, 1992 in Albuquerque New Mexico. She was thrust into the spotlight at a young age working in television and also music. She supports the LGBT community in many diverse ways through her tweets and recorded speeches. Lovato has previously affirmed their support for the LGBT community. Demi participated in a campaign where she also urged her fans to donate to organizations such as the HRC, The Trevor Project among others to support transgender and non-binary youth. Demi Lovato recently came out as non-binary: changing their pronouns to they or them.

Keywords

SuperQueero, Demi Lovato, podcast, LGBTQ+ youth, Non-binary, LGBT rights, bullying

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (FHASS)

SOURCE Citation

Alice, Chaudhry, and Anna, "SuperQueero: Demi Lovato" (2021). Winter / Spring 2021-2022. 1.
https://source.sheridancollege.ca/swfhass_projects_superqueero_podcast/1

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Demi Lovato is currently 29 years of age born on August 20th, 1992 in Albuquerque New Mexico. She was thrust into the spotlight at a young age working in television and also music. She supports the LGBT community in many diverse ways through her tweets and recorded speeches.

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Demi 'banishes' her Disney girl image with new gothic look (article linked below)

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Demi 'banishes' her Disney girl image with new gothic look (article linked below)

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She made her name as a bright and breezy Disney star, but it seems those days are over for troubled teen Demi Lovato.

The singer and actress was almost unrecognisable as she emerged from an Illinois rehab facility for the first time since checking into the centre in mid-October.

The 18-year-old stepped out with a new darker hair colour, lashings of goth-style lipstick and black nail varnish she headed into a movie theatre in Chicago over the Christmas holidays.

The star was on a brief release from rehab, where she has been receiving treatment for 'emotional and physical issues'.

She spent a few hours with her mother Dianna, step-father Eddie and her two sisters Dallas and Madison who had made the trip from their home in California to see her for the holiday.

She had been given a day pass, allowing her a few hours on Christmas day to leave the facility, but she had to return that evening to continue her treatment.

The usually polished and pretty star appeared to have dyed her hair a dark brown colour and was sporting dark brown lipstick for the occasion which she paired with a equally grungy clothing ensemble.

The young Sonny With A Chance starlet looked more rocker than Disney princess in black laced boots, patterned tights, a black dress and furry animal print jacket.

She also kept her face covered with large black sunglasses and a black hat.

Demi checked into the treatment centre in Illinois for 'physical and emotional issues' after lashing out at backup dancer Alex Welch and punching her in the face over a supposed misunderstanding.

Demi was on tour with the Jonas Brothers Live Tour when the confrontation occurred on a flight from Peru.

Alex, who has also performed with Pink, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, claims Lovato was upset because she had 'gotten in trouble' over antics on a night out.

Just last week the singer reached undisclosed financial settlement with 21-year-old Welch over the incident.

'The parties are satisfied and the dispute has been resolved amicably and completely,' Welch's attorney Donald Karpel told celebrity website TMZ.

Meanwhile, Demi is set to continue treatment at the facility into the New Year and has pushed back the release of her next album as a result.

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Troubled Demi Lovato banishes her Disney girl image as she emerges from rehab with a new gothic look

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She made her name as a bright and breezy Disney star, but it seems those days are over for troubled teen Demi Lovato. The singer and actress was almost unrecognisable as she emerged from an Illinois rehab facility for the first time since checking into the centre in mid-October.

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12. Demi as an Advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community 

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12. Demi as an Advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community 

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Earlier this year, when two contestants on the second series of Drag Race UK discussed their non-binary identities on the BBC show, viewers told Radio 1 Newsbeat how they felt to see their gender identity represented in mainstream media.

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Demi Lovato is non-binary and is changing pronouns to they/them, singer announces

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Earlier this year, when two contestants on the second series of Drag Race UK discussed their non-binary identities on the BBC show, viewers told Radio 1 Newsbeat how they felt to see their gender identity represented in mainstream media.

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Demi throughout their career has often been very vocal about their opinions on Feminism and often includes messages of sexual empowerment such as in her hit song 'Confident' mainly aimed at young women and I would argue that a lot of their discography is influenced by post-feminism; this form of feminism focuses more on surface level issues such as body-image, sexual liberation and often ignores more serious intersectional gender-based issues. We see the post-feminist influence through Demi's persona, song lyrics and visuals such as the album cover above portraying Demi as sexually liberated,  glamourous and free to do as they want as well as influencing their audience to do the same.

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Demi Lovato Combatting Performative Activism Claims 

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Demi Lovato Combatting Performative Activism Claims 

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She performed her song Commander-in-Chief at the Billboard Music Awards in October which lyrically criticized Trump, claiming that she “did not care” if it ruined her career.

The singer addressed her fans on social media, writing: “I literally don’t care if this ruins my career. This isn’t about that. My career isn’t about that. I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans."

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An Article discussing the social effects of Demi's open discussion about their Bipolar disorder and how it reduced stigmatization

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“I’m Demi and I Have Bipolar Disorder”: Effect of Parasocial Contact on Reducing Stigma Toward People With Bipolar Disorder

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Examining celebrity influence, participants (N = 594) completed an experiment to see if negative stereotypes toward bipolar disorder could be reduced as a function of mode of disease disclosure fro...

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A left-wing position in politics is usually more favorable stance for young people as it is seen as more inclusive and open minded. Demi's public support of the Democratic party and politicians as well as publicly condemning President Trump portrays her as someone that cares about her fanbase of young, diverse people and an advocate for positive change within America

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Demi has openly supported the Democratic, left-wing politics on social media, in conferences and even within their music.

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Speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

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Speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

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“Like millions of Americans, I am living with mental illness. But I’m lucky. I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility,” Lovato said. “Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life don’t get help, either because they fear the stigma or because they can’t afford treatment.”

Demi urged Congress to "provide better access to healthcare and support for everyone."

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FULL SPEECH: Demi Lovato - Democratic National Convention

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In 2016, Lovato became co-owner of the treatment facility that saved her life in 2016, launching her own merch line with all profits going towards the addiction-treatment facility.

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A quote by Lovato about the significance of mental health

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8. Demi Lovato as a Advocate for Mental Health

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8. Demi Lovato as a Advocate for Mental Health

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Demi has always remained open-minded and honest about mental health, sharing their own battle with Bipolar, Depression, Anorexia, Bulimia and drug and alcohol abuse and speaks about it in detail in their YouTube documentary. Their ability to be so open with their fans and the press normalizes the often-stigmatized topics surrounding mental health and celebrities in the media as well as making themself an advocate for people suffering with mental health issues. Demi also has worked with many charities such as 'Global Citizen' advocating for more support to be put in place for vulnerable people like themself who struggle with their mental health.

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Lovato's song 'Sober' released in June of 2018 is a song which lyrics apologize for not being sober anymore they discuss being lonely and how it led to their relapse.
Some lyrics include:

"Momma, I'm sorry I'm not sober anymore."

"Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor."

"I'm sorry for the fans I lost who watched me fall again."

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Instagram Caption from Demi Lovato's Instagram discussing their Addiction

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Instagram Caption from Demi Lovato's Instagram discussing their Addiction

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Demi was often seen as being emotional and openly related to many of the struggles of the people she mentored on the show, portraying themselves as a very genuine, honest and fair judge. In this video she famously quotes 'The bully's that bullied us are sitting at home watching us on TV', showing how Demi was using the online hate she received prior to her scandal to empower themself and others.
Comments on this video include:
-  'I have had depression since 2004. Demi is my inspiration to never give up. Thankyou Demi for making your voice heard about mental awareness.'
-  'We love you Demi'
- 'I just love you Demi for speaking up and inspiring others to come forward and sharing their painful truths so they heal and transform.'

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Demi Lovato IN TEARS After MOVING X Factor USA Audition | X Factor Global

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Demi Lovato appeared as a regular judge on season two of popular talent show the X Factor alongside Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Britney Spears. Many fans were excited for the opportunity for Demi to appear as themself on Television and show off their persona as a supportive and emotional judge and mentor.

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Released in 2011 months after finishing rehabilitation treatment Demi released the album 'Unbroken', this album along with title 'Unbroken' I perceived to be the comeback of Demi rebuilding her star image as a vulnerable yet inspiring person who bounced back after her first public scandal.

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Demi Lovato has remained very open about her long battle with substance abuse within her documentaries and posts on Instagram and other social media platforms. After being admitted to rehab once in 2009, a sober house in 2013 and went to rehab again in 2018. In my opinion the honesty of Demi to share their extremely difficult journey with substance abuse portrays them as authentic and honest as they are showing their dual more personal side of celebrity life even though it may not be a 'desirable' star image; it humanizes them as a star who relentlessly bounces back from dark times they are going through

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Demi on their 2017 YouTube Documentary 'Simply Complicated' speaking out on why they punched Alex Welch

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Demi on their 2017 YouTube Documentary 'Simply Complicated' speaking out on why they punched Alex Welch

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'I was in Colombia. I was on the Camp Rock 2 tour and I invited a bunch of people to dinner, my band and my background dancers. I paid for all the alcohol ... I was on Adderall, and we had trashed the hotel. The hotel was threatening us. They went to some of the dancers and asked what had happened and I think they told on me for using Adderall ... I was very upset, I couldn't believe what had happened. Now it was out that I was on Adderall.' - Demi Lovato

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Demi Lovato covers a lot of ground in her new documentary, Simply Complicated, which was released Tuesday (Oct. 17) on YouTube.

From her early childhood to her big break in Disney's Camp Rock, to fighting life- and career-threatening battles with a variety of disorders to the making of her newest album, Tell Me You Love Me, the singer tells Billboard the film provided an opportunity to "control the narrative" around her life and marked an important milestone as she turned 25 this summer and last month released arguably her best album to date. In that spirit, throughout Simply Complicated, Lovato delves into deeply personal subject matter, including an abusive relationship with her biological father, her struggles with addiction, bi-polar disorder and anorexia, bulimia and cutting.

As much as Simply Complicated tells the story of Lovato's past, it retains a foot firmly set in the present. The doc chronicles Lovato's recording of Tell Me You Love Me, along with more personal fare such as the purchase of her first house, her breakup with Wilmer Valderrama last year and her reentry into the single world via the Raya dating app.

See latest videos, charts and news

Lovato spoke with Billboard ahead of Simply Complicated 's release to discuss the documentary's relationship with her latest album, why she felt she needed to share such personal subject matter, and how her imperfections are what make her a perfect role model.
Simply Complicated really explores a lot of the subjects you address on your new album, Tell Me You Love Me - did you see the album as a blueprint for the doc, or how did they influence each other?
I feel like what's incredible about this opportunity to make this documentary was you got to see the making of the album and you got to see a glimpse into what it's like to create a body of work that I'm so passionate about. So it definitely correlates with one another - I don't know if one's necessarily a blueprint to the other, but it's something that I get to share with my fans and that's what is exciting to me. And I touch on a lot of topics in the documentary and they kind of explain some of the songs, which is great.
Why was the doc something you felt like you needed to make?
I wanted to share this experience with my fans. I turned 25 this year, It's a quarter of a century, it's an important year to me. The making of this album was very important, and I've gone through a lot of changes. I've gone through a couple breakups and I went through a lot in my past, so being able to talk about those things and explain them to my fans is fulfilling - and it's kind of relieving.
So then was there an aspect of wanting to control the narrative?
Yes, it's nice to be able to control the narrative because a lot of times you get asked questions in interviews and sometimes, some magazines or reporters are kind of like fighting for bits. I get to lay everything out on the line myself [in the doc], which feels good.
There's a lot of intense, personal subjects you go into. Was there anything that you needed to trim back when you were going through edits?
There actually wasn't anything that I took out of the documentary because it was too personal. Everything that's in there I'm very, very honest about. There are things in my life that I choose to keep to myself, but there wasn't anything like that in the documentary.
With so much personal material covered, what was difficult for you about creating this project?
I think what was difficult about the process was being honest about where I am in my life today. Telling the world that I'm not the poster child for recovery. Sometimes it is a struggle, and sometimes I still deal with issues that I have suffered from in the past. It's a challenge to maintain recovery, and I talk about that in the film. So, for me, it's like kind of admitting that I'm not... Obviously I'm not perfect, but admitting that on camera. I want to be the best role model that I can be for my fans, so by admitting that I'm not perfect, it's kind of weird for me.
And it's very honest in that way, which is maybe better than "perfect" because people might be able to relate to it more.
Yeah, I think that's what makes me a role model for people is that I'm not perfect. It's that I'm honest about where I am, but I think for so long I've been such a strong advocate for the things I believe in, and certain things I still struggle with. I think explaining that on-camera was difficult for me, but it's needed. People need to hear that it's not a perfect journey and every day is easy; some days are challenging.
You talk about some of your relationships past and present in the documentary, why did you feel it was necessary to dive into those - specifically your sexuality?
I've never talked about those things before. I've had sexy, mature lyrics in my songs, but other than that I've never talked about it. And I thought that's a great way to have control over the narrative, being able to talk about my sexuality, rather than feeding it to a magazine and them running just a soundbite of it - which I know will happen with this documentary but at least I'm able to be in control of what's put out there.
As far as being a role model to your fans, you've been in the industry for the majority of your life now. Are you able to offer other artists guidance in their careers, maybe help direct them in this way?
There's been times that people have come to me for kind of mentorship, but more so I go to other people and ask for advice and things like that. I love learning and I love hearing opinions, so having people that I look up to or that I really respect as a musician or an artist, having them help with the rollout of the album or certain song choices and things like that, having people to go to is really awesome. There's so much to learn that I feel like I am more of a mentee than a mentor right now.
Since Harvey Weinstein was outed over alleged serial sexual misconduct, having been in the entertainment industry so long, have you experienced anything similar through your career?
Personally, I've never experienced that in this industry and I'm very fortunate. Growing up, I always had my [step] dad by my side, being young in the industry, and when I turned 18 I got older and started branching off being more independent. It's nothing that I've ever dealt with in the industry, thankfully, but I definitely commend the women who are coming out and talking about this because it's often something that people often are afraid of talking about and their voices are silenced and it's important that people hear them.

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Demi Lovato Details Revealing 'Simply Complicated' Documentary: 'I'm Not Perfect'

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Demi Lovato spoke with Billboard ahead of the release of her new documentary, 'Simply Complicated,' discussing the documentary's relationship with her latest album, why she felt she needed to share such personal subject matter and how her imperfections are what make her a great role model.

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6. Demi Lovato's Drug Addiction, Rehab and Struggles with Mental Health

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6. Demi Lovato's Drug Addiction, Rehab and Struggles with Mental Health

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The Article above provides a timeline of the long struggle Demi Lovato faced battling her drug addiction and struggles with mental health. Lovato admitted themself to a rehabilitation center after a physical altercation with a dancer during her Camp Rock 2 tour made headlines. This was the first major scandal of Demi's career and portrayed them as vulnerable and tarnished her 'Disney' image.

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On Tuesday afternoon, TMZ reported that Demi Lovato was rushed to an LA hospital after what appeared to be a heroin overdose.

Demi was taken from a home in the Hollywood Hills to a nearby hospital just before noon on Tuesday. Her condition is unknown at this time.

Demi has struggled with drug and alcohol addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, and eating disorders, and has been very open about her visits to rehab centers to combat these illnesses. Here's a timeline of what we know about Demi's battle with addiction:

2010: Demi Checks into Rehab for Anorexia, Bulimia, and Cutting

At 18, Demi underwent rehab after a physical altercation with a backup dancer on the Camp Rock 2 tour. She sought rehab for "physical and emotional issues".

E! Online states that specifically, Demi's issues in 2010 stemmed from "anorexia, bulimia, and cutting".

It was during her time at this treatment center that Demi was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Speaking to People in 2011, she bravely admitted, "I never found out until I went into treatment that I was bipolar. Looking back it makes sense... There were times when I was so manic, I was writing seven songs in one night and I'd be up until 5:30 in the morning."

2013: Demi Checks into a Sober Living Home

In January 2013, Demi checked into a sober living home in Los Angeles. E! reports that she remained there for about a year.

It was around this time that Demi was quoted as telling Access Hollywood that she "couldn't go without 30 minutes to an hour without cocaine."

She also opened up to American Way about her abuse of OxyContin, saying, "I lived fast and I was going to die young... I didn't think I would make it to 21."

Speaking to American Way, Demi shared she took her last drink in 2012 and continuously attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

March 2018: Demi Celebrates Five Years of Sobriety

In March 2018, Demi celebrated five years of sobriety. She announced the news with a tweet that read, "Just officially turned 6 years sober. So grateful for another year of joy, health and happiness. It IS possible. ??"

June 2018: Demi Releases a Song with the Lyrics "I'm Not Sober"

Demi Lovato - Sober (Lyric Video) Stream/buy "Sober" now: IslandRecs.lnk.to/Sober Apple Music: IslandRecs.lnk.to/SoberDL/applemusic Spotify: IslandRecs.lnk.to/SoberDL/spotify iTunes: IslandRecs.lnk.to/SoberDL/itunes Amazon: IslandRecs.lnk.to/SoberDL/amazon Google Play: IslandRecs.lnk.to/SoberDL/google-play Tidal: IslandRecs.lnk.to/SoberDL/tidal Music video by Demi Lovato performing Sober. © 2018 Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc./Hollywood Records/Safehouse Records LLC vevo.ly/Grtjqd 2018-06-21T14:00:07.000Z

In June, Demi released the song "Sober". Some of the lyrics read, "Momma, I'm so sorry I'm not sober anymore / Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor... To the ones who never left me we've been down this road before." In an article released after the song dropped, the Huffington Post wrote, "It seems to indicate she's relapsed after six years of sober living."

In 2016, Demi sat down with Refinery 29 to discuss her past struggles with addiction. She said, "Prior to getting sober, I was one of those people who was like, I don't give a fuck, whatever. And I used that as an excuse to do whatever I wanted. I was a nightmare to work with."

She has said that the outpouring of love from her fans has been both humbling and motivating. "When I have meet-and-greets, I can't tell you the amount of times that girls will show me their arms covered in scars or cuts... They'll tell me, 'You helped me get through this. Because of you, I stopped self-harming,' or 'I got sober.' Hearing those things gave my life new meaning."

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demi lovato anorexia bulimia drug addiction

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Demi Lovato Timeline of Drug Use & Rehab History

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On Tuesday afternoon, TMZ reported that Demi Lovato was rushed to an LA hospital after what appeared to be a heroin overdose. Demi was taken from a home in the Hollywood Hills to a nearby hospital just before noon on Tuesday. Her condition is unknown at this time.

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Here We Go Again was Demi's second album released in 2009, the album is more personal than her previous album, exploring more mature sounds and lyrics partly due to not collaborating with the Jonas Brothers; despite Demi going on the Camp Rock 2 tour with them to promote this album and was romantically linked to Joe Jonas at the time.

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Like several other Disney Channel icons and teen stars including Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan, Demi's mental health breakdown was reported widely in the media. Many suspect the root cause of the Disney Curse to be the immense pressure of maintaining the perfect image and being a role model whilst growing up in the limelight as well as resisting the urges to break away from their Disney-curated 'image'.

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TROUBLED singer Demi Lovato was rushed to hospital last night with a suspected drug overdose... making the ex-Disney star the latest veteran of the entertainment network to run into serious trouble.

The 21-year-old former Camp Rock actress first checked into rehab when she was just 18 years old, and at one stage she reportedly took cocaine several times a day - even smuggling it onto to planes rather than go without her fix.

She managed to stay clean for six years but revealed she had relapsed in recent weeks in a song called Sober, which has become particularly poignant now.

And Demi is far from the former Disney child star to go off the rails in adulthood, with Shia LaBeouf, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan (yes, that's where they really started) among the stars who struggled after finding fame with the network.

Other child stars, like Macaulay Caulkin and the Jacksons, have also endured public meltdowns after reaching adulthood, but there seems to be a high proportion of ex-Disney stars to suffer the same fate.

Although it's in no way suggested that Disney itself is responsible for what happened to the stars, the fact that many had early careers at the entertainment giant has led people to nickname it the 'Disney Curse'.

So why do so many former young performers have problems further down the line?

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos told Sun Online that part of this could be to do with the huge pressure placed on child stars before they are ready to handle it.

She said: "Having fame means your self awareness is amplified, and once you've reached a certain level of fame and notoriety, it's gets very validating.

"When that fame begins to fade away, it's very hard and you see that as a rejection of who you are and your work and your character.

"You can't ever go back to being normal because you will always have that notoriety; you always have that expectation. It's hard for you to navigate social interactions."

Dr Linda also points to the strained relationships many child stars (including Demi, Britney and Lindsay) have with their parents.

She said: "A lot of famous kids have had public fall outs with their parents. The parents, whose main job it is to ensure mental and physical health of their kids, are also tasked with ensuring their kids work and make a lot of money. Sometimes the two are incompatible."

And another aspect is the vacuum that is created when child stars grow out of their roles while still being associated with them.

Linda says: "They had an identity they were able to profit from and get a sense of validation from. Once that changes, you don't have that same value and you feel it.

"And that is why we see young stars becoming hyper-sexualised - they want to be taken seriously as adults.

"They're like 'look I was a young star but now I'm doing a photoshoot in my underwear' so you see the need to be acknowledged as adults and having value in their own right.

"We love young kids when they're little and on TV but this weird thing happens where we feel uncomfortable about them growing up."

In Demi Lovato's case, the star first started doing drugs aged 17, blaming her addict and "abusive" father as the reason she ended up getting hooked.

But she is far from the only ex-Disney actor to struggle with the trappings of fame after leaving the network.

Britney Spears

Once a Mouseketeer in The Mickey Mouse Club, Britney is now best known for being one of the world's biggest pop sensations.

But in 2007, after a divorce from Kevin Federline, Britney endured a famous public meltdown which saw her shave her head and move into rehab.

A friend told E! news: "All she wanted was to raise a family and find pleasure in the small things... she needed an escape from her celebrity existence."

Britney was soon out again but, desperate and cut off from seeing her children, things didn't improve until she was stretchered out of her home and taken to hospital by her mum.

Today, she has left the buzz-cut era well behind her and is a a happy and healthy star once again - as everyone hopes Demi Lovato will be.

Zac Efron

Best known for playing Troy in High School Musical, Zac Effron was 18 when he became a household name.

But after leaving Disney, he too ended up in rehab.

In 2014, he sought help for an alleged cocaine addiction, and has since claimed that it was the social aspects of his celebrity life which drove him down that dark road.

When he appeared on Running Wild with Bear Grylls, he said of his young fame: "You know it was just so quick, it's shocking, you know what I mean.

"The challenging part was never the work, it was sort of the in between work, the social aspects outside of it.

"You spend a lot of time in your house going crazy, you know pretty soon you need a social lubricant."

Miley Cyrus

The poster girl for post-Disney transformations, the world was stunned to watch as Hannah Montana star Miley ditched her PC-persona in favour of a far more sexualised stage presence.

The crotch-grabbing, twerking, weed-smoking Miley Cyrus of today is a far cry from the innocent 13-year-old actor everyone knew from the Disney channel.

And although she came off far better than many of her fellow child stars, Miley has been very vocal about the lasting effects of becoming famous so young.

"It's a lot to put on a kid: to have them have to get their makeup done and then also balance school and then also have me dress up in a wig," she has said.

Miley has also revealed that it was hard for her to be famous both as her Hannah Montana character and as herself, as a singer in her own right.

"I think that's probably what's a little bit wrong with me now," she added. "I mark that up to doing some extreme damage in my psyche as an adult person."

While filming, 12-hour days became the norm and, as a child, she developed anxiety attacks and nausea from the stresses of work.

She also told Marie Claire: "I was made to look like someone that I wasn't, which probably caused some body dysmorphia because I had been made pretty every day for so long."

Lee Thompson Young

One of the most tragic stories of past Disney actors, Lee Thompson Young started his acting career in 1998 series The Famous Jett Jackson, when he was just 15, and then appeared in the film Johnny Tsunami a year later.

He went on star in detective drama Rizzoli & Isles, but he failed to turn up for filming in August 2013.

When police were called to check on him in his LA apartment, he was found dead.

The 29-year-old had been battling depression before his death, and had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf is another ex-Disney star who went through a troublesome period when he left the network.

The Even Stevens actor was arrested back in 2014 and later charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass at Studio 54 theatre.

After his arrest, the 32-year-old joined an outpatient programme for alcoholism, and has since staged a number of bizarre public appearances which have left fans concerned about his well-being.

In 2014, he appeared at the premier of his movie Nymphomaniac wearing a paper bag on his head which had the words "I am not famous anymore" scrawled in large letters over his face.

Later that same year he spent a night in jail after being disruptive while watching a Broadway show, and was arrested again in 2017 for disorderly conduct, obstruction and public drunkenness.

A video which emerged of his racist rant at police officers at the time pushed the former Disney star to apologise on Twitter, where he described the incident as a "new low" and said he was newly committed to sobriety.

Lindsay Lohan

After modelling as a child, Lindsay made her acting breakthrough in 1998 Disney film The Parent Trap, when she was just 12.

She followed up with a string of high-profile film appearances, including Mean Girls, before returning to Disney in 2005 with Herbie: Fully Loaded.

However, her life has been peppered with legal run-ins and controversies ever since a booze-fuelled car crash in 2007, and she has had a notably sour relationship with her father which may have contributed to her turmoil.

Lowlights include the party girl's subsequent hour-long stay in prison for cocaine possession and drink driving, and when she was fitted with an alcohol-monitoring device as a condition of her bail.

In 2010 she then earned a two-week prison sentence for failing to attend her court-ordered weekly alcohol education classes, and eventually ended up in rehab after leaving jail.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was one of Disney's most recognisable faces, starring in Wizards of Waverly Place and the Princess Protection Programme.

But when she grew up, she too had a rocky ride.

Gomez, 26, spent two weeks in a rehab facility back in early 2014 at treatment centre in Arizona which specialises in treating young people with addiction and trauma problems.

Her representative later revealed the star was suffering from Lupus, an autoimmune disease, and that she entered rehab for chemotherapy to treat the illness.

A source previously claimed that Selena also had other issues when she checked into the treatment facility, according to Radar Online.

Selena Gomez made a huge name for herself as a Disney child star. A source said: "Her friends and family became increasingly worried that there might be a serious problem with Selena.

"Particularly, her parents. The partying was, at times, wild.

"They wanted to help her-and they very much encouraged her to go to rehab. Others very close to her also urged her to seek professional help."

She was also reportedly dabbling with marijuana and was experimenting with prescription drugs such as Xanax and Ambien - and ended up back in rehab in September 2016, after a high-profile spat with former flame Justin Bieber.
Linda's podcast is called The Psychology Behind with Dr Linda Papadopoulos and is available from iTunes, Audioboom and all usual podcast outlets.

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From Selena Gomez to Miley Cyrus - why so many former child Disney stars have suffered mental health breakdowns, eating disorders and suicide attempts

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TROUBLED singer Demi Lovato was rushed to hospital last night with a suspected drug overdose... making the ex-Disney star the latest veteran of the entertainment network to run into serious tro...

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Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato's Celebrity Friendship

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Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato's Celebrity Friendship

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Demi and Selena, both extremely successful Disney stars at this time, made a YouTube series that they treated almost like a podcast talking about topics but most importantly showing off their enviable 'BFF' relationship for young girls and Disney fans everywhere to watch.  The videos are authentic in the sense they are just two teenagers gossiping and enjoying themselves, however, could the joint youtube channel have been a marketing tactic to gain traction for their upcoming Princess Protection movie?

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Lovato explained that her goal was to have fun and establish herself as a new musician outside of Disney Channel with the album and that she would include deeper themes in her other work stating: "You won't necessarily find a lot of dark songs on the album, but hopefully you will on the next album. It's my first one, so I wanted it to be fun — stuff you can drive around in your car to and jam out to."  "Demi Lovato Calls On Jonas Brothers For Help With Debut LP, Onstage Tumble". MTV News.

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Demi Lovato Calls On Jonas Brothers For Help With Debut LP, Onstage Tumble

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Demi Lovato called on tourmates the Jonas Brothers for help with her debut LP — and an embarrassing onstage fall.

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4. Demi's Early Music Career - Debut Album

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4. Demi's Early Music Career - Debut Album

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'Don't Forget' was Demis's debut album which was produced in collaboration with the Jonas Brothers, the sound is comparable with the music from Camp Rock perhaps, in my opinion, aiming to maintain her Camp Rock fanbase, featuring primarily a power pop and rock sound, with the lyrical content addressing other adolescent topics. Demi claims that the aim of this album was to establish herself as an artist, which is why the album is perhaps more happy and upbeat and influenced by the Jonas Brothers in comparison with her discography.

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Demi Lovato plays the lead role of Sonny in the Disney Channel series Sonny with a Chance

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Demi also stars in regular Disney channel series

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Demi's next big role as an actress was in the Disney Channel film Princess Protection Program as Princess Rosalinda, alongside Selena Gomez. It is the third highest-rated Disney Channel Original Movie, premiering with 8.5 million viewers.

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Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus

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Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, & Jonas Brothers Send It On Official Music Video

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Demi Lovato supports Jonas Brothers on their Burnin' up tour in 2009 

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- talented singer and performer
- charming
- all- American sweetheart
- underdog

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3. Camp Rock and Demi as an actress and singer/ Disney Star

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3. Camp Rock and Demi as an actress and singer/ Disney Star

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Demi Lovato plays the role of Mitchie Torres an aspiring singer who is almost parallel to Demi's own personal life at the time. Demi is both an actress and a musician in this role and features as the lead vocalist on the majority of the movie's soundtrack which was highly successful. The soundtrack which was released by Disney debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 album charts as well as selling over 188,000 units in its first week. This role was the beginning of the gradual career transition from actress to singer and is arguably the start of her professional music career. Alongside this, they also began collaborating with other established Disney stars such as Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, establishing themself as a Disney star.

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2. Early Career and working with Disney Channel

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2. Early Career and working with Disney Channel

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In 2007, Demi Lovato began working with the Disney Channel on a short television show called 'As The Bell Rings'. However, Lovato's breakthrough starring role was Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel movie 'Camp Rock.' While filming Camp Rock, Demi Lovato began also recording three songs with the pop group the Jonas Brothers for the film's soundtrack.

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Demi Lovato on children's television series 'Barney and Friends 

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Born in 1992 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Demi Lovato kicked off their career in television as a child actor in 2002 at the age of 10, on the television series Barney and Friends.  Lovato also featured in television dramas 'Just Jordan' (2007) and 'Prison Break' (2006). Growing up they also won several talent competitions and performed in several prestigious venues including the Eisemann centre.