Demi Lovato On The Negative Impacts Of Fame On Kids

Demi Lovato's life story is one of incredible talent intertwined with significant personal challenges. Rising to fame as a child star on the Disney Channel, Demi began their journey with roles in Barney & Friends and Camp Rock, quickly showcasing their remarkable singing abilities.

In a cover story interview with 'Grazia US', the actor/musician — who co-directed the new documentary 'Child Star' with Nicola Marsh — reflected on the "explosive" moments that came from the negative impact of fame on her mental health. “I didn’t realize that it would have such a negative impact on my mental health,” Lovato (who uses she/they pronouns), 32, said of their experience with fame. “And unfortunately, sometimes that looks explosive, like an incident where you punch your backup dancer on an airplane or you overdose from heroin.”

In 2010, Lovato punched Alex Welch, a dancer on The Jonas Brothers tour at the time. The incident prompted the pop star to go to rehab. Lovato suffered a near-fatal drug overdose in 2018 and had three strokes and a heart attack in the hospital.

“Talking to people who knew me at a different time in my life was challenging because I wanted to apologize for my behavior," Lovato told the publication. "I wasn’t the nicest person to work with at times because I was struggling so much internally, and I was under a lot of pressure."

Their albums, such as 'Demi' and 'Confident,' reflect both their struggles and triumphs. Songs like “Skyscraper” serve as powerful anthems of resilience, illustrating their determination to overcome adversity. Despite their successes, Demi faced challenges, including relapses and subsequent rehab stays, highlighting that recovery is often a complex journey.

In addition to mental health issues, Demi has also been candid about their gender identity. In 2021, they came out as non-binary, adopting they/them pronouns. This significant announcement not only marked a personal milestone but also contributed to broader conversations about gender identity in the entertainment world.

In an interview with 'People', the artist opened up about their decision to make 'Child Star'. "This was just a story that I had been wanting to tell for quite some time," she said. "I've always thought about exploring the history of child stars, and also looking at different points of views and the perspective of what it's like to be a child star in today's day and age."

Lovato added that they have personally "been very, very honest in the past" and "demonstrated that vulnerability throughout my life."

"I've shared a lot with people, and I've realized that my experiences don't define me," she said.

'Child Star', which was released on Tuesday, Sept. 17, features interviews from past and present stars like Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa, Kenan Thompson, Raven-Symoné, Christina Ricci and Alyson Stoner as they reflect on navigating fame from a young age.

As Demi navigates the complexities of fame, they remain a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating the importance of resilience, authenticity, and community in the healing process. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the ongoing journey toward self-acceptance.