Last week, Mariah Carey opened up to PEOPLE and confessed that she’s been battling with bipolar disorder, having been initially diagnosed in 2001. During the interview, she told the magazine’s Jess Cagle that “I was so terrified of losing everything, I convinced myself the only way to deal with this was to not deal with this.” She went on to add that, “Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me. It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore.”
Since the revelation, fans have taken to social media to share their messages of support and tell their own stories of dealing with the disorder.
Mariah seems greatly appreciative for the messages, posting a photo to Instagram on Saturday, admitting she was “feeling inspired by each of your stories and uplifted by your overwhelming support.”
Mariah is going to need strength and support. TMZ reported on Monday that her former manager and right-hand woman, Stella Stolper (a/k/a Stella Bulochnikov), is filing a lawsuit against her for violation of the U.S. Civil Rights Act, a Violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act as well as breach of contract. Page Six also reported that Stella is accusing Mariah of sexual harassment, alleging Mariah was often nude in front of her. She also claims that Mariah has a substance abuse problem. In a statement released to Page Six, Mariah’s rep states that:
“Stella Bulochnikov was terminated from employment as Mariah’s manager due to failure to perform her job effectively and ill-serving her client. Stella was not under contract for employment. She has been spreading false rumors to any media outlet that will publish them. We won’t respond to lies and threats. Again, if this frivolous and baseless claim is filed, we will defend against it vigorously and successfully. It is also interesting to note that this is the first lawyer who will move forward on Stella’s behalf, having previously gone through three others who wouldn’t.”
We’ve heard some things about Stella and about Mariah. Whatever happened I hope justice will prevail. At least Mariah isn’t letting any legal woes stop her from working. The diva is currently working on her 15th studio album and planning an accompanying tour. She is also planning to delve deeper into her life and is writing her memoir. A source told Page Six that “At a certain point, the truth will set you free. Hopefully, [being vocal about bipolar disorder] will be freeing for her. When you have people that you were close with, like Whitney and Prince, at a certain point, you look inward and come to terms with whatever demons you have.”
Having known many people who have suffered with bipolar disorder, I’m glad that Mariah has decided to share her story. Hopefully, she can encourage others to seek the help they need. I’ve never been a huge fan of Mariah’s, but this revelation has unlocked a newfound respect for her. (I still think Glitter was an utter trainwreck though.)
Photos: Getty Images, WENN.com
I used to be a huge fan of hers, but haven’t liked her antics for a while. As someone with bipolar disorder, I do applaud her speaking publicly about the condition because it helps raise awareness and hopefully will assist in getting rid of the stigma of mental illness. People take care of high blood pressure and diabetes – both of which are abnormal processes in the body, so why do some people have such a bad reaction to hear that someone has abnormal neurotransmitters? I just don’t understand the bias. (Due to his ignorance, my brother thinks I’m scary, even though the only times I’ve ever been violent were in self defense as a teenager, or when I was a child acting out due to being abused. I’m 49, so that was a very long time ago.)
I always thought she was talented, but the stories were kind of scary. Now they make sense and I also applaud her for coming forward – for the same reasons you cited. I hope you’re doing well – my dad died by suicide in the 70s because of stigma and lack of treatment. He feared for the safety of his job and the economic security of his family if it came out that he was being treated for a brain disorder. My sister and I were young teens and our mother was never the same.
That’s a coincidence. A couple of weeks ago her former boyfriend James Packer said he was selling off his business interests so he can focus on dealing with his depression.
NOW that episode when she went off the rails fighting with Howard Stern makes sense. That was years ago and probably when the symptoms became evident as I’ve read most bipolar sufferer’s start having their issues in late teens early 20’s…and that sounds about right. for her age back then. It 20 years ago roughly.
Aw, I love Mimi, wish her well.
This Stella woman was SUPER fishy since the beginning and I’m glad Mariah got rid of her. I’m appalled by her lawsuit and I hope Mariah will sue the sh*t out of her for her mismanagement.
Good thing she is speaking of her illness. My aunt is bipolar too and it is super hard, because of the illness but also because how society treats her.
From what I’ve read about her, she is super fishy. I’m not sure how she can claim sexual harassment. Maybe she should have quit years ago if she found Mariah’s nudity offensive. There is probably more to this story, but this lady is obviously hoping for a big cash payout.
This is exactly what I mean by a double standard. No one would say something like that if it was a man.
“From what I’ve read about her, she is super fishy. I’m not sure how she can claim sexual harassment. Maybe she should have quit years ago if she found *Harvey’s nudity offensive. There is probably more to this story, but this lady is obviously hoping for a big cash payout.”
-Hope this gives you a little perspective.
Oh COME ON NOW. First of all Mariah hardly holds any power in today’s industry, there is NO comparison to Weinstein. She’s not out there assaulting and raping people. Stella was here to profit from her, taking advantage of her illness, and now that she was given the boot due to her fishy ways she wanna claim sexual harassment. Yeah right. As I said, I hope Mariah will sue her to oblivion.
That’s exactly what people said about women that were accusing Harvey Weinstein. Just because their professions are different doesn’t change the fact that it’s a double standard.
Actually people were saying for years that weinstein was trading sex for roles which is at least harassment. That’s the first thing I’ve heard about him. But sure, keep fighting that fight. Btw have you ever heard of the particular double standard that plagues mentally ill people?
The word on the curb is Stella was hoping for a big pay out by breaking the “Mariah is bipolar” story first. When Mariah self-disclosed, that interrupted Stella’s potential cash flow… hence the lawsuits now…
Eccentricities aside, I will ALWAYS love and root for Miss Mimi.