Many fans of the super group, New Edition, were shocked to learn of the drug abuse of member Ricky Bell, the oftentimes quiet, soulful singer who is also a member of Bell Biv Devoe in the third and final installment of BET’s The New Edition Story miniseries.
The first two parts were filled with entertaining drama, but the last installment revealed that Bobby Brown wasn’t the only one who dealt with substance abuse.
In real life, Bell was not only addicted to cocaine, oxycontin, and alcohol, but he also nearly died from a cocaine overdose and ended up in rehab.
Ricky shared on social media the one reason why he wanted his closely guarded secret to final be told:
“I must tell you that your words of support & incredible love for me is only surpassed by my incredible love for you. I shared my closely guarded story of pain and addiction for the sole purpose of gifting hope and inspiration to those who may be suffering as I once did. It is my helping hand to you. Grab ahold and don’t let it go… because I won’t. With every fiber of gratitude in me, I thank you. God Bless Us All.”
Played by Elijah Kelley, Bell first displayed his battle with substance abuse during the Home Again album cover shoot in 1996, where he washed down two pills with
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source: BlackDoctor.org
