He started the year as New Zealand music’s golden boy with 2010’s highest-selling single and a string of awards under his belt. But by midway through 2011, R&B singer J Williams’ star had well and truly fallen.
In an interview with the Weekly in oay J admitted he had hurt Larissa “Leo” Brown – his ex-partner and the mother of his son – and that he had a problem with alcohol.
“Drinking is definitely a problem for me – it’s my demon, and I’m seeking help,” he said.
The 25-year-old was then dropped from his role as a Rugby World Cup ambassador and went into alcohol and anger management counselling to sort out his problems.
But J also had a fight on his hands to tackle the public perception of him. There were protests when he was handed an award for radio airplay at the Pacific ousic Awards and Women’s Refuge spoke out against what they saw ashis attempts to downplay his actions.
Leo (26) and J’s son Ryder is now approaching his first birthday in March and she is now in a new relationship.
She continues to work as a celebrity stylist with her company, Leo Style, and wants to rekindle her interest in acting.
J, meanwhile, gave up alcohol for several months to focus on getting his life back on track.