In a raw and revealing documentary series, supermodel Naomi Campbell has opened up about her battle with substance abuse during her rise to stardom in the '90s. The AppleTV+ docuseries, titled "The Super Models," takes viewers behind the scenes of the lives of Campbell and her fellow iconic models Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford.
Campbell, now 53 years old, candidly admitted that she was slowly “killing” herself with drugs at the start of her career. She revealed that she turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with her suppressed emotions, particularly following the tragic murder of her close friend, fashion designer Gianni Versace. Versace was gunned down on July 15, 1997, while on his regular walk home from a nearby cafe. Campbell described the grief she experienced as "very bad" and struggled to show her emotions outwardly.
The supermodel confessed that she attempted to hide her grief during this tumultuous period in her life by turning to addiction. She described addiction as a deceptive coping mechanism that only caused more fear and anxiety. Campbell acknowledged that her substance abuse was a destructive way of trying to cover up her deep-rooted pain, but ultimately, it was harmful to her well-being.
Campbell's struggles with addiction escalated, leading her to check into rehab in 1999 after collapsing during a photoshoot due to a five-year cocaine addiction. She reflected on her destructive behavior, acknowledging the hurt caused by trying to cover up her feelings. The supermodel also attributed her substance abuse to her upbringing, citing abandonment issues from her parents as a significant factor.
However, Campbell has since found healthier ways to cope with her emotions. She expressed her gratitude for having tools to deal with her abandonment issues when they resurface and emphasized the importance of focusing on something greater than oneself.
In June, Campbell surprised her followers by announcing the birth of her second child, a son, in a now-deleted Instagram post. This joyous news comes after she revealed the birth of her first child in May of this year.
"The Super Models" docuseries not only delves into Campbell's personal struggles but also explores the groundbreaking careers of herself, Crawford, Evangelista, and Turlington. The series sheds light on the challenges faced by these iconic models and provides a deeper understanding of their journeys in the modeling industry.
In addition to Campbell's revelations, the documentary also showcases Crawford's criticism of Oprah Winfrey. Crawford claimed that Winfrey treated her poorly during an appearance on her talk show in 1986, describing the experience as being treated "like the chattel." It is yet to be seen whether Campbell or her representatives will respond to Crawford's accusations.
"The Super Models" offers an intimate and honest look into the lives of these renowned models, highlighting not only their successes but also their personal battles. Through their stories, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the pressures and challenges faced by those in the fashion industry.
