Jael Strauss had an intervention on Dr Phil, six years before she died from breast cancer.
The Americas Next Top Model star died in a hospice on Tuesday at the age of 34, two months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Jael rose to fame in 2007 when she competed on the eighth series of Tyra Banks Americas Next Model, but made headlines five years later due to her drug addiction.
Strauss appeared on Dr Phil in 2012 after her family reached out to the TV star to hold an intervention for Jael, who was addicted to crystal meth.
After cameras showed up to Jaels house, she agreed to visit the show – but before being brought onto the stage, she fled the set, leading to Dr Phil speaking to her in the Paramount lot.
He said: Are you really convincing yourself that this life that you have doesnt suck? Youre doing drugs, youre living in crappy hotels, youre stripping in some sleazeball joint…
Advertisement Advertisement
Jael – looking unrecognisable from the punky model who had appeared on ANTM in 2007 – burst into tears and said: Why is it everybodys business?
Phil continued: There are 250 people in there that are pulling for you so hard, theyre just dying for you to grab on and give yourself a second chance in this life. They dont judge you, they cheer for you; before he brought up an incident in Jaels childhood which she refused to discuss.
Jael eventually agreed to enter a rehab programme, and several weeks after the show aired, she began her journey to sobriety.
While Jael did get clean, she later claimed she was exploited by Dr Phils show, telling Too Fab: First of all, I was interventioned, meaning I did not have a choice. I do feel that The Dr. Phil Show exploited me and has done that to other people and their addictions.”
I have an inner conflict, because I know that my story has helped so many people. The number one important thing in my life is to help other people, so I wouldnt change that, but it was not voluntary.
More: Showbiz
In August this year, Jael reached five years of sobriety, writing on Instagram: Today I have 5 years sober. Good God! I know a few things to be true: Miracles are real, Recovery is possible for everyone no matter how far gone you think you are, we are never too broken to be put back together, Service work feels better than the greatest high, Sobriety makes you weirder not normal
and Id be dead if it werent for all the love and forgiveness Ive been showered with by my friends and family.
Advertisement Advertisement
Following the news of her death, Jaels family said in a statement: The one blessing was that we were able to show her how loved she was before she passed. She brought so much light to people.
Jael had been unconscious for a number of days before she took a turn.
MORE: British Bulldog Tom Dynamite Kid Billington dies on his birthday
MORE: Coronation Street star Peter Armitage dies aged 78 and cast members lead tributes
Advertisement Advertisement
[contf] [contfnew] 
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
