Pretty Little Liars actress Lindsey Shaw opened up about her struggles with substance use and an eating disorder. On Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide, which she co-hosts with her former costars from Ned's Declassified, the actress said she was “basically let go” during season 5 of the show.
"It was so bad. I got called into Pretty Little Liars’ creator’s office. And she was just like, 'So we're gonna let you go,'" Shaw said. “She was like, 'It's not because of your acting, but do you have anybody to talk to?'" She goes on to say that she didn't have anyone at the time and that the response was, “'Well, find somebody,' and 'We have to let you go now.'”
She went on, “So it was really hard… I got basically let go from Pretty Little Liars in season five because of the weight that I had lost, and it was really an embarrassing, embarrassing thing."
Shaw said that while it was a difficult time for her she was happy because she got through it and was still able to come back for the series finale. She also expressed her gratitude toward costar Shay Mitchell, who supported her in recovery. "We went to the same nutritionist for a while," she said. "She was bringing me protein powder. She was like, 'Girl.' Yeah, it was awful."
Now, Shaw says that she can step back from it and that she's mentally in a much happier place and just working toward the future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the NEDA helpline is here to help at 1-800-931-2237. NEDA's helpline volunteers offer support and basic information, locate treatment options in your area, and can help you find answers to any questions you may have.
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