Mischa Barton explains hospitalization: I was drugged while drinking, this is a lesson to all young women

Mischa Barton claims she was hospitalized late last week as a result of being drugged during a night of partying.


The Season 22 Dancing with the Stars contestant confirmed she was hospitalized on Thursday morning after being drugged Wednesday night when she was out celebrating her 31st birthday with friends, People reported.

"On the evening of the 25th, I went out with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday. While having drinks, I realized that something was not right as my behavior was becoming erratic and continued to intensify over the next several hours," Barton told People in the statement.

"I voluntarily went to get professional help, and I was informed by their staff that I had been given GHB."

GHB is a "date rape drug" and depressant that is commonly placed in alcoholic beverages.


"After an overnight stay, I am home and doing well," Barton revealed. "I would like to extend a big thanks of gratitude to the professionals at Cedars-Sinai [in Los Angeles] for their great care and professionalism."

The actress added the following words of wisdom in her statement: "This is a lesson to all young women out there, be aware of your surroundings."

Police reportedly responded to multiple calls on Thursday around 7:15AM about a disturbance at Barton's West Hollywood, CA, apartment.

Prior reports claimed 31-year-old Barton had been voluntarily hospitalized for "a psychiatric evaluation."

Sources told TMZ last week that Barton was spotted wearing only a dress shirt and tie as she was hanging over her backyard fence and rambling phrases that didn't make sense before authorities arrived at the scene.


Officials told People, however, that Barton was "fully clothed" and "speaking in coherent statements" before she willingly decided to go to the hospital.

Barton -- who is best known for playing Marissa Cooper on The O.C. -- was hospitalized once before in 2009 under an involuntary psychiatric hold after she threatened to kill herself. She told People in October 2013 that she had a "full-on breakdown" mainly due to her sudden rise to fame.

Barton was partnered with pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev on Dancing with the Stars in Spring 2016. The couple landed at the bottom of the judges' leaderboard each week they competed leading up to their early Week 3 elimination.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski