PHOTOSMike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino Opens Up About Sobriety Ahead Of Possible Prison Sentence
April 4 2018, Updated 4:43 p.m. ET
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino goes by a new nickname these days, “The Inspiration.” After five years and two stints in rehab, the Jersey Shore star is inspiring his cast-mates with his amazing transformation from hardcore partier to sober director of public outreach at a rehab center in New Jersey. Even in the face of a possible prison sentence for pleading guilty to tax evasion, Mike is still determined to stay positive as the reboot Jersey Shore: Family Vacation premieres this Thursday.
“I worked so hard to turn my life around and be the best person I can be. I did it, and good things came around. I’m so excited and so proud of this season,” Mike told People magazine.
When Jersey Shore went off the air in 2012, Mike was addicted to painkillers and his relationship with his castmates, including Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio, suffered as a result. He didn’t speak with them “for a couple of years.”
“I had to fight my own demons and fix myself before I could even try to have any other relationships. They teach you that in recovery. But we’ve had the group chat for over a year now, and we talk every day,” he shared.
- Reality TV Fakery Exposed: 'Jersey Shore' Star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi Claims Producers Had Cops Arrest Her During Infamous 'Where's the Beach?' Scene
- 'Not Guilty!': 'Jersey Shore' Star Angelina Pivarnick Enters Plea in Simple Assault Case During Court Appearance
- Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's Ex Jen Harley in Another Custody Battle After New Boyfriend Gets Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Despite not being able to drink, Mike still did his best to have fun while filming the reboot in Mimi. “I did have to challenge myself to go out and film a whole season of Jersey Shore and have fun without alcohol — to show the youth out there that it is possible,” he explained, adding that he had “a very strong foundation” from two years sobriety when he entered the house.
While Mike celebrates his sobriety and the return of JS, he’s currently facing another battle. The Jersey boy pleaded guilty to tax evasion earlier this year, and could face up to five years in prison. “We should receive some closure,” Mike said of the sentencing. “And I’ll try to move forward with my life.”
“I’m so proud of this season,” he added. “It took a lot of hard work just to get there. I had to challenge myself to do my job and be funny and be myself — along with some obstacles and a lot of things facing me at that time. So for me to finish it and finish it the way that we did, I’m so blessed and grateful. I really am. I can’t wait for everyone to meet the new Situation.”
What do you think the new and improved Situation will be like on JS: Family Vacation? Sound off in the comments below!
