PHOTOSLuann De Lesseps Is Drinking Again Months After Her Probation Ends
Jan. 2 2020, Published 3:56 p.m. ET
The Real Housewives of New York City star Luann de Lesseps revealed she’s started drinking on occasion after her probation ended in August 2019.
Luann, 54, confirmed to People that she’s started drinking again. “I'm toasting to a happy new year ahead!” she said.
“New Year’s has been a time of reflection,” the RHONY star said about her decision to drink. “I’ve learned a great deal about myself, and I’m in a very good place and finally back in the driver's seat. I’ve always said my journey is day by day.”
Luann’s had a long battle with alcohol abuse after she was arrested in December 2017 in Palm Beach, Florida for disorderly intoxication, trespassing and battery.
Following the arrest the cabaret star went to rehab for alcohol treatment and returned to rehab a second time in July 2018.
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In August 2018, Luann struck a plea deal to avoid jail time after her arrest. Under the one-year probation agreement, she had to remain sober and stay away from drugs and alcohol. She was also expected to submit to random testing, do 50 hours of community service, attend two AA meetings a week and more.
The RHONY star later violated probation in April 2019 and narrowly avoided jail time. She had to agree to stricter probation terms as a result.
Luann’s probation ended in August 2019. “Hi my friends, I'm happy to say after a long difficult year ... I've made it through! I'm humbled and grateful for this life lesson and ready to put the past behind me and move on with my life. Wish me luck! Thank you for your undying support over the years,” she told fans on Instagram at the time.
In September 2019 the cabaret star told RadarOnline.com that she didn’t plan to drink immediately after her probation ended. “For the moment I am not drinking so I’ll see. I’m just taking it one day at a time. I might change my mind. I don’t know. I’m happy right now. I do yoga. I go to meetings here and there when I can. I try to keep focused," Luann said.
