KONY 2012 co-founder Jason Russell, who sky-rocketed into notoriety two weeks ago when his documentary chronicling the war crimes of African rebel leader Joseph Kony went viral, caused enough more a media firestorm last week when he was arrested on the streets of San Diego, naked and apparently having some sort of breakdown!
However, despite rumors that this was alcohol or drug-fueled, his family has released a statement, claiming that he was actually suffering from ‘brief reactive psychosis,’ for which he is still seeking treatment.
The statement reads:
“We would, again, like to make it clear that Jason’s incident was in no way the result of drugs or alcohol in his body. The preliminary diagnosis he received is called brief reactive psychosis, an acute state brought on by extreme exhaustion, stress and dehydration. Though new to us, the doctors say this is a common experience given the great mental, emotional and physical shock his body has gone through in these last two weeks. Even for us, it’s hard to understand the sudden transition from relative anonymity to worldwide attention – both raves and ridicules, in a matter of days. [Russell] will get better. He is, and will remain, under hospital care for a number of weeks; and after that, the recovery process could take months before he is fully able to step back into his role with Invisible Children. During that time, we will focus not on a speedy recovery, but a thorough one.”
Well said!
And regardless of the cause, we’re just glad he’s getting the medical attention he clearly needs.
We sincerely hope that whatever is going on with this man can be treated without too much strain or difficulty.
You and your family are in our thoughts!