Ted Williams, the homeless man who rose to fame in early January for his “golden voice,” reportedly left substance abuse rehab after receiving less than two weeks of treatment.
According to a report by TMZ, Williams was being treated for drug and alcohol dependency and left the Origins Recovery Center in Texas against the advice of his doctors. His treatment at the facility was funded by the “Dr. Phil” TV show, which released a statement following his leave, according to CBS News.
“Ted was given the chance to voluntarily enter a drug rehabilitation facility in order to help him deal with his dependency on drugs and alcohol. In that it is voluntary, the decision to remain in treatment is Ted’s to make,” the statement read in part.
“We certainly hope that he continues his commitment to sobriety, and we will continue to help and support him in any way that we can. We wish him well.”
Sources told TMZ that Williams left the rehab center and was on his way to the airport. The report also revealed that his girlfriend is currently receiving treatment at a rehab center in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Williams, 53, became an Internet sensation after a Columbus Dispatch reporter filmed him panhandling on the side of the road, according to CNN. After the video was posted on the popular video site YouTube, the homeless Williams became the subject of several news stories as people across the nation became fascinated with his deep baritone voice and his intriguing story.
He revealed on numerous television interviews that he had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years and his lifestyle put a strain on his relationship with his family, ultimately leaving him homeless. But while his fame reunited him with his relatives, problems began to emerge.
According to All Voices.com, Williams’ daughter stated he had started drinking again after the two were involved in an argument in a Hollywood hotel. Though he denied her claim and had previously told news sources that he had been clean for two years, Williams decided to check himself into rehab after meeting with television host Dr. Phil. Their discussion aired on Jan. 13.
He announced on various news shows that he had received numerous announcer job offers, and told audiences on CBS’ “The Early Show” that he had already struck a deal with Kraft Mac & Cheese, in which he was paid $10,000 for voicing four ads.
Williams also had another job on the table with the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to the Christian Science Monitor, the team offered him a two-year contract for a position at their Quicken Loans Arena and said they would pay his living expenses.