A former child star from the 1994 Little Rascals movie is blaming his Twitter outburst during Sunday’s Fox broadcast of Rent: Live on a mental health problem.
Blake McIver, who was Waldo in the kids flick and went on to play Derek on Full House (credited back then as Blake McIver Ewing), thanked “those who reached out knowing that something was very wrong.” He wrote, “I had a severe manic depressive episode last night and although it’s not an excuse for what was said publicly and privately, it’s a reason.” He said he’s now “recovering” and “getting the help I need.”
Thank you to those who reached out knowing that something was very wrong. I had a severe manic depressive episode last night and although it's not an excuse for what was said publicly and privately, it's a reason. I'm recovering and getting the help I need.
— Blake McIver (@BlakeMcIver) January 29, 2019
Not everyone was quick to let bygones be bygones — well initially. At least some of McIver’s ire during his Twitter rant was directed at Ira Madison III, a writer for the Netflix’s Daybreak and a TV host. Madison had been tweeting commentary while Rent: Live aired and McIver apparently thought he was making fun of the cast, which included Emerson Collins, who McIver knows and was rooting on before the production aired.
Madison noted that while he is a “supporter of mental health and have had my own struggles,” being called an “opportunistic f*****” by McIver on Twitter and having McIver suggest Madison would “drug” him is “hateful” and “disgusting,” Madison wrote. He added that he hadn’t received an apology.
However, Madison added that he hopes McIver gets the help he needs.
Later in the day, McIver posted again to address the situation — naming specific people he was apologizing to. He also wrote more about his mental illness.
Words can't undo the hurt of the awful words I spewed at people Sunday night, but I want to publicly and sincerely say that I am truly sorry. To these specific people and to all those who saw them. pic.twitter.com/IYBRE5tEJT
— Blake McIver (@BlakeMcIver) January 30, 2019
Madison accepted his apology.
Blake has apologized privately and publicly. I thank him and wish him well in his recovery and continued journey. https://t.co/0VaVGogv8O
— Ira (@ira) January 30, 2019
During Sunday’s broadcast, Madison was posting commentary, including:
Why… did Roger not have an understudy? I don’t want to watch a dress rehearsal
— Ira (@ira) January 28, 2019
McIver responded — and it was on from there.
Here are more of the back-and-forth tweets:
Sis I actually wasn’t being one, but also this is my account and not yours to worry about
— Ira (@ira) January 28, 2019
I brought my own, I don’t trust you or your booze.
— Blake McIver (@BlakeMcIver) January 28, 2019
Seriously. I’m in “twitter jail”cause I put some talentless influencers on blast tonight. Whatever, my friends (like you) can actually sing and act and have something to contribute!
— Blake McIver (@BlakeMcIver) January 28, 2019
There was even some direct-messaging, which Madison then posted publicly.
I am offended… that someone would assume I don’t know quotes from Dreamgirls?????? pic.twitter.com/QUTMcK9vHc
— Ira (@ira) January 28, 2019
In addition to acting, McIver is a singer and a TV host (including a past gig on Bravo’s The People’s Couch.) He’s also been an LGBTQ activist and released the equality anthem “This Is Who We Are” in 2015.
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