Last night, it was reported that Chicago-area police were (again) searching for Sinead O’Connor following a reported suicide threat. Apparently, the Chicago department was alerted by Irish police about the singer’s possible suicide attempt, and that she was specifically on a bridge in Chicago threatening to jump. Well, the original alert by the Irish folks seems to have been complete nonsense, and O’Connor has spoken out about it on Facebook, saying she’s “FAR TOO FUCKING HAPPY FOR THAT!!”
O’Connor, who has spoken at length in the public about her battles with mental health issues, was also reported missing in May, but it turned out she was just at a friend’s house. Last night seems to have been a similar situation, though O’Connor’s post alludes to something more dubious, saying, “Oh and by the way it’s bullshit I jumped off a bridge, some stupid bitch up at Swords Garda station decided she’d like to throw a bit of false and malicious gossip about is all.”
The constant speculation of O’Connor’s well-being isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it’s good for people to be worried, right? — but it showcases the kind of condescension faced by people who publicly battle with mental illness, and perhaps shines a light on just why so few celebrities are forthcoming about their issues. It’s nice to have the public worry about you, I’m sure, but it’s not nice to constantly feel like people assume you’re always one step from going off the deep end.
Anyway, O’Connor is safe and fine and as explosive as normal.