This is the face of drugs. Onetime “America’s Next Top Model” contender Jael Strauss’ is unrecognizable because of a full-blown addiction to crystal meth. In a bid to get clean and sober, the family of 28-year-old Jael turned to Dr. Phil. Here are 10 facts you may not know about the 2007 ANTM finalist.
1. Jael’s Mom Used to Do Coke with Her Daughter
Mom told Dr. Phil that she took drugs in a bid to be close to Jael.
2. A Friend Fatally Overdosed When Jael was on ANTM
Credit: Getty Images/Dr. Phil
Jael thought about leaving the show but stayed and dedicated her picture that week to her late friend. “My friend is gone and I am still here living life to the fullest,” she said.
3. Nude Pictures of a Teenage Jael Surfaced Online
She was just 16 at the time the photos were taken. She sued and later settled out of court.
4. Tyra ‘Won’t Do Anything’
@tyrabanks what are your thoughts on jael strauss situation and caridee speaking up
— Tyra Banks (@iTyraBanks) September 14, 2012
Commenting on Gawker, ANTM’s Winner CariDee English called out the show’s staff and Tyra Banks for not carefully screening a “fragile” Jael.
5. Before ANTM, Jael Managed Bands
In 2007, the 22-year-old was promoting bands in Detroit and Hollywood when a talent scout discovered Jael through her MySpace account.
6. Jael was Signed as the Face of Hitch Couture
Hitch Couture is an independent designer mobile boutique — and Jael reportedly planned to design her own line.
7. She Thought the Show Would Be Easy
And fighting a nasty meth habit is hard — to say the least.
8.Cover Girl Did Her In
ANTM sent Jael packing after a less-than-model performance on a Cover Girl commercial.
9. A Model Opinion
For her first shoot as an ANTM finalist, Jael had to embody the “pro-life” political view.
10. Drugs are Only Part of the Problem
herpderpboobs: I’m watching Jael Strauss on Dr. Phil, and i’m like crying. It’s so tragic, and heartbreaking.… tmblr.co/ZjtzNwTLnzEP
— Fckyeah ANTM (@fckyeahantm) September 14, 2012
During Dr. Phil’s show, Jael’s homelessness and working as a stripper came out. Dr. Phil — and cameras — followed Jael into the parking lot where she eventually agreed to treatment.
Sources: The Insider, Starcasm.net, Wikia.com, Antm411.com