Liza Minnelli Addresses Backlash Surrounding Rob and Michele Reiner Tribute
- - Liza Minnelli Addresses Backlash Surrounding Rob and Michele Reiner Tribute
Grace GalanteDecember 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
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Liza Minnelli is speaking out for the first time since she made a controversial post about Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths.
On Friday, Dec. 19, the actress took to Instagram to share her thoughts on Substance Use Disorder (SUD) following news the Reiners were allegedly killed by their sonNick, who has struggled with addiction and was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia.
"Like everyone I know, our hearts are shattered over the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. When violence and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) collide, the devastation reaches far beyond one moment, one person, one family," she wrote. "SUD is not a moral failure, it’s a dangerous illness. We are all grieving. We are all feeling this great loss."
However, controversy ensued when Minnelli appeared to use the deaths as an opportunity to promote her autobiography Kids Wait Till You Hear This, set to be released in March 2026.
According to a synopsis from Barnes & Noble, the book chronicles Minnelli's lifelong struggle with the disorder, which she claims she inherited from her mother Judy Garland.
RELATED: Nick Reiner Makes First Court Appearance After Being Charged with Parents’ Murder
In a second post shared on Monday, Dec. 22, Minnelli clarified her statement, explaining that her intention was not to capitalize on the tragedy.
"On Friday, I shared a message with you from my heart about the crisis of SUD, which is clearly involved in the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner," Minnelli wrote. "I didn’t clearly address the correlation between mental health and SUD, perhaps because, to me, it is obvious. This disease has impacted our family since before I was born. And it never goes away."
The singer thanked those who understood her intent and reached out, as well as Oprah Winfrey — who named the forthcoming autobiography as one of her Most Anticipated Books of 2026.
"I love Oprah, and I thank her. I believe Oprah gets it," she said. "She didn’t choose the book because of my celebrity or talent. I believe the book is resonating because it’s raw and honest."
Minnelli then addressed critics of her initial message before providing numerous statistics on the link between alcohol and drug abuse and violent crime.
"To those who felt the timing was off or the message tone-deaf? I disagree. I’ve never been exploitative of any situation or anyone. Not my style. What is my style? Telling the truth, even when it makes people uncomfortable," she said. "Because here it is: SUD, mental health, and trauma, on every scale, are usually interwoven. That’s not drama. That’s not clickbait."
Minnelli ended her message with a tribute to her mother, who died at the age of 47 in 1969 from an accidental overdose of barbiturates in her London home.
"Our beloved mother died far too early. Mama was amazing, brilliant, funny, and talented to the level of genius. However, Mama didn’t get to grow old and kiss her Grandkids," she concluded. "Last week, I was with my sister@lornaluftofficial and her daughter Vanessa @vanziipper, one of Mama’s beautiful Grandchildren. As Vanessa now picks up the torch for our family, she brings Mama’s light to you. And I, after almost 80 years, am opening my heart to share how our family and you can battle this disease and live in recovery. I love you."
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If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
