If you were born in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, there’s a good chance you’ll remember Little Rascals. The 1994 family comedy followed the adventures of a gang of little neighbourhood rascals lead by Alfafa Switzer, a sweet kid known for his bowtie and iconic cowlick.
Well, it’s been 26 years since Little Rascals hit the silver screen, and sadly – Bug Hall, who played Alfafa in the film, has hit a rather bumpy road.
According to TMZ, Hall was recently arrested after being caught huffing air duster cans. Weatherford Police Department told TMZ “one of Bug’s family members actually called in asking the police to check on him.”
When the police arrived, they reportedly saw “a ton” of air duster cans – used to clean keyboards – all over the room.
Hall apparently admitted to inhaling the cans and was arrested for misdemeanour possession for use to inhale or ingest a chemical.
It’s incredibly troubling news, but sadly, Bug Hall’s fall from grace is all too familiar. Time and time again, child stars who are thrust into the limelight at a young age grow up and find themselves struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
In fact, child actors are three times more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs than the average young American, according to a survey conducted by the Wayne State University for A Minor Consideration.
Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes is still in and out of rehab after struggling with years of addiction and mental health issues. Earlier this year, singer Jessica Simpson opened up about her early struggles with abuse and addiction, and her decision to get sober in 2017 after “hitting rock bottom.”
Hear about Jessica Simpson’s revealing memoir below:
And even further back than the ‘00s, E.T. child star Drew Barrymore began experimenting with drugs at an extremely young age and entered rehab before turning 13 years old.
Bug Hall’s recent plight is just another reminder that children working in Hollywood need to be protected at all costs, and that more work needs to be done in breaking down the taboo of asking for help.
If you, or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015.
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