Lawyers: David Hasselhoff Asked to Be Videotaped Drunk
THURSDAY MAY 03, 2007 04:00 PM EDT
By Ken Lee
David Hasselhoff asked to be videotaped while intoxicated so he could see what he's like when he's drunk, TV's Extra reports.
The show obtained footage of Hasselhoff, 54, sitting shirtless on the floor of a Las Vegas hotel room. Off-camera, Extra says, a family member pleads with him to stop drinking and says, "The doctor is coming over here in the morning to check your alcohol level. If you have any alcohol in your system, you are going to be fired from [The Producers]."
According to Extra, Hasselhoff's lawyers said he requested that the video be filmed. The actor tells the show in a statement: "I am a recovering alcoholic. Despite [the fact] that I have been going through a painful divorce and I have recently been separated from my children due to my work, I have been successfully dealing with my issue.
"Unfortunately, I did have a brief relapse, but part of recovery is relapse. Because of my honest and positive relationship with my children, who were concerned for my well-being, there was a tape made when I had a relapse to show me what I was like. I have seen the tape. I have learned from it, and I am back on my game. I thank God for the love and concern from my children."
In the video, Extra reports, Hasselhoff is asked why he continues to drink, and says: "Cause I'm lonely. I have trouble in my life." The family member responds, "You have me." Hasselhoff replies, "I don't have you in my life. Bulls----. I don't have you." Says the family member: "You are throwing your life away. It is stupid."
Hasselhoff filed for divorce from wife Pamela Bach in January 2006; Bach filed her own divorce paperwork the following day, which included claims of domestic violence. The two have been locked in an acrimonious battle over finances and custody of their two daughters, Taylor-Ann, 16, and Hayley, 13.
In an episode of Access Hollywood airing Thursday, Bach, 44, tells the show that she doesn't trust Hasselhoff with their daughters, saying: "I don't trust that he can hold his disease at bay to not take that drink."
Hasselhoff said in a statement to Access Hollywood: "I have respect of my children and my fans, but most importantly my self respect. I will continue to keep my personal life private for the sake of moving on and living a happy life with my daughters."
A rep for Hasselhoff did not immediately return PEOPLE's calls for comment; his attorneys had no comment.
