Dani Vitale, the backup dancer being blamed for Demi Lovato’s relapse and overdose has spoken out in self-defense, saying she wasn’t even with the singer at the time.
Dani Vitale spoke out in self-defense after being blamed for Lovato’s overdose. (Image source: Instagram/Dani Vitale)
After a history of substance abuse, addiction and rehab, Demi Lovato was found unconscious in her home last week and had to be treated with Narcan, an treatment reserved for narcotics overdoses. Lovato is currently recovering in the hospital, and during her down time, her fans have taken to finding out the details of how she slipped back into her old patterns.
Many blame backup dancer Dani Vitale, who was close to Lovato during her past struggles with substance abuse. Mike Manning, Lovato’s guitarist, added fuel to the flames when he blamed people close to Lovato for the overdose and threatened to expose them soon. Fans’ suspicions were confirmed when footage of Vitale and Lovato partying and celebrating Vitale’s birthday on the night of Lovato’s overdose was released.
Lovato and Vitale were celebrating the latter’s birthday on the night of the overdose. (Image source: Instagram/Dani Vitale)
Since then, fans have flooded Twitter with hateful comments against Vitale, who they believe is responsible for Lovato’s downfall.
dani vitale i don’t care about your Microsoft powerpoint that took you 2 years to type go dip your hair in red kool aid dye again
— dom! (@CMONPUDDlN) July 30, 2018
I’ve always gotten bad vibes from this Dani vitale character and seems like I was right as she pretty much allowed Demi Lovato to party and was by her side as she did these things that are addictions to her. She don’t stop her in the camp rock days she didn’t stop her now
— h (@uforgottheeAbro) July 25, 2018
The fact that you just left her there, unconscious on the floor overdosed on drugs after a long night of partying…I don’t even… how does somebody do that to another person??
— Alexa hasn't stopped praying (@prayersddlovato) July 26, 2018
If you think for 10 seconds that Dani vitale isnt behind what happened , you've been in a ditch for too long. Everytime she has a relapse this girl is in her life. Dani is a trader and she's not a good friend.
— Joe Jonas (@DNCEIXIJOE) July 25, 2018
Lovatics when we catch Dani Vitale in public pic.twitter.com/vkCeMz5pps
— Whitney (@blackgirlicon) July 26, 2018
In 2010 Demi was really close to Dani Vitale and we know what happened later. In 2018 , she was with Dani Vitale in a party and she overdose the next day . This "friendship" needs to stop existing .
— Don't Give up Demi (@katherinejoyce4) July 25, 2018
Just found this rare picture of Dani Vitale. pic.twitter.com/jeJkcXEnNh
— Nat (@natslovato) July 25, 2018
Can Demi get back with Marissa and leave forever Dani Vitale? #PrayForDemi
— Valeria (@giaval92) July 25, 2018
Speaking out against the harsh accusations, Vitale took to Instagram to write, “I care about Demi just like all of you do. I have not said anything about this situation until now because her recovery has been of the most importance.”
Even though Demi was with her the night of the overdose, Vitale denied being with her in the later hours of the night when the actual incident occurred. The dancer added, “I was not with Demi when the incident happened, but I am with he now, and will continue to be because she means the world to me just as she does to all of you.”
She wrote a statement on Instagram defending herself. (Image source: Instagram/Dani Vitale)
She also urged fans to stop the hate, saying, “Like all of you, I have nothing but love in my heart for her. There is no need for any negativity towards the ones who care about Demi at this time. There is too much of it in this world as it is.”
She asked fans to stop the personal attacks on her. (Image source: Instagram/Dani Vitale)
She also reminded the Lovato fanbase of their core values, saying, “I know you’re all feeling lost without her at this moment in time. Remember that you have always been a community of Lovatics who LOVE. Please remember that when you take out your phones and start typing. Remember that we all love her more than we can ever put into words. Please continue to send her love during her recovery.”
She added that fans should focus on Lovato and her recovery for the time being. (Image source: Instagram/Dani Vitale)
In the days since Lovato’s overdose, her fans have risen up to support the singer in multiple ways. Beyond just attempting to find the person responsible for her overdose and hold them accountable, fans have made sure that the singer’s cancelled performances are honored to the best of their ability. Lovato was unable to perform at the Atlantic City BeachFest, so fans organized a meet up on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Together, they stood and sang her hits in an attempt to keep the spirit of her performances intact.
Lovatics gathered together to sing Demi Lovato’s emotional single “Sober” in Atlantic City where she was originally scheduled to perform today 💗 pic.twitter.com/9M9ZIJ1nhs
— Demi Lovato News (@demetriaaalove) July 27, 2018
Demi fans at Kennedy Plaza put on impromptu @ddlovato concert #acpress pic.twitter.com/DHuhgm6SWA
— Claire Lowe (@clairelowe) July 26, 2018
The hashtag #HowDemiHasHelpedMe has also been going around on Twitter as fans attempt to pull together a compilation of Lovato’s most inspirational moments.
Demi always gave speeches like this during her concerts. Her words and her music are the most comforting things in the world to me. She’s constantly reminding us that we’re beautiful & worthy of life & her advice has saved me so many times #HowDemiHasHelpedMe pic.twitter.com/0FEP6TEVVa
— kay loves demi (@youbringmepeace) July 26, 2018
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe I've learned that I am not perfect, I don't have to change myself for others, and even when I'm in a deep hole I can always get out of it and shine bright.
— Crunch Wrap Supreme (@logjwben) July 25, 2018
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe i remember one night in the hospital after an attempt, i was sitting in my hospital room on the floor next to the radio with my head against the wall and tears were streaming down my face.
then skyscraper came on the radio.
and i knew id be okay.— kelsi🎗#prayfordemi (@kelsicatalano) July 25, 2018
Stone cold helped me when I was going through a breakup
sorry not sorry helped me become unapologetically myself
Skyscraper brought me out of depression
Confident made me feel like I could take on the world
Really dont care helped me remember my worth. #HowDemiHasHelpedMe— Caity 🌻 (@afreckledfemme) July 25, 2018
#HowDemiHasHelpedMe since i was a child, i always had problems with depression and acceptance of my body. the way demi always talked openly about it helped me a lot, literally saved me. i will be eternally grateful to her. pic.twitter.com/52vv0WlM7s
— ga (@lovatoglam) July 26, 2018
in 6th grade i struggled with anorexia & ‘believe in me’ saved me. in 7th grade i had my suicide note written & struggled with self harm & ‘skyscraper’ saved me. in 9th grade i was diagnosed with bipolar disorder & ‘warrior’ saved me. i will forever love her💕 #HowDemiHasHelpedMe
— Jordyn Rae🌊 (@jordamn_160) July 25, 2018
Even though Lovato was generating buzz for a new album before her overdose, it seems that new music will be on the back burner for a while until she fully recovers.
Read Vitale’s full statement here:
(Image source: Instagram/Dani Vitale)
