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Former child star Macaulay Culkin has addressed the persistent drug addiction rumours that have shadowed him for years.
In a rare and very candid interview, the star of the 90s hit film Home Alone, now 35, told The Guardian that the public was “not necessarily” right to have concerns for him, after he was spotted looking extremely gaunt in 2012, sparking fears of substance abuse.
“No, I was not pounding six grand of heroin every month or whatever,” the actor said. “The thing that bugged me was tabloids wrapping it all in this weird guise of concern. No, you’re trying to shift papers.”
Asked if he might want to tell a fuller story someday, Culkin replied, “Perhaps,” before opening up about the damaging effect being in the public eye has had on his life.
“The other day … I’d crossed the wrong street, picked up a tail, suddenly there’s a crush of 20 paparazzi,” he says. “Then people with camera phones get involved. I don’t think I’m worthy of that.”
“It’s been like that my whole adult life,” Culkin continues. “You take on a prey-like attitude, always scanning the horizon. It’s strange on dates, as it looks like you’re not paying attention.”
At the same time, Culkin made it clear that he “wouldn’t change a thing,” and didn’t at all regret his time as a young performer.
“It’s allowed me to become the person I am, and I like me, so I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “Not having to do anything for my dinner, financially, lets me treat every gig like it’s the last.” He added with a laugh, “If it is, I’d think: Culkin, you had a good run.”
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