Latest news with #Hilty
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Let's unpack our toxic fixation with ‘the TikToker who fell in love with her psychiatrist'
Let's unpack our need to unpack the whole 'woman on TikTok who fell in love with her psychiatrist' saga. First the facts: Kendra Hilty recently posted 25 videos on TikTok in which she discussed her decision to end four years of 30-minute monthly sessions (most of them on Zoom) with a male psychiatrist who prescribed her medication. At some point during their sessions, Hilty revealed her romantic feelings for him, feelings that she now — supported by comments she says were made by her therapist and a ChatGPT she has named Henry — believes the psychiatrist willingly fostered, leveraged and enjoyed. Millions of people tuned in, though the fascination appears to have been less about the alleged actions and motivations of the psychiatrist (who has wisely chosen, thus far, to remain silent) and more focused on Hilty's detailed description of certain encounters and her deep subtext readings of what they might have meant. Many responded so negatively that Hilty turned off her comments for a while as hundreds made posts across social media eviscerating or satirizing the series. Soon enough, as happens with viral content, legacy media got involved and all the catch-up 'unpacking' began. Unlike Reesa Teesa, whose multi-post tale of marriage to a pathological liar went viral on TikTok last year and led to a TV adaptation, Hilty hasn't become a universal figure of sympathy and courage. As she recently told People magazine, she has received 'nonstop bullying' and threats along with the dozens of DMs thanking her for sharing her story. She has been accused of racism (the psychiatrist is a man of color), narcissism and, well, insanity. (She says she is, however, open to having her story adapted to film or television.) To say the posts are troubling is an understatement. I was alerted to them by a friend who had previously expressed concern about young people using ChatGPT as a de facto therapist — a trend alarming enough to draw warnings from Open AI Chief Executive Sam Altman and move Illinois, Utah and Nevada to ban the use of AI in mental health therapy. 'There's a woman on TikTok having a full-blown ChatGPT-induced meltdown,' this friend texted me. 'This is a real problem.' Certainly, Hilty appeared to be having real problems, which ChatGPT, with its programmed tendency to validate users' views and opinions, undoubtedly inflamed. But given the viral reaction to her posts, so are we. Even as countless studies suggest that social media is, for myriad reasons, detrimental to mental health, its users continue to consume and comment on videos and images of people undergoing mental and emotional crises as if they were DIY episodes of 'Fleabag.' So the question is not 'who is this woman obsessing about her relationship with her psychiatrist' but why are so many of us watching her do it? It's one thing to become transfixed by a fictional character going down a scripted wormhole for the purposes of narrative enlightenment or comedy. It's another when some poor soul is doing it in front of their phone in real life. It's even worse when the 'star' of the video is not a willing participant. Social media and the ubiquity of smartphones have allowed citizens to expose instances of genuine, and often institutionalized, racism, sexism, homophobia and consumer exploitation. But for every 'Karen' post that reveals bigotry, abuse or unacceptable rudeness, there are three that capture someone clearly having a mental or emotional breakdown (or just a very, very bad day). With social media largely unregulated, they are all lumped in together and it has become far too easy to use it as the British elite once purportedly used psychiatric hospital Bedlam: to view the emotionally troubled and mentally ill as if they were exhibits in a zoo. Hilty believes she is helping to identify a real problem and is, obviously, the author of her own exposure, as are many people who post themselves deconstructing a bad relationship, reacting to a crisis or experiencing emotional distress. All social media posts exist to capture attention, and the types that do tend to be repeated. Sharing one's trauma can elicit sympathy, support, insight and even help. But 'sadfishing,' as it is often called, can also make a bad situation worse, from viewers questioning the authenticity and intention of the post to engaging in brutal mockery and bullying. Those who are caught on camera as they melt down over one thing or another could wind up as unwitting symbols of privilege or stupidity or the kind of terrible service/consumer we're expected to deal with today. Some are undoubtedly arrogant jerks who have earned a public comeuppance (and if the fear of being filmed keeps even one person from shouting at some poor overworked cashier or barista, that can only be a good thing). But others are clearly beset by problems that go far deeper than not wanting to wait in line or accept that their flight has been canceled. It is strange that in a culture where increased awareness of mental health realities and challenges have led to so many positive changes, including to the vernacular, people still feel free to film, post, watch and judge strangers who have lost control without showing any concern for context or consequence. I would like to say I never watch videos of people having a meltdown or behaving badly, but that would be a big fat lie. They're everywhere and I enjoy the dopamine thrill of feeling outraged and superior as much as the next person. (Again, I am not talking about videos that capture bigotry, institutional abuse or physical violence.) I watched Hilty for research but I quickly found myself caught up in her minute dissection and seemingly wild projection. I too found myself judging her, silently but not in a kind way. ('No one talks about being in love with their shrink? Girl, it's literary and cinematic canon.' 'How, in all those years in therapy, have you never heard of transference?' 'Why do you keep saying you don't want this guy fired while arguing that he abused the doctor-patient relationship?') As the series wore on, her pain, if not its actual source, became more and more evident and my private commentary solidified into: 'For the love of God, put down your phone.' Since she was not about to, I did. Because me watching her wasn't helping either of us. Except to remind me of times when my own mental health felt precarious, when obsession and paranoia seemed like normal reactions and my inner pain drove me to do and say things I very much regret. These are memories that I will continue to hold and own but I am eternally grateful that no one, including myself, captured them on film, much less shared them with the multitudes. Those who make millions off the mostly unpaid labor of social media users show no signs of protecting their workers with oversight or regulation. But no one goes viral in a vacuum. Decades ago, the popularity of 'America's Funniest Home Videos' answered the question of whether people's unscripted pain should be offered up as entertainment and now we live in a world where people are willing to do and say the most intimate and anguished things in front of a reality TV crew. Still, when one of these types of videos pops up or goes viral, there's no harm in asking 'why exactly am I watching this' and 'what if it were me?'
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kendra Hilty of ‘I fell in love with my psychiatrist' TikTok saga breaks silence on ‘nonstop bullying', threats
Kendra Hilty took TikTok by storm when she started sharing her 'I fell in love with my psychiatrist' series, where she talked about developing feelings for her doctor, claiming that the medical professional manipulated her. Initially, her posts struck a chord with people, who expressed sympathy. However, the reactions shifted when she introduced her new therapist - a ChatGPT model called 'Henry'. In a recent interview, she opened up about facing hate and receiving "violent" threats due to her content. Kendra Hilty's videos on TikTok, which are part of the series 'I fell in love with my psychiatrist,' have taken social media by storm. (TikTok/@kendrahilty) 'I knew that people were going to say it happened to them, too,' Hilty told People in an interview. 'I didn't know that people were immediately going to start also being negative,' she added. Hilty claimed that the thing that came soon after her being viral was 'nonstop bullying'. She alleged that she received comments where people told her to 'kill herself" or said the world was better off 'without her.' She continued that this has also affected her personal life, as there are people around her who are 'pulling away because they feel afraid' that they, too, will get tangled up in these online threats. It's not all negative: Hilty said that despite receiving severe backlash and criticism, some thanked her for sharing her story. 'To everyone from the outside looking in, it just seems like I am talking into an echo chamber,' said Hilty, adding, 'But the reality is that people are telling me that they appreciate me and that they believe me and that they are grateful for my courageousness of sharing my story.' 'There are people that I haven't heard from in years who are reaching out and asking to support me,' she continued. 'It's made it worth it to be the laughing stock of the internet.' What's next for Kendra Hilty? Though her series on TikTok is ongoing, she has decided to cash in on her newfound fame and joined TikTok's Creator Fund. On being asked how she would feel if her content was turned into a TV show or film, she said, 'If a producer came to me and said, 'I want to invite you to help us make a movie or a television series about this,' I'd say yes, as long as it was something that valued and recognized me.' About the 'I fell in love with my psychiatrist' series: Using this title, Hilty started sharing videos where she claimed that she went to the psychiatrist to seek treatment for ADHD. Eventually, she developed feelings for the person and shared about it openly. The TikTok user alleged that the psychiatrist failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. In one of her unhinged and highly controversial videos, the 36-year-old said she had stopped going to the psychiatrist and selected ChatGPT as her therapist, which sparked concerns among some social media users.
Hindustan Times
12-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Who is Kendra Hilty? TikToker's 'I fell in love with my psychiatrist' saga sparks debate on mental health and AI
Kendra Hilty has gained significant attention on TikTok with her ongoing 'I fell in love with my psychiatrist' series. Across numerous videos, she details a complex relationship with her psychiatrist, sparking widespread discussion online. TikToker Kendra Hilty's series 'I fell in love with my psychiatrist' has gone viral.(X) Hilty initially sought treatment for ADHD symptoms, during which she developed romantic feelings for her psychiatrist. She alleges that he reciprocated these feelings to some extent. According to Hilty, he scheduled monthly appointments for her, even though she only required check-ins every three months. Their sessions began virtually but later moved to in-person visits. Hilty says she openly shared her feelings with him, and alleges that he failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, which allowed the situation to escalate. ChatGPT Henry Eventually, Hilty turned to ChatGPT, which she nicknamed "Henry," for therapeutic guidance. Through these interactions, she learned about transference, a psychological concept where patients project deep emotional or romantic feelings onto their therapists, often as a substitute for other relationships. Reactions Hilty's early videos garnered sympathy, with many social media users encouraging her to report the psychiatrist for perceived professional misconduct. However, once she introduced 'Henry' as her main source of support, reactions shifted. Some viewers criticized her reliance on an AI tool for mental health help, noting that ChatGPT isn't a licensed therapist. Others voiced concern about her mental state, suggesting she might be experiencing a "psychosis episode.' One person commented, 'This freaks me out, for real. What can we do about this sort of thing, genuinely? Are people this lonely?" Another wrote, 'This might be the biggest issue we will face with AI.' A third person added, 'People are already self-obsessed and neurotic, so, this is going to make them more so.' Another user wrote, 'It's dark. Today I met someone that is obsessed with a musician and she's named her ChatGPT after him and has basically trained it to behave as as the artist in love with her. And it does. Degenerate as it gets.'
New York Post
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Smash' star Megan Hilty to take leave of absence from Broadway's ‘Death Becomes Her'
Megan Hilty is taking a break from 'Death Becomes Her.' The Broadway star, 44, who is also known for her stint on the TV show 'Smash,' announced her leave of absence from the stage production on Instagram Wednesday. Hilty stars as Madeline Ashton in the play adaptation of 1992 movie by the same name featuring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, which has been running at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre since November 2024. 8 Megan Hilty stars as Madeline Ashton in the play adaptation of 1992 movie by the same name featuring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. / 'I love my job,' Hilty started her lengthy post, adding that playing Madeline has been 'the most challenging and rewarding role I have ever taken on.' She emphasized the physical aspect of her role, noting she needs to take the next several weeks off to recover from a vocal injury. 'The lengths to which I have gone to make sure I can physically do the show is a job in itself – the regimen is too long for this post – but I do it joyfully because, as I mentioned before, I LOVE what I do,' the star explained. Calling the news 'painful,' Hilty shared that she's 'stepping away from my beloved DBH family for 3-4 weeks while I recover from a vocal injury that only time can heal.' The actress also shared that it's 'hard for me to admit I am human,' noting that 'performers are often asked to push through and pretend that we're not.' 8 The actress included this photo from the 2025 Tony Awards in her announcement. Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions 8 Megan Hilty has starred in 'Death Becomes Her' since it opened on Broadway in November. Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions 8 Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Josh Lamon and Christopher Sieber. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman However, she said her 'Death Becomes Her' family thinks differently. 'I am so fortunate to work with the best producers, company, & stage managers, who don't subscribe to that way of thinking and fully support me and my fellow cast mates when our bodies tell us it's time for a break,' she continued. Hilty asked for patience and understanding during this transition period while encouraging others to research how vocal cords work. 8 Megan Hilty is taking a few weeks off to recover from a vocal injury. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman 'We are athletes. And just like a professional basketball player, we are going to get injured from time to time – not because we aren't good at our jobs, it simply comes with the territory because of the extraordinary demands we put on our bodies,' she added. Hilty concluded, 'Thank you for your patience and support while I take this time to take care of myself to ensure my longevity with the show and my career, in general. 'In the meantime, Madeline's fabulous shoes will be filled brilliantly and I'll be counting the seconds until I can meet you back at the Lunt-Fontanne. 💋' 8 She praised her 'Death Becomes Her Family' while vocalizing their support. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman 8 She recently performed a number from 'Death Becomes Her' at the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman The performer was recently diagnosed with tendinitis in her throat, telling the New York Times in May that it was due to 'the physical stuff I do with my neck in the show. It pulls on my voice box and I ultimately have to call out of the show if it's affecting my voice and it's too painful.' Hilty recently performed a number from 'Death Becomes Her' at the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, where she was also nominated. 'Death Becomes Her' features Hilty as Madeline alongside fellow Tony nominee Jennifer Simard as Helen Sharp. Their co-stars include Michelle Williams, Christopher Sieber, Taurean Everett and Josh Lamon. 8 The actress was recently diagnosed with tendinitis in her time away from the stage comes just two days after 'Smash' on Broadway abruptly announced their final show after suffering a Tony Awards shutout. While she did not star in the Broadway production, Hilty played Ivy Lynn in the short-lived musical series, which only ran two seasons on NBC from 2012-2013. The last show of the Broadway production of 'Smash' will be June 22 after 32 previews and just 84 regular performances. The abrupt ending was revealed after The Post reported that the Tony Awards producers refused to let 'Smash' and 'Boop! The Betty Boop Musical' perform during the three-hour broadcast.
Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
How Christopher Gattelli crafted ‘Death Becomes Her'
When he was first asked to helm the Broadway hit musical 'Death Becomes Her,' director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli loved it, but refused to work on the big, splashy opening number. It was just too delicious. 'When they sent it to me, I was cooking and I burnt dinner because my mind was spinning,' he says. 'I was, like, 'This is a gift. I will never get an opening number like this again.'' So Gattelli worked out everything else about how to put Robert Zemeckis' 1992 comic cult classic onto a stage and only then turned to the big, brassy song, 'For the Gaze,' a winking valentine to gay men, punning along the way. 'I was able to do the show and then have my full brain on that number because I knew the potential of what it could be,' he says. What Gattelli crafted is an opening number for the ages, led by Megan Hilty: There are mid-song costume changes, dance breaks, chorus boys hoisting Hilty, spangly jumpsuits and tuxedos, high-kicking Vegas showgirls with feather headdresses, a body double doing somersaults, a rainbow flag of top-hatted dancers, and Hilty doing a Liza Minnelli cameo, all ending with the grand finale of Hilty as Judy Garland's Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz,' complete with a little stuffed dog. 'I heard the pocket in that song, and I was like, 'I know there's a giant laugh there. I can hear giant laughs, what's that giant laugh?'' says Gattelli. 'What's the biggest gay reference? Then I literally I just worked backwards.' That number telegraphs to the audience exactly what to expect for the rest of the night — a perfectly rehearsed, lushly costumed, silly, self-aware comedy. 'Once we hit 'For the Gaze,' the audience knows exactly what the show is,' he says. 'And then I think they're in for the ride.' The work on 'For the Gaze' has helped Gattelli see his show earn 10 Tony Award nominations, including one for his Broadway debut as a director and another for his choreography. The musical is based on the film, which starred Meryl Streep as a self-centered actor and Goldie Hawn as her suffering-in-the-shadows writer friend. Their mutual desperate measures for achieving eternal youth turn comically grotesque. Hilty plays the Streep role, while Jennifer Simard plays the Hawn one. 'It felt like just the perfect fit for what I do and what I love to do,' Gattelli says. 'I love comedy and I love to direct comedy and I love to do these big splashy numbers. It felt like everything I've been itching to do.' Gattelli — who was a dancer in the original 'Cats' — has been a mainstay on Broadway of late, able to choreograph such venerable works as 'The King and I' and 'My Fair Lady' but also irreverent musicals as 'SpongeBob SquarePants' and the jukebox variety, like 'The Cher Show.' He made his directing debut off-Broadway in 2011 with 'Silence!' a parody musical of 'The Silence of the Lambs,' complete with a chorus of dancing lambs running across the stage. Lowe Cunningham, lead producer of 'Death Becomes Her,' saw it in Los Angeles and later asked Gattelli about the experience, how he collaborated and his approach to the work. She was impressed by his openness to all ideas and his caring. 'I think first and foremost, his talent is clear and it's been out there in the world of choreography for a long time. He is innovative, he does things other people aren't doing, but the other thing is that he's renowned as being an incredibly kind human being,' she says. Gattelli, who won a 2012 Tony for choreographing 'Newsies the Musical' - one of his show-stopping moments was dancers sliding on newspapers - was brought in relatively late to 'Death Becomes Her,' only a year and half before opening on Broadway. 'It was a great lesson in trusting your instincts,' he says. 'They said, 'We want a lush, opulent, magical sparkling evening.' And we just started taking big swings.' Associated Press
