Abby Lee Miller, the notoriously demanding dance instructor who captivated audiences on Dance Moms, has been using a wheelchair since 2018. While her assertive personality and rigorous teaching methods are well-documented, the reasons behind her reliance on a wheelchair are less widely understood. Recently, Miller has publicly attributed her mobility issues to her time in prison, sparking questions and prompting a deeper look into her health struggles.
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In a recent appearance on Bethenny Frankel’s Just B podcast, Miller, now 58, claimed that the withdrawal of her medication during her prison sentence is the primary cause of her being wheelchair-bound. This statement adds a new layer to her already complex narrative, intertwining her legal troubles with severe health consequences. To understand the full picture, it’s essential to delve into the events leading up to her current health condition, starting with her conviction for bankruptcy fraud.
Abby Lee Miller’s Claim: Prison and Medication Withdrawal
Miller’s assertion that her wheelchair use is a direct result of her prison experience centers around the abrupt cessation of her regular medication. She served time in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to bankruptcy fraud in 2016. The charges stemmed from attempts to conceal a significant income of $775,000 earned from Dance Moms and its spin-off shows during bankruptcy proceedings. According to Miller, this legal battle was not just a matter of justice but felt like a “witch hunt,” further fueled by alleged bias from the presiding judge. She claimed the judge’s wife was a “super fan” of Dance Moms, suggesting a prejudiced environment during her trial.
In her podcast interview, Miller stated, “Oh, that’s why I’m in a wheelchair, because in prison I was punished and taken off all my medication, cold turkey.” This statement directly links her prison sentence and the alleged denial of medication to her current physical state. While she acknowledges her “bad decisions” and wrongdoing related to the bankruptcy fraud, she positions the medication withdrawal as a punitive measure that led to severe and lasting health repercussions. However, it is important to consider the timeline of events and her broader health journey to get a clearer understanding.
The Bankruptcy Fraud Case: A “Witch Hunt”?
The legal proceedings against Abby Lee Miller began in 2015 when she was indicted for attempting to hide a substantial income during her bankruptcy case. The accusations included concealing earnings in secret bank accounts between 2012 and 2013. Furthermore, she was accused of illegally transporting $120,000 in cash from Australia to the United States in plastic bags, distributed among friends to evade currency reporting laws.
Miller implicated Melissa Gisoni, mother of Dance Moms stars Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, in the Australian money incident, claiming Gisoni orchestrated the plan to divide the funds. While Gisoni was never charged and has not publicly commented on Miller’s allegations, this detail highlights the complex relationships and accusations surrounding Miller’s legal and financial troubles.
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In May 2017, Miller was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison. She reported to prison in July 2017. During her time in prison, she publicly expressed remorse for her mistakes, stating she had “trusted the wrong people” and aimed to “better myself” through the experience. However, the most significant health challenges began to surface shortly after her imprisonment.
Health Battles: Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery
In April 2018, while still in prison, Abby Lee Miller underwent emergency surgery initially believed to be for a spinal infection. Tragically, the diagnosis was far more serious: Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This diagnosis marked the beginning of an arduous health battle.
Following her release from prison, Miller faced ten rounds of chemotherapy and extensive rehabilitation. Her journey to recovery was publicly documented, revealing the severity of her condition and the challenges she faced in regaining mobility. By 2019, she announced she was cancer-free and expressed hope of walking again.
While Miller attributes her wheelchair dependence to medication withdrawal in prison, her Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis and its subsequent treatment undoubtedly played a crucial role in her mobility issues. Burkitt lymphoma itself can cause neurological complications, and the aggressive chemotherapy and surgeries required for treatment can have long-term physical effects.
In conclusion, the reasons behind Abby Lee Miller’s wheelchair use are multifaceted. While she claims that medication withdrawal in prison contributed to her condition, her diagnosis and treatment for Burkitt lymphoma are critical factors in understanding her health journey. Her story underscores the complex interplay between legal troubles, personal health, and the long road to recovery.
