Abby Lee Miller, the well-known and often controversial figure from the reality TV show Dance Moms, has been using a wheelchair for several years. This has led to much speculation and questions about the reasons behind her mobility challenges. Recently, in a candid conversation on Bethenny Frankel’s Just B podcast on May 7th, Miller opened up about her past legal troubles and made a striking claim: she believes her current reliance on a wheelchair is a direct consequence of her time in prison. This article delves into Miller’s statements and the known facts to explore the complex reasons behind why Abby Lee Miller is in a wheelchair.
Abby Lee Miller’s Prison Sentence and Medication Claims
In 2016, Abby Lee Miller’s life took a dramatic turn when she was incarcerated for bankruptcy fraud. She was charged with attempting to hide a significant amount of income, around $775,000, earned from her Lifetime series Dance Moms and its spin-off, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, as well as other projects, during bankruptcy proceedings. The allegations included hiding money in secret bank accounts between 2012 and 2013. Adding to her legal woes, she was also accused of illegally bringing $120,000 in cash into the U.S. from Australia by dividing it into smaller amounts carried by friends in their luggage. In June 2016, Miller pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud.
During her podcast appearance, Miller acknowledged her wrongdoing, stating she “did things wrong” and “made bad decisions.” However, she also claimed that the investigation felt like a “witch hunt.” She further alleged that the judge in her case had a wife who was a “super fan” of Dance Moms, suggesting bias influenced the severity of her sentence. Miller served almost a year in federal prison, reporting in July 2017 and being released in April 2018 due to health complications.
It was during this discussion about her prison experience that Miller made the connection between her incarceration and her wheelchair use. “Oh, that’s why I’m in a wheelchair, because in prison I was punished and taken off all my medication, cold turkey,” she stated. This is a significant claim, suggesting that the abrupt cessation of her medications while in prison contributed to her current health condition.
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Abby Lee Miller attends a Netflix special screening, reflecting on her public appearances post-health challenges.
The Timeline of Health Issues: From Spinal Infection to Cancer
While Miller attributes her wheelchair to the abrupt stop of her medication in prison, the timeline of her health issues points to a more direct cause: cancer. Shortly before her release from prison in April 2018, Miller experienced severe pain which was initially diagnosed as a spinal infection. However, further examination revealed a much more serious condition. She was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
This diagnosis came as a shock and required immediate and aggressive treatment. Miller underwent emergency surgery and began intensive chemotherapy. The Burkitt lymphoma and subsequent treatments significantly impacted her mobility. While the initial spinal issue might have been an infection, it was the cancer and its treatment that led to the damage affecting her ability to walk.
In 2019, after a challenging year of treatment, Miller announced she was cancer-free. She also embarked on a long and arduous journey of rehabilitation, hoping to regain her ability to walk. Despite her cancer being in remission, the effects on her body were lasting. The surgery and cancer treatments caused significant weakness and mobility issues, leading to her continued use of a wheelchair.
Context: Bankruptcy Fraud and “Dance Moms” Fame
To fully understand Abby Lee Miller’s situation, it’s essential to consider the context of her legal troubles and public persona. Dance Moms catapulted Miller and her dance studio to national fame. The show, known for its intense drama and Miller’s demanding teaching style, created a love-hate relationship with audiences. Her fame and income grew with the show’s success, which unfortunately coincided with the financial mismanagement that led to her bankruptcy fraud charges.
During her podcast interview, Miller also brought up Melissa Gisoni, the mother of Dance Moms stars Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, in connection to the cash smuggling accusation. Miller alleged that Gisoni was responsible for the decision to divide the $120,000 earned in Australia and have it carried back in smaller portions to avoid reporting requirements. According to Miller, Gisoni was “in charge of all the money” from their Australian tour. Gisoni has not publicly responded to these allegations.
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(L-R) Maddie Ziegler and Mackenzie Ziegler with their mother Melissa Gisoni at a premiere event, pictured during their time on Dance Moms.
Conclusion
While Abby Lee Miller claims that being taken off her medication in prison contributed to her being in a wheelchair, the medical timeline and known diagnoses point to Burkitt lymphoma and its treatment as the primary cause of her mobility issues. It is possible that the stress and conditions of imprisonment, including the disruption of her medication regimen, could have indirectly impacted her health or recovery. However, the direct and documented cause of her wheelchair use stems from the complications of cancer and its treatment. Miller’s journey has been marked by legal battles, health crises, and public scrutiny. Her recent statements on the podcast offer a glimpse into her perspective on these challenging events, but understanding the full picture requires considering both her personal claims and the established medical facts surrounding her health journey.
