Dean McDermott Seeks Visitation Rights for Children Amid Separation from Tori Spelling
Dean McDermott seeks custody and aims to be a positive role model for his five children with Tori Spelling after their separation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access and setting a strong example
Dean McDermott, Tori Spelling. @CelebCandidly / MEGA ; Gotham/GC Images
Dean McDermott is determined to maintain a strong connection with his children even after his separation from his estranged wife, Tori Spelling. An undisclosed source informed We that McDermott, aged 57, desires to have regular contact with his kids and wishes to serve as a positive role model. The insider further revealed that McDermott, who asserts that he hasn't seen his children since June, also aims to maintain a harmonious relationship with Spelling, aged 50, and the rest of her family.
McDermott initially announced his separation from the Beverly Hills, 90210 star on social media during the summer, but swiftly removed the post. The former host of Chopped Canada later opened up about what prompted him to share the news of their breakup in an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this month.
In the interview, McDermott recounted a distressing memory of a heated argument while under the influence. He described it as the moment when he directed his anger towards Tori and their children, witnessing the last glimmer of hope fade from her eyes. McDermott explained that he made the social media post because he felt utterly desperate and clueless about what to do, acknowledging that he had once again destroyed everything around him.
McDermott expressed his extreme distress, admitting to resorting to excessive drinking and relying on medication. He revealed that he consumed a significant amount of Ambien, hoping that he would not wake up after posting his breakup message. While Spelling remained silent about the post, McDermott claimed that she was deeply traumatized and caught completely off guard by his statement. He emphasized the devastating impact it had on their five children, Liam (16), Stella (15), Hattie (11), Finn (10), and Beau (5). It is worth noting that McDermott also has a son named Jack (25), whom he shares with his former wife, Mary Jo Eustace.
McDermott sought treatment at Harmony Place for a period of 40 days following his Instagram message, which he credited Spelling with helping him discover. The couple has since ended their relationship. McDermott, who currently resides in a sober facility alongside eight other men, has been observed engaging in affectionate behavior with Lily Calo on multiple occasions, while Spelling has moved forward with Ryan Cramer.
According to another source, McDermott and Spelling's relationship was turbulent before their separation, reaching a point where their friends were reluctant to visit them due to McDermott's frequent outbursts and intimidating behavior. McDermott himself admitted to causing immense harm and distress to Spelling, confessing that his drunken actions would terrify his family.
"Alcohol provided temporary satisfaction, making me feel adequate. However, this feeling of adequacy eventually faded, leading me into a state of isolation," he recounted. "As a consequence, I found myself consuming a fifth of tequila every night, without any company except for a handful of narcotics, despite having a loving family in the adjacent room. This destructive behavior ultimately resulted in the fracture between me and Tori."
Earlier this month, a reliable source revealed to Us that McDermott and Spelling, who married in 2006, were experiencing a "cold" dynamic after their separation. Despite this, they are attempting to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their family. Spelling has yet to comment on the separation directly, but she did share a message of inner strength with her fans on social media.
"I firmly believe in maintaining a forward focus and staying determined to achieve success," she shared on Instagram on November 8. "However, this morning, I decided to pause and engage in self-reflection. It is crucial to occasionally glance back and acknowledge the tremendous progress you have made, recognizing your own exceptional abilities."
If you or someone you know is facing challenges related to substance abuse, reach out to the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
https://988lifeline.org/
