Pop icon Demi Lovato has long been known for her openness about personal struggles. However, her new YouTube documentary series, “Dancing With the Devil,” unveils even deeper and more startling truths than previously known. This gripping four-part series, which premiered at the virtual South by Southwest film festival, provides an unvarnished look into the events surrounding her near-fatal drug overdose in 2018, alongside other profoundly traumatic experiences. The first two episodes of “Demi Lovato Dancing With The Devil” are currently available on YouTube, with subsequent installments arriving weekly.
In the documentary’s opening, Lovato states her intention to fully disclose her story, emphasizing her desire to “set the record straight” after years of holding back. She offers viewers complete access to her narrative, promising raw honesty and vulnerability. This commitment to transparency is immediately evident as the documentary delves into the darkest chapters of her life.
Here are five key revelations from “Dancing With the Devil,” showcasing the depth and breadth of Demi Lovato’s journey:
Harrowing Rape Revelations: Disney Days and the Overdose Night
In a deeply personal segment in the third episode of “Dancing With the Devil,” Demi Lovato bravely discloses that she was raped as a teenager during her time with Disney Channel. While working on “Sonny With a Chance” and “Camp Rock,” Lovato experienced a sexual assault that she had kept secret for years, fearing disbelief and judgment.
“I really beat myself up for years, which is also why I had a really hard time coming to terms with the fact that it was a rape when it happened,” Lovato recounts in the documentary. She explained that despite clearly stating her boundaries and virginity, the assault occurred, leaving her to internalize the trauma and blame herself. This horrific experience contributed to self-harm and bulimia as coping mechanisms. Disturbingly, Lovato revealed that her alleged rapist faced no repercussions after she reported the assault.
Years later, on the very night of her 2018 overdose, Lovato suffered another rape at the hands of her drug dealer. Awakening in the hospital, she was questioned about consensual sex, and in a fragmented recollection, initially said yes. It wasn’t until a month later that Lovato fully grasped the non-consensual nature of the encounter, recognizing her incapacity to make a sound decision due to her state. These dual traumas highlight the profound challenges Lovato has faced, far beyond public perception.
Beyond Overdose: A Cascade of Medical Emergencies
Demi Lovato’s 2018 incident was far more than just an overdose. As “Dancing With the Devil” reveals, she endured a series of catastrophic health crises that night. Beyond overdosing on a lethal combination of heroin and fentanyl-laced oxycodone, Lovato suffered three strokes, multiple organ failure, brain damage, pneumonia from aspiration, and a heart attack. The cumulative effect of these events left her clinging to life and facing severe long-term consequences.
Upon regaining consciousness in the hospital, Lovato was temporarily blind and couldn’t even recognize her own sister at her bedside. While her vision has partially recovered, she still experiences impairment to this day, preventing her from driving. This stark reality underscores the severity of the overdose and the lasting impact on her physical health. The documentary does not shy away from depicting these difficult truths, offering a raw and honest account of her near-death experience.
Ex-Fiancé Max Ehrich: A Relationship Built on Illusion
The documentary delves into Demi Lovato’s whirlwind romance and engagement to actor Max Ehrich, which occurred during the quarantine period in 2020. In “Dancing With the Devil,” Lovato reflects on the relationship, admitting she rushed into it, believing it was what she was “supposed to do.” However, as time passed, she came to the realization that she didn’t truly know Ehrich.
The couple’s separation in September followed the resurfacing of old social media posts allegedly made by Ehrich, expressing admiration for Selena Gomez, Lovato’s former friend. Initially, Lovato defended Ehrich, dismissing the posts as fabricated. Yet, in the documentary, she acknowledges feeling “fooled” by Ehrich, stating that the public’s shock mirrored her own at the revelations that emerged. This segment highlights the complexities of relationships formed under pressure and the painful process of realizing a perceived connection was not genuine.
Misdiagnosis: Unpacking the Bipolar Disorder Label
“Dancing With the Devil” addresses Demi Lovato’s mental health journey, including her public disclosure of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 18. Lovato reveals in the documentary that this diagnosis was, in fact, a misdiagnosis. While she initially found the bipolar label provided an explanation for her behaviors, she sought further medical opinions and learned from multiple doctors that bipolar disorder was not the accurate explanation.
Lovato clarifies that her actions at 18 were rooted in other factors related to her personal growth and experiences, not bipolar disorder. She also speaks to the guilt she carried as a mental health advocate, particularly concerning her biological father’s struggles with addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He passed away in 2013, and Lovato grappled with feelings of inadequacy in not being able to help him, while understanding ultimately that he needed to seek help himself. This revelation about her misdiagnosis adds another layer to her ongoing mental health narrative and her journey of self-discovery.
Embracing Authenticity and “Best Life” Post-Overdose
Since her separation from Ehrich and navigating the aftermath of her overdose, Demi Lovato has focused on living authentically and embracing her true self. In “Dancing With the Devil,” she declares herself “too queer to marry a man” currently, emphasizing her exploration of her sexuality. This new chapter involves living life on her own terms, whether it’s enjoying birthday cakes after years of restrictive diets or adopting a moderation approach to substances.
Lovato acknowledges that moderation is not a universal solution for addiction recovery, stressing that “recovery from addiction isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.” She draws parallels to her eating disorder recovery, where finding balance was key. Similarly, she aims to find balance in other areas of her life. Her upcoming album, “Dancing With the Devil … the Art of Starting Over,” is intended to reflect this current phase of her life – embracing her identity and moving forward fearlessly. This final takeaway underscores Lovato’s resilience and her commitment to self-acceptance and living a life true to herself.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673) and visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) for more resources.
