In a stunning revelation that shatters the perfect facade of a supermodel’s life, Elle Macpherson has opened up about her hidden struggles with alcohol addiction in her newly released memoir, “Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself.”
The 60-year-old Australian supermodel, known as “The Body” during her peak modeling years, unveils her personal struggles, sharing a profound narrative of addiction, motherhood, and ultimately, redemption.
“My life looked amazing to everybody. On the outside I was doing a beautiful job, but, deep down inside, I was really struggling,” Macpherson writes in her candid memoir.
The turning point came in 2003, following the birth of her second son, Cy. Despite warnings from her healthcare team about post-birth drinking, Macpherson found herself fixated on a gifted bottle of champagne. This moment marked the beginning of her honest confrontation with addiction.
Behind closed doors, the reality was far from the glossy magazine covers that made her famous. Macpherson details shocking incidents, including drinking vodka from a bottle she had smashed open in desperation. “I hurriedly poured myself a shot that could have been littered with shards of glass,” she recalls in an AA meeting confession.
The pressure of maintaining her public image while raising two young sons—Flynn and Cy—with then-partner Arpad “Arki” Busson took its toll. When Busson traveled for business, Macpherson found herself alone, using alcohol to cope with mounting anxiety.
“In the evenings, after putting the children to bed, I’d find myself relaxing with a vodka,” she writes. These solo drinking sessions often led to blackouts, yet Macpherson maintained an impossibly perfect exterior. Her house remained spotless, her appearance flawless, and her children perfectly cared for—all while she spiraled deeper into addiction.
A particularly telling incident occurred during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Macpherson missed her cue in the closing ceremony after drinking to calm her nerves. Despite this red flag, she initially resisted treatment when those closest to her suggested rehab.
The journey to recovery wasn’t straightforward. An attempted summer in Ibiza proved disastrous when Macpherson, feeling left out of the party scene, succumbed to drinking vodka from a broken bottle. This incident finally pushed her toward seeking help.
In rehab, Macpherson faced unexpected challenges. To maintain privacy, she entered treatment under the alias “Mac” and struggled with the grouping of eating disorder patients. However, this classification led to important realizations about her relationship with food and control.
Today, Macpherson celebrates 20 years of sobriety. She approaches wellness with the same dedication that once fueled her modeling career. “Every day I actively, deliberately feed my wellness and nurture myself,” she writes. “I no longer consider cancer to be an option.” Drinking no longer serves as a solution for me.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that addiction doesn’t discriminate. Even those who seem to “have it all” can struggle with inner demons. Through her raw honesty, Macpherson offers hope to others fighting similar battles.
The supermodel’s journey from addiction to recovery highlights the importance of seeking help and the possibility of transformation. Her memoir stands as testimony that it’s never too late to change course and choose health over harmful habits.
Recent appearances in New York show Macpherson radiating health and vitality at 60, proving that her decision to embrace sobriety has paid dividends far beyond the physical. Her story continues to inspire as she promotes her memoir, sharing her truth with characteristic grace and newfound authenticity.