Kaia Gerber spoke out about brother Presley’s ‘decade-long’ addiction struggle weeks before his tragic death
Actress Kaia Gerber spoke out in admiration of her older brother Presley just weeks before his tragic death at the age of 27.
The daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber described how his struggles with substances and his mental health had impacted their family in a poignant interview last month.
Dubbing her brother a 'teacher', she explained how proud she was of him for publicising his battles and no longer 'hiding from the world'.
The news of Presley's untimely passing on Sunday (20 September) has sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
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According to records filed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner he died at a rehab facility. His loved ones then shared a brief statement 'asking for privacy' amid this 'very difficult and painful time'.
Presley's sister previously spoke about how he had endured a 'decade-long struggle with drug addiction' when speaking to Vogue alongside her The Shards co-star Homer Gere.
Kaia discussed her deep respect and appreciation for the model, while opening up about their closeness.
The pair sweetly adorned their skin with tattoos in dedication for one another a few years back, with Presley inking 'Kaia XXIII' on his left tricep and the American Horror Story star getting 'Prez' on her shoulder.
Speaking to Vogue, she explained what impact her brother's struggles had on her while she was growing up.
"When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone," the 25-year-old said.
"I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help," Kaia confessed.
"Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing."
Presley opened up about his substance abuse and mental health struggles on social media, which is something that Kaia said filled her with pride.
"My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything," she went on. "And now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone'.
"There’s only so much you can hide from the world. And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them."
Like Kaia, Presley followed in his famous mother's footsteps and became a big name on the modelling scene.
'That's my brother'
He worked with a host of big brands such as Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Moschino, Celine, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and Pepsi.
Presley's supportive brood previously took to social media to heap praise on him, with Cindy describing him as a 'warrior' who 'walked through the fire to find yourself'.
"That's my brother," Kaia added. "I am so damn proud."
Presley's dad Rande, a businessman who co-founded Casamigos alongside George Clooney, also chimed in saying: "I'm so proud of you and your courage.
"Facing what's hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much."
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Celebrity News
Olivia Burke