Pat O’Brien, host of “The Insider” syndicated entertainment news magazine, has exited an alcohol rehabilitation program.
O’Brien left Sunday, Manfred Westphal, a spokesman for Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the syndicated TV program, told The Associated Press Tuesday.
There were no details about the recovery facility or when the 57-year-old O’Brien entered the rehab program. Westphal didn’t say when O’Brien would return to the show.
Last month, O’Brien announced that he “had a problem with alcohol” and that “overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able.”
“We support Pat’s decision to seek treatment and look forward to welcoming him back on the air at the appropriate time,” Westphal said, when O’Brien announced his plans for treatment.
O’Brien’s image has recently taken a beating after obscene phone messages left by what sounds like his voice were distributed on the Internet.
The show’s New York host, Lara Spencer, has taken over the show during O’Brien’s absence.