Joe Marler, a prominent figure in the show “Celebrity Traitors,” opened up about his battle with depression and the regret he felt after an incident involving alleged racial abuse towards another player.
The former England rugby player, currently appearing in the BBC’s star-studded spin-off “The Traitors,” has had a successful career with nearly 300 appearances for Harlequins. However, his struggles with mental health issues led to intense confrontations on the field, affecting his personal life.
During an interview on The High Performance podcast with host Jake Humphrey, Joe shared insights into his challenging times, acknowledging being labeled as somewhat bipolar. He revealed a specific incident where he was accused of racially abusing a Welsh player of traveler descent during a match between England and Wales.
Feeling lost and overwhelmed, Joe decided to withdraw from the England tour to Australia that year. Despite this, his emotional turmoil continued, manifesting in aggressive behavior on the field.
Reflecting on his personal life, Joe recounted a distressing moment when his wife, Daisy, tearfully implored him to seek professional help as his behavior escalated, even during her pregnancy. The couple, married since 2017, have four children together.
In a poignant revelation, Joe described how his struggles with mental health started affecting his home life, leading to moments of losing control and destructiveness. Witnessing his wife in distress profoundly impacted him, marking a turning point in seeking help and therapy to address his issues.
Joe emphasized hitting rock bottom before seeking help and undergoing therapy and medication, which allowed him to appreciate the support of his family. He acknowledged the importance of acknowledging his struggles and reaching out for assistance when needed.
“Celebrity Traitors” will continue airing on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm.