Former Ellen producer responds to Allison Holker’s tWitch backlash

Former producer The Ellen DeGeneres Show Andy Lassner weigh the surrounding controversies Allison Holker sharing personal information about a deceased spouse Stephen “tWitch” the boss in his forthcoming memoir.

“Here’s the thing about addicts: we know each other. Whether we’re 10 days clean or 10 years, there’s this unspoken recognition. Vibe, nod, “yes, I see you.” It’s instant,” Lassner, 58, began via his Instagram Story on Thursday, January 9. “tWitch never gave me that. At all. He carried light, joy and kindness in a way that made people feel safe and seen. His energy every day was not the chaos of addiction – it was the peace that so many of us fight for.”

Lassner continued, “As a junkie, of course I know about keeping secrets and bulls–the world about who we are. I’m not saying that there weren’t maybe some things in his life that I completely missed. But if he did, he could hide them as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. At all.”

Lassner noted that his heart “never stopped aching” for Boss’s family, including Holker, 36, and their three children. (Boss and Holker, who married in 2013, had a daughter, Zaia, 5, and a son, Maddox, 8. He was the adoptive father of Holker’s oldest daughter, Wesley, 16.)

“I’m not here to weigh in on what’s right or wrong, or what’s true or not,” Lassner concluded. “But I’m here to tell you that the man I knew for many years was an absolute king and I think he deserves to be remembered as such.

Lassner’s statement came the day after Holker was met with resistance for revealing new and personal details about the deceased husband alleged drug addiction and childhood sexual abuse in her new book, a memoir, This Way: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light. (Bos died by suicide at the age of 40 in December 2022.)

Holker continued issue a statement explaining why she included these details in her book. “I want to make it clear to Stephen’s fans and our family and friends that my only intention in writing the book is to share my own story with Stephen and a part of my life to help other people,” Holker wrote on her Instagram. Story on Wednesday, January 8 “Like you, I never really knew what happened, and as much as I try to put the pieces together, I’ll never really know.”

In her message, Holker said she hoped readers would see that she intended to “celebrate the love and life” she and Boss had with their family.

“My hope is that by sharing our full story, maybe I can help someone else who might see themselves or a loved one in Stephen,” Holker continued. “By sharing, I hope they might catch some of the red flags I missed before it’s too late.”

In writing the memoir, Holker claimed to have spoken with several mental health nonprofits over the past two years to make sure she covered the topic accurately. Holker added that she plans to donate proceeds from the book to a foundation she created in Boss’s memory.

“I hope we don’t have to lose another husband, brother, father or friend to suicide,” she said. “I believe that if Stephen had a choice, he would choose to let his story be told if it meant saving even one life. Much love to all who have supported our family over the years.”

A day later, Boss’s mom, Connie Boss Alexandersnapped Holker. “Our family is absolutely appalled by the misleading and hurtful claims made about my son, Stephen Boss,” Boss Alexander wrote on Instagram Thursday. “Recent publications spreading falsehoods about Stephen have crossed all bounds of decency.” As his mother, I will not let these allegations go unanswered. We will not stand by while his name and legacy are tarnished. He doesn’t deserve it and the kids don’t deserve it.”

Chief Alexander said she had “remained quiet and out of the public eye to protect my family” for the past two years.

“My main focus was healing and trying to stay connected to my grandchildren,” she continued. “But when I read these horrific claims about my child, our beloved Stephen, I realized I could no longer remain silent. Our family will ensure that his name and memory are protected and we are determined to defend his honor.”

In the comments section of the post, Lassner responded, “Sending you so much love.” My Weekly asked Holker’s representative for comment at the time.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, there is help available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).