Former Ellen Producer Reacts to Allison Holker Backlash About tWitch

Former producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show Andy Lassner is weighing in on the controversy surrounding Allison Holker sharing personal details about late husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss in her upcoming memoir.

“Here’s the thing about addicts: we know each other. Whether we’ve got 10 days clean or 10 years, there’s this unspoken recognition. A vibe, a nod, a ‘yep, 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. Every day his energy wasn’t the chaos of addiction — it was the calm that so many of us fight for.”

Lassner continued, “Obviously, as an addict, I know about keeping secrets and bulls—- the world about who we are. I’m not saying there weren’t maybe some things about his life I was completely missing. But if there were, he was as good at hiding them as anyone I’ve ever seen. Ever.”

Lassner noted that his heart has “never stopped hurting” for Boss’ family, including Holker, 36, and their three kids. (Boss and Holker, who wed in 2013, shared daughter Zaia, 5, and son Maddox, 8. He was the adoptive father of Holker’s eldest daughter, Wesley, 16.)

Related: Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ Mom Breaks Silence Amid Allison Holker Backlash

Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ mom, Connie Boss Alexander, is breaking her silence one day after her late son’s wife, Allison Holker, included personal details about his life in her upcoming memoir. “Our family is absolutely appalled by the misleading and hurtful claims made about my son, Stephen Boss,” Boss Alexander wrote via Instagram on Thursday, January […]

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

Lassner’s statement came one day after Holker received backlash for revealing new and personal details about her late husband’s alleged drug addiction and childhood sexual abuse in her new book, memoir, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light. (Boss died by suicide at age 40 in December 2022.)

Holker went on to release a statement explaining why she included those details in her book. “To fans of Stephen and our family and friends, I want to be clear that my only intention in writing the book is to share my own story as well as part of my life with Stephen to help other people,” Holker wrote via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, January 8. “Just like you, I never really knew what happened, and even as I am trying to put the pieces together I will never really know.”

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

Related: Former ‘Ellen’ Producer Andy Lassner Sends Support to Late tWitch’s Mom

Former Ellen DeGeneres Show producer Andy Lassner is supporting the mother of his late colleague Stephen “tWitch” Boss. “Sending you so much love,” Lassner, 58, wrote via Instagram comment on Thursday, January 9. Less than one hour earlier, Connie Boss Alexander broke her silence on daughter-in-law Allison Holker’s memoir claims. (Holker, 36, said in a […]

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

While writing the memoir, Holker claimed she spoke with several mental health nonprofits for the past two years to ensure she accurately detailed the subject. Holker added that she plans to give proceeds from the book to the foundation she created in Boss’ memory.

“My hope is that that we won’t need to lose another husband, brother, father, or friend to suicide,” she said. “I believe that if Stephen were able to choose, he would choose to have his story told if it meant saving even one life. Much love to all those who have supported our family these many years.”

One day later, Boss’ mom, Connie Boss Alexander, slammed Holker. “Our family is absolutely appalled by the misleading and hurtful claims made about my son, Stephen Boss,” Boss Alexander wrote via Instagram on Thursday. “The recent publications spreading untruths about Stephen have crossed every line of decency. As his mother, I will not let these accusations go unanswered. We will not stand by while his name and legacy are tarnished. He doesn’t deserve this, and the kids don’t deserve this.”

Related: Allison Holker Defends Book as She’s Criticized by tWitch’s Family, Costars

Allison Holker is speaking out amid the backlash surrounding her decision to share personal details about late husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss in her upcoming memoir. On Tuesday, January 7, Holker, 36, gave a wide-ranging interview to People about This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light, which tackles her life and Boss’ death […]

Boss Alexander said she had “remained quiet and away from the public eye to protect my family” for the last two years.

“My primary focus has been on healing and attempting to remain connected to my grandchildren,” she continued. “But when I read these dreadful claims about my baby, our beloved Stephen, I realized I could not stay silent any longer. Our family will ensure his name and memory are protected, and we are committed to defending his honor.”

In the comment section of the post, Lassner replied, “Sending you so much love.” Us Weekly reached out to Holker’s rep for comment at the time.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is 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).