JoJo’s Struggles: Addiction, Early Sexual Experiences, Cheating Scandals, and Love for Robin Williams

JoJo’s Memoir ‘Over the Influence’: Key Revelations

In her latest memoir, “Over the Influence,” JoJo, whose full name is Joanna Noëlle Levesque, delves into her tumultuous life, bringing to light significant moments from her past. Released on September 17, the book has opened a window into her childhood, the complexities of fame, and personal challenges.

During a recent interview, JoJo expressed her feelings about sharing her journey: “I did not have that on my bingo card for 33, but I’m so happy. I feel a lot of joy, a lot of excitement, and a lot of gratitude that I get to put my story out there into the world.” The singer reflects on her early years, explaining how her musical inclinations were nurtured by her mother, a former singer, while her father battled addiction and subsequently distanced himself from the family following their divorce. JoJo candidly reveals that her mother, who took on a managerial role, also faced serious struggles, including suicidal thoughts.

JoJo’s memoir tackles her own battles with addiction, emphasizing a compulsion for validation, intimacy, and excitement that plagued her youth. She shared how she often found herself in church basements, supporting her parents as they navigated Alcoholics Anonymous. The pop icon recalls her struggle, saying, “I was in a full-blown addiction to love and validation, sex, and stimulation.” She vividly describes her quest for escape through alcohol and marijuana amid the pressures of fame, reflecting on a pivotal moment when her father’s words about addiction became chillingly real for her.

Rethinking her musical identity, JoJo admits that she never truly saw herself as a pop star despite the success of her early hits. After signing with Blackground Records at just 12 years old and releasing the single “Leave (Get Out),” she experienced confusion and frustration with the label’s expectations, especially when it came to fitting into a specific mold.

The memoir also reveals JoJo’s complex feelings about touring with Usher, where she felt both honored and guilty as a white artist in a genre often defined by Black musicians. She likewise opens up about her jealousy of co-star Emma Roberts and the perceived advantages of her background, expressing how these feelings clouded her experiences in the industry.

Reflecting on her time spent with the late Robin Williams while filming “RV,” JoJo shares her admiration for the actor’s warmth and intelligence, noting the impact he had on her. The narrative takes a deeper turn when JoJo discusses her friendship with Selena Gomez, which brought both inspiration and pangs of jealousy as they navigated their respective paths in the spotlight.

The memoir also discusses sensitive topics, including JoJo’s account of losing her virginity at 14 to soccer player Freddy Adu and the way her relationships have often been marred by infidelity, both on her part and those of her partners. She confronts her past in a way that is strikingly honest, portraying the tumult of love, fame, and personal discovery.

JoJo’s revelations extend beyond her relationships, as she pens the unsettling reality of experiencing sexual assaults in her late teens and early twenties, illustrating how her public image often led to misinterpretations of her intentions.

Ultimately, “Over the Influence” is a raw exploration of JoJo’s life — a tale of survival, introspection, and growth amid the chaotic backdrop of fame and personal trials. As she puts her story into the world, she hopes to resonate with those who have faced their own struggles.