Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams Says ‘106 & Park’ Fall Gave Her PTSD
Everyone has lived through an embarrassing moment and for Michelle Williams, it’s her infamous fall on 106 & Park. During a podcast interview, the Destiny’s Child star reflected on the botched music performance and how it affected her mentally. She shared that it haunted her so much, she felt like she had post-traumatic stress disorder.
Michelle Williams fell hard on ‘106 & Park’
In 2004, Destiny’s Child appeared on 106 & Park to perform their song “Soldier.” They were walking to the front of the stage when Williams tripped over her pants leg and fell to the ground. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland continued performing as a crew member rushed to help Williams up. Impressively, she got right back into the routine without missing a beat. But it looks like the comments about her fall really affected her.
Michelle Williams on her fall on ‘106 & Park’
During an interview on Larry Reid Live, Williams discussed her tumble on 106 & Park. She admitted she really struggled after the performance, especially because she was ridiculed for it.
“That’s like causing PSTD,” she admitted, before teasing, “That’s probably why I ain’t gon’ do music. Y’all gon’ hear me talk. That’s it!”
She continued, “I fell one time. It took me maybe… oooh that happened in 2005… it probably took me a good 12 or 13 years to watch it. It was bad.”
But even now, the mention of the incident is a “trigger” for her. “I need people to give me grace because I might fall in another area, not necessarily physically on stage. But give me grace!” she stated. “And it’s 16 years old.”
She sought help for her struggles
Williams has been open about experiencing mental health issues even before that, once saying on The Talk that she started feeling depression at 13. She revealed in 2018 that she had recently sought professional help to get in a better headspace.
“For years I have dedicated myself to increasing awareness of mental health and empowering people to recognize when it’s time to seek help, support and guidance from those that love and care for your wellbeing,” she said in a 2018 Instagram post. “I recently listened to the same advice I have given to thousands around the world and sought help from a great team of healthcare professionals.”
“Today I proudly, happily and healthily stand here as someone who will continue to always lead by example as I tirelessly advocate for the betterment of those in need,” Williams continued. “If you change your mind, you can change your life.”
She released a book in 2021 discussing her journey called Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life – and Can Save Yours. It can be found online and in certain bookstores now.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.
