Lea Michele Kept Cory Monteith on Straight + Narrow, Was Blindsided By Relapse
Fallen 'Glee' star Cory Monteith led a double life: Thanks to costar and girlfriend Lea Michele, Monteith was clean, sober, healthy and responsible stateside.
But when he went home to Canada, all bets were off.
TMZ reports that Michele took good care of Monteith while he was alive, protecting him from his demons and from anyone who may have triggered a relapse or preyed on his vulnerability. Sources told the site that one of Monteith's relatives described Hollywood as "a zoo of piranhas" and that Michele was indispensable in keeping Monteith safe from negative influences.
The problem, insiders say, is that when Monteith went to his hometown of Vancouver, "all bets were off."
Michele reportedly didn't know Monteith had relapsed following his April stint in rehab (which she orchestrated) and is, understandably, "inconsolable."
Michele wasn't the only person shocked by the news, with another source admitting to Us Weekly, "It's an absolute mess. It's just devastating, tragic news. A lot of his friends in L.A. had no idea how bad his drug use was. Everyone is still shocked beyond belief."
Thankfully, Michele has help getting through it, namely from 'Glee' costar and close friend Jonathan Groff, who was also close with Monteith. "He flew to be with her as soon as he heard," a friend told Us Weekly. "His heart is broken for her -- and he loved Cory too. The three of them would hang out together."
In addition to mourning Monteith, Michele is also taking the reins for his memorial services. A pal revealed, "She's been talking with Cory's family the entire time and wants to plan the whole funeral."
Our thoughts are with Michele and Monteith's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.