Watch: Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ Brother and Friend Call Out Allison Holker Over Tell-All Memoir
Allison Holker is standing by her decision.
The 36-year-old—who recently gave a wide-ranging interview about her late husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in Dec. 2022—is defending herself after receiving backlash on social media from users questioning her decision to share many personal details about his life.
As a fellow dancer wrote under People’s Instagram post featuring Allison’s video, “This whole thing made me sad. He’s gone. Why tear apart this name?”
And while the dance pro expressed feeling glad Allison is moving on and being happy—Allison debuted her relationship with Adam Edmunds in September—she added in the comment, “This paycheck was not worth disgracing his name.”
To which Allison responded, “I’ll always love you. Just trying to help people feel safe to ask for help and support.”
Allison also reposted a number of supportive Instagram Stories to her own page, including one from a user who wrote, “Sharing this powerful message to remind us all how important it is to have open conversations about mental health.”
Among the information Allison shares in her interview with People—which occurred ahead of the release of her new memoir This Far in February—is discovering what she describes as a “cornucopia” of drugs hidden in Stephen’s closet ahead of his funeral as well as details from his journal entries, including allusions to being sexually abused in his childhood by a male figure.
Allison—who shared kids Weslie, 16, Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 5, with Stephen—added that many of the discoveries helped her understand just how much her late husband had been struggling before his death, and how much he had been keeping to himself.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images
“It’s hard to think that he never opened up to someone and wanted to face it, to get through on the other side,” she said. “I really hope people dealing with the same thing will help themselves out of the shadows and [know] you’re going to be okay.”
She also stressed the importance of seeking help.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have resources that have helped me that I’ve now teamed up with,” she explained. “I’ve learned there’s so many other resources that a lot of people don’t know about. I’ve had so many people reach out to me needing to talk, and if I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that mental health can impact anyone at any time of their life.”
But following her interview, in addition to social media backlash, members of Stephen’s family and friends came forward against Allison’s actions, including brother Dré Rose and friend Courtney Ann Platt.
Courtney, who in an Instagram post said she was close with the couple throughout their time together, wrote, “This is by far the most tacky, classless, opportunistic act I have ever seen in my entire life.”
The fitness trainer also alleged Stephen’s loved ones had to sign an NDA to attend his funeral, accused Allison of treating his mother “like garbage this entire time” and called out Allison’s memoir for airing “dirty laundry,” saying that in doing so, the So You Think You Can Dance alum is “attempting to dim the bright loyal, loving, light that was your husband, my friend.”
E! News has reached out to Allison’s rep for comment but has not heard back.
Stephen’s brother Dré, for his part, reshared Courtney’s post to his own Instagram Story, writing, “No lies told…”
For a look back at Stephen’s life with his family and how they’ve fared since his passing, keep reading.
Allison posted a photo of daughter Weslie heading to her high school homecoming dance in October 2023.
Allison shared her first new dance video since Stephen’s death, appearing in a TikTok with daughter Weslie in August 2023. The two danced to a remix of “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic.
Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
Allison appeared with kids Weslie, Maddox and Zaia at the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in May 2023.
Instagram / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
“Thankful for family. Thankful for health. Thankful for love. Thankful for life,” Stephen wrote on Instagram in November 2022. “Sending y’all so much love from our family to yours. #bossfamily #turkeyday.”
Instagram / Allison Holker
The family dressed up as the Addams Family.
Instagram / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
“Happy Father’s Day!!!!” Stephen wrote on Instagram in June 2022. “Being a father to these three incredible children has been the greatest gift and duty ever. Big love to all the fathers and father figures out there. I hope you are showered in love today!! #fathersday”
Instagram / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
Family Father’s Day Photo
Stephen appeared with Allison, Weslie, Maddox and Zaia on Father’s Day 2022.
Happy 6th Birthday Maddox
Stephen appeared with son Maddox in March on the child’s 6th birthday in March 2022.
“Happy birthday son,” he wrote on Instagram. “Can’t believe this little prince Boss is already 6 years old. Where has the time gone. When did he get so tall? So smart? So capable and self reliant. Too quickly is the answer. But I couldn’t be more proud of the light he continues to bring to the world. Also, how everyday he is teaching me to be a better father and man…….as I’m teaching him. It’s a beautiful cycle.”
YouTube/OFFICIAL BOSS FAM
Instagram / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
The family members wore matching Children’s Place holiday PJs and showcase their dance moves in September 2021.
Instagram / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
TikTok / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
Stephen danced with son Maddox.
TikTok / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
The two danced with their son Maddox in January 2021.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
The two appeared with their kids Weslie and Maddox at the premiere of Disney’s Mulan reboot.
Instagram / Stephen “tWitch” Boss
On New Year’s Eve 2019, Allison shared this photo of herself with Stephen and youngest kids Maddox and Zaia, and reflected on their love story.
“An incredible decade!!” she wrote on Instagram. “In this decade, Weslie and I moved to LA, I met Stephen and fell in love , we got married, we explored the world, we have amazing memories from our careers, I was able to create & grow with dance on SYTYCD, HIT THE FLOOR and DWTS. Hosted DISNEYS FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS. My favorite part was growing our family, having our beautiful children! #decade #newyearseve #funtolookback #life #love #experience #memories #newyork @sir_twitch_alot.”
Instagram / Allison Holker
At 40 weeks pregnant and due to give birth to their daughter Zaia any day, Allison shared this video of herself dancing with Boss in November 2019.
The two appeared with their kids Weslie and Maddox at the premiere of Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The couple and their kids Weslie and Maddox attended the premiere of Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet in Hollywood.
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