In a recent controversy surrounding the legacy of Stephen "tWitch" Boss, his mother, Connie Boss Alexander, vehemently defended him against claims made by his widow, Allison Holker. As Holker prepares to release her memoir This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light, scheduled for next month, Alexander took to Instagram to express her outrage over what she describes as "misleading and hurtful claims" regarding her late son, who tragically died by suicide in December 2022.

In a candid interview with People, Holker revealed unsettling details about her late husband’s struggles, including discovering drugs in his closet following his death. Holker stated she found a "cornucopia" of substances, including mushrooms and pills, describing the moment as both shocking and triggering. She claimed that Boss had documented experiences of childhood sexual abuse in his journal, suggesting deep-seated struggles that he concealed from those around him. "It was a really scary moment in my life to figure that out," Holker expressed, reflecting on her journey to understand the hidden challenges Boss faced.

Responding to the fallout, Alexander emphasized her family's commitment to preserving Boss's memory. "Our family is absolutely appalled by the misleading and hurtful claims made about my son, Stephen Boss," she articulated in her post. "As his mother, I will not let these accusations go unanswered. His name and legacy are worth defending." She also shared that her focus had been on healing and maintaining connections with her grandchildren during the two years since her son’s passing.

The backlash against Holker's remarks has extended beyond Boss's family. Fellow dancers and friends, including Kelly Gibson and Courtney Ann Platt, criticized Holker's portrayal of Boss, questioning the need to "tear apart his name" and labeling her actions as opportunistic. In response to the critiques, Holker stood her ground, suggesting that sharing her story may help others navigating their struggles.

Alexander's concerns are backed by sentiments expressed by other relatives, who also voiced their disapproval of Holker's revelations. One family member remarked that Alexader had been protective of her family's privacy but felt compelled to respond to what she sees as a smear against Boss's character.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, resources are available, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's treatment referral service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and a crisis text line accessible by texting 741741.

For more details on this developing story, you can read the full coverage on The Daily Beast and USA Today.