Calum von Moger checks into rehab, is on ‘road to recovery’

Bodybuilder Calum von Moger was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after crashing through a window in May. Now, his team has shared a major update.

Australian bodybuilder and actor Calum von Moger, a three-time Mr Universe winner, has checked himself into a rehab facility to fight his drug addiction.

“Some great news for you guys: Calum is on the road to recovery,” a member of von Moger’s team told his fans in a video message posted on Instagram yesterday.

“It’s been a week now since he checked himself into a facility. I’m very excited about that. It will be a long road. It’s a long process. Everybody who has ever gone through addiction or has had someone in their family with addiction knows that it’s not an easy road.

“But we wanted to give you guys our thanks on behalf of Calum. Calum sends his appreciation, gratitude for all the well wishes, the birthday wishes, the cards, the gifts.

“Thank you guys from the bottom of our heart. It really helped him get to where he’s at today, on the road to recovery.

Geelong bodybuilder Calum von Moger. Picture: Instagram

The bodybuilder and actor is a three-time Mr Universe winner. Picture: Instagram

“We’ll continue to just be a positive light, regardless of how dark it’s been lately. I can tell you, 60 per cent of the stuff that’s out there is completely – it has no basis. It’s idiotic. These idiot YouTubers or Instagramers or influencers who think they’re trying to make their name off of Cal. It’s heartbreaking to see people act that way.

“But for everyone that’s been positive, sent positive messages, we thank you guys. We’ve got some big news coming later in regards to Cal.

“Right now, we don’t know if you guys will hear from him personally in eight weeks, 12 weeks, six months, a year. The best thing for him is to recover; to go through this process.

“He continues to inspire, and he will continue to inspire, regardless of what that ends up being. But we thank you guys, and we’ll have more news for you soon. We apologise that it’s taken this long to get a message out to you guys, but I’m happy we’re able to now. And you’ll hear (from us) more often.”

In the post’s caption, von Moger’s team stressed that recovery was “as important in life as it is in bodybuilding”.

“The amount of good in the world is amazing to witness. Sometimes a small gesture or some kind words can mean the world to someone in a bad place. They certainly have to us.”

A screengrab of the video message posted on Instagram.

Von Moger escaped conviction in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last month after pleading guilty to possessing drugs, including methamphetamine and cannabis.

He appeared via video link and with his arm in a sling, having suffered a serious injury falling from a second-storey window at his home in Geelong on May 4. The 31-year-old had surgery on his spine and spent 11 days in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.

Von Moger was arrested before that injury, on January 31, after illicit drugs were found in his car. Police had pulled him over while he was driving without number plates.

In court, he pleaded guilty to seven charges, including possession of methamphetamine, cannabis, testosterone cypionate, proviplex and viaplex. He was ordered to pay $500 to a court fund.

The bodybuilder’s lawyer, Bernard Campigli, told the court von Moger suffered from depression and had been traumatised by a carjacking while living in Los Angeles. He moved home last year.

“Unfortunately he spiralled out of control soon after. He had taken testosterone for a number of years ... other substances came into the picture,” said Mr Campigli.

He said his client would take part in a rehab program.

Von Moger pleaded guilty to possessing illicit drugs. Image: Instagram

Von Moger was taken to hospital by ambulance on the morning of May 4 after police were sent to his home, responding to reports of a man experiencing a mental health episode.

Nearby construction workers said they heard yelling, screaming and glass smashing before multiple police cars and ambulances arrived.

Three windows, across both levels of the home, were damaged and boarded up, while glass shards were seen scattered underneath the broken windows.

The bodybuilder is best known for playing Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2018 American comedy-drama Bigger. He has 3.3 million followers and a clothing line.

As a young child, he grew up with his five siblings in Anglesea on Victoria’s Surf Coast. It was there that he started to lift weights at about the age of 14.

He won the World Fitness Federation’s Mr Universe title for the first time in Austria in 2011. His other two titles came in 2014 and 2015.

At that time, he told The Australian one of his main goals was to “really make a difference” and motivate kids to get out of the house and go to the gym.

After a period of living in Los Angeles, he returned to Australia last October.

In a Facebook post made from hotel quarantine in Sydney, he said he had a tough year – which included the death of his dog Rex – he missed Australia and was looking forward to “finally” seeing his friends and family in Victoria.

“I know this sounds crazy, but a voice inside told me it’s time to give up my freedom and luxury life in Los Angeles and come back home,” he wrote.

The week before his hospitalisation, von Moger edited the caption of an emotional post his Instagram, which asked for his fans’ forgiveness.

“Everyone has a past. We’ve all been through hard times. I admit, I messed up bad many times. But I don’t care about dwelling on negative thoughts of the past. All I care about is that I learn from my mistakes and become a better person. I’m trying my hardest to stay strong but I have my days too,” he wrote.