McKinley Richardson Exposes Jack Doherty’s Alleged Pill Problem That Turned Ugly

In the latest episode of Camilla Araujo’s podcast, social media star McKinley Richardson opened up about the darker side of her relationship with YouTuber Jack Doherty, alleging that his heavy Adderall use played a major role in the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes. After previously revealing the traumatic incident that initially bonded them, Richardson detailed how her connection with Doherty deepened into what she now recognizes as a “trauma bond.” While she says he was protective and kind at first, things quickly shifted as partying, control, and substance use became central to their lifestyle.

According to Richardson, Doherty’s use of Adderall went far beyond a prescription. “He wasn’t prescribed anymore, but he kept buying it,” she alleged. “It became a problem, especially when he mixed it with drinking.”

She explained that the YouTuber would often take multiple pills at once and then drink heavily, describing dangerous episodes where his heart raced uncontrollably. “There were times I felt like I had to call an ambulance because he would say, ‘I feel like I’m gonna die. My heart’s beating out of my chest.’ I told him, ‘You cannot mix these things.’”

Richardson claimed Doherty often joked about his dependence on the stimulant, calling it the secret to his hustle. “His way of success was Adderall,” she said. “He’d always say it made him sharper, more efficient, and he’d try to get the people who worked for him to take it too.”

“He would give it to his employees and say, ‘You’ll work better if you take this,’” she added. “He wanted everyone around him to be on the same page because he was constantly ‘go, go, go.’”

While Richardson says she initially believed he was managing ADHD, she later realized the situation was far more serious. “At first, I thought it was normal because people get prescribed Adderall for ADD,” she explained. “But then I saw how much he was taking, and how it changed him when mixed with alcohol. It wasn’t normal at all.”

The combination, she says, often left Doherty erratic and unpredictable. “That’s why he would get so drunk, because he was tweaking out on Adderall,” she said. “It was horrible to watch. I was scared for him.”

Richardson recalled moments where she felt helpless as his behavior spiraled. “I cared about him, I wanted to protect him,” she said. “But it reached a point where it was dangerous, physically and emotionally.”

Despite Doherty’s alleged Adderall problem and "dangerous" behavior, Richardson continued the relationship for some time, hoping things would improve. However, as his substance use worsened, so did the emotional strain. What began as concern and care gradually turned into exhaustion as she found herself managing the chaos caused by his addiction.

Over time, the combination of Adderall misuse, heavy drinking, and Doherty’s volatile moods created a toxic environment. Richardson reportedly endured ongoing emotional and mental abuse, including manipulation and controlling behavior that left her feeling isolated and powerless.

The relationship became a cycle of highs and lows, brief moments of calm overshadowed by conflict and instability. Eventually, Richardson realized that the situation was unsustainable. Between the substance issues and the emotional turmoil, the relationship had become, in her words, simply too much to bear.

Despite everything, Richardson says she wants people to know that Doherty wasn’t always like that. “He was amazing in the beginning,” she shared while discussing a traumatic sexual assault experience she endured. “He was respectful, protective, and treated me so well. But the person he became. It wasn’t the same guy I fell for.” But over time, she says, that shifted into control, emotional manipulation, and fear, a transformation she now recognizes as a warning sign she missed.

The interview, which has quickly gained widespread attention online, closed with Richardson offering advice to young women navigating relationships in the spotlight and beyond. “Don’t ignore the signs,” she urged. “No matter how good it looks on the outside, you never really know what’s happening behind closed doors.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support and information on local treatment resources, available 24/7, 365 days a year.