Machine Gun Kelly’s Raw Revelation: Suicide Attempt and Mental Health Journey Explored in ‘Life In Pink’ Documentary

In a deeply personal and often unsettling look into his life, music icon Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, bares his soul in the new Hulu documentary, Machine Gun Kelly’s Life In Pink. The film, which premiered this week, delves into the tumultuous periods of his career and personal struggles, offering an unprecedented view of the artist behind the headlines. Among the most harrowing disclosures is MGK’s candid account of a moment in 2020 when he contemplated taking his own life, a “dark” period triggered by profound grief and exacerbated by mental health challenges. This raw confession provides a critical insight into the often-hidden battles faced by public figures, making the documentary a compelling and essential watch for fans and those interested in the complexities of fame and mental wellness.

The turning point in MGK’s mental state began shortly after the tragic death of his father in 2020. As he explains in the documentary, the immediate aftermath of this loss plunged him into a deep depression, an experience he describes as “really, really, really dark.” Traveling to his father’s apartment to sort through his belongings, MGK encountered a neighbor whose comments only amplified his distress. “I had this really weird interaction with this neighbor who told me all these things I didn’t want to hear, and that f-cked me up even more because I couldn’t get closure on it,” MGK, 32, recounted, as reported by Too Fab. This lack of closure, coupled with the profound weight of grief, isolated him further. He found himself retreating from the world, unwilling to leave his room, consumed by an overwhelming sense of despair that threatened to engulf him entirely.

The situation escalated when his girlfriend, actress Megan Fox, traveled to Bulgaria for a movie shoot. Her absence seemed to intensify Machine Gun Kelly’s already fragile mental state, leading to what he described as “really wild paranoia.” He began experiencing intense delusions, fearing that someone was actively trying to harm or kill him. This terrifying paranoia, coupled with the emotional void left by his father’s death, pushed him to a critical breaking point. It was during this period of extreme vulnerability and distress that he made a desperate and near-fatal decision, a moment that stands as the documentary’s most impactful revelation. The raw honesty with which he recounts this experience underscores the severe grip that mental illness can have, even on those who appear to have it all.

MGK vividly describes the horrifying incident: “I would always sleep with this shotgun next to my bed. One of the days, I just f-cking snapped. I called Megan. I was like, ‘You aren’t here for me.’ I’m in my room, and I’m, like, freaking out on her. I put the shotgun in my mouth. And I’m yelling on the phone and like the barrel’s in my mouth. And I go to cock the shotgun and the bullet, as it comes back up, the shell just gets jammed.” This chilling account reveals the immediacy and gravity of his suffering. The jammed shotgun, a twist of fate, prevented a tragic outcome, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how crucial intervention and support can be during such dark times. The silence on Megan’s end of the phone, as he recalls, spoke volumes, signaling a shared moment of profound shock and the urgent realization that his life was spiraling out of control.

The near-fatal incident served as an undeniable wake-up call for Machine Gun Kelly. “Megan’s, like, dead silent. That was kind of where I started realizing something’s not right,” he reflects. This harrowing experience prompted his loved ones to express serious concerns about his well-being. Both Megan Fox and his daughter, Casie Colson Baker, approached him, articulating their worries over his increasingly erratic behavior and declining mental state. The realization of the profound impact his struggles were having on those closest to him became a powerful catalyst for change. It was at this critical juncture that MGK made a resolute decision: he needed to “kick the drugs, for real, this time.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his journey toward recovery and a healthier lifestyle, acknowledging that his substance use was deeply intertwined with his mental health crisis.

The period surrounding his father’s death on July 5, 2020, was undeniably one of the most challenging in MGK’s life. He had initially planned to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his album Hotel Diablo that day, an album he described as “everything I wanted to say” and close to his fans. However, the sudden loss overshadowed these plans, plunging him into a grief so profound he expressed, “I’ve never felt a pain this deep in my life. I’m setting my phone down. ‪love you. Thank you guys for everything.” This public declaration of pain on social media provided a glimpse into the raw emotion he was experiencing, though the full extent of his internal battle remained largely private until the release of Life In Pink. The documentary connects these public moments of grief with the deeper, more personal struggles that followed, offering a comprehensive narrative of his emotional landscape during that time.

Throughout this dark chapter, Megan Fox proved to be an invaluable source of support and stability for Machine Gun Kelly. An insider exclusively shared with HollywoodLife at the time, “Megan’s been there for him. She’s been a big help. And she’s also encouraged him to live a much healthier life. She’s a very good influence and just exactly what he needs right now.” This insight highlights the crucial role that supportive partners can play in navigating mental health crises. Fox’s presence not only offered emotional comfort but also actively encouraged him toward positive change, fostering an environment conducive to healing and recovery. Her unwavering commitment to his well-being underscores the depth of their relationship and the transformative power of mutual support during times of extreme difficulty.

Machine Gun Kelly’s Life In Pink is more than just a chronological account of an artist’s life; it’s an ambitious endeavor to present an “in-depth look at the dramatic highs and lows of an artist chasing music’s top spot while tackling noise from the outside world, stardom, fatherhood,” and various other facets of his complex existence. According to a press release (per Billboard), the documentary aims to provide “an all-access pass, that goes beyond the headlines, into the chaotic world of Machine Gun Kelly.” This promise is delivered through his raw honesty, particularly concerning his mental health struggles and addiction. The film doesn’t shy away from the difficult conversations, instead embracing them to offer a holistic portrait of an artist grappling with immense pressure, personal loss, and the relentless demands of fame.

The decision by Machine Gun Kelly to openly discuss his suicide attempt and subsequent journey toward sobriety and mental wellness is a significant act of courage that transcends entertainment. In an era where discussions around mental health are increasingly vital, his willingness to share such a vulnerable moment offers hope and encouragement to countless individuals facing similar battles. By shedding light on his darkest period, MGK contributes to destigmatizing mental illness and addiction, demonstrating that even those who appear to have achieved monumental success are not immune to profound suffering. Life In Pink thus becomes a powerful narrative of resilience, a testament to the importance of seeking help, and a reminder that recovery, while challenging, is indeed possible. The documentary not only charts his professional trajectory but, more importantly, chronicles his profound personal evolution, offering a message of endurance and the ongoing pursuit of inner peace amidst the chaos of a public life.