Jackass 4 is certainly going to be the cinematic event of the year for a select group of people, but the big violent finale for the franchise will not include Bam Margera, who was fired from the production last year for "essentially breaking his contract." Now, star Johnny Knoxville has opened up about the firing.
Sources previously told TMZ that Margera "was presented with a handful of conditions/restrictions he was told he needed to abide by in order to stay on the project." This included "routine drug tests — including urine samples — plus committing to staying sober, blowing into a breathalyzer, taking his medication and seeing a psychologist while on the job."
In a new interview with GQ, Knoxville opened up about the parting with Margera, explaining that he just wants the performer to get help with his addiction issues.
"We want Bam to be happy and healthy and get the help he needs," Knoxville said. "We tried to push that along. I think that's all I really want to say about it."
He added: "I don't want to get into public back-and-forth with Bam. I just want him to get better."
Knoxville also opened up about his own addiction issues, as well as those of Steve-O and the late Ryan Dunn, who died in 2011 from a drunk-driving accident.
"It was heartbreaking, losing Ryan. And it was tough when Steve-O was going off the rails. But he has completely, completely turned his life around and is doing just — I mean, he's doing terrific. He's a different, different man," Knoxville said.
When asked if the show and movies may have contributed to the substance issues, Knoxville added, "I think each of us was responsible for his own actions. And when someone's struggling, everyone tries to help that person. And at the end of the day, that person has to want help. Sometimes they don't. Yet."
Margera has since said he's currently seeking treatment for addiction in Florida. UPDATE: Director Jeff Tremaine has obtained a temporary restraining order against Bam.
Jackass 4 is due in theatres on October 22.
Sources previously told TMZ that Margera "was presented with a handful of conditions/restrictions he was told he needed to abide by in order to stay on the project." This included "routine drug tests — including urine samples — plus committing to staying sober, blowing into a breathalyzer, taking his medication and seeing a psychologist while on the job."
In a new interview with GQ, Knoxville opened up about the parting with Margera, explaining that he just wants the performer to get help with his addiction issues.
"We want Bam to be happy and healthy and get the help he needs," Knoxville said. "We tried to push that along. I think that's all I really want to say about it."
He added: "I don't want to get into public back-and-forth with Bam. I just want him to get better."
Knoxville also opened up about his own addiction issues, as well as those of Steve-O and the late Ryan Dunn, who died in 2011 from a drunk-driving accident.
"It was heartbreaking, losing Ryan. And it was tough when Steve-O was going off the rails. But he has completely, completely turned his life around and is doing just — I mean, he's doing terrific. He's a different, different man," Knoxville said.
When asked if the show and movies may have contributed to the substance issues, Knoxville added, "I think each of us was responsible for his own actions. And when someone's struggling, everyone tries to help that person. And at the end of the day, that person has to want help. Sometimes they don't. Yet."
Margera has since said he's currently seeking treatment for addiction in Florida. UPDATE: Director Jeff Tremaine has obtained a temporary restraining order against Bam.
Jackass 4 is due in theatres on October 22.