Amanda Bynes' fans were left concerned after the All That star abruptly canceled her appearance at 90s Con, a nostalgia-filled fan convention in Connecticut, due to an undisclosed illness, US tabloid Life & Style claimed. Co-star Kel Mitchell, 44, urged fans to "send a prayer," while Kenan Thompson, 44, stepped in for Bynes at the last minute during the show's panel.
No one expected the severity of the situation Amanda was in. On March 19, the 36-year-old former Nickelodeon star was discovered wandering the streets of LA, naked and alone. After stopping a passing car, she reportedly informed the driver of her psychotic episode and called 911. Amanda was later placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold.
"It's heartbreaking that Amanda has had such a setback," an insider says, noting that the incident occurred nearly a year after her conservatorship, established after her 2013 mental health crisis, was terminated by a judge. "Unfortunately, she's been down this road before."
During her previous mental health struggles, Amanda's mother, Lynn Bynes, 75, assumed control of her life following multiple arrests, car accidents, and social media outbursts. Amanda, who admitted to drug abuse and claimed to have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, also set fire to a stranger's driveway.
Her recent erratic behavior went mostly unnoticed until her car was towed in Long Beach, California, on March 15. Over the next 72 hours, Amanda reportedly accepted rides
from strangers and was seen wandering the streets of Hollywood looking disoriented. "She went off her meds again, which can cause all kinds of problems," the insider explains. "No one is sure what triggered her, but something clearly set Amanda off."
According to the insider, Amanda's support system is limited, consisting mainly of her mother, Lynn, and father, Rick Bynes, 77. "Her circle is small," the insider reveals, "so there's not a lot of people to hold her accountable."
A positive aspect of the situation is Amanda's own recognition that she needed help. "She's embarrassed by what happened," the insider shares, adding that there are currently no plans to reinstate her conservatorship. "Hopefully, Amanda will put some precautions in place that will prevent this from happening again. She's safe now, but it could have been a lot worse."