Author and public speaker Kelley Wolf, the estranged wife of actor Scott Wolf, has publicly addressed her recent involuntary psychiatric hold, assuring followers that she is “fine” and “happy.” The update comes after she was detained by authorities in Utah earlier this month.
In a lengthy Instagram post on June 23, Wolf confirmed she had been placed under an “involuntary 5150” hold on June 13. A 5150 is a legal code in California (often used colloquially elsewhere) allowing a person to be held for up to 72 hours for psychiatric evaluation if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, or are gravely disabled. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it’s a “critical intervention.”
“I’m Fine, Y’all. I’m Happy”
Despite the circumstances of her detention, Wolf struck a positive tone in her update. “I’m fine, y’all. I’m happy,” she wrote.
She explicitly stated, “No mental illness. No addictions.” Instead, she described herself simply as “Just a woman who SURVIVED an involuntary 5150.” Wolf added that her humor remained “intact” after the experience and noted that she had even gone on a “1st DATE 2-night,” expressing nervousness and excitement.
Reflecting on past challenges, she mentioned calling suicide hotlines 20 years ago and enduring heartbreak and physical pain, but emphasized she’s “still kickin!!” Wolf also shared she was finally taking a “nap” and felt “on vacation” for the first time in a long time, concluding, “I’m ALIVE. I’m not quiet anymore. And the show’s just getting started.”
Events Leading to the Detention
Wolf’s detention on June 13 occurred less than two weeks after she and Scott Wolf, her husband of 21 years, publicly announced their split. Reports indicate the divorce filing came on June 10, just days before the incident.
Authorities in Utah County confirmed that deputies responded after receiving a 911 call from an unnamed friend who expressed concerns about Wolf experiencing an “escalating mental health crisis.” The friend reportedly told dispatchers they had been trying to get Wolf “help” for “weeks to months” and that she was “very skittish” and “very anti getting help.”
Police stated that upon speaking with Wolf, deputies determined she had made “concerning comments” to a family member and to the deputies themselves, leading to her transport to a local hospital. Reports also noted multiple recent 911 calls from the Wolfs’ home and an alleged incident at a resort where she was staying.
Wolf herself posted a video on Instagram capturing the arrival of police, reacting with distress and calling the situation “shameful.” When an officer stated they were there to get her “some help,” she responded, “I know what I’m doing, I’ve done this. This is my job,” seemingly referencing her work as a public speaker.
Following the detention, she posted a photo from what appeared to be a hospital room on her Instagram Stories, writing she felt she had been “taken against my will” and asked people to check on her children. However, even then, she controversially added, “Also… I am happy!! Happier than I have ever been.”
Kelley Wolf’s Perspective
Wolf’s narrative of the events differs from the official accounts and her friend’s stated concerns. She has claimed that a “small but very vocal group” of friends were responsible for her being held against her will, framing their “worry” as controlling behavior and criticizing them for allegedly calling police from afar while sipping cocktails. She views the situation as “not right” and believes “concern” can be weaponized, particularly against women.
She also shared details about her time in the facility, stating she was told she was one of the “strongest women” the hospital staff had met, that she refused all offered medication, and remained “sober, clear, and calm” during her five-day stay. After her release, she spent time at a resort before reportedly returning to the family’s garage/home on June 26, sharing updates about living out of her car and staying at a neighbor’s previously, but insisting she was now “feeling great.” Medical checks, she noted, found no drugs in her system.
Addressing her separation from Scott Wolf, Kelley has claimed she “initiated a separation almost a year ago” and had been attempting to file for divorce for months before Scott filed the official petition. She stated she had been “grieving this marriage for years” and found being single “surprisingly great.”
Looking to the Future: TV Pitches and Family Plans
In her lengthy update, Wolf also shared exciting news about her future projects and family. She revealed she had pitched a television show she’s “been dreaming about for OVER A DECADE” to Bunim/Murray Productions, with hopes it will land on Hulu. She described the concept as a blend of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Designing Women,” and Anthony Bourdain’s travel style, chronicling her “weird, wild, funny life as a traveling writer, ex-reality TV weirdo, mom, and full-blown eccentric.” Wolf intends to star in the show, saying she is “finally stepping out as me… Unfiltered. Curated. And KIND.”
She also shared a poignant moment telling her three children about plans to travel to Spain soon. She framed the potential TV show project upon their return as a “full. circle. moment,” realizing a childhood dream. Wolf conveyed a powerful message she shares with her kids: they come from “fighters” who “don’t give up,” even when faced with significant challenges. “We don’t give up. We get up. And we make something out of it,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, Scott Wolf has reportedly been spending time with their children, vacationing with them. Kelley has shared updates about connecting with her kids via video call, discussing their future travel and show plans.
In a recent development, reports have emerged that Scott Wolf allegedly filed a restraining order against Kelley on June 26.
Despite the complexities of the situation, including the divorce and the involuntary hold, Wolf continues to express happiness and excitement for her path forward, urging people to respect her privacy and that of her children moving forward.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
