Gerard Butler Rumored In Rehab, Expected to Leave Betty Ford Today

Actor Gerard Butler is reportedly in rehab for substance abuse issues. Known for his chiseled body and womanizing ways, TMZ is reporting that the 42-year-old actor's struggle began in 2006 while shooting the successful action film 300. A surfing injury in December is also believed to be a contributing factor to his issues.

The actor has been working on the movie Of Men And Mavericks, a film about U.S. surfer Jay Moriarity. Butler is playing Rick 'Frosty' Hesson, Moriarity's mentor. The UK Daily Mail reported that while filming scenes, Butler was thrown off his surfboard, pummeled by breakers at least 12 feet high, then held underwater for two consecutive waves before being hit on the head by four or five when he managed to swim to the surface. After the December incident, Butler recalled it as a pretty close call.

Butler is supposedly at the Betty Ford Clinic where celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Ozzy Osbourne, Stevie Nicks, and Johnny Cash have all gone to battle their addictions. TMZ reports that three weeks ago Gerard Butler decided he had come to rely too heavily on pain medication, and decide then to enter the clinic.

Gerard Butler has had an addiction to alcohol in the past, that he openly discusses with the media. The actor is expected to be released today.