Episode Summary

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present — “Police Say No Evidence Tara Reid Was Drugged, She Doubles Down”

Release Date: December 4, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes (iHeartPodcasts)

Overview

In this episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes dissect the latest developments in actress Tara Reid’s claim that she was drugged at a hotel bar near Chicago. Despite police statements finding no evidence to support her story, Reid continues to insist she was victimized. The hosts scrutinize the evolving story, discuss the available evidence, Reid’s public statements, and the broader implications of such allegations. The tone is compassionate yet skeptical, blending empathy for Reid’s health with journalistic scrutiny.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background: The Incident and Why It’s News (02:46 – 03:19)

• Tara Reid appeared dramatically impaired in viral videos from a Doubletree hotel lobby near O’Hare, Illinois.
• Due to her history with substance abuse, there was immediate public speculation, amplified by her claim that she was drugged.

“She looked wasted…an actress we know had substance abuse problems in the past. And now you’re seeing these videos of her unable even to get into a wheelchair…ended up being carried out on a stretcher.”
— Amy Robach (03:19)

2. Timeline: When Did Drug Claims Emerge? (04:00 – 04:56)

• Hosts clarify that videos and Reid’s response surfaced almost simultaneously.
• Reid said she was at the hotel bar with influencers, left briefly to have a cigarette, returned to find a napkin over her drink, and later claimed to have been drugged.

“Immediately she got on top of it, and she says that she was at the hotel bar…when she came back, there was a napkin on top of her drink…She felt like it was an extortion attempt.”
— Amy Robach (04:15)

3. Police Findings: Surveillance and No Evidence (06:03 – 06:26)

• Police reviewed all hotel surveillance angles and found no evidence of anyone tampering with Reid’s drink.
• The bartender was seen covering her drink with a napkin—a standard practice.

“Police have officially come out and said…surveillance video from the hotel…shows the bartender covering her drink, but it never shows anyone putting anything in her drink.”
— Amy Robach (06:03)

4. Reid’s Continued Claims and Her Statement (06:46 – 07:43)

• Despite evidence to the contrary, Reid maintains her claim, releasing a statement emphasizing how incapacitated she was after one drink.

“Bottom line, no one ends up in the hospital incapacitated for over eight hours after a drink.”
— Tara Reid via Amy Robach (06:46)
“Last thing I remember is having one drink and waking up in the hospital…the scariest feeling I have ever felt.”
— Tara Reid via Amy Robach (07:04)

5. Unanswered Medical Questions (07:52 – 10:51)

• Hosts wonder if prescription drugs, prior alcohol, or unknown substances were involved.
• Point out the seriousness of accusing others of a crime without firm evidence.
• Discuss that the hospital reportedly told Reid she’d been drugged but she couldn't specify what substance, nor did she know if her blood alcohol was tested.

“She can believe every single word…something happened to her. Don’t know what.”
— T.J. Holmes (07:43)
“She went on TMZ and gave an interview…she was told by hospital officials that she was drugged…she didn’t know what.”
— Amy Robach (10:09)

6. Police Procedure & Pending Evidence (11:28 – 12:15, 16:31 – 17:42)

• Reid filed a police report—first told she’d need to do so in person, then allowed to file by phone due to the public attention.
• Police are now awaiting hospital medical records to see if any tests were actually done, and if results indicate presence of drugs or alcohol.

7. Public & Legal Implications (17:42 – 21:30)

• T.J. notes the difficulty of drawing conclusions and acknowledges the waste of police resources if the story is unsubstantiated.
• Amy raises the issue of access to medical records in a police investigation and potential consequences if Reid refuses cooperation.
• The legal line: filing a false police report could result in charges if her story doesn’t hold up.

“If you file a police report and claim you were drugged, wouldn’t that open the door for police to have access [to medical records]?…Otherwise…charges against her for filing a false police report.”
— Amy Robach (20:01)

8. Media, Sympathy, and the Facts (18:44 – 21:43)

• Both express sympathy for Reid’s struggles, regardless of the cause: “It’s sad,” say both Robach and Holmes.
• Emphasize the power of viral videos—public perception can be brutal, especially for someone with a reputation for substance issues.
• Notably, the Rosemont Police Department responded diplomatically and used the situation to remind the public about drink safety.

“Rosemont Police Department…said, you know what? It’s still a good reminder to never leave your drink unattended…But bottom line, Rosemont PD said this very clearly…Right now we have no evidence of a crime. Period.”
— Amy Robach (22:06)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Public Perception:

  “If you see the video, and you probably have by now, without this backstory…you would say, this person is wasted…She might believe she was drugged…but she is doubling and tripling and quadrupling down on what many believe is a lie.”
  — T.J. Holmes (05:12)

• On Medical Investigation:

  “Did the hospital do tests? Well, here’s what police said. They are waiting to get any medical records from Tara’s hospital stay and they will confirm if tests were done…if anything was in her system.”
  — Amy Robach (16:31)

• On Sympathetic Perspective:

  “Even, frankly, if this was her own doing, there’s still a degree of sympathy…whatever did actually happen to her…It’s sad.”
  — T.J. Holmes (17:42, 21:43)

• On Broader Message:

  “It’s still a good reminder to never leave your drink unattended…But bottom line…Right now we have no evidence of a crime. Period.”
  — Amy Robach (22:06)

Important Timestamps

• [02:46]: Story introduction; why it’s visible news
• [03:17 – 04:56]: Timeline of the incident and Reid’s initial claims
• [06:03 – 06:26]: Police statement and video evidence
• [06:46 – 07:43]: Reid’s statements doubling down, her feelings and recollections
• [08:24 – 10:51]: Scrutiny on hospital communications and medical evidence
• [16:31 – 17:42]: Police are waiting for medical records, still seeking evidence
• [18:44 – 21:43]: Hosts express layered sympathy, discuss legal and public implications
• [22:06]: Rosemont PD issues drink safety reminder and concludes no crime occurred

Concluding Thoughts

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes walk listeners through the facts, uncertainties, and emotions around Tara Reid’s claims. They balance skepticism with empathy, pointing out inconsistencies in the story but ultimately reminding listeners of the human toll and the importance of not jumping to harsh judgments. They also highlight how the legal system is designed to verify, not just accept, public claims—especially those making criminal accusations. The final message: stay cautious with drinks, but there is, as of now, no evidence a crime occurred in this case.