LeAnn Rimes Tweets Pic of Butterfly Body Art to Support Anti-Bullying Efforts

Country songbird, who recently sought treatment for anxiety and stress over alleged cyberbullying, is hoping to help others undergoing their own struggles

By Alexis L. Loinaz Oct 02, 2012 12:49 PMTags
LeAnn RimesTwitter

LeAnn Rimes is coming out of her cocoon after her recent stint in rehab.

The country star, who sought treatment in August for anxiety and stress after reportedly being tormented by cyberbullies, is now lending her star power to help others undergoing their own struggles.

On Monday, the star tweeted a photo of herself with a butterfly drawn on her left wrist to show her support for an anti-bullying campaign.

"I've been reading about so many bully inflicted deaths," she tweeted. "I wanted to show my support."

The 30-year-old then posted a link to a Tumblr page called The Butterfly Project, a blog that encourages people who want to cut or hurt themselves to share their pain with others, and hopefully foster healing.

"When you feel like you want to cut, take a marker or pen and draw a butterfly on wherever the self-harm occurs," the blog's anonymous webmaster intones. "Name the butterfly after a loved one, or someone that really wants you to get better."

LeAnn Rimes checks into rehab for anxiety and stress

The site has since received an overwhelming number of submissions from readers—powerful photos showing collections of butterflies drawn on wrists and arms.

One reader wrote on her wrist, "Three years harm-free," while another shared, "The worse I feel the more detailed I draw them, the longer it takes to draw them the feelings usually pass, it helps a lot."

Rimes herself has slowly been spreading her wings since seeking treatment. A few days after checking into rehab, she took a quick hiatus to perform in concert, which left her visibly emotional.

And last Friday, she walked her first red carpet since completing the treatment program, accompanied by hubby Eddie Cibrian and their family.