Keith Lee spoke with Shannon Sharpe in the latest episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast, candidly sharing how he overcame a suicide attempt as a teen and how it helped repair his relationship with his father.

Keith Lee clarifies suicide attempt and reflects on repaired bond with his father

In a clip shared on the show’s X (formerly Twitter) account, Sharpe initially believed Lee, 28, had only contemplated suicide, but Lee clarified that he had followed through by jumping off a balcony at his home. Before sharing his story, he emphasized that the incident did not reflect the close bond he now shares with the family patriarch.

“Me and my dad got into it real bad. He told me that I could not go somewhere, and I said, ‘F**k you! Who is telling me I can’t go somewhere?'” Lee said during the interview. He added that he could talk about that moment now since he and his father are “best friends.”

Reflects on depression, father’s tough love and suicide attempt

The renowned food critic revealed that he was in his senior year of high school and battling “deep, dark depression” and that he did not care whether he lived or died. The tension between him and his father led to them tussling in their backyard, prompting Lee’s father to leave with his friends. He sought advice on handling his son’s behavior, returned home, and had a serious conversation with him.

Lee said his father held an unnamed object in his hand when the discussion began, stating that while they did not have to talk or maintain a relationship anymore, further disrespect would lead to serious consequences. The Detroit native then decided to take his life rather than have his father do it.

“I walked outside, grabbed ten ties and put them on top of the balcony, tied it up, tied it around my neck, stood on top of the cooler, pushed the cooler under my feet, started dangling in the air,” Lee explained.

A father’s love

After trying to pull himself up, Lee said his father saw him and immediately went to his side.

“He came, picked me up, took me off them ties and told me how much he loved me, and that’s why I’m here today. I would’ve been gone. … I understood now, like he does love you. He grew up without his father. He was just doing the best that he could do with what he had,” Lee said.

The two-hour episode premiered on Wednesday, with Lee discussing his Las Vegas food tour, fighting Chad Ochocinco Johnson, the viral incident between him and Taraji P. Henson at the 2024 BET Awards and more.

Watch the full episode below.

If you or someone you know is battling suicidal ideation, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You can also text  “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

Keith Lee