Amanda Bynes‘ family is rallying around her since police placed her under a 72-hour mental evaluation.
In fact, the actress’s uncle says he saw all the firestarting drama play out on TV and was blown away by the news.
“I know she’s on a 72-hour hold and there was a recap of the fire on TV. It’s terrible,” Ronald Bynes told Celebuzz.
Earlier today, TMZ reported those close to the 27-year-old former child star think she’s suffering from mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. Ronald says that’s news to him.
“It doesn’t run in the family at all,” he said. “I really don’t know [what’s wrong]. This happens to a lot of stars, you start out young then something happens.”
Ronald adds that although it’s been years since he’s since his troubled niece, he speaks to his brother, Rick Bynes (Amanda’s father) often, but they don’t talk about her ongoing troubles.
“It’s such a touchy situation,” he said. “I don’t like calling them about this. I’m trying to stay out of it for now because I don’t know what to do.”
Amanda’s parents, Rick and Lynn Bynes, were seen visiting their daughter at the Los Angeles medical facility July 23, one day after Thousand Oaks police placed her under a 5150 involuntary psychiatric hold when the former child star started a small fire on the driveway of a random house in her neighborhood.
Although her 72-hour stay has almost expired, it’s been reported that her parents are pushing for a two-week extension and plan to ask a judge for conservatorship, which much like Britney Spears, would give her parents control over her personal and financial affairs.
“I hope they do,” Ronald added, “and she’ll get some help. She needs it.”
