Will & Grace star Debra Messing reveals that she sought therapy after feeling 'betrayed' by Hollywood: 'I really needed help'

Debra Messing has shared how her vocal support for Israel has left her feeling alienated by Hollywood and shunned by her peers. 

Speaking at a Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) in Sydney this weekend, the American actress revealed that she sought therapy to deal with her feelings of 'shock' and 'anger' after she faced extensive criticism online. 

Messing, who is Jewish and a self-professed liberal Zionist, was left reeling when she learned that many of her friends and fellow actors did not support her views.  

'I really expected the Hollywood community to join me. My entire career I'd been part of this very liberal, inclusive community,' Messing told Sky News host Sharri Markson during a live interview at the event.  

'I felt betrayed and abandoned. I felt like I was completely alone, and I know that isn't special to me... and I have lost so many friends.'

Messing, 57, says that in addition to feeling shunned by her industry, the online trolling she has experienced from the public has taken a toll on her mental health. 

'It has been the hardest thing I've ever experienced,' she said.

'It has been a real struggle, and it has been up and down. I felt incredibly depressed for a period, and I felt enraged, and I really needed help from a therapist.'

The Will & Grace star went on to explain that she is in the process of applying for dual citizenship and eyeing a move to Israel. 

'There was a moment where I was feeling like the United States was no longer safe. Especially in New York City,' the Brooklyn-born actress said. 

'When I'm in (Israel), that is home, and regardless of all of the missiles, I feel safest there.'

Prior to the October 7 Hamas terror attacks, Messing was known as an outspoken liberal and anti-Trump activist. 

She actively campaigned for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and in 2017 she was honoured with the Excellence in Media Award by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).

However, she has changed her tune in recent years as her passion for supporting Israel has increased. 

In addition to being slammed by social media users, some of Messing's Hollywood pals have turned on her over her staunch support of Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza.

Last year, Marcia Cross called out Messing in a since-deleted comment, writing, 'Deb, it's a genocide. 

'I know you thought or think you're doing the right thing... but it just is not. Please lead others with the truth. You can do it.'

Alyssa Milano has also called Messing out on Instagram.

However, others came to the defence of the Emmy award-winning sitcom star.

'Glad to see she finally came to her senses,' one supporter wrote.

'Good for her. Good for Debra Messing,' another added.