Actress Tara Reid believed someone spiked her drink at a Chicago-area hotel in late November.
But police surveillance footage tells a different story.
Rosemont police released new findings this week after investigating Reid’s claims that her beverage was tampered with at the DoubleTree Hotel on River Road.
The investigation revealed no evidence of foul play—though authorities used the moment to remind everyone about drink safety.
What Reid Reported
Reid filed a police report in late November alleging drink tampering occurred at a bar inside the DoubleTree Hotel on the morning of Sunday, November 23.
The “American Pie” actress told TMZ she left her drink unattended while stepping outside to smoke a cigarette. When she returned, a napkin had been placed on top—one she said she didn’t put there.
The next thing she remembers was waking up in the hospital.
Rosemont police and paramedics responded to an EMS call at the hotel that morning. Officers assisted paramedics in transporting Reid to an area hospital.
Video obtained by TMZ showed Reid on a stretcher being wheeled out of the hotel. Reid had been in town for an appearance at the Chicago Sports Spectacular event.
What Surveillance Footage Revealed
Detectives conducted a thorough review of surveillance footage from the hotel bar.
The video showed no individual tampering with Reid’s drink. Instead, footage captured a bartender covering her beverage with a napkin when she stepped away—a standard practice at many establishments to keep drinks clean and signal they’re still being claimed.
Police interviewed Reid about the incident following her hospital visit. Investigators are still waiting on hospital records to complete their review.
At this time, Rosemont police say they believe “no criminal act” was committed at the hotel.
Important Reminder About Drink Safety
Even though this particular case didn’t involve tampering, police used the opportunity to reinforce crucial safety advice.
While we do not have any evidence that a drink was tampered with, it is a good reminder to never leave a drink unattended. If you ever believe you have been drugged or feel unsafe, please reach out to local authorities.
Drink spiking remains a serious concern at bars, clubs, and social gatherings nationwide. According to various studies, thousands of people report suspected drink tampering annually.
Protecting Yourself: Key Safety Tips
Whether you’re out with friends or attending an event solo, these strategies can help reduce risk:
- Never leave drinks unattended — even for a moment
- Watch your drink being prepared and carried to you
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks with people you don’t know well
- Use drink covers or coasters designed to protect beverages
- Stay with trusted friends and establish a buddy system
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off about your drink, get a new one
Signs You May Have Been Drugged
Common symptoms of drink tampering include:
- Sudden extreme intoxication disproportionate to alcohol consumed
- Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
- Difficulty speaking or moving
- Memory loss or blackouts
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience these symptoms or suspect tampering, immediately tell a trusted friend, alert bar staff or security, and seek medical attention.
Reid’s Response and Cooperation
Following the incident, a spokesperson for Reid issued a statement confirming she was cooperating fully with the investigation.
The spokesperson requested privacy for Reid as authorities worked to determine what happened that night. Reid made herself available for interviews with detectives and provided her account of events.
While the investigation found no criminal activity, the actress’s genuine concern highlights how disorienting and frightening it can be when someone feels their safety has been compromised.
When Bartenders Cover Your Drink
Many people may not realize that bartenders routinely place napkins or coasters over unattended drinks as standard practice.
This serves multiple purposes: keeping debris out, signaling the drink is still claimed, and ironically, protecting it from potential tampering.
Some establishments have specific policies requiring staff to cover drinks when patrons step away. Others may discard unattended beverages after a certain time period for safety reasons.
Understanding these practices can prevent misunderstandings—but the core advice remains unchanged: never leave your drink unattended in the first place.
Moving Forward
Rosemont police continue awaiting hospital records to finalize their investigation. Based on current evidence, however, authorities maintain no crime occurred.
Reid has not issued additional public statements since police revealed their findings. She’s returned to her regular activities following the incident.
The case serves as both a resolution and a reminder—while this particular situation didn’t involve criminal activity, vigilance around drink safety remains essential whenever alcohol is involved.