Judd Apatow Not Giving Up on Artie Lange After Arrest

Judd Apatow promised he "would never give up" on Artie Lange after the comedian was arrested on drug charges this week, Entertainment Weekly reports. According to TMZ, Lange was arrested in the parking garage of his apartment building in New Jersey last Sunday after police allegedly found heroin and cocaine on him. TMZ characterized it as "several bags of drugs." Lange was booked and released and afterward thanked the police for their professionalism, NJ.com reports. News of Lange's arrest didn't break until Friday.

In a series of tweets after TMZ reported his arrest, Lange said he's "doing great" and has "never wanted to live more." The comedian—who's currently appearing on HBO's Crashing, executive produced by Apatow—also added "If HBO has to let me go Its my bad! Judd, Pete & u. Thx!" In response, Apatow tweeted: "We would never give up on Artie or anyone struggling with addiction." Crashing, in which Lange plays a version of himself, addresses his drug and alcohol addiction. It was just renewed for a second season. Earlier in the week, before news of his arrest, Lange tweeted at Apatow that he's been "amazing" to him, but "like most bright ppl he knows I ain't gonna make it." Lange was hospitalized in 2010 following an apparent suicide attempt. (More Artie Lange stories.)