BRIGITTE NIELSEN - NIELSEN TOASTS EX FLAV AFTER LEAVING REHAB

NIELSEN TOASTS EX FLAV AFTER LEAVING REHAB

BRIGITTE NIELSEN has spoken out for the first time since her release from rehab - and she feels like "a new-born person." The leggy Dane, who was briefly married to Sylvester Stallone, joined the stars at a roast for former boyfriend Flavor Flav in Hollywood on Sunday (22Jul07) - her first public appearance since taking time out to address alcoholism issues at a retreat. The actress checked into rehab in North Hollywood earlier this month (Jul07), following a family intervention. She said, "I'm feeling good... I made a choice about a new life. It's not been easy but it was definitely time. And now I'm very happy to be out of rehab." But, despite reports she fought family and friends who urged her to attend rehab for a drinking problem, Nielsen admits she's happy to have checked in. She adds, "It has to do with your family... It was to do with your friends, who are honest with you. So you know maybe it's time to change - and that's exactly what I did. I cannot thank God more." Nielsen tells America's People magazine she's almost 20 days sober and has no plans to drink alcohol again.