Delaney escorted off stage after puzzling speech

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Actress Kim Delaney was escorted off stage after struggling to give a speech honoring U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Philadelphia.

It was unclear what caused her to meander, slur and smile inappropriately through Thursday night's presentation, which lasted about 2 minutes before a woman coaxed her away from the podium, TMZ reported.

Before she left, Delaney talked about how she "served in active military duty family for five years" and "attended numerous military funerals, including that of my best friend's son," before clarifying that she did this on-screen as part of her acting job on her military-themed TV drama "Army Wives," People.com said.

Representatives for the actress did not return phone calls seeking comment on Delaney's behavior, TMZ said.

The actress checked into rehab in 2003 to be treated for alcohol addiction.