Sep
Eric Roberts Reflects on Parenting Emma Roberts: “I’m Still Not a Father Figure”
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Eric Roberts Reflects on Parenting Emma Roberts: “I’m Still Not a Father Figure”
In his new memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, Eric Roberts opens up about his relationship with his daughter, Emma Roberts, and his struggles with parenthood following his separation from her mother.
Roberts expresses his love for being Emma’s dad but candidly admits that he wasn’t prepared for the responsibilities of parenting after splitting from Kelly Cunningham when Emma was just seven months old. “I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old,” he writes, reflecting on their tumultuous relationship. “We both wanted a child—maybe I wanted it more—but we went through a lot, and [Kelly] saw me at my worst.”
The Joy and Challenge of Fatherhood
Recalling the early days of fatherhood, Roberts shares the joy he felt when Emma was born. “The pregnancy was very exciting,” he notes. “I fell madly in love with Emma the first minute I saw her.” He humorously describes attempts to induce labor on Emma’s due date and the natural birth experience, saying, “I sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her belly a lot.” However, despite his initial enthusiasm, he acknowledges his struggles with parenting. “I couldn’t handle the realities of an infant coming into my life,” he admits. “I’m still not a father figure. Emma knows what that role is now as a grown-up and a mom herself.”
Roberts attributes much of his parenting difficulties to his battle with drug addiction. “The biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma,” he writes, candidly admitting that he was still under the influence when she was born.
Clearing the Air on Custody and Family Dynamics
In his memoir, Roberts also addresses longstanding rumors about custody battles involving his sister, Julia Roberts. “I never saw myself as someone who deserved physical custody of Emma,” he clarifies. “Kelly never claimed I was trying to get custody, so there really wasn’t a custody fight.” He expresses gratitude for Julia’s support during his separation from Kelly, particularly regarding child support and legal fees.
“My sisters were distressed that I couldn’t keep our family intact,” Roberts reflects, noting their hopes that fatherhood would motivate him to stabilize his life. “Unfortunately, stability has to come first. It’s not a child’s job to make you stable.”
Proud of His Family
Roberts doesn’t view his sisters’ support for Emma as a betrayal but rather as a commitment to her well-being. “Julia and Lisa sided with Emma—but so did Kelly and I,” he explains. “The difference is that I just couldn’t raise Emma on my own.”
Despite his past struggles, Roberts expresses confidence in Emma’s ability to navigate Hollywood. “Emma is much stronger than I was at her age,” he asserts, acknowledging that she has more resources and tools at her disposal than he ever did.
Roberts is proud of both Emma and Julia for their accomplishments, recognizing that their success has overshadowed his own. “I imagine I will remain Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’s dad for the rest of my life,” he writes, expressing a desire to step aside gracefully. “That’s part of the reason for writing this book.”
Earlier this year, Roberts mentioned in an interview that he has been advised to avoid discussing his sister and daughter publicly. “My daughter told me not to talk about her,” he revealed. However, he acknowledges that he sometimes slips up. In his memoir, he notes that Emma allows him to engage with her on social media, highlighting the complexities of their public lives in today’s world.
Eric Roberts’ memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, is available now, offering an honest look at his journey as a father and an individual navigating the challenges of life.
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