Emma Roberts’ Dad Addresses ‘Complicated’ Family Tension

Eric Roberts opens up about his relationship with Emma Roberts, addressing past struggles, family tension, and where they stand today. The Emma Roberts’ Dad Addresses ‘Complicated’ Family Tension first appeared on The Blast

For years, Eric Roberts has been open about the ups and downs in his relationship with daughter Emma Roberts, including losing custody during her childhood and later admitting to periods of estrangement. Now, the veteran actor is setting the record straight.

Eric Roberts Says Relationship With Emma Isn’t What It Seems

In a new interview, Eric addressed the long-discussed dynamic between them, offering his perspective on why their relationship has been labeled “complicated,” and why he believes that narrative doesn’t tell the full story.

“It’s only complicated to outside eyes because they don’t get any of it, so they have their own take, whatever that is, and it’s not a straight line ’cause they aren’t really involved,” he said. “So it’s just thoughts, possibilities, interests, fantasies, whatever it is. But it’s not a real relationship with the subjects. So how can it be anything but a thought?”

Eric Roberts Takes Responsibility For Past With Daughter Emma

While defending the present, Eric didn’t shy away from addressing the past. He admitted that when Emma was born, he wasn’t in a place to be emotionally available. “I was a wash rag,” he said. “I was not to be dependent on emotionally because I was a car wreck.”

“I was a car wreck because of many things, but I take full responsibility for it,” he continued. “In that understanding the horrible negative things about my father and realizing I had to accept them as a child to get past him and realizing that what he drilled into me as loyalty was absolute recklessness.”

Eric, who has previously spoken about losing custody of Emma due to his struggles with substance abuse, acknowledged the impact those years had on their bond.

Eric Roberts Says He’s ‘So Proud’ Of Daughter Emma

Despite their complicated history, Eric made it clear he has nothing but admiration for his daughter’s success. “I’m so proud of my kid,” he shared. “And you know, she didn’t start off as a great actor, but she became a great actor. She’s fabulous and I’m so proud of that.”

He even recalled the moment he first realized her talent, admitting, “The first thing I saw her do that I was like, “Wow, oh my god, I’m so proud of you.””

Eric Roberts Gets Candid About ‘Sadness’ Over Emma Relationship

The actor has been candid in the past about the strain in their relationship. “Probably the loss of relationship with my daughter,” he previously said when asked about the toughest time in his life.

Eric has described their bond as “indefinable,” adding that the emotional complexity comes from lasting misunderstandings. “There’s not a pain. There’s a sadness for the, most likely, misunderstandings we’ll all have forever,” he said. “Because we’re human.”

Eric also shared how becoming a grandfather gave him a deeper understanding of what he missed during his strained relationship with Emma. He revealed that his granddaughter reminded him of his daughter, saying she “looks like Emma which reminds me of what I didn’t have.” The realization helped him reflect on the emotional distance in their past.

Eric Roberts Blames Addiction For Rift With Family

Eric also touched on past family tensions, including his relationship with his sister Julia Roberts. He has previously admitted that his struggles with addiction played a role in distancing him from his family.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a falling-out. I was crazy about my sisters. Loved them, adored them… but the hardest person to protect yourself from is yourself,” the actor said, adding that he has since apologized for past comments about his sister, calling them “an asinine thing to have said.”

Despite past misunderstandings, Eric insists his relationship with Julia remains intact. “I love knowing my sister,” he said. “She’s a cool chick, my sister. I just stay out of her hair with the press. That’s all. Simple. And she stays out of mine.”

He also acknowledged that both Emma and Julia prefer to keep their personal lives private. “My daughter told me also not to talk about her, but I stumble and do,” he said. “I’m not supposed to talk about either of them. But I do.”

The Emma Roberts’ Dad Addresses ‘Complicated’ Family Tension first appeared on The Blast