How Julia Roberts’ Long-Running Feud with Her Brother Eric Roberts Began

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Eric Roberts has ended his feud with his younger sister Julia Roberts. The 68-year-old actor calls his new memoir, Runaway Train: The Story of My Life So Farofficial “public apology” to his 56-year-old sibling, according to People.

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In the press, the long-running battle was fueled by his infamous quote, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts.” Eric found success before his sister with projects like Star 80 AND This The Pope of Greenwich VillageBut her stardom soon overshadowed his — and his cocaine addiction didn’t help matters. Eric told the media that his drug abuse was the catalyst for their breakup.

Emma Roberts is seen attending the Emma Roberts x FASHIONPHILE at Row DTLA event held at FASHIONPHILE Los Angeles Salon on September 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images) — Emma Roberts is seen during the Emma Roberts x FASHIONPHILE at Row DTLA event held at FASHIONPHILE Los Angeles Salon on September 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“(Sister) Lisa and Julia needed love and protection — instead, they got fear and uncertainty,” he explained of how his addiction took over his life. The sisters were forced to choose sides as Eric fought a custody battle with his ex-girlfriend, Kelly Cunningham, over their daughter, Emma Roberts, now 33. “Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma,” he shared, losing his daughter when she was just a baby. Julia sided with Cunningham as Eric’s addiction peaked — and now understands it was the right decision for everyone involved.

It seems there is a rule in the Roberts family that Eric cannot talk about his daughter or sister in the press. Eric revealed this detail in an interview with Hollywood is still here podcast in July. “I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her. She doesn’t want to talk about it,” he admitted. “And also my daughter told me not to talk about her, but I stumble and talk. I shouldn’t talk about any of them. But I do.”

While Julia has maintained a curious silence about Eric for decades, Emma has hinted at what her relationship with her father has done to her career. “I’ve lost more jobs than I’ve gained in the industry,” she said. Flaunt magazine. “People have opinions, and sometimes they may not be good opinions about people in your family. I’ve never gotten a job because of it; I know I’ve definitely lost a few jobs because of it.”

It’s unclear what Julia and Emma have against Eric now. He seems to think they’re OK behind the scenes, but his “public apology” could say a lot about their supposedly strained relationship. Let’s just say it’s complicated.

Before you go, click here to see family feuds that you won’t believe are happening in public.

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