I don’t relish this story at all. I was actually going to avoid it completely but then I saw that Robert Downey Jr.’s ex-wife had actually given quotes to the National Enquirer, so this crap is on the record no matter what. The Enquirer claims that RDJ’s 20-year-old son Indio Downey is “undergoing drug treatment” in a rehab facility because he had some kind of problem with prescription pills. But! RDJ’s ex-wife (and Indio’s mom) Deborah Falconer tells The Enquirer that there isn’t any big issue, Indio was just “taking one pill a day” and now he’s receiving “holistic, natural and orthomolecular” therapy in a “treatment facility.” The hell?
YEARS after conquering his own drug demons, “Iron Man” star ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. is caught up in a new rehab drama – his 20-year-old son Indio is undergoing drug treatment.
“This is a nightmare for Robert because his boy has never been in trouble before,” said an insider close to Downey, 48. “He’s praying for Indio’s recovery.”
Indio sought treatment after taking prescription pain medication, said his mother, Downey’s ex-wife, Deborah Falconer.
“He was not addicted,” Falconer told The ENQUIRER. “He was taking one pill a day.”
She confirmed that Indio – an accomplished musician – is in a “treatment facility” where he’s receiving “holistic, natural and orthomolecular” therapy.
“We are hoping to do it the homeopathic way rather than with medications,” said Falconer, an actress and singer. “He’s being treated with vitamin supplements and organic foods.”
Meanwhile, Indio’s career has been flourishing. His rock band “The Seems” has played at L.A.’s famed Viper Room and recently inked a deal with Warner Bros., according to MTV.
The young man has also worked as an actor, and, ironically, appeared in a drug movie titled “Run for Roxanne,” due out in 2014.
But for the “SHERLOCK HOLMES” star Downey, his son’s stint in rehab is reminiscent of his own headline-making struggles with drugs. Downey – recently named by “Forbes” magazine as Hollywood’s highest-paid actor – once admitted that he’d been addicted to drugs since the age of 8, and he spent his early 30s locked in a nightmare of substance abuse.
He married Falconer in 1992, but after he was arrested for drug possession, DUI and possession of a concealed weapon in June 1996, she left him and took Indio with her. Two more drug busts soon followed, and Downey threatened to kill himself before being given three years’ probation and a three-month sentence in rehab. In 1997, he fell off the wagon with a wild crack cocaine spree and his probation was revoked.
He was slapped with a six-month jail sentence on the probation violations. By 1999, he’d been in and out of rehab and was back on drugs and living in hotels. At one point, he sought help at three different rehab clinics in one week and ended up in a hospital psych ward.
In August 1999, he landed in the California’s Substance Abuse and Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran for repeated parole violations and spent a year behind bars. He was arrested twice more on drug charges and spent more time in rehab before finally getting sober for good in 2001. The talented actor rebuilt his career and married producer Susan Levin in 2005. Their son Exton was born in February 2012.
As for Indio, Falconer often talks to him on the phone and told The ENQUIRER: “He’s doing great. He’ll be back playing music and doing better soon.” And a source close to Downey told The ENQUIRER that Indio’s condition “doesn’t appear to be anything serious,” adding that he “does not have a problem with prescription drugs or narcotics.”
Not to nitpick, but aren’t most rehab facilities “holistic” and “natural”? As in, you aren’t going to be getting Vicodin or tequila in rehab. While it might have been easy to pass on an unconfirmed story from the Enquirer about RDJ’s adult son, the fact that Indio’s mom went on the record makes it more interesting. If Indio really wasn’t having any problems whatsoever, then why is he currently in a treatment facility? In any case, it’s a good thing that Indio (and Deborah, and Robert too probably) were aware enough to understand the cycle of addiction and when to seek help. I hope Indio is doing well.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.
I’m sure Indio’s mother recognized all the signs of addiction due to being married to Robert. I’m just glad they caught it in time and sought out help right away. Most parents live in denial, she wasn’t taking any chances.
I read about this story last night and I know this much be difficult for Robert. He doesn’t want his son to deal with the same demons he dealt with. Some people don’t think pain pills are as bad as other substances but I’ve seen people addicted to pills and it’s a mother you know what. I wish RDJ and his family the best.
His ex-wife sounds like she’s in denial. Isn’t she a drug user also?
I remember seeing a picture/video of Indio a couple of months ago. He was smoking, his hair was all bleached, and he looked terrible. This doesn’t surprise me at all. Thank god for Susan Downey otherwise I’d worry for Exton.
@June before you get judgemental do you know how addicting pain killers can be? It can be a beast. I know people who were and still are addictive to them. I was giving Oxy for a medical procedure I had and those pills had me flying high. Thank God I know when to cut it off but it’s not that easy for some. Why do you think the streets are filled with people selling prescription drugs? Pills are like the new coke.
Lastly just because a parent was a former drug user doesn’t mean they want their child to experience the same. As for Indio smoking, he’s 20 and has the right to do so. You’re picking on the kid because he had bleached hair, well he’s in a band and when did dying your hair become a crime.
Addiction is weird – I never abuse my Adderall prescription but if I had one for pain pills/Vicodin you can bet I’d consume a 30 day supply in about four days.
Opposite for me. I can take a pain pill from time to time for a kick, and drink to varying degrees with no problem, but if I get anywhere near uppers, we are in for a terrible, days-long ride. I really can’t explain it, but I have ZERO control from that first buzz. Like, not a chance. It goes til I MUST sleep, or til the money runs out, depending on the drug of choice. No question to me that it is just in my wiring. I know better than to allow myself easy access to stimulants.
I know the former Mr. DreamyK underwent a startling physical transformation while in the grip of drug addiction that was not in keeping with his normal appearance.I get what you’re saying about radically changing ones appearance while in the throes of addiction.
I feel gross talking about a non-famous person’s addictions. :/
True!
Why did his ex have to talk to the Enquire anyway?
Just like RDJ’s current wife’s family member had to sell the pregnancy to another gossip rag before the actual parents announced it.
I guess when you are famous you have all kinds of blood suckers around you. Hopefully his son and he will be OK!
Note by Celebitchy: banned multiple nicks (also see Brad Pitt, Emile Hirsch threads)
RDJs current wife is no fame leech, shes a power player in her own right who pretty much saved RDJs career with her smart wheeling and dealing. She generally lets him soak up the attention, shes your classic indispensible wife in the shadows.
The ex-wife sounds like she was trying to do some damage control. Notice how hard shes trying to minimalize the problem? Shes on protective mama mode. Clearly the drug problem is far worse than 1 pill a day. Also, if she loved the attention so much she would have began selling her RDJ stories to tabloids when he made his comeback. Or atleast written her memoirs
Yes, I agree it’s dammage control. Probably 1 pill a day mixed with a cocktail of others.
Poor kid. He is so good looking.
RDJ saved his career because he is talented and because he landed the Iron Man gig. His wife produced nothing but awful movies before they met.
His ex would have done less damage if she hadn’t talked at all, esp not to a gossip rag.
But on a side note – it’s just really tough for youngsters these days. All kinds of drugs, far more dangerous than 10 years ago and more addictive are EVERYWHERE. Doctors too easily prescribe medications to kids, because it’s a big money making industry.
Give me a break, if it weren’t for Susan RDJ would be scraping prison toilets or dead from overdose. And no he didn’t land Iron Man gig just because he is “talented”. It was many factors. Him being sober and having a “stable” life at home. Go read an interview with Terrence Howard from 2007 (how was then bigger star than RDJ) how she was talking to him and everybody else in Hollywood trying to help him land the role for Iron Man, because he was interested and really wanted to do it.
@JJ I can agree with you up to a point. Yes Susan has produced some flops but you’re wrong in saying Rob got clean just because he’s a talented actor and because of Iron Man. When RDJ met Susan it was on the set of Gothika. He pursued her but she turned down his advances three times. When she finally gave him a chance she told him she wasn’t putting up with his shit. Robert was still using drugs at that time and said he no longer cared about being an actor. This was in 2003. He was still married to Deb, though seperated. Once his relationship started with Susan he said one night he drove to the ocean and threw all his drugs away. He started to care again, thanks to Susan and her tough love. He started meditating and took up martial arts. He finally granted Deb a divorce, it was him who was fighting it.
What put him on the map again was Mel Gibson’s produced film called The Singing Detective. That’s why RDJ has remained a close friend of Mel. Mel paid for his bonding because the insurance company wouldn’t because they saw him as a risk. Mel, however didn’t pay him until filming was completed. Step forward to 2005; he married Susan and stared in a film called Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with Val Kilmer. Even though it was a flop at the theaters it later became a cult hit and Rob was praised for his role in that film. Oh and Susan was a producer on that movie.
Step forward to 2006; Iron Man. Marvel studio didn’t want Rob even though Jon Favreau did. He nailed the audition but they were afraid because it was a Disney produced film and RDJ was a known bad boy who went to prison. Then it dawned on them that he was in a little movie called The Shaggy Dog that was a Disney produced film. They figured if Disney put him in a family friendly movie why should they have a problem with him as IM. After IM came Tropic Thunder but another movie was released in 2009 that became a runaway hit and raised his status even higher. It was Sherlock Holmes. His wife was also a producer on that movie. Guy Ritchie didn’t have RDJ in mind for that role. Since Susan was one of the producers on the film she had the script and Rob saw it. Susan arranged a meeting with Rob and Guy and viola RDJ is the new SH. How do I know all this; because Rob has said it in numerous interviews that he credits Susan for his comback as well as for helping him kick his drug addiction. So yeah, Susan played a major role in the success and sobriety of RDJ. I know I went on a rant but if the
man himself is saying he owes it all to Susan who are we to say he doesn’t.
@V4Real: Great synopsis!
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was produced under Silver pictures, not RDJ’s wifes company she had with Silver. Iron Man and IM2 were not Disney pictures but Marvel/Paramount property. RDJ landed the Iron Man role after he did a screen test for Marvel and according to Jon Favreau, nobody could argue with him not being the best for the job. Even when he was at his lowest he kept on landing interesting roles, his talent was always there.
I hope RDJ is able to maintain his sons right for privacy!
@JJ Ok I made a mistake. Disney was not associated with IM but it is now. Marvel was unsure about moving on him until they realized he did a Disney Film (Shaggy Dog) and figured it would be ok. If you paid attention to my post you would note that I said he nailed the audition but they were concerned as to how people would react to him due to his past.
As for Susan, please get your facts straight. I never said her production company produced Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I said she was a producer on it. With Susan being Downey’s fiancé he was able to land that part. DO you really think if RDJ was not with Susan he would have landed that part. She was already a producer on the film before he got the role. She worked for Joel Silver and he was the head of Silver production in association with Warner Brothers.
As talented as RDJ was and even though he continued to work during his drug years it became hard for him to get work after his stint in prison. The only gig he could land was Ally McBeal but was fired before the end of the season because he was arrested on Thanksgiving Day. That’s when he said he didn’t care if he ever acted again. When he met Susan on the set of Gothika that’s when it all changed. She helped him kick his drug habit and get roles again. Mel came to the rescue with The Singing Detective and also gave credit to Susan for the turn around in RDJ. Downey started taking parts in independent films such as A guide To Recognizing Your Saints and Fur. I love RDJ, he’s been my favorite for a long time. But if not for Susan RDJ would have either ended up back in jail or one of those tragic True Hollywood Stories about a dead talented actor. Come on give this woman her due. Rob said he owed most if not all to her. Who are you to say different if he said it himself. I’m willing to bet if Susan hadn’t came into his life RDJ would have never been IM, or SH. He might not have been alive.
Ditto. The young man is not a celebrity. Let him get well without scrutiny.
1 pill a day? Come on now.
Pretty sure I have more residual narcotics in my system than that.
Yeah, no, I definitely do.
In fairness to the ex-wife she was probably smart to give quotes as when the tabloids call you they’ll have no problem running the worst possible story without them.
I would guess he was given a prescription initially (for some injury or whatever) and that damn genetic predisposition kicked in. If he and his parents are this aware, he will probably do fine.
She sounds like she’s deep in denial. People don’t seek treatment for a 1 pill a day habit – u throw the bottle out! As for the comment that all treatment facilities are “holistic” – no they are not. Some treat addiction with methadone or other drugs (go figure).
Reading that little synopsis of RDJ’s career made me admire him so much more I mean I knew he had drug problems, but I did’t know he spent a year in jail…wow. to say that he turned it around is an understatement, at the rate he was going he could have been dead. Amazing.
That’s why people keep saying there is hope for Lindsay Lohan. While there’s life, there’s hope.
RDJ has oddles of talent & the drive to better himself. Just 2 of the things that LL is sorely lacking. She might make (made-for-tv) films again, but she’ll never rise from the ashes the way he did
RDJ was also known for being very very nice. Something Lilo hasn’t shown with or without the drugs. People were right not to work with him at the height of his troubles but I think most felt genuinely bad that they couldn’t…not sure that’s the case for Lohan.
@ Mirna
beautifully stated
Yeah, I think the big difference there is personality and entitlement issues that she has.
“He’s being treated with vitamin supplements and organic foods.”
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Oh, my. Please tell me they did not check him into one of those Scientology “rehab” centers. Where its all about vitamins and sauna’s.
I very much doubt it. RDJ is super into vitamins & meditation, etc, but I’ve heard a peep about him & $ceintology
I would have gone with the feeling to not promote this story.
Terrible invasion of this kid’s privacy by the tabs and/or his mom as well.
I hate to hear this about his son.. RDJ has always been one of my favorite actors. He struggled for many years & this has to hit home for him. His wife Susan has been a rock for him & will help him thru this. I can’t believe his son Indio is 20, time goes quickly.
If my kid was that much at risk, with two addicts as parents and being in the music/entertainment business, I’d probably nip it in the bud with rehab if they were taking two aspirin every day. It’s probably preventive for dealing with addictive behaviors vs. OMG HE’S HOOKED ON 10 THINGS. If you knew it was a risk and could recognize the signs you’d deal with it asap and be proactive. So, good for them.
I’d want to move my kids out of L.A. and the entertainment industry altogether. Too many sycophants and hangers-on who will give this young man anything he wants.
Some facilities aren’t drug-free or holistic because the patients have conditions with severe pain. However they are trying to get the patient on a drug regimen that manages the pain but reduces the amounts of the drugs and reduces the possibility of overdose.
It seems odd to me to put someone into treatment if they “don’t have a problem”, but whatever is going on with him, I wish him well.
no actually many rehab facilities are not “holistic and natural” there are many drugs that have withdrawal symptoms ( seizures, pain, diarrhea, etc) and many times especially based on the severity of an addiction, a patient has to be “medically” detoxed, so unfortunately a person is given much more prescribed medication before their system is cleaned out.
This is really sad. The Enquirer might have run a more exagerrated story had mom not cooperated. That’s the way tabloids work. They try to blackmail celebs into going on record. I imagine it’s hard to ignore when it’s your kid they’re talking about. I hope he has a good support system that will help him deal with whatever he’s going through and keep the wolves at bay.
Funny that RDJ’ reps refused to comment ….!
“We are hoping to do it the homeopathic way”. So… water, then?