Julia Roberts’ brother Eric apologizes after claiming he’s responsible for her career

Eric Roberts, the brother of Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts, has issued a public apology for previously claiming responsibility for her successful acting career.

“I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said,” he writes in his upcoming memoir, “Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far,” according to People.

Eric, who is also the father of actress Emma Roberts, had previously taken credit for his sister’s rise to fame in the entertainment industry on multiple occasions.

Most notably, in 2018, he made headlines for stating to Vanity Fair, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and I’m very proud of that.”

“And I am so proud that everybody knows I was first, because I was first by a long shot,” he added.
“I was first to get Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, so I’m proud of that.”

He also claimed responsibility for getting Julia signed to WME in his interview with Vanity Fair.

Eric, 68, moved to New York City at the age of 17 to pursue an acting career. His breakthrough role came in the 1978 film “King of the Gypsies.”

He received his first Oscar nomination for his supporting role in 1985’s “Runaway Train.”

However, his younger sister, Julia, arrived in New York in 1985 and quickly surpassed his success in the industry.

Julia received her first Academy Award nomination for “Steel Magnolias” in 1990, followed by another in 1991 for “Pretty Woman.” She won the Best Actress Academy Award in 2001 for “Erin Brokovich.”

“I imagine I will remain as Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’ dad for the rest of my life,” Eric reportedly acknowledges in his memoir.

“I’d like to make good on that, to move aside proudly and with grace. That’s part of the reason for writing the book.”

Eric, who battled a cocaine addiction after moving to New York, lost custody of Emma, now 33, when she was an infant. He expresses that losing his daughter was the most significant consequence of his substance abuse.

He also acknowledges that his drug abuse created a rift in his relationships with Julia, 56, and their sister Lisa, 59.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me,” he reflects.

In July, Eric made headlines after appearing on the “Still Here Hollywood” podcast and stating that he is “not supposed to talk about” Julia or Emma.

“I’m not supposed to talk about either of them. But I do,” he added.

Later in the podcast, he expressed his admiration for his daughter’s work and his pride in her accomplishments.

In 2022, he dispelled rumors of a feud by affirming that he and Julia have always had a good relationship.

“My sister and I, though, we’ve always talked, we’ve always bitched,” he continued.

“I’ve always had fun, known each other. Simple as that. I love knowing my sister. She’s a cool chick, my sister.”

“Runaway Train” is available for purchase now.