Eric Roberts absent from daughter Emma's wedding, cites complex relationship

Actress Emma Roberts married actor Cody John this past Saturday in a private ceremony at the groom's family estate in Sun Valley, Idaho. The intimate event was attended by several Hollywood figures, including Roberts' aunt, Julia Roberts. However, a conspicuous absence was that of Emma's father, actor Eric Roberts.

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I love my daughter, I've always loved her and I always will. It's wonderful that she celebrates as she wants and with whom she wants.

Eric Roberts, 70, was photographed leaving a Los Angeles gym the day after the wedding, hundreds of miles from the ceremony. He confirmed his absence to Page Six, stating, "I love my daughter, I've always loved her and I always will. It's wonderful that she celebrates as she wants and with whom she wants." His comments implied that the bride's decision dictated his non-attendance.

The absence reignited discussions about the reportedly complex relationship between Eric and Emma since her childhood. Born in 1991 to Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, Emma was primarily raised by her mother. The father and daughter have experienced periods of estrangement, which Eric Roberts has openly acknowledged. He previously denied any current conflict, attributing public perception to a lack of understanding of their bond.

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Our relationship is only complicated seen from the outside... Because they don't understand anything. So they have their own opinion, whatever it may be.

In an earlier interview, Roberts expressed pride in his daughter but admitted to not fully fulfilling his paternal role during her childhood. "I was a rag. I couldn't be trusted emotionally at all. I take full responsibility for that," he confessed. The actor also touched upon past estrangement from his sister, Julia Roberts, attributing family distance largely to his struggles with addiction.

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I was a rag. I couldn't be trusted emotionally at all. I take full responsibility for that.