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Tom Jones's homeless son pleads for a meeting before it's too late
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

Tom Jones's homeless son pleads for a meeting before it's too late

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Singer Tom Jones's estranged son, Jonathan Berkery, lives as a homeless person in New Jersey, struggling with addiction and financial instability.
  • Berkery, born from a brief affair in 1987, has been denied a relationship with his father, despite a 2008 court ruling confirming Jones's paternity.
  • He expresses a desire to meet his father before it's too late, stating he doesn't seek money but a personal connection.

Singer Tom Jones's son, Jonathan Berkery, has revealed he is living as a homeless person in New Jersey, battling addiction and struggling to maintain stable employment.

Berkery, born from a brief relationship Jones had with model Katherine Berkery in 1987, has been estranged from his famous father for years. Despite a 1989 court ruling, confirmed by a DNA test, that Jones is his father, the singer reportedly denied paternity for years and only acknowledged it in 2008, stating he had no interest in meeting his son.

In a 2018 interview with the Daily Mail, Berkery described his difficult living conditions, including staying in a homeless shelter and enduring cold winters. He stated, "I'm not asking for his money, I just want us to meet." He also admitted to past legal troubles, including drug possession, which led him to attend rehabilitation.

I'm not asking for his money, I just want us to meet.

โ€” Jonathan BerkeryJonathan Berkery's statement about his desire to connect with his father.

Berkery expressed that his father's rejection contributed to his rebellious behavior and struggles. He now wishes to meet Jones while he still has the chance, saying, "I've been angry for years and didn't want to see him. Now I know life is too short. I have to meet him. I just hope he feels the same."

He has also attempted to connect with his half-brother, Mark Woodward, without success. Berkery maintains that his desire is not for fame or money, but for a paternal connection.

I've been angry for years and didn't want to see him. Now I know life is too short. I have to meet him. I just hope he feels the same.

โ€” Jonathan BerkeryJonathan Berkery's reflection on his past anger and current desire to meet his father.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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