Tatum O’Neal Speaks Out About Family Struggles

Tatum O’Neal has spoken out, attributing her half-brother Redmond’s troubling behavior to years of “horrible and cruel” treatment from their late father, Hollywood actor Ryan O’Neal. Redmond recently faced attempted murder charges in California while exhibiting disturbing hallucinations of devil horns tattooed on his head.

“His academic performance is really poor—just terrible,” Tatum, 62, shared with the Daily Mail, referencing her half-brother, who is the only child of Ryan O’Neal and actress Farrah Fawcett.

Tatum remarked, “I love Red with all my heart, but he has become a burden. It’s like he’s never really started living.” She suggested that Redmond’s issues stem from a dysfunctional upbringing, noting, “He never changed.” The actress, who has struggled with her own addiction, added, “It was always drugs, drugs, drugs.”

Reflecting on her relationship with Ryan, she didn’t hold back, stating, “I had a rough childhood due to my father. He was harsh to Redmond and inflicted pain on me as well.” She characterized those experiences as “horribly cruel.”

Tatum has faced her own battles with substance abuse and is currently receiving treatment at a memory care facility after a stroke linked to a prescription drug overdose in 2020.

Ryan’s eldest son, Griffin, 61, who had been estranged from their father, expressed disbelief that he and Tatum are still alive given their family’s struggles. David Wright, who sponsored Redmond in a 12-step program at age 16, described Ryan as “a raging narcissist, really crazy.”

Despite their differences, David recalled Redmond fondly, saying, “He was funny and caring but often very angry, with the nature of a true addict.” In 2008, both father and son were arrested after authorities discovered methamphetamine in Ryan’s home during a parole check. Ryan later faced lesser charges and attended a treatment program.

In a 2009 interview with Vanity Fair, Ryan was candid about Redmond’s addiction, describing him as an “idiot” who had been through rehab numerous times. He painted a stark picture, saying, “He has an addiction he can’t control, and he hasn’t been homeless for a year, but he gets caught no matter what.”

Redmond attended his mother’s bedside as she succumbed to cancer in 2009, even appearing in chains at her funeral. Ryan passed away in 2023, and neither Tatum nor Griffin attended his funeral.

In 2018, Redmond reportedly went on a violent spree in Los Angeles, attacking multiple men and robbing a convenience store. He stands accused of inflicting serious injuries, including stabbing one victim in the face.

Charged with attempted murder and other offenses, Redmond’s case has been delayed due to his diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. He is currently held at Patton State Hospital and was deemed mentally unfit to face trial for the charges against him in 2019.