Colin Farrell has urged the world to treat his son, James, ‘with kindness’ over his rare neurogenetic disorder. The In Bruges actor shares the 20-year-old with Kim Bordenave – the former couple welcomed their first child together in 2003. It was previously revealed James suffers from Angelman syndrome, a complex neurological condition which can cause movement disorder, difficulty swallowing, slow brain wave patterns, small flat head, epilepsy, low muscle tone and breathing problems.
The Hollywood icon, 48, became emotional as he opened up about the condition for the first time in a new interview, unveiling the Colin Farrell foundation to provide help and support for adults who have intellectual disabilities , and their families. ‘I want the world to be kind to James,’ he told People Magazine . ‘I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.
‘I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic.’ ‘Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,’ he shared of why he has now decided to launch the foundation after years of thinking about it. ‘All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.
’ As a baby, Colin explained that James wasn’t hitting certain developmental milestones – he was unable to sit up, crawl or walk – leading to a ‘common misdiagnosis’ of cerebral palsy aged one. It wasn’t until he was two years old that another doctor suggested that he should get tested for Angelman syndrome. More Trending Just 180 people live on this remote island in the Atlantic — here's why you should visit 80s pop icon unrecognisable decades after number one hit 90s pop icon reveals incredible body transformation aged 52 Bianca Censori looks miserable as she fully bares breasts on outing with Kanye West The Banshees of Inisherin star teared up as he recalled seeing the ‘overwhelmingly beautiful’ moment that his son took his first steps just before his fourth birthday, as many people who suffer from the condition are unable to walk.
‘He works harder than I’ve ever had to work on myself,’ he said, sharing that James sometimes struggles taking his clothes and socks off. ‘All these things are huge, huge achievements. ‘If anything, he also gifts me with the ability to look at the human being, the human body, and life as a marvel.
I see how much he struggles with things I would never have given a second’s thought to. That many of us take for granted.’ Colin added that his children – he also shares son Henry with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś – are his biggest joys, and what he is most grateful for.
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