He’s one proud papa! Robert Downey Jr. very publicly congratulated his oldest son, Indio Downey, via Facebook on Friday, March 11, for two huge achievements: his sobriety and his band’s new music.
“Congrats are in order for my firstborn, and I’m proud to oblige,” Downey Jr., 50, wrote alongside a snippet from Indio’s music video. “Having braved the crucible of addiction (and pleased the court), his ongoing commitment to recovery continues to inspire and amaze.”
The Captain America: Civil War star added that his 22-year-old had been born “a musician at heart,” and that despite his run-ins with the law in recent years, his “dedication, consistency, and determination to grow” as an artist alongside his bandmate Ralph Alexander has been laudable.
“I’ve also made it my business to be of as little help as possible, as nepotism usually does more harm than good,” the Avengers actor added, giving a subtle shout-out to Indio’s band, The Dose.
Less than two years ago, Indio made headlines after he was arrested for cocaine possession in West Hollywood, leading former bad boy Downey Jr. to speak out about his own drug addictions in the past. (The acclaimed actor was even sentenced to three years in jail back in 1999.)
“Unfortunately there’s a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it,” the actor said in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. (Indio’s mother is singer Deborah Falconer.)
“There is a lot of family support and understanding, and we’re all determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he’s capable of being,” he continued. “We’re grateful to the Sheriff’s department for their intervention, and believe Indio can be another recovery success story instead of a cautionary tale.”
Downey Jr. is also the father of son Exton Elias Downey and daughter Avri Roel Downey.
