Collin Farrell Defends Son with Angelman Syndrome
Collin Farrell has spoken out in a rare interview, defending his 20-year-old son, James, who has Angelman syndrome (AS). This rare genetic disorder affects brain development, leading to intellectual disability, movement and balance problems, and limited speech.
“I want the world to be kind to James,” Farrell stated to People magazine. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
James, Farrell’s son from his ex-partner Kim Bordenave, will turn 21 in September, a significant birthday for individuals with AS. Farrell expressed concern that such individuals often get left behind in society despite reaching adulthood.
“Once your child turns 21, they are kind of on their own,” Farrell said. “All the guarantees that have been put in place, special classes, all of that goes away, and so he is a young adult who should be an integral part of our modern society.”
Farrell has become an advocate for families like his own. He founded the “Colin Farrell Foundation,” which will provide support to adults facing intellectual disabilities in all areas of life.
While James has fluency in English and age-appropriate cognitive ability, he is nonverbal. Farrell makes decisions based on his understanding of James’s spirit and his desire to help him thrive.