Farrah Fawcett’s troubled son unrecognizable with devil horns in latest appearance
Redmond O’Neal, the only son of actress Farrah Fawcett, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday showing off several new tattoos as he dealt with ongoing criminal charges.
The 41-year-old had tattoos of devil horns inked across his forehead and another marking on his cheek reading “5250.” The number is commonly associated with a section of California law that allows authorities to place someone on a 14-day involuntary psychiatric hold when mental health treatment is required.
O’Neal has spent years moving between jail and mental health institutions. His current legal situation stems from an alleged series of violent incidents in 2018. During Tuesday’s hearing, he faced charges including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors say he attacked one person with a glass bottle and stabbed another during the incidents.
Before moving forward in court, O’Neal spent time at a psychiatric facility and was recently ruled competent to stand trial.
Mela Murphy, a close friend of Farrah Fawcett who now serves as Redmond’s conservator, told People that he has made significant progress during his time receiving treatment.
According to Murphy, O’Neal has remained sober for five years while staying at Patton State Hospital and has been cooperative with staff. She said he has endured major challenges throughout his life but has finally received an accurate mental health diagnosis along with proper medication.
Murphy added that his past struggles with severe drug addiction may have been tied to a lack of early mental health support. She said he now takes part in a 12-step recovery program, assists other patients, spends time reading daily, and has developed a spiritual outlook. Murphy also said he continues to receive encouragement from friends and supporters who stay in contact with him.
Redmond is the son of Farrah Fawcett and actor Ryan O’Neal. Fawcett died in 2009 after a long fight with cancer. Ryan O’Neal passed away in 2023 at age 82 due to congestive heart failure.
Murphy recalled that Fawcett’s final moments were focused on her son. She said the actress repeatedly spoke Redmond’s name before her death and asked Murphy to look after him. Murphy promised she would always be there for him, and Fawcett died just a few hours later.
Over the years, Redmond has faced multiple arrests and drug-related charges. His half-sister, actress Tatum O’Neal, has also struggled with addiction. In 2020 she suffered a major stroke that left her in a coma.
Tatum has said she tried to help her brother through his addiction, but believes his situation became extremely difficult to overcome. She said his severe substance abuse issues have been heartbreaking for the family, and she once invited him to attend a 12-step meeting with her. According to Tatum, he declined the invitation.
She said she hoped to provide him with support after their mother’s death and wanted him to know he still had someone he could turn to, but she feels his addiction has taken a powerful toll on his life.
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