This week, Robert Downey Jr's world appeared to have rocked when his oldest son, 20 year-old Indio Falconer Downey, seemed to have followed his not-so-good footsteps. According to police, the aspiring musician has been arrested on Sunday on drug possession charges. He was later released on bail the following morning, CNN reported.
West Hollywood Sheriff's Station Sgt. Dave Valentine stated, "Indio Downey was a passenger in a vehicle stopped around 2 pm Sunday. Downey was found to be in possession of what officers believed to be cocaine as well as a smoking pipe. Downey was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and posted bail around 9 pm that same evening."
Indio's arrest might have been a nightmare for the "Iron Man" star, who had since been on the recovery from drugs and alcohol as well. In the wake of the arrest, Downey's representative has since released a statement regarding his son's arrest, and insisted that his son's drug issues is biologically influenced.
"Unfortunately there's a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it. Also, 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. 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," the representative said.
The Washington Post pointed out a 1996 People story, which cited an old interview of Downey talking about his father's introduction to him to drugs. Robert Downey Sr, who directed comedies like Putney Swope, Greaser's Palace and Pound, allegedly exposed the then young Downey Jr to drugs.
"When my dad and I would do drugs together. It was like him trying to express his love for me in the only way he knew how," The "Iron Man" star said.
Indio is the son of Downey and his first wife, Deborah Falconer. Downey and Falconer had divorced in 2004 after 12 years of marriage, of which the "Iron Man" star's trouble with drugs and the law a major factor in the breakdown of the marriage. Downey has since married producer Susan Levin, whom he had credited much to his recovery and revival of his Hollywood career, Daily Mail said.
A source told TMZ that Indio had been getting treatment for several years, of which Downey had an active part of it as he himself feels guilty for his son's suffering.
"Because of Robert's own struggle he's very much in tune with his son's sobriety. And that has really helped Indio," the source said.
