Actor Owen Wilson’s recent outing with his two sons at a sporting event seemed like a picture-perfect family moment. However, beneath the trio’s cheerful look, controversy brews as netizens reignited discussion about his alleged estrangement of his daughter.
A screenshot of Owen Wilson and his son Ford celebrating in a video shared on Instagram in April 2024. | Source: Instagram/lafc
Owen Wilson and his blonde-haired sons, Ford and Finn, were recently spotted at a Los Angeles Football Club game, drawing significant attention. Dressed in the team’s gold and black, Owen enthusiastically cheered alongside the boys, both donned supportive jerseys.
A screenshot of Owen Wilson’s sons, Finn and Ford, wearing jerseys in a video shared on Instagram in April 2024. | Source: Instagram/lafc
Like the boys’ spirited cheers, other spectators also expressed their joy. They shared embraces, smiles, jumps, clapping, and raising their fists. The football team’s official page captioned the moment, “Sideline Celebrations.”
Screenshot of Owen Wilson, his son Ford, and other supporters of the Los Angeles football team in a celebratory mood, in a video shared on Instagram in April 2024. | Source: Instagram/lafc
Owen’s family seemed to enjoy a lively, cheerful day, captured by the cameras. However, this seemingly joyful outing has reignited online discussions and criticisms about Owen’s paternal responsibilities, particularly concerning his daughter, Lyla, from whom he is reportedly estranged.
One concerned netizen expressed sympathy, writing, “I feel bad for the girl.” Another person lamented, “That’s sad, she deserves a father too,” while a third branded the Hollywood star a “deadbeat dad to that little girl who’s his twin.”
Comments continued to surface, with one individual noting, “Always three sides to every story.” Disappointment followed as another observer remarked, “Too bad he doesn’t acknowledge the daughter he has…not a fan anymore!!!”
Criticism of Owen’s alleged lack of responsibility towards his other child became evident, with one comment pointing out, “Hardly father of the year when he totally ignores his daughter.”
Some urged Owen to improve his relationship with his daughter, stating, “He should spend quality time with his daughter instead of denying her.” Another pointed out, “I find both her parental units at fault for it and she didn’t ask to be publicly unwanted.”
However, one user expressed skepticism in a lengthy post on the authenticity of Owen’s public appearances with his sons, suggesting they might be staged photo opportunities in response to negative press.
This user also touched on the movie star’s complicated family dynamics, writing, “But, it’s still his kid. And I think it’s disgusting that he has nothing to do with his daughter.”
Lyla is the actor’s daughter with his former girlfriend, Varunie Vongsvirates. The couple had a casual five-year relationship before parting ways. Meanwhile, Ford and Finn are Owen’s children from his previous relationships.
Ford was born to Jade Duell while Finn was born to fitness trainer Caroline Lindqvist. Owen has emphasized his warm relationship with his sons in a few public interviews recently.
Owen Wilson, his sons, Ford and Finn, at the Game Five of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers on June 13, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
In an interview in August 2021, Owen recounted a moment with his younger son while trimming his fingernails. Despite the tension in the situation, Owen attempted to uphold a sense of humor and perspective.
Owen Wilson and his son Ford watch a falcon fly during a game between Austin FC and Los Angeles FC on October 29, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Owen Wilson acknowledged the irony of being in a parental role reminiscent of his childhood. He referenced scenes from “Last Tango” and “Cool Hand Luke” to illustrate childhood complexities. He also shared personal details from four years prior.
A screenshot from Owen Wilson’s interview with host Ellen DeGeneres in “The Ellen Show” in June 2017. | Source: YouTube/TheEllenShow
In a June 2017 interview on “The Ellen Show,” Owen shared endearing anecdotes and silly antics about his sons, pondering, “Sometimes it feels more like that I’m already sort of seeing how they’re gonna be as teenagers, where they’re gonna sorta be ganging up on me.”
He recalled a trip to Sequoia National Park with the boys and said Ford challenged him about the size of a tree, asserting he had seen bigger. Despite Owen explaining that General Sherman’s tree was the largest, Ford dismissed it, saying he couldn’t read the plaque.
A screenshot from Owen Wilson’s interview with Ellen DeGeneres in “The Ellen Show” in June 2017. | Source: YouTube/TheEllenShow
Owen shared that Ford might have aspirations of becoming a stuntman. He revealed, “Ford seems like he might even be like a little stuntman in training.” He had a video of his son jumping off a diving board and noted that the boy was an avid fan of actor Jackie Chan.
A screenshot of Finn jumping off a board, shared from Owen Wilson’s interview on “The Ellen Show” in June 2017. | Source: YouTube/TheEllenShow
The proud dad spoke affectionately about how much Finn, looks up to his older brother, Ford. “It’s unbelievable. I mean, anything Ford says is just, like, the funniest thing ever, and I can make and joke and it’s, like, crickets. It’s like nothing from those guys,” he added.
A screenshot from Owen Wilson’s interview on “The Ellen Show,” where he speaks fondly about his sons Ford and Finn in June 2017. | Source: YouTube/TheEllenShow
The dad also spoke about how his kids reacted when he voiced the character Lightning McQueen in the film “Cars.” He said, “Yeah, I think they do find it cool.” However, he humorously added, “Although, there’s always that one classmate who thinks Lightning McQueen should be taller.”
Owen revealed that Ford and Finn are quite the adventurers as the boys often engaged in spirited activities. “Ford charges ahead and Finn follows suit,” he explained. “They have these little dance-offs, but it’s less about dancing and more like parkour.”
Reflecting on his parenting style, Owen admitted to not being as “easygoing” as his parents, suggesting a balance between nurturing and setting boundaries in raising his children.
Owen’s past interviews present a stark contrast regarding his daughter, Lyla. In a 2019 interview, her mother, Varunie, revealed Owen has never met Lyla and was “not involved at all.” Lyla was born on October 9, 2018, without Owen by her side.
Despite undergoing a paternity test confirming his fatherhood, Owen’s presence remains absent from Lyla’s life. “He helps financially, but it’s never been about that,” Varunie clarified.
When Lyla turned three in 2021, Varunie posted a photo on social media and she resembled her famous father. Varunie expressed regret, and reiterated, “He has never met her, unfortunately.”
She emphasized the significance of his presence in Lyla’s life, highlighting the need for a father figure, and urging the actor to reconnect with his daughter. Varunie said, “She’s incredible, you’re really missing out.”
Varunie also expressed the irony of Owen portraying father roles in movies while allegedly neglecting his daughter. Owen was previously known for playing the father role in the film “Wonder” along with Julia Roberts.
As public scrutiny of Owen’s paternal role continues, it remains unclear whether he will take steps to bridge the gap between his public persona as a father to his sons and his private absence from his daughter’s life.