David Bowie's Daughter Lexi Jones Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Autism Diagnosis
When legendary musician David Bowie tragically passed away from liver cancer in January 2016, he left behind his wife, supermodel Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, and two children. His son Duncan Jones, also known as Zowie Bowie, was from Bowie's first marriage to Angie Bowie. His daughter Alexandria Zahra 'Lexi' Jones, born in New York in 2000 to David and Iman, was just fifteen years old when her father died.
Now twenty-five, Lexi is determined to forge her own path in the spotlight, launching her music career last year with her debut album Xandri. However, growing up in the shadow of a music legend and a supermodel has presented significant challenges.
Struggles with Mental Health and Forced Treatment
In a recent emotional revelation, Lexi disclosed that she turned to alcohol and drugs when her father was living with cancer in 2014. She was simultaneously battling anxiety, depression, bulimia since age twelve, and self-harm. At fourteen, she was forcibly removed from her family home and sent to a controversial wilderness therapy program for three months, which kept her away from her father during his final battle with cancer.
Lexi recalled her father writing her a heartfelt letter about the decision, stating, "I'm sorry we have to do this." She described being taken by two large men while screaming and resisting, feeling stripped of her rights as she was driven to an unknown destination.
The wilderness therapy program involved living outdoors in winter conditions with minimal privacy, showering once weekly, and being monitored during bathroom use. After ninety-one days, she was transferred to a residential treatment center in Utah for thirteen months, where she learned of her father's death. "I saw the post that said David Bowie passed away surrounded by his whole family," she shared. "It made me physically ill because, yeah, the whole family was there. Except for me."
Autism Diagnosis and Self-Discovery
Earlier this year, Lexi revealed she has been diagnosed with autism after a "long and exhausting journey" of seeking answers. She explained that she spent years masking her neurodivergent traits, trying to appear "normal," which left her drained and alienated.
"Autism does not have one look, one voice, or one way of showing up," Lexi wrote on Instagram. "I was recently diagnosed as autistic, and it finally made sense of so much I have carried quietly my whole life." She emphasized that the diagnosis provides language, clarity, and relief, allowing her to build a life that fits her true self.
Forging Her Own Path in Music
Despite the challenges, Lexi now lives in Los Angeles, focusing on her music and art while maintaining a close relationship with her mother. Her debut album Xandri, released in April 2025, features twelve tracks that she wrote, produced, and performed independently.
She has addressed comparisons to her father's legacy, asserting her individuality. "I'm the daughter of a legend, but I'm more than just his name," she stated in a poetic Instagram post. "I'm not trying to fill his shoes. I'm just trying to find my own peace."
Lexi acknowledges that her experiences have shaped her into an emotionally intelligent and introspective person, though she still deals with lasting effects from her traumatic childhood. She holds no resentment toward her parents, understanding they were trying to help during difficult times.
