Star Wars Didn’t Trigger Jake Lloyd's Mental Breakdown, Says Mother

Jake Lloyd’s mother is setting the record straight about her son.

Jake, who was cast in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace at age eight, suffered health difficulties after the film’s release. His mother Lisa, however, says they’re not linked to the film.

In an interview with Scripps News, Lisa says, “It would have happened anyway,” referring to Jake’s later diagnosis of bipolar disorder. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”

She also says she shielded Jake from the film’s negative reception, dispelling the notion it triggered a downward spiral.

“I protected him from the backlash. He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends. He didn't know. He didn't care,” Lisa said.

“Everybody makes such a big deal about that. And it's rather annoying to me because Jake was a little kid when that came out, and he didn't really feel all that stuff because I didn't let him online.”

Contrary to belief, Jake is still a massive Star Wars fan. On his birthday last week, Lisa gave him an action figure of Star Wars character Ahsoka. Speaking of which, here's our Stars Wars: Ahsoka review roundup.

“He loves all the new 'Star Wars' stuff,” she says. “People think Jake hates 'Star Wars.' He loves it.”