Jeff Brazier has spoken out about his son Freddy's ongoing battle with addiction and mental health challenges, stating he will "never stop trying" to help him. Freddy, 22, the son of the late Jade Goody, has been struggling with cannabis addiction and severe mental health issues, including psychosis, since he was 17. His struggles have included being sectioned, a stint in rehab, and spending his 18th birthday in a psychiatric ward.
Appearing on Matt Willis's podcast "On The Mend," Brazier described the helplessness he felt witnessing his son's suffering and the inability to break the cycle of addiction. "I couldn't do anything to stop it," Brazier admitted. He recounted searching for Freddy during psychotic episodes and even attempting to involve the police. "What else can I do but keep trying? I just keep trying. I'm never going to stop. I just always want to support him. It's what Jade would be absolutely insisting that I do," he stated.
Despite these interventions, Brazier noted that Freddy's behavior did not change. Brazier also discussed the complicated relationship Freddy has with his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden. Brazier had previously attempted legal action to limit Freddy's contact with Budden, fearing she was a negative influence, especially after allegations that they smoked cannabis together and that she played a role in his addiction.
"It's really difficult to protect your child from someone that they're related to, especially if they're the last surviving blood relative of the person that you've lost that you love the most," Brazier said of the strained relationship with Budden.
Freddy himself has spoken about his mental health struggles, acknowledging his grandmother's influence. He stated on "The Terry Stone Connection" podcast that while he takes full accountability for his actions, a significant part of his mental health issues stem from his relationship with his nan. He also mentioned that his grandmother's comparisons of him to his mother, Jade Goody, have been difficult. "When she says, 'oh Freddy is Jade with a penis'. I don't know whether to be hurt about it or to laugh," Freddy said.
Freddy recalled starting to smoke cannabis at age 12 and acknowledged that while his grandmother did not introduce him to drugs for the first time, she was instrumental in getting him "hooked." He has experienced a difficult journey involving rehab, being sectioned, and manic episodes. Despite the challenges, Freddy expressed a desire to see his brother, Bobby, succeeding and believes he will achieve his own successes soon.
Brazier has raised Freddy and his older brother Bobby since the death of their mother, Jade Goody, in 2009 from cervical cancer. While Budden has provided support, clashes have occurred over the years regarding Freddy's well-being and association with his grandmother. In 2025, Freddy and Budden were reportedly seen smoking, which onlookers suggested was not ordinary tobacco, a situation Budden defended by saying, "As long as Freddy smokes with me he's safe. At least I know what he's smoking as it's nasty out there."