Actor Rob Schneider expressed hope for reconciliation with his estranged daughter, singer Elle King, detailing how his Christian faith and the practice of forgiveness are central to navigating their difficult relationship. Schneider, 62, shared his perspective on Andrew Gold's "Heretics" podcast, acknowledging past shortcomings as a father.
"I wasn't prepared emotionally for the outpouring of what I received after that," Schneider said, reflecting on public discussions of his parenting. He noted a perceived cultural trend in the United States where adult children sometimes distance themselves from parents. "It's an attack on the culture in a way that the culture is vulnerable."
King, in a 2024 appearance on BunnieXO's "Dumb Blonde" podcast, had described her childhood with Schneider as at times "toxic." She stated that her father was "just not nice" and would go for extended periods without speaking to her. King recounted instances where her father expressed displeasure with her discussing him in the press and described her childhood experiences on movie sets as feeling lost in the shuffle, sometimes facing reprimands.
She also mentioned his reputation and her desire not to be associated with him, stating, "He's just not nice." King detailed her attempts to mend their relationship, including writing letters and trying different communication styles, and recalled her father forgetting her birthday on multiple occasions, including her 18th.
Schneider stated that he has apologized for his past actions and believes his door remains open for King. "The door's open, and I would say, you know, I love you and ... I'm there when you want," he said. "We had an exchange, and I'll leave it at that. The thing about, as a parent, you just have to love and be available and be an open door. My door's always open."
He emphasized that he is available if his daughter needs him, but respects that the relationship must develop with mutual openness. "The second she needs me, I'll be there. That's all you can do, and the idea that I'm going to somehow ... that I need something, that I can force my way or force ... no. It has to be something that ... an openness."
Schneider also spoke about the importance of recognizing a "higher power" and the principles of Christianity, particularly love and forgiveness. "The thing about Christianity, it's really … it's love others, and it's really about forgiveness," he said. "And forgiveness isn't something you give to somebody else. It's a gift you give to yourself. You can't carry stuff. You have to let go."