The rapper accused her of triggering his addiction and substance abuse and took every opportunity to denigrate her in his music. Yet, despite the hostility, mother and son were able to make amends and forgive each other.
There is no doubt Eminem is a complicated person. His 25-year career has been defined by feuds, violence and toxic male aggression. However, amid the chaos, the rapper has maintained the ability to lay bare his vulnerabilities and acknowledge his weaknesses. Nothing illustrates that complexity better than the fraught relationship between Eminem and his mom, Debbie Mathers (formerly Debbie Nelson).
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Marshall Mathers (better known as Eminem) didn’t have the best upbringing. Being raised in poverty — his parents grappled with addiction and relationship troubles — scarred the young rapper, just as he was beginning to carve out his identity. As such, he harbored resentment for his mother and father, and swore he would break the pattern when it came to his own daughter.
Of course, reality doesn’t often pan out the way you hoped. The Detroit rapper had to stand up and address his failures head-on. Through this journey, he could rediscover his relationship with his mother, and the place she occupies in his life.
Eminem’s Life with His Mom, Debbie Nelson Mathers
Debbie was only 18 years old when she gave birth to Marshall Bruce Mathers III. Eminem’s father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., abandoned them as soon as his son was born, leaving the young mother to raise their child alone.
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The mother-and-son duo faced destitution and eviction at every turn, and moved frequently, in search of financial stability. Debbie was in no position to shoulder the responsibilities of parenthood. However, Eminem’s mother worked hard to make ends meet, even if the outcomes weren’t always satisfactory.
Unfortunately, her childcare abilities weren’t up to her son’s liking. As is his modus operandi, Eminem badmouthed Debbie in the charged lyrics to “My Name Is,” the opening track of his 1999 album The Slim Shady LP. In the song, he claims his mother did “more dope than” he did: “I told her I’d grow up to be a famous rapper / Make a record about doin’ drugs and name it after her.”
Debbie Mathers Sued Eminem Over His ‘My Name Is’ Lyrics
Debbie Mathers Briggs (her current husband, John Briggs, is her fourth) was blindsided by the admission. Shortly after the release of “My Name Is,” she sued her son for $11 million, claiming defamation of character. Eminem’s team responded by saying his music only reflected the truth. His lawyer also said the lawsuit was a “result of a lifelong strained relationship between [Eminem] and mother,” and that it was pretty “painful” to be sued by your own mother.
Debbie was awarded a $25,000 settlement in 2001, but $23,354.25 of that went to her attorney.
The animosity between Eminem and his mother didn’t subside, however. In 2002, Eminem released “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” in which he accused her of suffering from Münchausen syndrome by proxy, a disorder in which a caregiver makes up an illness or injury in a person under their care.
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As if that weren’t enough, he made more references to her substance abuse in the song “My Mom”: “My mom loved Valium and lots of drugs /That’s why I am like I am ’cause I’m like her.” He also wrote how she added Valium in his food multiple times. and would threaten to throw him in the basement if he didn’t eat his meal.
My mom/ There’s no one else quite like my mom /I know I should let bygones be bygones/ But she’s the reason why I am high on what I’m high on
Eminem, “My Mom”
Eminem Eventually Forgave His Mom
It’s difficult to distinguish who’s telling the truth when the atmosphere is so incendiary. However, Debbie did try to provide a context in her 2008 memoir My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.
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“At first I went along with it for Marshall’s sake — if I made one mistake as a mother, it was giving in to my eldest son’s every whim,” she wrote, alluding to how she may have added Valium to his food. but only at his insistence. She also insisted that it was an uphill battle to care for her son, given her wretched circumstances. Just because she made some terrible decisions of her own doesn’t mean Eminem should have taken the liberty to defame her at every opportunity.
He never knew his father, and I did all I could to make up for it. I wasn’t happy when he made up a whole new life for himself – what mother wants to be known as a pill-popping alcoholic who lives on welfare?
Debbie Nelson on My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.
With time, Eminem forgave his mother. There’s only so much room for hatred and anger, and when the years weigh down on you, you begin to realize how everyone goes through a hard time.
Eminem’s ‘Headlights’ Shifted the Focus to His Father
In his 2013 song “Headlights,” Eminem discussed forgiving his mother, questioning if he had taken his resentment “too far.” He also shed light on his father’s role — or lack thereof — in exacerbating tensions between himself and his mother. If he hadn’t abandoned the family at such a critical juncture, mother and son wouldn’t have had to endure so much hardship.
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At the end of the day, the 50-year-old “loves” his mother, and says she’s “still beautiful” to him. She “did her best” to raise him and his younger half-brother, Nate, even though the “cross” she bore was the heaviest of all.
But regardless, I don’t hate you ’cause, Ma / You’re still beautiful to me, ’cause you’re my Ma […] All you did, all you said, you did your best to raise us both /Foster care, that cross you bear, few may be as heavy as yours.
Eminem, “Headlights”
Eminem opened Mom’s Spaghetti restaurant in Detroit in 2021. However, it’s not a sign that he’s mended fences with mother Debbie (by all accounts, their relationship remains strained). Instead, it’s a reference to his song “Lose Yourself,” from the soundtrack to his 2002 acting debut, 8 Mile. The menu includes vegan meatballs, and a spaghetti sandwich (Eminem’s favorite).
Let Go of Bitterness
Eminem clung onto so much rage in the first 40 years of his life that he and his mother still remain a little “estranged.” It’s OK to feel a grudge, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t call out people for their dangerous behavior.
However, as you grow older, consider whether the antagonism is worth your time. Our priorities shift, we become wiser, and we tend to forgive ourselves and each other for the past. The bitterness will only deter you in your journey, haunting you every step of the way till you’re ready to combust. Instead, free yourself. It feels good to look forward to the future and not have any regrets about the past. So if you have the opportunity to rid yourself of the bitterness, take it.
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FAQs
What did Eminem's mother do to him? ›
In his deposition, Eminem clarified comments that he'd made to music magazines in the past concerning his mother's alleged drug use. Although in one rag the rapper claimed his mom used "more drugs than I did" in his youth, Wednesday he testified that "the drugs she abused were prescription drugs."
Did Eminem's mom forgive him? ›Yet, despite the hostility, mother and son were able to make amends and forgive each other. The rapper accused her of triggering his addiction and substance abuse and took every opportunity to denigrate her in his music. Yet, despite the hostility, mother and son were able to make amends and forgive each other.
What did Eminem's mother try to sue him for? ›Yep, Eminem's mum once attempted to sue the rapper for an eye-watering $10 million (£7m) after claiming he had slandered her on The Slim Shady LP and in various interviews. Anyone familiar with Eminem's music will be aware that the rapper has a difficult relationship with his mum Debbie Mathers-Briggs.
Does Eminem mean every mother is nice except mine? ›This definition appears frequently and is found in the following Acronym Finder categories: Slang/chat, popular culture.
Does Eminem take care of his niece? ›Eminem also helped raise his niece, Alaina Marie Mathers, 26. He added she is “pretty much like a daughter to me.” Alaina's late mother was the twin sister of Eminem's ex-wife, Kim Scott. Eminem also adopted Whitney Scott Mathers, 17, his ex-wife's daughter from another relationship.
What was Eminem's relationship with his parents? ›Eminem's dad left home shortly after his birth
Eminem did not have a close relationship with his father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., who died of a heart attack in 2019 when he was just 67 years old. According to Eminem's mom, Debbie, she and Bruce married when she was 15 and he was 22.
Eminem's Wife Sues for Divorce. CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Rap superstar Eminem's on-again, off-again marriage is off again. Two months after the couple reportedly reconciled for the sake of their daughter, Kim Mathers filed for divorce Thursday in Macomb County Circuit Court.
What did Eminem do for his sister? › What happened to the mother of Eminem's children? ›Alaina Marie Scott, 30
Eminem legally adopted her in the early 2000s as her mother struggled with drug use and eventually died in 2016 from a suspected overdose. "I have full custody of my niece," the rapper told Rolling Stone about the now-29-year-old in 2004.
Under the settlement, Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, has agreed to pay $1,000 a week in child support, less than half of the $2,740 a week recommended by the Macomb County Friend of the Court, a division of the court system that monitors divorce cases.
Who is Eminem suing? ›
Eminem is suing two Real Housewives over a podcast Robyn Dixon and Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomac have a podcast called "Reasonably Shady" that sounds a little to close to trademarks the rapper has for "Shady" and "Slim Shady."
Does Eminem know his sister? › What Eminem stands for? ›Meaning. EMINEM. M&M (Marshall Mathers; music artist) EMINEM. Every Mother Is Nice Except Mine.
Why did Marshall Mathers choose Eminem? ›Eminem originated from M & M which are the initials in his name (Marshall Mathers) he later changed the spelling to “Eminem” to avoid trademark issues with the other “M & M” (which are the popular chocolate candy buttons) but it's pronounced the same way.
Does Eminem know his kids? › Why did Eminem adopt a child? ›Alaina, born in 1993, joined the family in 2016 following the death of her mother, Dawn, who was the twin sister of Eminem's ex-wife, Kim. While Alaina's biological mother was alive, the legal guardianship was given to the rapper and Kim due to his sister-in-law's inability to look after her.
Do Eminem and Kim still talk? ›Eminem And Kim Don't Appear To Be On Talking Terms
Eminem hasn't spoken out about his ex-wife since 2010 when it was rumored that the pair had rekindled their love for one another, so it's unclear as to what sort of relationship they share today.
"And that's when I realized you were sick and it wasn't fixable or changeable / And to this day we remain estranged and I hate it though, but…" He goes on to say that both he and his brother forgive her, knowing that she did the best she could.
Did Eminem's dad ever contact him? › Does Eminem know his brother? ›How much alimony does Eminem pay? ›
Miller ordered Eminem to pay $1,000 a week — or $52,000 yearly — in child support to his ex-wife, the Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday. The settlement is far less than the $2,740 a week — or $142,480 annually — reconciled last December but Kim Mathers filed for divorce in March.
Did Eminem ever get custody of his daughter? ›Stevie was born in 2002 to Kim and her tattoo artist ex-partner, Eric Hartter, but Eminem has full custody of the teenager due to their biological father's drug and legal issues. Not much is known about them, other than they're 20 and occasionally appear in Alaina's Instagram photos.
Who is Eminem married to now? › How much of 8 Mile is true? ›While 8 Mile is not strictly autobiographical, the film draws so much from his life (Eminem did indeed grow up near 8 Mile Road and participated in rap battles at a venue called the Shelter) that it's impossible to separate him from Jimmy Smith Jr., a rare moment of perfect synchronicity between an actor and their ...
How old is 8 Mile? ›8 Mile is a 2002 American drama film written by Scott Silver and directed by Curtis Hanson. It stars Eminem in his film debut, alongside Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Michael Shannon, Anthony Mackie, and Kim Basinger.
Which rapper pays the most child support? ›Kanye West is paying $200,000 a month in child support.
Who is Eminem's recovery sponsor? ›Is Elton John Eminem's sponsor? It is widely reported that Eminem suffered from a serious drug addiction which almost killed him, and saw him take up to 30 Vicodin a day. However, not everyone knows that the iconic piano man was instrumental to his recovery. Elton reveals in his Me memoir: "I'm Eminem's AA sponsor.
What song did Michael Jackson sue Eminem for? ›A week after the release of "Just Lose It", Jackson called into Steve Harvey's radio show to report his displeasure with the video. "I am very angry at Eminem's depiction of me in his video," Jackson said in the interview. "I feel that it is outrageous and disrespectful.
Who is Eminem owned by? ›| Shady Records | |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Universal Music Group |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Eminem Paul Rosenberg |
| Distributor(s) | Interscope Geffen A&M (US) Polydor (United Kingdom) Universal Music Group (International) |
Em was eventually charged with two felonies: carrying a concealed weapon without a license and assault with a deadly weapon. During his hearing, Eminem chose to plead guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and in exchange, a concurrent felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon was dropped.
Who kissed Eminem's wife? ›
On June 4, 2000—barely two weeks after releasing The Marshall Mathers LP to great critical and commercial acclaim—Eminem was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man named John Guerra with an unloaded gun after the Detroit rapper claimed he saw Guerra kissing his then-wife, Kim.
What happened to Eminem's wife? ›What Happened To Eminem Wife? Kim was detained and accused of possessing drugs in 2001, but she was later found guilty. She was arrested for unsafe driving again in 2003 while possessing two bags of cocaine. She paid a fine and continued to be on probation.
Does Eminem have a son? › What does Eminem call his fans? ›| Object | Fanbase nickname | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ed Sheeran | Sheerios | Musician |
| Ellie Goulding | Goulddiggers | Musician |
| Eminem | Stans | Musician |
| Emmure | Decepticons | Music group |
Eminem references the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal in order to demonstrate his longevity as a dominant force in the rap industry, thus establishing himself as an "immortal god".
What is Eminem called now? ›Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem (/ˌɛmɪˈnɛm/; often stylized as EMINƎM), is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in middle America and is critically acclaimed as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
What did Eminem's grandma do? › What happened between Eminem and Christina Aguilera? ›What is Eminem and Christina Aguilera's beef? The infamous feud started in 1999 when Christina commented on Eminem's personal life during the MTV special, What A Girl Wants. She claimed that Eminem had married his longtime girlfriend, Kim, in a secret ceremony.
Does anyone know who Eminem's dad is? ›Eminem's dad was Marshall Bruce Mather Jr. Marshall married Eminem's mother Debbie when he was around the age of 22 and she was just 15 years old.
Why did Eminem adopt a daughter? ›Alaina, born in 1993, joined the family in 2016 following the death of her mother, Dawn, who was the twin sister of Eminem's ex-wife, Kim. While Alaina's biological mother was alive, the legal guardianship was given to the rapper and Kim due to his sister-in-law's inability to look after her.
Did Eminem get custody of his daughter? ›
Stevie was born in 2002 to Kim and her tattoo artist ex-partner, Eric Hartter, but Eminem has full custody of the teenager due to their biological father's drug and legal issues. Not much is known about them, other than they're 20 and occasionally appear in Alaina's Instagram photos.
What is Eminem's sister? › Did Eminem ever apologize to Christina Aguilera? ›Eminem never publicly apologized for his comments against Christina over the years.
Did Eminem date Rihanna? ›Rihanna, is in constant touch with Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, but for her the relationship is purely platonic. "Marshall would date Rihanna in a heartbeat if she showed even the slightest interest. They're on the phone and texting each other constantly," contactmusic.com quoted a source as saying.
Did Eminem date Mariah Carey? ›Mariah reportedly reached out to Eminem after his iconic Grammys performance with Elton John that same year, asking the rapper if he wanted to help her out on her Charmbracelet album. Though the “Real Slim Shady” artist insisted they dated, Mariah maintained that their relationship was strictly professional.