David Bowie's Daughter Speaks Out About Traumatic Teenage Treatment Experience

Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones describes being forcibly removed from home and sent to wilderness therapy program.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones, the daughter of David Bowie and Iman, has opened up about her struggles with mental health issues as a teenager, including anxiety, self-harm, depression, and substance abuse. In an Instagram video, Jones described being forcibly removed from her home and sent to a wilderness therapy program, where she was strip-searched, had her own clothes taken away, and was only allowed limited communication with the outside world. She also detailed having to cook meals over a fire and dig holes in the ground to use as toilets, as well as creating makeshift tweezers from twigs.

Why it matters

Jones' story sheds light on the often-traumatic experiences of young people in the mental health treatment system, particularly those from high-profile families. Her account raises questions about the ethics and efficacy of certain treatment methods, as well as the challenges faced by children of celebrities in maintaining their privacy and well-being.

The details

According to Jones, her mental health issues began at a young age, with anxiety attacks starting around age 10 and self-harm beginning at 11. She said her situation worsened after her father, David Bowie, was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Jones alleged that she was sent to a wilderness therapy program by force, where she was stripped of her own clothing, limited in her communication with the outside world, and required to perform tasks like cooking over a fire and digging holes to use as toilets.

  • Jones was 15 years old when her father, David Bowie, died in 2016 from liver cancer.
  • Jones said her mental health struggles began with anxiety attacks around age 10 and self-harm starting at 11 years old.

The players

Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones

The daughter of musicians David Bowie and Iman, who has spoken publicly about her teenage mental health struggles and traumatic experiences in the mental health treatment system.

David Bowie

A legendary British singer-songwriter and Jones' father, who died in 2016 from liver cancer.

Iman

A Somali-American supermodel and Jones' mother, who was married to David Bowie for nearly 24 years until his death.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Whatever little freedom I had was taken away from me. I'm telling the story now because so many people don't know what it's like in those places.”

— Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones (Instagram)

“I hated myself inside and out. My last name is Jones, and I grew up being treated mostly like a normal kid in normal environments. People assume that means having a perfect childhood.”

— Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones (Instagram)

What’s next

Newsweek has reached out to Jones' mother, Iman, for comment on her daughter's experiences.

The takeaway

Jones' story highlights the complex challenges faced by children of celebrities, who may struggle with mental health issues and treatment despite their privileged upbringings. Her account underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the mental health treatment system, particularly for vulnerable young people.