Julian Lennon, the eldest son of John Lennon, is using the 20th anniversary of his father’s death to express his grievances against the late Beatle and his widow, Yoko Ono.
In a heartfelt open letter posted on his website, julianlennon.com, the 37-year-old struggling musician accuses Ono of pushing his father “into a dark place” and ruining their father-son relationship.
Reflecting on what it would be like if John Lennon were still alive today, Julian contemplates the stark difference between his father as “John Lennon” (Dad) and “John Ono Lennon” (a manipulated and lost soul).
This is not the first time that Julian has publicly criticized Ono.
He has previously accused her of profiting from John’s legacy and depriving him of his inheritance.
However, the timing of this latest outburst, in which he reveals how abandoned he felt by his father, is sure to reignite controversy.
Elliot Mintz, Ono’s spokesperson, expressed his concern over Julian’s choice to vent his anger and frustration towards Yoko during this sensitive time.
Mintz acknowledges that Julian had legitimate issues with his father and that John himself admitted to being an absentee father.
However, Julian places most of the blame on Yoko.
Julian’s letter delves into his frustrations with his father’s negligence and his attitudes towards peace and love, which he feels never extended to him.
As he gained a deeper understanding of his father’s life, Julian began to pity him, recognizing how he was once a guiding light until he was consumed by a metaphorical black hole.
The breakdown of Julian’s relationship with his father was a result of John’s fear of fatherhood and his life with Yoko Ono, according to Julian’s account.
On the other hand, Yoko Ono does not show remorse for her relationship with John Lennon.
She vows to never leave the apartment they shared, as it still holds his spirit.
She keeps his clothes in the closet and cherishes the memories they created together.
Paul McCartney, another member of the Beatles, chooses to remember the somber anniversary with positivity.
He plans to spend the day making music, something he and Lennon always enjoyed doing together.
McCartney also expresses his joy that the Beatles’ greatest-hits album, “1,” is breaking records on the charts.
In Central Park tonight, hundreds of Lennon fans will gather at Strawberry Fields for a memorial vigil, paying tribute to the spot where he was tragically shot by a deranged fan, Mark David Chapman.
Despite requests from fans, Mayor Giuliani has decided not to extend the park’s 1 a.m. curfew for the commemoration.
This decision has been met with criticism and one fan even nicknamed the mayor “Mean Mr. Mustard,” referencing a Beatles song.
The Lennon memorial committee hopes that the mayor will recognize the significance of December 8th and reconsider his decision.
