Elias Phoenix Was a Star at 7 as a Piano Prodigy on Ellen. Now 20, He Says Abuse from His Mom Almost Killed Him (Exclusive)

Elias Phoenix, a former child star, has recently opened up about a tumultuous childhood marred by alleged emotional and physical abuse. Known for his exceptional piano skills, Phoenix first gained national attention as a seven-year-old on *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*, where his upbeat personality enchanted audiences. However, beneath the surface of his fame lay a starkly different reality.

In an in-depth discussion with *PEOPLE*, the now-20-year-old musician reflected on the duality of his life as a child prodigy and the relentless torment he faced at home. Phoenix’s rise to fame in 2014 saw him perform on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall, and his cheerful on-screen presence captivated fans. “Performing was almost an escape,” he stated, expressing how music allowed him to portray a carefree version of himself, away from the pressures of his personal life.

Phoenix has now bravely shared accounts of the mistreatment he allegedly endured at the hands of his mother and twin brother, Zion. Earlier in the month, he released a series of distressing videos on social media, revealing moments of severe verbal abuse during a recording session for an audition at Juilliard. In one post, he referred to the experience as “torture” and described it as “a miracle” that he has survived.

The star’s revelations detailed a long-standing history of allegations that included both emotional and physical abuse. According to Phoenix, he was subjected to constant ridicule regarding his weight, which has led to lasting struggles with anorexia. He alleged that his mother would often physically assault him and belittle him in front of his brother. He even discovered an email in which his mother compared him to a devil emoji, prompting profound hurt.

Reflecting on his emotional struggles, Phoenix admitted to grappling with suicidal thoughts for the past three years. “The lingering effects are still kicking my ass,” he remarked, explaining that he feels a deep-seated lack of self-love as a result of his upbringing. However, following the death of his mother in 2020, Phoenix began to confront the traumas of his childhood. “It freed me,” he remarked, allowing him to finally process the impact of his past experiences.

His relationship with Zion, however, remains strained. After a period of separation, the two reconnected via email in early 2023. A subsequent visit in 2025 turned sour, leading Phoenix to seek help in a psychiatric facility for three days to cope with the feelings that the encounter had stirred. “There is a ‘hurt people hurt people’ cycle I have spent my whole life trying to avoid,” he explained, expressing disappointment in his brother’s behaviour and ultimately deciding to cut ties with him.

As he revisited painful memories, including the abusive moments captured on video, Phoenix expressed that he had not anticipated the intensity of the emotions that would surface. He described feeling as though the memories belonged to someone else, manifesting overwhelming fear that he had long buried. “Hearing mum scream again evoked the same fear that little me had,” he reflected.

Despite the pain of revisiting his past, Phoenix has found solace in sharing his story. He believes that his experiences are not merely personal but resonate with a larger conversation about familial abuse. “Just because someone is your mum doesn’t mean they get a pass to abuse you,” he stated firmly, encouraging others in similar situations to seek support and validation.

The positive response from the public since he began sharing his experiences has been overwhelmingly supportive. “The depressed, abused, imperfect, anorexic and sad Elias has been given more public love in just a couple of days than I ever previously had,” he remarked, highlighting the healing power of that support.

Phoenix’s journey is a stark reminder of the complexities of child stardom, where public personas can often mask deeply personal struggles. His story serves as an important message about the necessity of speaking out against abuse and seeking help for mental health concerns.

If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, help is available. Resources for child abuse, eating disorders, and mental health struggles can be accessed through dedicated helplines and support groups, which provide confidential assistance and support around the clock.