Tom Hanks Supports Daughter's Abuse Claims Against Ex-Wife

Tom Hanks has publicly addressed the revelations in his daughter E.A. Hanks’ memoir, "The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road," which details her difficult upbringing marked by alleged emotional and physical abuse by her late mother, Samantha Lewes. E.A. describes a troubled childhood, including her mother’s struggles with mental health and a home environment that deteriorated over time, leading to Tom gaining primary custody during her teenage years. Tom expressed admiration for his daughter’s honesty and bravery in examining her past, acknowledging that "we all come from checkered, cracked lives." He noted that he was not surprised by her candid storytelling and praised her as a "knockout" with a bold, literate mind. The memoir also recounts a cross-country road trip E.A. took after her mother’s death, serving as a journey to understand her family history. Tom and Samantha divorced in 1987, and Samantha passed away in 2002 after battling lung cancer.