Actor and singer Tyrese has been ordered to pay around $650,000 in child support and lawyer fees as part of an ongoing child custody battle with his ex-wife Samantha Lee Gibson.
According to TMZ, Tyrese was in Fulton County court on Tuesday, April 25, to continue the dispute with his ex-wife. In August 2022, he refused to pay $10,000 per month in child support, arguing that the amount was “excessive.” He also claimed that Samantha makes good money on her own and does not need that much support. Additionally, he accused the judge of being racist towards him.
Despite Tyrese’s objections, the judge held him in contempt for failing to pay the requested amount. He was ordered to pay $237,944 in back child support and $399,000 for his ex-wife’s attorney fees, as well as an additional $17,000 for the special master appointed by the judge to deal with any disputes between Tyrese and his ex.
Tyrese does not have to pay the full amount at once, but $258,000 is due on May 15. His lawyer, Tanya Mitchell Graham, said they plan to file an appeal, which could potentially delay the payment.
After the court’s decision became public, Tyrese released a statement denying that he is a deadbeat father. He expressed regret for not being able to see other fathers who showed up to pray with him on the steps of the family law court building in Fulton County. He also called for changes in laws that affect fathers who feel they are being unfairly treated in family court.
The court ruling against Tyrese has garnered significant attention online.
