Tyrese Gibson Arrested Over A Monthly Ten Thousand Dollars Child Support Payment

 

Tyrese Gibson, the American actor and singer known for his roles in then FAST AND FURIOUS  franchise and his R&B hits, recently made headlines when he was arrested in connection with a child support dispute involving a monthly payment of $10,000. This legal battle, stemming from his ongoing financial obligations to his ex-wife Samantha Lee Gibson, has been a highly publicized affair, reflecting the complexities and emotional strain that often accompany celebrity family law cases. Tyrese Gibson is in custody in Atlanta after a contentious child support hearing where he was ordered to pay upward of $73,000 to his former partner by a judge to avoid jail time, according to court records.

The actor appeared in Fulton County Superior Court for the latest hearing in his ongoing battle with ex-wife Samantha Lee with whom he shares a daughter, Soraya. Gibson was ordered to pay $10,690 a month in child support in April 2023, but Judge Kevin Farmer held him in contempt over his nonpayment; Gibson was seen being handcuffed in court and then removed by a bailiff. 

“Mr. Gibson has chosen not to abide by the court’s child support order and was held in willful contempt yesterday for the third time since the conclusion of the divorce trial,” Lee’s attorney, Adam Gleklen, wrote in a statement.  “Mr. Gibson has only paid the proper child support amount three times in the 25 months since the divorce trial.” Gleklen added that despite the judge’s decision, Lee had directed him to request to the court that they not incarcerate Gibson and that she “has only ever wanted to effectively co-parent with Tyrese for the benefit of their daughter” and wanted to end the now four years of litigation, so they can each move forward with their lives for the best interest of their daughter.”

Farmer has handed the Fast & Furious actor an opportunity to avoid jail time if he pays $73.525.73 within 48 hours, according to the order for incarceration obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. This includes $7,500 in legal fees paid by Lee. Gibson had alleged been making a partial $2,200 in child support payments monthly, which is just under 25 percent of the amount the court ordered in 2022 during another contentious hearing.

It is reported that Gibson is making arrangements to pay the $73.525.73 and leave jail in Atlanta. On Sunday, Gibson told his Instagram followers that his arrest might be imminent in a post wherein he also attacked Farmer and griped about the fairness of the family court system toward fathers.

During court proceedings, Tyrese argued that the child support order did not reflect the significant financial strain he has faced in recent years. He cited a decrease in acting roles and music projects, coupled with substantial legal fees from the ongoing custody battle. Despite these claims, the judge ruled that Tyrese had the means to make the payments but had willfully failed to do so, leading to his arrest. This decision underscores the legal principle that child support is a priority obligation, and non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including jail time.

The arrest has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by high-earning parents in child support disputes, particularly when their income fluctuates significantly. Tyrese’s case has drawn attention to the often rigid calculations used in determining child support, which may not always account for the ebb and flow of a career in the entertainment industry.

Tyrese has not shied away from speaking about his struggles publicly, using social media platforms to express his frustrations and to rally support from his followers. He has repeatedly stated that his primary concern is the well-being of his daughter and that he is willing to fulfill his obligations, provided the terms are fair and manageable.

As the case continues, it remains to be seen how Tyrese will navigate this challenging chapter of his life and career. The situation highlights the broader issues of accountability, financial transparency, and the impact of legal battles on families, offering a cautionary tale about the complexities of celebrity life beyond the glitz and glamour.