Tyrese Gibson was detained on Monday for failing to pay court-ordered child support, TMZ reported. The singer and actor, who shares a 5-year-old daughter with ex-wife Samantha Lee, appeared in Fulton County court on Monday. The hearing did not go in his favor.
Judge Kevin Farmer, frustrated with Gibson’s refusal to pay $10K/month in child support since April 2023, held him in contempt of court on Monday. The bailiff handcuffed Gibson and escorted him out of the courtroom.
The judge offered Gibson a chance to avoid jail by paying $73,000, which includes $7,500 for his ex-wife Samantha’s attorney fees. On Sunday, Gibson had criticized Samantha’s actions on Instagram, calling them “goofy” and claiming his innocence.
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Gibson dismissed the situation as “baby mama drama,” stating their 2020 prenup covered everything. He criticized Samantha’s lawyers for not reviewing his bank statements, which he claims would prove he’s been paying child support. Instead, they relied on his IMDb profile, viewing him as a lucrative target to milk.
Gibson has been paying $2,200 monthly in child support, well below the judge’s order. He and Judge Farmer have had a tumultuous history, including a contentious 2022 showdown.
Gibson has since been released following an appeal filed by his attorney, Tanya Mitchell Graham, challenging the judge’s decision, according to law enforcement sources. Gibson’s appeal means he didn’t have to pay the $73,000 before his release, though he still owes the back child support. This delay mirrors a similar legal strategy used last year when the judge ordered him to pay child support, as reported by TMZ.
