Photo Credit:Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press
The Fast and Furious star Tyrese Gibson found himself in hot water this week after being arrested in Fulton County, Georgia for failing to make full child support payments to his ex-wife Samantha Lee. The 45-year-old actor appeared in court on Monday, September 9, 2024, where Judge Kevin Farmer held Gibson in contempt for nonpayment of $10,690 in child support due in April 2023.
The legal dispute stems from Gibson's 2020 divorce from Lee, with whom he shares 5-year-old daughter Soraya. Court records indicate that since 2022, Gibson has paid only $2,200 in child support - 25% less than the amount ordered two years ago.
To avoid jail time, Judge Farmer gave Gibson 48 hours to pay $73,525.73 in back child support. Gibson's attorney, Tanya Mitchell Graham, quickly filed an appeal on the ruling, allowing the actor to delay the payment and secure his release from custody.
Prior to the hearing, Gibson took to social media to express his frustrations, claiming "collusion" between Lee's lawyers and Judge Farmer. In a since-deleted Instagram post, he wrote: "We are APPEALLING [sic] ALL OF HIS RULINGS AND ALREADY HAVE TRIED TO GET THIS JUDGE THROWN OFF THE BENCH TWICE."
The actor also shared a photo with his daughter Soraya, stating: "The love that a father can have for his children can't quite be explained...Whatever the outcome is today...I am and will forever be their FATHER."
This is not Gibson's first brush with legal issues. In July 2024, he made headlines for suing Home Depot for $1 million, alleging "discriminatory mistreatment and consumer racial profiling."
Child support disputes among celebrities are not uncommon. Family law expert Laura Wasser notes: "High-profile cases often involve complex financial arrangements and can become contentious when large sums are at stake."
The National Parents Organization reports that nationwide, only 43.5% of custodial parents receive the full amount of child support owed.
He is set to reprise his role as Roman Pearce in the upcoming "Fast X: Part 2," slated for release in 2025. The film franchise has grossed over $7 billion worldwide since its inception in 2001.
Gibson's representatives did not respond to requests for comment. The actor's next court appearance is scheduled for October 15, 2024, where he is expected to present evidence of his financial situation and ability to pay the ordered support.
