Fulton County Court has ordered Fast & Furious star Tyrese Gibson, to pay his ex-wife, Samantha Lee nearly $650,000 by a judge he publicly called out for being “racist.”
The Fast & Furious star was held in contempt of court for failing to pay the $10,000 a month in child support he was ordered to cough up last August.
According to TMZ, Tyrese argued on the stand that the monthly amount is excessive as Lee allegedly earns a substantial income on her own.
The Alter Ego singer’s protest fell flat, though, as he was ultimately ordered by Judge Kevin Farmer to fork out $237,944 in back child support payments to his ex-wife — with whom he shares a four-year-old daughter named Soraya — and $399,000 for Samantha’s attorney fees.
The actor/singer has until 15 May to pay roughly $258,000 of the amount owed. His attorney, Tanya Mitchell Graham, said that date could be pushed back, though, as she plans to file an appeal. She has also filed a motion for a new trial which will be heard next month.
Following the hearing, Tyrese issued a statement to The Shade Room disputing the judge’s ruling, citing the nearly $150,000 a year his ex-wife allegedly earns.
“Everything will be appealed. My attorney, Tanya Mitchell Graham, stated that at least 30 things beyond the scope of the law was mishandled and flat-out egregious and illegal,” he said.
Tyrese also claimed that Samantha “originally paid $7,500 only to retain her attorney over two years ago and although she makes about $15,000 a month — almost $150,000 a year — she ended up with two different law firms [and] racked up almost $500,000 [in legal fees] and they never asked her for another dime because they were banking on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
“After my attorney asked their attorney why have you represented Samantha for [free] for well over two years and she can clearly afford to pay her own legal fees, they both said, ‘We really like her.’ People like me too but not enough to carry over two-plus years in legal fees without paying legal fees and make them wait over two years to be paid.”
He added: “The family law court system really fucking sucks. It’s all a process we will appeal.”
Tyrese also shared his disappointment at the outcome on Instagram, while addressing his supporters who showed up — but were turned away — at the courthouse after he called on Black fathers to join him in prayer prior to the hearing.
“It’s all the process, right? Is anyone really surprised the outcome?” he wrote. “I think of all things today of ALL things moved my [heart]. I just want to say to all of the fathers who showed up and was turned away for prayers today on the steps of the family law court building in Fulton County.
“I wish I would’ve seen you. I’m so sorry if you spent money on gas, and just simply wanted to show up and pray with me today, on behalf of all fathers, and the endless levels of injustices that continue to take place we will appeal.”