Tyrese Gibson says he is unable to pay the full amount of $10,000 in child support owed to his ex-wife Samantha Lee.
According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Gibson explained that his income, largely dependent on acting gigs, fluctuates greatly.
The actor stated that his income peaks during the years he works on the “Fast & Furious” franchise, but since filming for the franchise concluded in 2022, his earnings have significantly decreased.
Tyrese also attributed his financial struggles to industry strikes, which he claims has reduced his earnings.
His lawyer said, “[Gibson] was gravely impacted just as everyone who works in Hollywood. Because of the six-month work stoppage in the film industry in 2023, and because [Gibson] has not shot a major film since 2022, [Gibson’s] income has decreased to less than twenty percent (20%) of what [Gibson] was earning in August 2022, which [Gibson] would like to prove at a hearing on this matter.”
Earlier this year, Samantha Lee accused Gibson of being in contempt of court for failing to pay the court-ordered $10,690 per month in child support. Lee alleged that Gibson had paid her less than half of the required amount in December 2023 and January 2024.
This is not the first time Tyrese Gibson has faced scrutiny over child support payments. Earlier this year, Samantha accused the star of only paying only $3,500.00 in child support for December 2023 and January 2024, which is less than the required amount.
As a result, Lee sought a contempt charge and urged the court to hold the actor accountable for his actions. She also requested coverage for her legal expenses and interest on the unpaid portion of the child support that has accumulated over the disputed months.
The former couple, who divorced in 2020, share a 4-year-old daughter named Soraya.
