In a recent interview on the “Hardly Initiated” podcast, Samantha Lee opened up about her 2020 divorce from singer Tyrese Gibson, shedding light on the emotional turmoil that led to their separation. She candidly admitted, “If I had different people in my ear at that time, I would not have made that decision, and that’s the truth.” The fitness and beauty influencer further added, “I was very, very hurt, I was very angry. … I was extremely emotionally intoxicated.”
A Glimpse of Hope for Reconciliation
Amid the divorce drama, Samantha Lee also expressed her willingness to consider reconciliation with Tyrese Gibson under specific conditions. She acknowledged their shared responsibility as parents and said, “If we were both willing to fight and do certain things, then yes. … No one wants a broken family.”
Tyrese Gibson’s Response
Tyrese Gibson did not take Samantha Lee’s podcast statements lightly. In a passionate Instagram livestream, he accused her of using the situation for publicity, saying, “You packed up a 1-year-old, put a COVID mask on top of the Ring cameras, and I was literally on my way home to fight for my marriage and my family. You’re heartless. This is all about money.”
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He added, “If you had people in your ear at the time, they must be still in your ear because you still trying to get $20,000 a month for a 5-year-old,” he said. “You make $160,000 a year on your own. This is all a game. You’re clout chasing.”
Tyrese’s Courtroom Battle: The Verdict on Child Support and Divorce
In a gripping courtroom showdown, Tyrese found himself in the midst of a fiery battle with his estranged wife, Samantha Lee Gibson in August. The drama unfolded as the judge presiding over the case got visibly heated during some of Tyrese’s testimony, particularly when Samantha’s attorney grilled him about his finances. Tyrese’s response, however, only added fuel to the fire.
“Tyrese made over $2 million in 2018, a year when he claimed to have been in financial ruin,” Samantha’s lawyer pointed out, causing tension to mount. Tyrese’s retort, “I don’t do the CFO thing. Here’s a question to you, smart person…” didn’t sit well with the judge, who promptly interrupted, shouting, “You don’t ask questions! That’s not how this works!!” The judge even threatened to hold Tyrese in contempt if he continued down this path.
The courtroom saga reached its climax when the judge delivered a significant verdict: Tyrese would be required to pay $10,690 per month in child support, for their daughter Soraya.
The Judge’s Wise Counsel
Perhaps sensing Tyrese’s discontent with the outcome, the judge offered some sage advice directly to him, saying, “This is not a punishment for you. Put that money where it belongs, in the child!” The judge further urged both parties not to badmouth each other in front of Soraya, emphasising the importance of maintaining a positive environment for their daughter.
The Financial Aspect
However, Tyrese’s financial burden was not limited to future child support payments. The judge ruled that the $10,690 per month would be retroactive to when Samantha first filed for divorce in September 2020, amounting to a significant lump sum of $209,000. This was a substantial financial setback for Tyrese.
In a small win for Tyrese, the judge took into consideration that he had been making Samantha’s car payments for two years. Consequently, the judge reduced the lump sum by $46,000, bringing it down to $169,000. This was a bit of financial relief for Tyrese in an otherwise challenging situation.
The Divorce Decree
In a decision that aligned with Tyrese’s wishes, the judge ruled that neither party would be required to pay spousal support. This marked a significant victory for Tyrese in his quest for a fair outcome. Furthermore, Tyrese would keep their Range Rover, while Samantha would retain their Land Rover, as per his request.
