Unraveling Tyrese Gibson’s Child Support Drama: Just How Many Kids Does He Have?

Tyrese has two kids from two different baby mamas. Let’s get to know them both.

Stephanie Harper - Author
By

Updated Sept. 9 2024, 4:44 p.m. ET

Tyrese Gibson in 2024 attending a Vanity Fair event.
Source: Mega

When Tyrese Gibson released his single "Sweet Lady" back in 1998, he put himself on the R&B music map. These days, he is respected as both a musician and an actor, famously starring in the Fast & Furious movie franchise, as well.

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However, since being thrust into the public eye for a less-than-ideal reason, fans have questions about Tyrese's family life. The star is currently in the midst of a heated child-support battle with his ex-wife, Samantha Lee, and it's being reported that he's been ordered to pay her a hefty sum. Surprisingly, this isn't the first time Tyrese and Samantha have battled over child support.

But wait — how many kids does Tyrese even have?

Tyrese Gibson and his oldest daughter in 2019.
Source: Mega

Tyrese Gibson and his oldest daughter in 2019.

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How many kids does Tyrese have?

Tyrese has two kids. He shares a 17-year-old daughter named Shayla with his ex-wife Norma Gibson, to whom he was married from 2007 until 2009. Tyrese also shares a five-year-old daughter, Soraya Lee, with his more recent ex-wife, Samantha Lee. According to Page Six, Tyrese was ordered to pay more than $10,000 per month to Samantha as child support for Soraya in 2022.

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The outlet stated that the judge on the case told Tyrese, “I want you both to love your kid, and I want you both to tell your kid to love the other parent because that’s how we get successful human beings. Nobody won here and nobody lost. The kid lost because she doesn’t have her parents together. Minimize the effects of that loss. Minimize it in every way, shape, and form you can."

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The judge further explained that Tyrese's monthly child support payment was not intended to be a punishment. He also reminded Tyrese to spend as much quality time as possible with his children.

Tyrese Gibson was reportedly arrested in September 2024 for failing to meet his child support obligations.

Tyrese was handcuffed and detained in September 2024 for failing to meet the $10,000-a-month child support owed to Samantha, according to TMZ. During a court hearing in Fulton County, Tyrese refused to pay the hefty amount and was held in contempt on September 9. The media outlet reports that Tyrese owes $73,000 (including $7,500 for Samantha's legal fees), and the judge who initially ordered the payments stated he could avoid jail by settling the debt.

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The day before his court appearance, Tyrese expressed his frustration on Instagram, his disgust evident in his voice, stating that he’s never been to jail because "he doesn’t do anything illegal." He also described his ex’s actions as "goofy s--t." According to TMZ, Tyrese has been paying some child support — $2,200 each month — but attributes the ongoing battle to 'baby mama drama' and claims her lawyers see him as a "cash cow to milk."

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Who are Tyrese Gibson's baby mamas?

Tyrese's first ex-wife, Norma, was part of one of the most talked-about divorce battles in celebrity history with him. According to Celeb Suburb, they engaged in multiple legal disputes over the course of several years, and the drama pulled in tons of media attention. Norma and Tyrese fought over custody of their daughter for a while, with Norma citing that Tyrese was an absentee father.

In 2017, she filed for a temporary restraining order against him to ensure that he would stay away from her and their daughter. Tyrese opened up to People about the custody battle, saying, "There’s nothing I love more in this world than my daughter, and I would never do anything to harm her well-being or happiness. Coparenting is tough and it’s unfortunate when your partner tries to sabotage the situation with hurtful eyes and irrational behavior.”

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Tyrese‘s divorce from his second wife, Samantha, is nearly just as messy. According to TMZ, he did everything he could to avoid having to send Samantha monthly spousal support. He wanted the stipulations written into their original prenup to be enforced no matter what. One thing he did offer Samantha was a 2017 Land Rover Discovery.

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