Nationwide — Actor and comedian Faizon Love told a Florida court he could not afford his child support payments due to financial hardship before being arrested on contempt charges. His case stems from a long-running dispute over unpaid support and claims of limited income in recent court filings.
Love, 58, known for Elf, Friday, and Couples Retreat, was arrested on June 16 in Hillsborough County. Authorities booked him on two counts of contempt of court linked to a family court case involving alleged unpaid child support obligations.
According to TMZ, court records cited in reports show Love told the court he had little to no income over the past year. He also stated that his highest annual income in the last five years was about $13,000. The dispute centers on claims he owes around $250,000 in unpaid child support to Tiffany Lee, who recently reopened the case.
Love’s legal team said his financial situation declined significantly in recent years. His attorney, Glen Lansky, said the actor experienced periods of homelessness and relied mainly on small residual payments from past acting work. Reports also note he receives limited royalties from the 2003 film Elf.
His attorney argued that incarceration would make it harder for Love to rebuild his finances and find work. Court filings also state he has minimal income, drives an older vehicle, and depends on friends for basic living support.
Love appeared in court in a wheelchair after spending time in custody. A judge later ordered his release and required him to submit detailed financial records so the court could assess his ability to pay child support.
Child support contempt cases usually focus on whether a parent can realistically meet court-ordered payments. Love’s attorney plans to request a modification of the existing support order as the case continues in a Florida family court.