Nationwide — Tyrese Gibson has addressed recent reports of his detention related to unpaid child support. In a statement to Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 11, Gibson clarified the situation, saying, “I am in good spirits and confident in my legal team’s pursuit of justice.” He explained that he was “detained, not arrested” for less than two hours and was released immediately after his attorney, Tanya Mitchell Graham, filed a Notice of Intent to Appeal.
The actor also announced his decision to step away from social media to focus on his family. Gibson, a vocal advocate for parents dealing with child support challenges, spoke out about the systemic issues within family courts, especially affecting Black and Brown communities.
“My personal experience has shed light on the flaws in the system, showing a pressing need for reform,” Gibson said. He expressed empathy for parents, particularly those without financial means, who face biases in the family court system. He noted that fathers striving to be present are often penalized, further widening the justice gap.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Gibson was found in contempt of court for owing $73,000 in child support and legal fees to his ex-wife, Samantha Lee. Although he was expected to resolve the debt, his legal team has instead filed an appeal. While this delays the payment, it does not absolve Gibson from the obligation, as the matter will be addressed after the appeal process concludes.