We’ve said it before that parents should be careful on social media during child custody disputes. Apparently, Tyrese Gibson doesn’t read our blogs.
The Fast and Furious franchise star had been a constant presence on Instagram throughout his battle with ex-wife Norma Gibson over custody of their daughter Shayla. A couple weeks ago, Tyrese thanked Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith for giving him $ 5 million to stay off social media, appropriately posting the thank you on the ‘Gram. Probably not the best idea.
Insta IRL
The custody battle over Shayla goes back years, but has escalated in recent months. In September, Norma Gibson was granted a restraining order against Tyrese after she claimed he “pushed our daughter to the ground, pinned her face down, put his knees on her back, grabbed her hands with one arm and beat her with the other.”
In October, Tyrese appeared to violate the order by hiring a plane to fly a banner over his daughter’s school reading: “No matter what, Daddy loves you Shayla.” And Page Six reports that Tyrese skipped out on a court hearing this week, leading to Norma Gibson’s attorneys requesting a mental health evaluation.
Social Media Meltdown
The movie star had been Instagramming throughout, posting pictures of him and Shayla, firing off missives about his co-parenting and custody battle, and even firing shots at co-star The Rock. Those posts included an alleged emotional breakdown, claims that “psych meds” caused it, and, of course, the post about not posting anymore. (Representatives of the Smiths dispute the claim of the $ 5 million social media bounty.)
Aleen Khanjian, Norma’s attorney, argued in court that Tyrese’s recent social media activity violated a gag order barring him from discussing Shayla online and Page Six reports the actor has since made his Instagram account private. But the damage to his ongoing custody battle may already have been done.
Related Resources:
- Tyrese’s Latest Move Will Make It Even Harder For Him To Regain Custody Of His Daughter (BET)
- Ludacris Awarded Social Media Veto Power in Child Custody Case (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Can a Celebrity’s Fictional Public Persona Impact Child Custody? (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Celebrity Spotlight: Divorce and Custody Battles (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)