Dwight Howard’s Custody Battle Over Daughter Heats Up Amid ‘Dancing w/ The Stars’ Stint

Dwight Howard’s Custody Battle Over Daughter Heats Up Amid ‘Dancing w/ The Stars’ Stint

Dwight Howard’s latest challenge goes beyond the dance floor.

The 38-year-old former NBA star is caught in a heated custody dispute over his 13-year-old daughter, Layla, while competing on Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars.

Dwight Howard (ABC, Disney)

According to court documents obtained by media outlets, Dwight Howard filed a petition in November 2023 to alter the existing custody arrangement with his ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Render.

Dwight Howard and Tiffany Render initially reached a custody agreement in January 2023, which granted Tiffany primary physical custody while Dwight had secondary custody. However, Dwight’s recent petition argues that significant changes in circumstances require a modification. Specifically, Dwight alleges that Tiffany Render moved from Georgia to Florida with Layla in July 2023 without informing him and has failed to communicate about important aspects of their daughter’s life, including education and healthcare.

Dwight’s lawyer stated,

“[Tiffany] has demonstrated an inability to maintain a healthy home environment in which to raise the minor child.”

Dwight Howard, Tiffany Render

Dwight further accused Tiffany of allowing Layla to post inappropriate TikTok videos and of permitting her to film for a reality TV show without his consent.

In response, Tiffany denied the accusations, arguing that Dwight was aware of the move to Florida and that both parents had discussed their daughter’s social media content. She also contested claims that she failed to provide a suitable environment and demanded an increase in child support payments.

In January 2024, a judge issued a temporary order favoring Dwight, granting him primary physical custody on a temporary basis, with Tiffany awarded parenting time as agreed upon by both parties. The judge also terminated Dwight’s child support obligations temporarily and granted him final decision-making authority.

The ongoing case, listed as “open” on the court docket, awaits a rescheduled hearing after the original May date was delayed.

As the two parties anticipate a hearing, Dwight continues to impress on the dance floor, advancing to Week 2 of Dancing with the Stars after a premiere with no eliminations.

What are your thoughts on this custody battle? Share them below!

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