In a turn of events that has caught the public’s attention, NBA star Anthony Edwards has agreed to grant full custody of his young daughter to Ayesha Howard amid their ongoing and tumultuous paternity conflict.
Edwards, a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, informed a Georgia court of his decision to temporarily hand over both physical and legal custody of their five-month-old, Aubri, to Howard. Court documents reveal his consent to this arrangement, announced on Monday by Us Weekly.
According to Howard, she has been Aubri’s primary caregiver since the child’s birth in October 2024. This latest development in their custody saga originates from a petition Edwards filed in Georgia back in September 2024 to establish paternity and discuss child support obligations.
Howard, who is also the mother of a nine-year-old son named Jason from another relationship, shared news of Aubri’s birth on Instagram. Meanwhile, the legal skirmish further escalates as Howard seeks to shift proceedings to California, citing the couple’s past residency across multiple cities due to Edwards’ basketball career.
In a startling allegation, Howard claims Edwards urged her to have an abortion when she disclosed her pregnancy, even blocking her on all communication platforms afterward. She further alleges that Edwards has consistently refrained from providing support and engagement during her pregnancy.
Their legal battle underscores deeper personal grievances, as Howard has produced text messages purportedly showing Edwards’ reluctance to participate in his daughter’s life, allegedly stating that the child would grow up ‘fatherless.’ Despite these harsh exchanges, Edwards is now pursuing a resolution regarding child support.
Outside his legal troubles with Howard, Edwards is romantically linked with Shannon Jackson since 2020. The couple shares a daughter, Aislynn, born in March 2024. Allegations also connect Edwards with fathering two other children from separate relationships with Daja Carlyle and Alexandria Desroches.
While Edwards remains in the media spotlight for both his court discussions and basketball career, his personal life continues to swirl with controversies and legal challenges. His association with Jackson, in contrast to his legal disputes with Howard, adds another layer to his public persona.
As Anthony Edwards navigates court proceedings and contemplates his paternal responsibilities, the unfolding drama highlights the complex interplay between celebrity, personal relationships, and legal obligations in the public eye.
