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In new court documents, former NBA star Dwyane Wade is continuing to fight for his 15-year-old daughter’s right to live her life as her authentic self.
Dwyane recently filed the paperwork to support Zaya Wade and bash his ex-wife—Siohvaughn Funches-Wade—for fighting efforts that’ll allow their child to legally change her name and gender.
In the filing, which was obtained by TMZ, Dwyane stated that the request is solely about doing what’s best for Zaya, who is transgender.
“A court order affirming her identity will allow Zaya to live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life—from simple introductions and food orders to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.”
He continued, saying that Zaya entering young adulthood “with confidence and joy” is paramount.
“This petition is about allowing Zaya to take on the milestones of being a young adult with confidence and joy.”
Dwyane’s recent filing is in response to his ex-wife’s attempts to shut the matter down, which he called “nonsensical.”
Back at the start of November, Siohvaughn formally objected to Dwyane’s petition to change their 15-year-old daughter’s legal name and gender.
In court documents, she specifically accused Dwyane of “pressuring” Zaya into the situation in the name of “financial opportunities.”
“I have concerns that [Dwyane Wade] may be pressuring our child to move forward with the name and gender change in order to capitalize on the financial opportunities that he has received from companies.”
She went on to double down on this stance and accuse Dwyane of essentially pushing the issue for clout.
“[Dwyane] told me that he intended to make our child very famous due to the name and gender issue and also informed me that there would be endorsements/contracts associated therewith.”
In the aftermath of Siohvaughn’s objections, Dwyane released a lengthy statement on social media to share his side.
The former baller specifically went in on his ex-wife’s character, as he alleged that she hasn’t made any attempts to “try to get to know” Zaya over the years.
“She has not been to a school, recital, graduation, school dance, play date, practice, parent-teacher conference, etc. and Zaya has given her every opportunity to try to get to know her. She won’t do it!”
He continued, straight up saying that “Siohvaughn has decided to pretty much be an absent parent to Zaya.”
“I’ve yet to see her make any sacrifice or effort to leave her own home to participate in her children’s lives in over a decade…My wife and our village has been her rock in helping her pick up the pieces after heartbreak after heartbreak. Siohvaughn has decided to pretty much be an absent parent to Zaya ALL ON HER OWN.”
Dwyane wrapped up his post by saying, “The high road has run out of real estate.” Additionally, he shared that he would be securing a lawyer.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing back-and-forth between Dwayne Wade and Siohvaughn Funches-Wade?
