NBA star Anthony Edwards was fighting a private custody battle with ex Daja Carlyle months before his public legal feud with Ayesha Howard erupted.
Edwards Fought for Custody of Daughter With Daja Carlyle
Long before his heated court battle with ex-girlfriend Ayesha Howard made headlines, Anthony Edwards was locked in a legal dispute with another former partner, Daja Carlyle. Court documents reveal that the Minnesota Timberwolves star filed a petition for legitimation, custody, parenting time, and child support for his daughter, Aris Ariel Carlyle, on February 20, 2024.
Edwards, 23, sought joint legal and physical custody of the child, arguing that the court should set child support payments. Carlyle, however, countered his request, admitting that Edwards was the father but insisting that she should retain primary custody. She requested that Edwards receive reasonable parenting time while paying support.
The situation escalated when Edwards accused Carlyle of harassing his associates. In April 2024, he filed a motion to prevent her from contacting individuals connected to him, including those working at his agency. His attorneys claimed Carlyle had been sending “repeated and unsolicited” messages, making demands, and issuing vague threats about future legal proceedings.
Edwards Accuses Carlyle of Harassment and Sabotage
In his court filing, Edwards alleged that Carlyle was deliberately interfering with his personal and professional relationships. His lawyers argued that her communication with his team was unnecessary and disruptive. They emphasized that her behavior caused stress for Edwards and others involved.
Carlyle denied the allegations, arguing that she had not harassed Edwards or his associates. Despite the tension, the case moved forward, and by September 2024, both parties were preparing for trial. During this period, Edwards revealed he was already paying Carlyle $5,000 per month in temporary child support.
His attorneys pushed back against Carlyle’s financial claims, arguing that she was voluntarily unemployed and relying on child support instead of seeking her own income. They alleged that she had refused to provide bank statements to prove how the money was spent. Edwards’ legal team insisted that $3,222 per month was a fair amount and that Carlyle was receiving an extra $1,778 beyond the standard calculation.
Eventually, a final settlement agreement was reached, though the terms were not publicly disclosed.
Another Custody Battle With Ayesha Howard Followed
While Edwards’ legal drama with Carlyle was unfolding, another storm was brewing. In October 2024, he became embroiled in a second custody fight—this time with Ayesha Howard, the mother of his daughter, Aubri Summers Howard. Unlike his battle with Carlyle, Edwards made it clear that he did not want custody or visitation rights with Aubri.
Howard provided the court with alleged text messages from Edwards, including one where he reportedly urged her to terminate the pregnancy. The case remains ongoing, adding another layer of legal complications to the NBA star’s personal life.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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