Why is Nia Long claiming full custody of son from Ime Udoka? 'The Best Man' actress seeks 'reasonable visitation' for ex-fiance
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nia Long has requested legal and physical custody of her 11-year-old son Kez Sunday Udoka, claiming that her ex-fiance Ime Udoka "has failed" to provide for their child.
The 'You People' actress, 52, allegedly asked for Udoka, 46, to have "reasonable visitation" that is "consistent with the child's best interest" in the paperwork she submitted on August 14 to Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Her ex-fiance is yet to respond to the petition, and the judge is still deliberating on Long's request, as per ET.
When did Nia Long and Ime Udoka welcome their child?
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Nia Long and Ime Udoka welcomed their son Kez Sunday Udoka in November 2011 after they began dating in 2010. Then they got engaged in 2015.
Long is also the mother of Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, 22, who she shares with her ex Massai Z Dorsey.
What happened between Ime Udoka and Nia Long?
Ime Udoka and Nia Long broke up after the former head coach of the Boston Celtics was suspended in September 2020 for an alleged affair with a female subordinate within the team's organization, which was later confirmed by a source to PEOPLE Magazine.
At that time, Long issued a statement that read, "The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community during this difficult time means so much to me. I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children," according to PEOPLE Magazine.
What did Nia Long say about being a mother?
The 'Best Man' actress said in a February interview with The Cut that she believes it is more crucial than ever to be open with her children and that she is "still figuring it out."
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She stated, "I've made plenty of mistakes as a mother. I've learned about myself through my parenting. Do I have regrets? Of course," adding, "But they're not regrets that were life-changing and devastating. They're like, had I thought about it before I got emotionally charged, I probably could have handled this more delicately."
'The Fatal Affair' actress expressed, "I also know that the world is tough. And if you prepare your boys for that, they can assert themselves in difficult situations without seeming like spoiled brats but like young men who are not afraid to lead the way and are gentlemen and respectful of women. That's my biggest thing right now."
