The retired NBA player issues a lengthy statement after Siohvaughn Funches filed an objection to his petition for recognition of Zaya's gender and issuance of a new birth certificate.
- Nov 4, 2022
AceShowbiz - Dwyane Wade has shut down his ex-wife's allegations about him exploiting their transgender daughter, Zaya. The retired NBA player issued a lengthy statement on Thursday, November 3 to slam Siohvaughn Funches over her "damaging lies."
In a note shared on Instagram, the 40-year-old claimed he's not "surprised" by Siohvaughn's attempt to fight Zaya's identity" and "drag [his] name through the mud." He added, "I'm very disappointed that she continuously finds ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children."
"I've given her the opportunity to reach out to Zaya's teachers, doctors and therapist over the years and even meet her friends, so she could get her own understanding of our child's needs for her LIFE!" the former basketball pro player continued. "She won't do it!"
"Siohvaughn has decided to pretty much be an absent parent to Zaya ALL ON HER OWN. As men, we get a bad rep for not showing up and being absentee fathers, well that's not the case here because I'm ten toes down and I'm still going thru her BS!" he further fumed. "I will not sit on my hands this time and allow her to make mockery of my dedication to my family."
Dwyane's statement arrived after Siohvaughn filed an objection to his petition for recognition of Zaya's gender and issuance of a new birth certificate. In a petition obtained by The Blast, she argued, "There are multiple factors to be considered by the Court in determining the requests to change the minor child's name and gender." She added, "The minor child is fifteen and one-half years old."
"This matter has been highly reported in the media and there will likely be media pressure on the minor child," she added. "I have concerns that (Dwyane) 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 claim that Dwyane told her about how profitable Zaya's identity is. "In April 2022, [Dwyane] invited me to one of his residences in Atlanta, Georgia. During this occasion, [he] informed me that a lot of money had been already made and that additional money will be made in relation to our child's name and gender issue," she explained.
