Dwyane Wade slams ex-wife’s claim he’s ‘pressuring’ trans daughter

The former NBA player, Dwyane Wade, has countered claims by his ex-wife that he is “pressuring” his daughter regarding her transition so he can profit financially.

The 40-year-old and Siovaughn Funches-Wade, 41, divorced in 2007. Their daughter, Zaya, 15, came out as trans in 2020.

On Wednesday (2 November) Funches-Wade filed legal papers in Los Angeles objecting to Zaya legally changing her name and gender.

In the documents, as reported by People, Funches-Wade alleges that Wade is “positioned to profit from the minor child’s name and gender change with various companies through contacts and marketing opportunities including but not limited to deals with Disney.”

Further, she expresses concerns Dwyane is “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.”

Posting his response on Instagram on Thursday (3 November) Wade lamented “the new way of parenting,” and having to address his ex-wife’s allegations on social media.

He describes Funches-Wade’s claims as “serious and harmful allegations that have hurt our children.”

“While none of us are surprised by Siohvaughn’s attempt to fight Zaya’s identity and her unwavering attempt to drag my name through the mud,” he continues, “l’m very disappointed that she continuously find ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children.”

He goes on to say that Funches-Wade been given opportunities to get to know Zaya but has not taken them. “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 says.

Addressing the claim he’s pressurising Zaya, Wade says, “No one in our house would ever force Zaya or any of our children to do anything against their will, much less force an identity on them. This isn’t a game for my family and definitely not for Zaya. This is her life!”

Pointing out that men are often given a had time for being absent parents, he affirms that’s not the case here and resolves, “I will not sit on my hands this time and allow her to make a mockery of my dedication to my family.”

He closes by saying, “The high road has run out of real estate. My lawyer will be in contact and best of luck to the 14th lawyer as they try to unravel this book of lies that’s been sold to them.”

As per People, Funches-Wade has asked the courts to let Zaya decide for herself when she turns 18

Dwyane Wade is now partnered with Gabrielle Union.

Attitude has contacted Dwyane Wade’s representatives for comment.