Christina Ricci's divorce proceedings continue to be contentious as her ex-husband, James Heerdegen, has filed for an emergency hearing concerning their custody agreement. The request stems from allegations that Ricci consumed alcohol during a flight with their 11-year-old son, Freddie, on June 16.
Heerdegen brought the claim to court, stating that Freddie had contacted him alleging Ricci drank alcohol on their flight to Canada. However, subsequent court documents filed by Freddie's legal representative indicate that the minor felt he had "overreacted" in sending the initial text messages. The documents further state that the description of Ricci's alcohol consumption and subsequent behavior was "not as he had described" and that Freddie "had no fear in continuing to be" in his mother's custody.
Heerdegen's request for Ricci to undergo alcohol testing was denied by the court. The court also ruled that any specific records related to this incident that Heerdegen intends to file must be sealed from public access. This decision was made after Freddie's counsel noted a "real threat that public access to the statements and records may jeopardize the stability of Freddie's mental health."
The divorce between Ricci and film producer Heerdegen, which was finalized in December 2022, has been marked by significant acrimony. The separation involved domestic abuse allegations from both sides, a restraining order, and an ongoing custody dispute. At the time of the divorce finalization, the couple agreed to share joint custody of Freddie. Ricci was designated to make major decisions regarding medical and educational matters and holds primary physical custody, though physical custody is shared.
In terms of financial settlement, Ricci retained her Los Angeles home and her acting earnings. She was also required to give up a car and make a one-time payment of $189,687 to Heerdegen. Ricci also kept her San Fernando Valley home and split proceeds from a property sale in New York City. As per the 2022 legal documents, residuals and royalties from her work were also retained by Ricci. The agreement stipulated no spousal or child support, but Ricci is responsible for 100 percent of their son's private school tuition and any uncovered medical expenses.
Ricci initially filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The path to divorce was complicated by mutual domestic abuse allegations and a restraining order. In January 2021, Ricci was granted a domestic violence restraining order against Heerdegen. He attempted to obtain his own restraining order later that month but was denied.
A custody agreement was approved by a judge in April 2021. This agreement favored Ricci, granting her custody of their son when she relocated to Vancouver, Canada, for a project, with Heerdegen having visitation rights. Ricci also agreed to cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs, including economy airfare, for Heerdegen's visits, and she had the discretion to choose his accommodation.
Ricci married hair stylist Mark Hampton in October 2021. They share a four-year-old daughter, Cleopatra. The couple met on the set of ABC's "Pan Am" and married in 2013 after two years of dating.