Former NBA champion Paul Pierce is embroiled in a contentious child support and custody battle with Princess Santiago, an event director from Los Angeles, over their son, King Rafael, born in February. Court documents obtained by TMZ reveal alleged text messages exchanged between the two.
Santiago, who filed a paternity suit in January claiming Pierce is the father of her son, provided alleged text messages as part of their ongoing legal proceedings. In a message dated Feb. 6, Santiago informed Pierce of their son's birth, stating, "I just wanted to let you know that your son is here. He was born today. If you’d like to see him tomorrow, let me know." According to TMZ, Pierce did not appear to respond.
Another alleged text exchange from April 13 shows Pierce stating, "Just found out today officially that’s my son so anyway I can at least see him." Santiago responded two days later, expressing congratulations but also disappointment. "Anyway, you had the opportunity to take the test I paid for either before or after the birth," she wrote. "Instead, you chose not to and ignored my entire pregnancy with him; you prioritized love interests, vacations, other people and things over your son with wanting to know the truth."
Santiago further stated, "I’d appreciate you having a bit more respect for me as his mother and your son from here forward. Ive never kept you from King before or after his birth and I still won’t. I do appreciate that you’re beginning to step forward and finally acknowledge him." A subsequent alleged message from Santiago on April 30 read, "If you want to be a father to him, cool. If not, I’m not going to beg you."
Santiago is seeking sole legal and physical custody of King Rafael and is requesting child support payments, the amount of which has been redacted in court documents. She claims she is unable to work due to her childcare responsibilities and alleges that Pierce has refused to provide all necessary financial information to determine his support capacity. Santiago also claims Pierce has rejected her attempts at co-parenting.
In court documents filed July 31, Pierce opposed Santiago's prior request for $30,000 per month in child support and an additional $100,000 for legal fees. TMZ reported that Pierce stated he was willing to provide support but noted his income was decreasing, with payments from his former role at Fox Sports 1 set to end in September 2026.
Pierce, who played 15 of his 19 NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning a championship and Finals MVP in 2008, had three children with his ex-wife Julie Landrum. His jersey was retired by the Celtics in February 2018.