July 29, 2025

The Divorce That Won't Die
Tyrese Gibson and Samantha Lee Gibson's marriage ended in 2020, but their legal battles continue to make headlines. Recently, the focus has shifted from custody and support to Tyrese's significant unpaid legal bills. Nearly half a million dollars in fees owed to Samantha's attorneys have landed the "Fast & Furious" star back in court, facing the possibility of jail time.
According to court documents, Tyrese has neglected to pay $492,651.99 to two law firms, The Gleklen Law Firm and Bloom Lines Alexander. These firms have accused him of ignoring court orders and letting the debt accumulate. This is the fourth attempt by Samantha's legal team to recover the funds, and now they're pushing for Tyrese to be incarcerated for up to 20 days.
Regret, But No Relief
While both Tyrese and Samantha have publicly moved on, the financial remnants of their split linger. The owed legal fees stem from Samantha’s efforts to enforce the original divorce settlement. Despite the growing debt, Tyrese reportedly continues to spend freely, which the law firms argue is a willful act of defiance.
Samantha has expressed regret over how quickly she ended the marriage, acknowledging her emotional state at the time. However, her attorneys state that this regret does not nullify the owed legal fees.
Legal Consequences Looming
If Tyrese fails to settle his debts, he could face jail time—a scenario that would add another layer of legal and reputational challenges to his career. His representatives have previously claimed that he is being unfairly targeted in these post-divorce proceedings.
FAQs About Tyrese Gibson's Legal Issues
Why is Tyrese being threatened with jail time? His ex-wife’s lawyers claim he owes nearly $500,000 in unpaid legal fees, prompting them to request the court to hold him in criminal contempt.
How long were Tyrese and Samantha Gibson married? They tied the knot in 2017 and divorced in 2020, sharing one daughter.
What did Samantha Gibson say about the divorce? In a 2023 podcast, Samantha admitted she may have acted hastily in ending the marriage but has not retracted her legal claims.
Can someone go to jail for not paying legal fees? Yes, if a court determines that the nonpayment is a willful defiance of a court order, jail time can be imposed as a form of contempt.