Djimon Hounsou and his former partner Ri’Za Marie Simpson are now headed for a legal showdown over custody and child support following a turbulent breakup that has already involved police intervention, restraining order claims and accusations of domestic conflict.
The former couple, who share two children born in 2022 and 2023, reportedly separated in 2024 but initially continued living together in Atlanta while co-parenting.
However, tensions escalated after a domestic dispute late last year allegedly led to Simpson’s arrest following claims that she assaulted the actor during an argument at his home.
According to reports, Hounsou contacted police in December alleging Simpson struck him in the face after he asked her to leave the property.
Simpson was later arrested on charges including simple assault and obstruction after allegedly providing false information to officers.
The legal conflict intensified further in January when Simpson filed for a restraining order against the actor, accusing him of financial abuse and attempting to unlawfully force her out of the home.
In court documents, Simpson also described an earlier confrontation in which she claimed Hounsou shouted at her in front of their children and got “nose-to-nose” with her during a heated dispute.
A judge later partially granted her request by issuing a temporary protective order requiring Hounsou to remain away from Simpson and prohibiting contact until a scheduled court hearing.
Despite the escalating legal drama, Simpson reportedly maintained that she still hoped the situation could eventually be resolved peacefully for the sake of their children.
The latest filings now show both sides seeking formal custody arrangements.
Hounsou is reportedly asking for joint legal and physical custody, while Simpson supports shared legal custody but wants primary physical custody because of their differing work schedules and travel demands.
She is also seeking financial support, arguing that the separation severely affected her finances.
At one stage during the dispute, Hounsou publicly shared video footage recorded shortly before Simpson’s arrest, showing the pair arguing about access to the home and the return of keys.
Simpson also accused the actor of changing security access codes at the residence, allegedly preventing her from entering the property.
Despite the allegations and court battle, Simpson reportedly stated that she does not consider Hounsou an enemy but rather the father of their children, adding that her primary concern is protecting the children from emotional harm during the dispute.
The situation has drawn renewed attention to Hounsou’s previous co-parenting history with former partner Kimora Lee Simmons, with whom he shares son Kenzo.
That relationship also faced custody tensions in 2019 after Hounsou publicly expressed disappointment over missing time with his son on Father’s Day.
Away from the legal turmoil, Hounsou has also recently faced career-related headlines after reports emerged that he would not return for the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2.
The actor previously voiced villain Drogo Bludvist in the animated franchise but has reportedly been replaced in the live-action version by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.
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