Dwyane Wade Fires Off on Ex-Wife Siohvaughn Funches’ ‘Nonsensical’ Attempt to Block Daughter Zaya’s Name Change

30.11.2022 - 19:35 / usmagazine.com

Doubling down. Dwyane Wade defended allowing daughter Zaya to officially change her name and gender, calling out ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches‘ attempts to block the decision.

The retired NBA player, 40, argued in Zaya’s favor in a new set of court documents filed on Monday, November 28. According to Page Six, Wade asserted that Zaya, 15, would be able to “live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life” after making the legal changes.

“This petition is about allowing Zaya to take on the milestones of being a young adult with confidence and joy,” the former athlete added, stating that he supports whatever is in the “best interest” of his child.

Wade took aim at Funches, 41, for her “nonsensical” stance on the issue, explaining his opinion that the changes would make a difference in all aspects of Zaya’s life, “from simple introductions and food orders, to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.”

He continued: “While it certainly would have been preferable for Zaya’s mother to be supportive of this important part of Zaya’s journey, Zaya should not be forced to put her life on hold while she waits for Siohvaughn to acknowledge and accept her truth.”

The Olympian married Funches, who was his high school sweetheart, in 2002. They called it quits five years later, and Wade officially filed for divorce in 2010. He was awarded sole custody of their two children — Zaire, 20, and Zaya — in 2011 following a messy court battle. (Wade is also the father of son Xavier, 8, with Aja Metoyer and daughter Kaavia, 3, with wife Gabrielle Union.)

Earlier this month, the public speaker accused her ex-husband of profiting from Zaya’s gender identity after publicly revealing the teen’s transition in 2020.