Former NBA star Paul Pierce did not respond to messages from his ex-girlfriend informing him of the birth of their son until after a DNA test confirmed his paternity more than two months later, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
Princess Santiago, an event director in Los Angeles, attached a series of alleged text messages in new filings as part of the ongoing custody and child support dispute over their infant son, King Rafael Santiago Pierce.
In a message dated Feb. 6, the day the boy was born, Santiago wrote:
“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.”
She received no reply, according to the documents. On Feb. 15, she sent another text:
“I gave you so many chances to do the right thing and not have to go down this path … you’re letting history repeat itself, acting just like your father. My son will not be ignored or treated like the black sheep.”
Pierce’s first response in the exchange came April 13.
“Just found out today officially that’s my son so anyway I can at least see him,” he wrote.
Santiago replied:
“Hello and congratulations, Paul. 99.99%. Anyway, you had the opportunity to take the test I paid for either before or after the birth. Instead, you chose not to and ignored my entire pregnancy with him; you prioritized love interests, vacations, other people and things over your son.”
She added that she never kept Pierce from their son and said she appreciated him beginning to step forward.
On April 30, Santiago wrote that she would stop repeatedly asking him to be involved.
“If you want to be a father to him, cool. If not, I’m not going to beg you.”
Santiago filed a paternity suit in January seeking genetic testing. Pierce later acknowledged he is the biological father. She is seeking sole legal and physical custody along with child support. The specific amount requested in the latest filings was redacted, though earlier documents showed her seeking $30,000 per month plus legal fees. Pierce has opposed that figure, citing declining income after his broadcasting work and existing financial obligations to other children and his ex-wife.
Pierce has said he is willing to provide support and has voluntarily paid $5,000 a month. He has requested joint custody. The case remains ongoing.
Pierce, a Hall of Famer who spent most of his career with the Boston Celtics, has four other children.
Flip the pages for the photos of Princess.
