Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife is asking a judge to prevent their 15-year-old biological son from undergoing a gender transition, saying she is concerned Wade is “pressuring” their child for fame, according to reports.
Siohvaughn Funches-Wade is asking the court to prevent her 15-year-old child Zaya, born Zion, from undergoing a gender transition and name changing until Zaya turns 18, according to The Blast, which obtained copies of the legal documents.
Zaya came out as transgender in 2020 and is currently in talks with Disney. But Funches-Wade argues Wade is pushing Zaya to undergo the surgery because it is a lucrative business deal. (RELATED: Dwayne Wade Says Trans Child Knew Gender Identity 9 Years Ago)
“I have concerns that (Dwyane) may be pressuring our child to move forward with the name and gender change in order to capitalize on the financial opportunities that he has received from companies,” Funches-Wade argued in court documents, according to The Blast.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16:(L-R) Zaya Wade, Gabrielle Union, Kaavia James Union Wade and Dwyane Wade attend the World Premiere of “Cheaper By the Dozen” at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 16, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
“(Dwyane) told me that he intended to make our child very famous due to the name and gender issue and also informed me that there would be endorsements/contracts associated therewith,” Funches-Wade reportedly alleges. “I am concerned that our child is being commercialized at a young age and also of the uncontrollable consequences of media exposure i.e. cyberbullying, statements and/or pictures taken out of context of our child, and the unwanted spotlight focused on our child.”
Funches-Wade’s attorney said Wade will reap the benefits of the transition, according to The Blast.
“[Wade is] positioned to profit from the minor child’s name and gender change with various companies through contracts and marketing opportunities including but not limited to deals with Disney,” attorney Mark Gross reportedly said.
Funches-Wade’s request comes after Wade filed to allow Zaya to legally change names from Zion to Zaya, according to The Blast. Wade said Funches-Wade was only notified “as a courtesy,” according to the report.
But Funches-Wade argues their custody agreement from Illinois demands the former couple “shall discuss with and obtain input in the major decisions affecting care, welfare, activities, health, education and religious upbringing” of their two children.
A hearing is reportedly set for December.