NBA Star’s Paternity Battle Draws Public Attention in Court

Minneapolis, MN – NBA player Anthony Edwards is facing a paternity battle with Ayesha Howard in a Minnesota court. The case, which began earlier this year, has attracted public scrutiny, prompting Edwards to request that the court seal the proceedings to protect their child’s privacy.

In court documents obtained by In Touch magazine, Ayesha responded to Edwards’ appeal on April 16, arguing that the case has been public for over six months without any undue harm. Ayesha’s lawyer emphasized that sealing the case appears to be an attempt by Edwards to shield his public image following negative media reports.

Ayesha, 37, and Edwards, 23, are the parents of one daughter, Aubri Summers Howard, who was born in October 2024. Following the birth, the couple underwent a DNA test in December 2024 to confirm Anthony’s paternity.

Edwards claimed that the case has led to invasive public scrutiny and harassment, stating that information has circulated online, including personal messages and details regarding their child. His attorney argued that this unwanted attention has distracted both parties from their careers and parental responsibilities.

Ayesha’s response highlighted that no sensitive information has been filed, and she has not experienced the harassment or adverse treatment Edwards described. She firmly opposes sealing the records, arguing that the media coverage has been mostly factual and predictable given their public status.

“It seems the primary motivation to seal the record is to mitigate potential damage to his public image,” her lawyer stated. Meanwhile, Ayesha claims she is focused on raising their daughter independently without financial support from Edwards.

In previous messages revealed in court documents, Ayesha shared that Edwards allegedly advised her to terminate the pregnancy. Ayesha stated he had blocked her on social media after she notified him about the pregnancy and has not been involved in their daughter’s life.

Edwards, for his part, has accused Ayesha of filing paternity cases solely for financial gain. He has expressed no intention of seeking custodial rights over Aubri, stating his focus is on resolving financial matters. Ayesha recently filed for child support as she is currently unemployed.

As the case continues to unfold, a judge has yet to make a ruling on sealing the records or any financial support arrangements. This case, alongside Edwards’ separate paternity claim regarding another child, remains under scrutiny in both Georgia and New York.