Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has officially acknowledged he is the biological father of a two-month-old child and is pursuing joint custody, according to newly filed court documents.
Pierce, an NBA Hall of Famer, confirmed his paternity of the infant, King Rafael Santiago Pierce, in legal filings. He is requesting both joint legal and physical custody of the child, whose mother is Princess Santiago.
This legal move comes in response to a paternity lawsuit initially filed by Santiago in January. In her suit, she is seeking sole legal and physical custody, along with significant financial support. Her requests include nearly $30,000 per month in child support, approximately $19,000 for pregnancy-related expenses, and $100,000 in legal fees.
In her filing, Santiago cited Pierce's substantial career earnings—reportedly close to $200 million during his time in the NBA—as justification for the requested child support amount.
In a statement to media, Santiago expressed frustration with the timing of Pierce's involvement, saying: "For nine months, I went through this pregnancy alone—no financial support, no in-person presence from Paul. Now that the DNA test confirms he’s the father, he’s seeking joint custody?"
The case is now set to proceed in California courts, where a judge will determine custody arrangements and financial obligations for the child's care.