TODAY’S PAPER | March 18, 2026 | EPAPER

Dwight Howard’s ex seeks temporary custody of teen daughter amid new allegations

Dwight Howard custody dispute intensifies as ex seeks emergency order over daughter’s emotional distress concerns


Pop Culture & Art March 18, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Reuters

A new custody dispute involving Dwight Howard has emerged, as his ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Render, filed for temporary custody of their 15-year-old daughter, Layla, citing concerns about the teenager’s emotional well-being.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Render requested an emergency hearing in Georgia, claiming their daughter is “emotionally distressed” and reluctant to return to Howard’s residence. She argued that the situation requires urgent legal intervention to prevent further emotional harm.

Howard was granted primary custody of Layla in 2024 following a prolonged legal battle between the parents. However, this latest filing signals renewed tensions, with Render seeking to modify the current custody arrangement.

Sources close to Howard have disputed the claims, alleging the filing is “contrived” and tied to ongoing personal conflicts. They suggested that the timing of the request is not coincidental and claimed Render is working alongside Amber Howard to generate negative publicity against the former NBA star. The sources also stated there is nothing in recent police reports that would raise concerns about Layla’s safety.

The custody request follows recent allegations made by Amber Howard on social media, where she accused Dwight Howard of drug use. Law enforcement has reportedly been called to Howard’s Georgia home multiple times in recent weeks, including at least one incident captured on body camera footage.

As the situation develops, the court’s decision on the emergency custody request could significantly impact the ongoing dispute and future custody arrangements.

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