Hollywood star Djimon Hounsou, ex partner in court over custody of children

Beninese‑American actor Djimon Hounsou has filed a custody and support case against his former partner, Ri’za Marie Simpson, in a dispute over the care of their two young children.

According to TMZ, a recently obtained court documents reveals Hounsou submitted legal papers in late January seeking joint legal and physical custody of their son, born in 2022, and daughter, born in 2023.

Simpson has agreed to shared legal custody but is pushing to be granted primary physical custody, citing her work commitments and travel history as key reasons she should care for the children full‑time. She has also asked the court to order Hounsou to provide financial support, saying their separation has had a “significant impact on her finances.”

The latest legal action comes months after an incident in December in Atlanta, when Hounsou called police and claimed Simpson struck him in the face after he asked her to leave his home.

Simpson was subsequently arrested on charges including simple assault and obstruction, with authorities saying she gave false information to officers.

Following her arrest, Simpson obtained a temporary restraining order against Hounsou. However, she later dropped the order after reaching an agreement with the actor.

The custody case is now moving forward in Georgia family court, and both sides are expected to appear before a judge in the coming weeks. Neither Hounsou nor Simpson has issued a public comment on the matter.