'Grey’s Anatomy' Jesse Williams Pivots To Court Order Violation After Denied Inquiry Into Ex-Wife

By Afouda Bamidele on May 7, 2025 at 5:45 PM EDT

Jesse Williams at the 13th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024
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Jesse Williams and his estranged wife are stuck in a back-and-forth over their child's custody.

The "Grey's Anatomy" star reportedly filed a motion in court alleging that his former partner, Aryn Drake-Drake-Lee, is currently flouting an important court order regarding the custody of their children, five years after their divorce.

Jesse Williams and Aryn Drake-Drake-Lee tied the knot in 2012, only to finalize their divorce 8 years later in 2020. Since then, the couple has engaged each other in bitter exchanges with allegations of bullying and toxic behavior, among others.

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Jesse Williams Claimed His Ex Is Denying Their Kids Necessary Medical Attention

Jesse Williams at Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2024 Runway Show
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Williams sought urgent legal intervention regarding custody issues with his ex-wife, Drake-Lee. He alleged that Drake-Lee is not complying with a court order that grants him sole legal custody over medical decisions for their children. 

In an emergency motion submitted to the court, Williams described how Drake-Lee has reportedly blocked access to necessary healthcare for their kids, even going as far as to confront a doctor. 

She allegedly told the doctor that she did not consent to treatment and threatened legal action if he proceeded. The actor expressed his frustration and concern in the motion, stating that his estranged wife's actions have left him unable to secure necessary healthcare for their children.

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The service includes dental and orthodontic treatment for his daughter, Sadie, and his son, Maceo. He also recounted a troubling incident where the children questioned why their mother was behaving in such a way and expressed a desire to return to the doctor's office without her.

In Touch gathered that the actor's motion emphasizes his belief that his ex-wife's conduct is undermining the court's order granting him sole custody. Additionally, he accused her of attempting to interfere with his custodial time.

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The Actor Requested The Court Split Their Existing Custody Arrangement Last Year

Jesse Williams attends Los Angeles Premiere Of Sony Pictures' 'The Book of Clarence'
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On May 6, a hearing took place where the judge issued an order preventing Drake-Lee from interfering with the actor's ability to proceed with a modification of their custody arrangement.

The "Grey's Anatomy" star requested a change to establish a 50/50 split of custody, emphasizing that he lived close to his ex. He also believed the new arrangement would benefit the children without causing any logistical issues.

He shared that the kids had expressed a strong desire to spend more time with him, often asking how many days they would be together each week and if they could stay longer during their visits.

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The actor also expressed to the judge his desire for equal custodial time with his children, emphasizing their strong bond. He mentioned that they often inquire about the duration of their visits with him and frequently ask to stay longer.

To facilitate easier transitions, Williams moved to a home just 15 minutes away from his ex. Despite this proximity, he noted that the frequent transitions are challenging for the children and lead to unnecessary interactions between him and Drake-Lee.

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Williams' Ex-Wife Claimed He Was Making Unreasonable Demands

While Drake-Lee did not oppose the actor's request for additional time with the children, she expressed concerns about third-party supervision. Drake-Lee then requested the right to custody if her former husband was out of town.

In a recent development regarding custody arrangements, Drake-Lee did not oppose the actor's request for additional time with their children but raised concerns about the necessity of third-party supervision. She also sought the right to custody if her former husband is out of town.

She openly accused Williams and his legal team of bullying her throughout the divorce process. She alleged that they have been making unreasonable demands and threats.

The threats tilted towards suggestions that they would take her to court and file emergency motions if she fails to comply with their requests. 

Drake-Lee described these demands as "ungrounded and riddled with confusion and lies," arguing that her estranged husband's requests are primarily driven by his desires rather than the best interests of their children.

She criticized his approach as detrimental to their children's mental, psychological, emotional, and physical health. Drake-Lee asserted that he expects her and their children to be constantly available to accommodate his unpredictable needs.

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The 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Loses Out On Move To Obtain Details On His Ex's New Boyfriend

Jesse Williams attends the 4th Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala
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As shared by The Blast, Williams faced off against his ex-wife in court. During the hearing, he sought to obtain information about Drake-Lee's new boyfriend, Peace Reedburg.

He took the step after discovering that Reedburg had access to their two children without his knowledge. However, the judge denied Williams' request for details regarding Reedburg.

Despite this setback, Williams emerged victorious in the custody dispute, gaining full legal custody over his children's healthcare. 

The court also tasked him with keeping Drake-Lee informed about their children's health, education, and overall welfare, marking a favorable conclusion to their legal proceedings.

Jesse Williams' Estranged Wife Was Ordered To Return Their Daughter's Personal Effects 

In a custodial hearing, Williams accused his ex-wife of withholding an Apple Watch he had purchased for their daughter. The judge took issue with this and ordered Drake-Lee to return the gift within 48 hours, marking Williams's victory in the ongoing custody battle.

He has consistently expressed his deep love and s with his children, emphasizing the importance of equal custodial time. As the case went on, the TV star outlined multiple instances of alleged misconduct by her.

He highlighted that she reportedly withheld their children's passports and took them out of school on days that had been designated for him.

Is there any hope of a truce between Jesse Williams and his ex-wife?

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