Wade’s 7-foot-3 bronze statue was unveiled outside Kaseya Center in Miami on October 27, 2024; however, some fans and critics said the statue did not look like Wade’s.
Along with the statue disputes, other controversies regarding Dwyane Wade‘s personal life surfaced online and circulated across social media like X, Facebook, and Reddit.
Dwyane Wade and his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches, have been involved in several legal disputes, including those concerning their daughter Zaya Wade‘s gender identity.
Highlights
- Dwyane Wade’s daughter Zaya Wade’s transgender struggles sparked legal issues with his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches after she opposed the legal name change.
- In February 2023, the court granted a legal name change to Zaya Wade. Her birth name was Zion Malachi Airamis Wade.
- Dwyane Wade and his ex-wife Funches have appeared in different court hearings, including their divorce case, child custody, and Dwyane’s second marriage.
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. is an American former professional basketball player who is currently the host of the American adaptation of “The Cube.”
He is regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. He spent most of his 16-year career playing for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Furthermore, Dwyane Wade is highly praised for his professional achievements, loved by many fans, and considered one of the most successful basketball players.
However, Dwyane Wade’s first marriage did not bloom like his professional life. In 2002, he married his high school girlfriend, Siohvaughn Funches.
The couple split in 2007 and divorced in 2010. There have been several lawsuits accusing each other of issuing, including cheating and child exploitation.
Dwyane Wade Sued By His Ex-Wife Siohvaughn Funches Over Gender Reassignment Of Daughter Zeya Wade
Dwyane Wade and his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches had two children, Zaire and Zion.
The younger daughter came out as trans in February 2020 when she was 12 years old. However, she knew about her gender identity since she was 3 years old.
Zaya was assigned male at birth, but she is identified as a transgender girl. In 2020, she came out publicly as a trans and wanted to change her name legally from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade get emotional while talking about their daughter, Zaya’s legal name and gender change. #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/4puffFw16x
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 26, 2023
After three years of completed legal struggle, she was granted a legal name and gender change in February 2023.
Moreover, the change came after a six-month court battle with Zaya’s mother, Dwyane’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches.
Apparently, Funches objected to Wade’s petition to change their daughter’s name and gender legally. She claimed that Wade pressured Zaya and then Zion to change their name and gender.
Furthermore, Siohvaughn alleged that Wade told her he intended to make Zaya famous due to the name and gender change. In her court petition, she wrote,
[Wade] told me that he intended to make our child very famous due to the name and gender issue and also informed me that there would be endorsements/contracts associated therewith,”
Siohvaughn Funches
Defending the allegation, Dwyane Wade wrote on his Instagram,
“While none of us are surprised by Siohvaughn’s attempt to fight Zaya’s identity and her unwavering attempt to drag my name through the mud, I’m very disappointed that she continually find ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children,
Dwyane Wade
With her father’s support, Zaya Wade was granted the name change, and the judge also approved her sex markers to match her gender identity.
Now, Zaya has been recognized as a figure of inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community and advocates for queer rights.
Dwyane Wade And Siohvaughn Funches’s Legal Battles Also Include Divorce And Dwyane’s Second Marriage
Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches were childhood sweethearts. They married in 2002 after welcoming their first son, Zaire. However, after five years of marriage, the couple split up.
Their divorce process turned into nasty allegations and accusations against each other. Funches sued Wade for defamation, alleging that he was a serial cheater and verbally and physically abusive towards her.
Denying the accusations, Dwyane Wade responded that Funches-Wade had become mentally unstable and had used up her money.
Dwyane Wade Blasted by Ex Wife and accused of Exploiting Zaya 😬 pic.twitter.com/Dufe9RXFzD
— Wellington Juku (@JukuWellington) November 2, 2022
Later, Siohvaughn disclosed that she was living on the streets, and in 2011, Dwayane was awarded sole physical and legal custody of their children.
The couple reached a $5 million divorce settlement and finalized their divorce in 2010.
Furthermore, in December 2013, Dwyane Wade got engaged to American actress Gabrielle Union. They got married in Miami on August 30, 2014.
Regarding Dwyane’s second marriage, Siohvaughn Funches filed a lawsuit alleging that Wade’s relationship with Gabrielle caused her and their son’s emotional distress.
Responding to the petition, Wade called the filing “baseless and meritless,” and the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.
Additional Information
- As of 2024, Dwyane Wade’s estimated net worth is around $170 million. He has diversified his earnings through ventures, NBA involvement, and other business endorsements.
- Dwyane Wade is raising five children: Zaire, Zaya, Xavier, Dahveon Morris, and Kaavia James Wade. Dahveon is his nephew.
- Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches, is a renowned public speaker, professional counselor, and advocate for survivors of domestic violence.
