Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is facing a public legal and personal controversy that has escalated in recent weeks. His ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child, Ayesha Howard, has reportedly shared text messages in which Edwards allegedly urged her to get an abortion. The messages are part of a legal battle between the two, which has brought to light some troubling and controversial exchanges.
Howard claims she met Edwards in 2022, and their relationship eventually turned serious. In January 2024, Howard discovered she was pregnant and informed Edwards of the news. According to her, Edwards responded harshly, allegedly telling her to “get da abortion lol.” Howard quickly made it clear that she was not seeking hush money nor attempting to blackmail him. She also clarified that she had no intention of terminating the pregnancy.
The tension between them escalated, with further exchanges revealing the deepening rift. Howard questioned whether Edwards hated her, to which he allegedly replied, “Because you bringing a child in the world that’s gone be without a father.” Howard reportedly told him she did not expect him to be part of her life or their child’s, but Edwards allegedly responded, “I won’t be in a child life I don’t want lol. You are sick.” Shortly after, Edwards blocked Howard on all communication platforms, cutting off any further contact.
According to Howard, Edwards never reached out to check on her or offer any support throughout her pregnancy, emotionally, financially, or otherwise. She gave birth to their daughter, Aubri Summers Howard, in October 2024, but Edwards, who is already a father to another daughter with his girlfriend, Shannon Jackson, filed for a paternity test shortly after the birth. He also sought the court’s help to determine child support, should the test confirm his paternity.
Howard, however, filed her own petition in California, seeking legal and physical custody of the child and child support. She argued that the case should be heard in California, where she and the child reside, rather than Georgia, where Edwards had hoped it would be heard. Howard’s legal filings included the alleged text messages, which have now become central to the case.
Edwards reportedly underwent a DNA test in December 2024, confirming his paternity. However, questions remain about where the case will be heard and what the outcome will be regarding child support. Howard’s legal team claims that Edwards has made it clear he has no desire to be involved in his daughter’s life.
This isn’t the first time Edwards has faced such allegations. In 2023, Instagram model Paige Jordae shared text messages where Edwards allegedly urged her to get an abortion and even offered $100,000 to do so. Edwards later apologized, claiming his comments were made in the heat of the moment and emphasizing that all women should have the right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies.
If these allegations are true, it casts a dark shadow over Edwards’ public image and raises serious questions about his character. The legal battle is far from over, and only time will tell what the final outcome will be for Edwards, Howard, and their child.
