Ayesha Howard, a social media influencer and mother to children with NBA star Anthony Edwards and rapper Lil Baby, is once again at the centre of controversy after making bold statements about wealth and relationships.
The 39-year-old is currently locked in a legal battle with Edwards over child support for their daughter, born in October 2024.
While she has repeatedly denied being a "gold digger," her latest comments have only added fuel to the fire.
In a viral Instagram Story, Howard appeared to take shots at women who don't have wealthy partners as the fathers of their children.
"I'm rich, you choose poverty, food stamps, and Section 8," she wrote-a statement that many saw as an attack on financially struggling mothers.
The backlash was immediate, with critics accusing her of being materialistic and reinforcing the very stereotype she claims to reject.
Her remarks came just as reports emerged that Edwards had allegedly agreed to a Sh139 million lump-sum child support payment.
In a move that has stunned fans and legal experts alike, Edwards has reportedly paid $ 1.08 million (sh139,568,400) in child support upfront, covering 18 years' worth of payments for his daughter, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Ayesha Howard.
The lump-sum payment, calculated at $5,000 (sh646,150) per month, was confirmed this week amid an ongoing legal battle over paternity and support obligations.
Sources intimate that the 23-year-old basketballer opted to settle the full amount in one go.
However, Howard was quick to shut down those claims, stating that no such agreement had been finalised.
The denial only intensified public scrutiny, with many questioning her true intentions.
Howard's history with high-profile men has kept her in the public eye. From her past relationship with Lil Baby-father to her son Jason-to her ongoing legal battles with Edwards, her name is rarely far from controversy.
Despite the criticism, Howard insists she is not defined by her famous exes, claiming her personal brand and influence are her real sources of wealth.
