Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou and his former partner are currently involved in a court battle over the custody of their children

Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has initiated a custody and child support case against his former partner, Ri’za Marie Simpson, as they dispute the care arrangements for their two young children.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Hounsou filed 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 share legal custody but is requesting primary physical custody, citing her work obligations and frequent travel as reasons she should have the children full-time. She has also asked the court to require Hounsou to pay child support, claiming their separation has significantly impacted her finances.

This legal action follows a December incident in Atlanta, during which Hounsou called police and alleged that Simpson struck him in the face after he asked her to leave his home. Simpson was arrested on charges including simple assault and obstruction, with authorities stating she provided false information to officers.

After her arrest, Simpson obtained a temporary restraining order against Hounsou but later withdrew it after the two reached an agreement.

The custody case is now proceeding in Georgia family court, with both parties expected to appear before a judge in the coming weeks. Neither Hounsou nor Simpson has publicly commented on the case.