Paul Pierce has been named in a paternity lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles woman who is asking a court to compel the former NBA star to take a DNA test.
Paul Pierce paternity lawsuit filed
Court papers filed on January 12 show Princess Santiago, an event director based in Los Angeles, is seeking genetic testing to determine whether Pierce is the father of her unborn son.
The filing, first reported by TMZ Sports, states the request came after attempts to resolve the matter privately failed.
Santiago said the case is about accountability rather than publicity, insisting she only turned to the courts after informal efforts did not lead to a resolution.
“I filed for paternity papers after multiple attempts to resolve this privately,” Santiago said in a statement. “Paul Pierce is the father of my son, King, and I am simply asking for a paternity test so the truth can be confirmed.”
She added: “This isn’t about drama or attention, it’s about accountability and doing what’s right for my child.”
TMZ reported that no hearing has yet taken place in the case. Pierce’s attorney declined to comment when contacted by the outlet.
Santiago has shared several photos documenting her pregnancy on social media since November. Her most recent post features a caption reading: “It’s only up from here.”
Pierce has not made any public statement regarding the lawsuit.
Pierce’s personal background
Pierce has three children with his former wife, Julie Landrum. The couple were together for more than a decade before divorcing in 2023.
The lawsuit marks the latest legal issue involving the former NBA forward. In October 2025, Pierce was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in California.
He later pleaded not guilty, saying in a social media post that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel because he was “old and tired.” That case remains ongoing.
Pierce enjoyed a 19-year NBA career after the Boston Celtics selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 draft. He also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017.
He won an NBA championship with Boston in 2008 and earned Finals MVP honours. Pierce made 10 All-Star appearances during his career and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Since retirement, Pierce has worked as a television analyst while remaining a prominent public figure within basketball circles.
