Ayesha Howard, Anthony Edwards
Photo: Ayesha Howard/Instagram; Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty
Ayesha Howard is reportedly throwing water on the rumors that NBA star Anthony Edwards paid the entirety of his child support payment up front.
The rumor began on March 31 when a user on X claimed that Edwards, 23, requested to pay "the whole 18 years of child support upfront" to Howard.
The post quickly went viral and on April 2, another user claimed that the Timberwolves All-Star "confidently payed $1,080,000 in child support all at once" in another post on X.
But Howard, whose Instagram bio says she is a CEO, brand ambassador and musical artist, has reportedly denied the rumors in an exclusive statement to the Shade Room on April 2. “There are no court documents, motions, or proceedings that have occurred, nor have I been offered or agreed to such terms,” Howard told the Shade Room, according to the outlet.
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards Walks Back Alleged Comments Telling Woman to Get an Abortion with $100K Payoff
Ayesha HowardAyesha Howard
Ayesha Howard via Instagram. Ayesha Howard/Instagram
The website reported that Howard has also posted an Instagram Story suggesting the story was untrue. "Where do these lies be coming from," she reportedly wrote on her Story. She also posted a graphic that read, “You ever heard a rumor about yourself and actually wanted to hear more Like no way…… what did I do next?” amid the chatter.
Edwards has not yet commented on the situation. PEOPLE has contacted representatives for Edwards for comment, along with contacting Howard.
On Nov. 14, Howard shared the first photo of her baby on social media and announced her daughter's name, Aubri' Summers. "You are officially one month old. Today makes 30 beautiful sleepless nights and a life time to go," Howard wrote in the caption.
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Anthony Edwards after a game in Phoenix, Arizona on April 4, 2024.
Edwards is also a father to a daughter named Aislynn, who he shares with his current girlfriend, Shannon. The couple welcomed Aislynn in March 2024. Shannon also shares one son, Krue, with rapper Chief Keef. The status of the couple's relationship amid the rumors of another child with Howard remains unknown.
Who Is Anthony Edwards' Girlfriend, Shannon? All About Her Relationship With the NBA Star
In August, Shannon traveled to Paris to support Edwards in the Paris Olympics as he won gold with LeBron James and Team USA. She shared multiple photos on Instagram from the stands during games.
In December 2023, Paige Jordae claimed that Edwards impregnated her and then pressured her into having an abortion, according to multiple outlets including Fox Sports and the New York Post.
Anthony Edwards dunks against the Chicago Bulls on October 19, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
Anthony Edwards dunks against the Chicago Bulls on October 19, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
In response to a photo Jordae apparently sent of a positive pregnancy test and information about an upcoming doctor's visit, Edwards allegedly wrote, "Hell naw I can't do this," and "Get a abortion lol," in his text messages to the aspiring Instagram model.
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Edwards allegedly told her, "Man you can't force a kid in da world." Screenshots showed that Edwards allegedly offered Jordae $100,000 to get the abortion, and then pressured her into sending him a video of herself taking the pills for proof.
"You got the money now," Edwards apparently wrote in a text asking her what "the hold up" was in sending the requested video.
The claims quickly made the rounds on social media, and Edwards addressed the allegations in a statement on X.
"I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man," Edwards began in his statement. "All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them," he continued.
The Timberwolves star said he will be "handling my personal matters privately" and "will not be commenting on them any further at this time."