Nipsey Hussle's sister to keep custody of his 10-year-old daughter
Smith argued Emani’s mother was unfit to parent.
Nipsey Hussle’s sister, Samantha Smith, will keep custody of his 10-year-old daughter, Emani.
On Monday (May 20), the courts ruled in Smith’s favor after she argued Emani’s mother, Tanisha Foster, was unfit to parent. Earlier this month, Smith filed a petition for custody claiming that it would “ensure the continued stability for Emani and ensure that she will be able to maintain her current and ongoing relationship” with Hussle’s family.
The ruling came just hours news broke that an arrest warrant had been issued for Foster relating to a prior DUI case years ago. Reports also showed Foster had other run-ins with the law in 2006 and 2007, respectively. After the sealed hearing on Monday, Foster told TMZ she was “pissed off” about the outcome. Her lawyer, Larry Lewellyn, is reportedly arranging a visitation schedule that will be “in Emani’s best interest.”
Last week (May 14), Foster reportedly broke down in court when she saw Emani for the first time in months. A judge allowed a 20-minute private visit between the two before rescheduling a new hearing date.
At the time, Lewellyn told the press that his client’s intent was to have Emani back in her life. “Our position is that as the mother, she’s the natural guardian. But we will look into the entire situation,” he said. Foster’s attorney also noted that she wanted “what is best” for her daughter.
Hussle and Foster shared joint custody of Emani while he was alive. The rapper was tragically gunned down in front of his Marathon clothing store in March. His family has rejected crowdfunding for his two children, one with actress Lauren London, stating that the philanthropist set up “multiple trust funds” for his kids before his death.
Another custody hearing for Emani is scheduled for July.