A Los Angeles court has awarded director Kyle Newman sole physical custody of his two sons with actress Jaime King, following years of contentious legal battles. The ruling, which came on March 18, 2025, requires King to complete a court-ordered six-month drug and alcohol rehabilitation program before she can be alone with the children. The boys, James Knight, 11, and Leo Thames, 9, will now primarily live with Newman, who will also have the final say over legal decisions affecting their upbringing, even though legal custody remains shared on paper.
This development continues to illuminate the rocky history between the former couple, whose marriage spanned 13 years until King filed for divorce in May 2020. The court documents reveal strong allegations against King, including accusations of long-term substance abuse, which, according to Newman, has compromised her ability to care for their children. Claims include incidents where she reportedly drove under the influence with the children and left Leo during appointments to purchase alcohol.
Newman's allegations about King’s substance use are particularly alarming. He contends, for example, “Leo was born with a congenital heart defect and doctors believe prenatal drug exposure played a role,” he stated, highlighting the severity of their legal dispute. King has consistently denied such claims, stating she has never failed any drug tests ordered by the court.
Regarding the new court ruling, supervised visitation has been arranged for King. Under the current terms, she is permitted to see her sons three times weekly — on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as every other Sunday. Visits must be overseen by approved individuals listed by the court, which include her mother, sister, brother-in-law, and Newman’s brother, Kevin.
Newman’s legal counsel recently expressed relief at the outcome, noting, “It’s important this case can finally progress toward the children’s well-being.” Conversely, King, who has not accepted these accusations lightly, engaged her own team of lawyers to navigate this unprecedented chapter of her life. Her legal representatives have been active, requesting adjustments to child and spousal support terms, citing her inability to meet previous financial obligations.
King and Newman’s divorce was not without its difficulties; within just weeks of filing, King had withdrawn requests for temporary restraining orders after alleging past emotional manipulation and aggression from her ex-husband. Meanwhile, conditions have turned increasingly complex for both parties, particularly with the introduction of allegations and parental responsibilities weighing heavily upon them.
Following the birth of their second son Leo, King spoke about the challenges they faced, particularly during the pediatric surgeries he needed shortly after birth. It was during this time Taylor Swift, Leo’s godmother, famously stepped up, supporting the family through emotional and financial trials.
Swift was named Leo's godmother when he was born back in 2015. During his early days, King noted via social media how Swift’s generosity helped alleviate some significant burdens during difficult times, especially around Leo's heart surgery. “TS knew giving back this way would be the greatest gift,” she shared, detailing the solidarity they found amid uncertainty.
Over the years, their custody disagreements have prompted numerous court appearances as they navigate co-parenting with mental health and substance abuse issues at play. One emergency filing made by King aimed at changing the terms of spousal support amid claims of inability to fulfill support duties. Newman quickly countered, asserting King had been non-compliant with existing agreements for over a year.
Importantly, the court’s recent decision on March 17 demonstrated not only the stakes involved but underscored the need for clarity and accountability moving forward. Both parties remain under scrutiny as their actions and choices are subject to continual legal oversight, particularly around treatment programs and their parenting skills.
King's legal troubles are especially poignant against the backdrop of her lengthy marriage. Rumors and accusations swirled through the entertainment community, drawing public attention to their unraveling marriage. While King’s legal disputes persisted, the emotional toll and public scrutiny have been substantial, and the path to resolution remains fraught with challenges.
Now, as Newman prepares to raise their sons largely on his own, both parents face the responsibility of securing stable environments for James and Leo. Each must reassess their lives, along with the impact of past decisions, as they strive for the best outcomes for their children. The court’s ruling marks only the next phase of these tumultuous proceedings, one where Newman's responsible fathering efforts will be tested against King’s attempts at recovery and re-establishment.
Continued cooperation, transparency, and adherence to court mandates will be imperative as this custody saga evolves. While King is afforded visitation, the new ruling highlights key anxieties surrounding recognition of parental fitness, where the safety and welfare of the children remain the court’s foremost concern. The family’s future echoes with uncertainty as both parents now stand on opposite sides of the legal battleground, each outlining their paths forward, one seeking established support, the other redemption.
