Former Boston Celtics Paul Pierce is facing a paternity lawsuit in California from woman who claims he is the father of her unborn child.
On January 12, Princess Santiago filed a paternity action in Los Angeles County asking a judge to order genetic testing to determine whether Pierce is her son’s father.
“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.”
“Marriage is for old people and poor people”
Pierce, also known as “The Truth,” played 10 seasons for the Celtics and won a title in 2008. He played his last career game with the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden in 2017.
The father of three shares daughters Prianna and Adrian, along with son Prince Paul, with his ex wife Julie Pierce (Landrum). The former couple finalized their divorce in 2023.
In his podcast, Truth After Dark, the All-Star player shared that he has no plans to get into another serious relationship. “Let me say what marriage is and who marriage is for: Marriage is for old people and poor people,” he stated in 2025.
“We both old, we ain’t out in the streets,” Pierce said. “We at home watching TV. You go take me to the hospital, I’mma take you to the hospital. But right now? I’m too cracking right now.”
The lawsuit arrives months after Pierce was arrested in October 2025 on suspicion of DUI. He was charged in the matter a few weeks later, when officials said he had a BAC above the legal limit.
Pierce has yet to publicly respond to the paternity lawsuit.