Already have an account?
Get back to the

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Jesse Williams Sues Estranged Wife for Joint Custody of Kids

First, comes love, then comes marriage, then comes… court?!

Our favorite Grey’s Anatomy doctor Jesse Williams is allegedly headed to court with his estranged wife, Aryn Drake-Lee, to fight for joint custody of his kids, daughter Sadie, 3, and son Maceo, 1. Jesse feels that Aryn has been overly strict with the time he spends with their children and he’s finally had enough.

MORE: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Creator Shonda Rhimes Majorly Regrets Killing One Character off the Show — Find out Who!

“Aryn restricts my time with the children and decides when, and for how long I may have them. She has rejected, without any reason, each and every request I have made to have the children sleepover at my residence,” Jesse alleged in court documents obtained by E! News. “On the few days that I have the children, Aryn has insisted that my time with the children be limited during the week to approximately two and half hours per day, despite my requests for more time, including overnights with the children.”

jesse williams wife

Jesse and Aryn in 2013.

Aryn is refusing to respond to the allegations that she’s keeping their kids from Jesse. Instead, her attorney released a statement: “Protecting the privacy and well-being of their children is of paramount importance to Aryn Drake-Lee Williams. It is unfortunate that Mr. Williams has chosen to draw public attention to this difficult time and transition for their family. Aryn is solely interested in the best interests of their children, supporting a healthy relationship with both parents, and protecting the children’s privacy. Therefore, she will not comment any further on Mr. Williams’ unilateral and unfortunate public allegations.”

In April, TMZ reported that Jesse — who plays Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy — has been separated from Aryn for over a year. The actor recently filed for divorce after being linked to Friday Night Lights star Minka Kelly.

MORE: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 14 Will Welcome Back a Fan-Favorite Character (We Can’t Wait!)

The new couple was even recently spotted on a romantic date. “He was wearing a hoodie and she was wearing a cap, but I recognized them immediately,” an onlooker said. “He looked a little tense and was trying hard not to be noticed. She looked very happy and content. They were holding hands and being very romantic. They were definitely acting like a couple!”

jesse williams minka kelly

Jesse and Minka.

Not only does Jesse play a handsome doctor on Grey’s, but he has also made headlines for his activism. Due to his celebrity status, he has gained a substantial fan base. Many of his fans took to social media to express their feelings about the actor’s divorce.

MORE: Patrick Dempsey Gives Wife Jillian Fink a Sweet Shoutout After Calling off Divorce

“Yes, Jesse Williams is incredibly fine, but it’s really insensitive for y’all to be celebrating him getting a divorce from his wife,” one user tweeted in response to the news. Another added, “I’m definitely not happy about Jesse Williams and his wife getting divorced. Breakups make me sad.”

Jesse and Aryn tied the knot in 2012, but were together for 13 years. A source told E! News, “They are working together on this custody arrangement and staying as civil with each other as they can. They just want it to be seamless.”

Click through the gallery below to see the cast of Grey’s Anatomy then and now!