Taylor Swift and Jaime King: Friendship Status Amid Custody Dispute
Recent reports have shed light on the current relationship between pop superstar Taylor Swift and actress Jaime King, amidst King’s ongoing custody battle and reported relocation from her Hollywood Hills residence.
Background of Friendship
Swift, 35, and King, 45, known for her role in “White Chicks,” have a history of public appearances together. In 2015, Swift was named godmother to King’s son, Leo.
King shares two children, James, 11, and Leo, nine, with her former husband, Kyle Newman. The couple’s marriage, which began in 2007, legally ended in 2023.
Current Relationship Status
According to sources, Swift and King are no longer in close contact. One source indicated to news outlets that while they do not have ‘regular contact’, ‘there is still love’ between them.
The source further elaborated that despite the distance, Swift reportedly continues to send gifts to her godson, Leo, and remains willing to support him if needed.
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“She has always been committed to her role as godmother and is an exceptionally caring and thoughtful presence in Leo’s life,” the source stated.
However, the insider clarified, “Their relationship dynamics have shifted significantly since Taylor became Leo’s godmother. Regular communication is not part of their current dynamic.”
Past Friendship and Collaboration
Swift and King cultivated a close bond throughout the 2010s, frequently seen together in public.
Notably, Kyle Newman, King’s then-husband, directed the music video for Swift’s popular song “Style” from her album “1989” in 2014.
The following year, Swift’s role as Leo’s godmother was publicly acknowledged by King.
In a 2015 interview, King expressed, “I always envisioned Taylor as the ideal godmother for my child, given her exceptional character and her genuine care for others.”
King further commented on Swift’s qualities: “Her loving, generous, and brave nature, stemming from her heart, is truly rare.”
King added, “I am confident that [our baby] will always have a positive influence and role model in her.”
King’s Custody Battle and Relocation
Recent reports indicate that King was compelled to vacate her $10,000-per-month Hollywood Hills rental property earlier this month.
The actress had resided in the four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence since April 2023.
Photographs reportedly showed items, including a mattress and couch, placed outside the property.
The property was quickly re-rented shortly after being listed, with new tenants paying $11,900 monthly.
Financial Strain and Custody Ruling
An insider disclosed that King was forced to ‘downsize’ and move to a more ‘affordable’ residence due to financial difficulties.
“Financial struggles stemming from unsuccessful film projects, compounded by the legal costs of the custody dispute and defending against accusations in court, have drained her finances. She recently moved to a smaller dwelling this month,” the insider reported.
This month, King also received a court order restricting her from unsupervised contact with her children until she completes a mandatory drug and alcohol program.
Sources state that King is “devastated” by the custody arrangement, noting, “The public nature of this situation has intensified the hardship, impacting both personal and professional relationships.”
Contentious Legal Proceedings
Earlier this week, a judge granted Kyle Newman sole physical custody of James and Leo.
Newman will have final legal custody decisions, while both parents will legally share custody amid the ongoing legal conflict.
The court stipulated that King’s visits with her sons must be supervised until she completes a drug/alcohol program, estimated to last around six months.
News outlets indicate that approved supervisors include King’s mother, sister, brother-in-law, and Newman’s brother, Kevin.
King and Newman have been engaged in legal disputes concerning custody for five years, with King recently filing an emergency request.
This request reportedly sought to modify a previous agreement regarding child and spousal support from two years prior.
King’s legal representatives stated she ‘lacks the financial means to meet the support obligations,’ while Newman claimed King had ‘not complied with court-ordered child and spousal support for over a year.’
Newman informed the court that King allegedly refused to ‘sign a judgment’ in their divorce settlement and that she lacked the legal authority to ‘rescind’ existing court orders.
Breakdown of Marriage and Initial Custody Disputes
The former couple initially married in 2007. King initiated divorce proceedings in May 2020, seeking to end their 13-year marriage.
Simultaneously, King filed court documents concerning emergency custody and visitation arrangements, as well as a petition related to domestic violence prevention.
Amidst the initial custody conflict in May 2020, King stated that Newman had staged an ‘intervention’ four months prior, alleging substance abuse issues to family and friends.
King stated in legal documents that she attended a facility to undergo testing and confirm she was drug and alcohol-free. She claimed to have been discharged after passing a substance abuse test within days.
Newman, in his legal filings, asserted that King is ‘a chronic drug addict and alcoholic who denies having a problem and refuses to seek appropriate treatment.’
Newman further claimed that ‘several friends’ informed him of King’s alleged narcotics use during both pregnancies. He also stated doctors indicated their son Leo ‘was also addicted due to her continued drug use.’
He expressed his devastation upon learning at the same medical appointment ‘that Leo Thames had a congenital heart defect requiring immediate surgery for survival upon birth.’
Newman also alleged in court filings that King had driven ‘under the influence’ with their children present in the vehicle.
He further claimed King became ‘so intoxicated in front of them that they believed she was dying, and frequently neglected them for days at a time to engage in excessive drinking and drug use instead of providing care.’
He also alleged that ‘on one occasion, Jaime left Leo Thames at a doctor’s appointment with the nanny, only to be discovered over thirty minutes later purchasing alcohol at a nearby liquor store.’
Swift’s Support During Medical Crisis
Swift reportedly provided support during Leo Thames’ medical ordeal. King disclosed in a 2016 social media post that Swift made a substantial donation to Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, where Thames underwent surgery.
King stated that she learned from Swift the importance of offering support and raising awareness for individuals in similar circumstances.