Los Angeles, January 27, 2026 – Boston Celtics legend and NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce has been named in a paternity lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, with a woman alleging he is the father of her unborn son and seeking a court-ordered DNA test to confirm paternity.
Princess Santiago, a Los Angeles-based event director, initiated the legal action on January 12, 2026, according to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports and reported across multiple outlets including the New York Post, Daily Mail, and others. In the filing, Santiago requests that the court compel the 48-year-old former NBA star to submit to genetic testing to determine whether he is the biological father of the child she has named King.
Santiago stated through a representative that her decision to pursue the matter in court followed unsuccessful private efforts to resolve the issue. "I filed for paternity papers after multiple attempts to resolve this privately," she said in a statement provided to TMZ. "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 further emphasized that the case is driven by a desire for accountability rather than publicity, adding, "This isn’t about drama or attention — it’s about accountability and doing what’s right for my child."
Public records and social media activity indicate that Santiago has been documenting her pregnancy since at least November 2025. Posts on her Instagram account have featured images of her growing baby bump, including a recent one showing her in a satin blue robe with the caption, "It’s only up from here." These updates have contributed to public awareness of the pregnancy leading up to the lawsuit's filing.
Pierce, who has remained silent on the allegations, has not issued a public response as of the latest reports. His attorney declined to comment when contacted by media outlets regarding the filing. The case is in its early stages, with no formal response from Pierce filed in court and no hearing date yet scheduled. The lawsuit seeks only the establishment of paternity through testing at this point, with potential future implications for child support or other parental responsibilities depending on the results.
Pierce, born October 13, 1977, in Inglewood, California, is a father of three from his previous marriage to Julie Landrum. The couple began their relationship around 2010 and married before divorcing in 2023. Pierce has often spoken publicly about his family life and role as a parent during and after his playing career.
A standout at the University of Kansas, Pierce was selected 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 NBA Draft. He spent the bulk of his 19-year professional career with the Celtics, where he earned the nickname "The Truth" and led the team to its most recent NBA championship in 2008, earning Finals MVP honors. Pierce was a 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. After leaving Boston in 2013, he played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017.
Post-retirement, Pierce transitioned into media, serving as an analyst for FS1's "Undisputed" and other platforms, where he frequently commented on NBA topics. His personal life has occasionally drawn media attention, including the high-profile divorce and various business ventures.
The paternity suit arrives as Pierce maintains an active public profile through social media and occasional appearances. No additional details about the nature of his relationship with Santiago have been disclosed in public filings or statements from either party.
Paternity cases involving high-profile figures often proceed through court-ordered testing, with results determining legal recognition of parentage. In California, such proceedings typically involve genetic testing at accredited facilities, with costs potentially assigned based on the outcome. If paternity is established, further proceedings could address custody, support, or other matters, though the current filing is limited to the request for testing.
The news has circulated widely in sports media since breaking on January 26, 2026, prompting discussions among fans and commentators about Pierce's legacy both on and off the court. As the legal process unfolds, attention remains on whether Pierce will comply with any court directive for testing and how the matter may resolve.
For now, the case highlights the intersection of personal disputes and public scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity status. Neither side has indicated plans for further public statements, leaving the outcome dependent on judicial proceedings in Los Angeles County.
