‘Elf’ actor accused of owing nearly $250,000 in unpaid child support, reports say
“Elf” actor Faizon Love was arrested on contempt of court charges, according to authorities.
Love was released from the Hillsborough County jail Friday after spending 16 days in custody in connection with a child support case.
Love, known for roles in “Friday,” “Elf” and “Couples Retreat,” appeared in court in a wheelchair during a two-hour hearing.
He was arrested just over two weeks ago in California after failing to turn himself in on a contempt of court order and to make child support payments.
Love’s attorneys argued he is facing significant financial hardship. They told the court he does not have a permanent home, drives a 1999 vehicle, has no savings and relies on a friend to help cover many of his expenses.
Attorneys for Tiffany Lee, his child’s mother, disputed that argument. They said Love has repeatedly ignored court orders and has not paid child support in years.
She claims that he owes her around $250,000 in unpaid child support payments, People reported.
During testimony, Love said he had recently seen his daughter and was doing what he could to help financially.
When asked by his attorney whether he currently had the ability to pay $2,500 per month in child support, Love said, “Right now? No.”
His attorney argued that keeping Love incarcerated prevents him from working and damages his reputation in Hollywood.
Lee told the court Love had previously told her she “wasn’t going to get a dime.” She also said Love told her he would stop working and cancel shows so she would not receive support.
The judge ordered Love released from custody later Friday.
Love has until July 1 to provide a financial statement to the court. The filing is meant to support his claim that he cannot afford the required child support payments.
