Christina Ricci is facing new legal drama with her ex-husband. James Heerdegen filed a request for an emergency hearing over their custody arrangement after he claims their son, Freddie, contacted him recently and said Ricci drank alcohol during their June 16 flight to Canada.
The actress’s ex-husband wanted alcohol testing for Ricci, but his request was denied. The court ruled that any specific records of this incident that Heerdegen intends to file must remain sealed from public access after Freddie’s counsel noted “There is a real threat that public access to the statements and records may jeopardize the stability of Freddie’s mental health.”
The case took a significant turn when Freddie spoke with his legal representative. He “advised that he ‘overreacted’ in sending those text messages to his father” and “that the description of Ms. Ricci’s alcohol consumption and behavior thereafter was not as he had described,” according to documents filed by the minor’s counsel.
Freddie added that he had “no fear in continuing to be” in his mother’s custody.
The couple’s divorce was finalized in 2022 after a contentious split. In January 2021, Ricci was granted a restraining order against Heerdegen, alleging “severe physical and emotional abuse.” Heerdegen denied all allegations of abuse.
As part of their finalized divorce settlement, Ricci was awarded primary custody of Freddie, with the former couple sharing joint legal and split physical custody. Ricci agreed to pay Freddie’s private school tuition and any uncovered medical costs.
The legal conflict extends beyond custody. When Ricci filed for divorce, she was granted an emergency protective order after an altercation in which she claims Heerdegen spit on her. Heerdegen also attempted to obtain his own restraining order, claiming Ricci abused alcohol and prescription drugs, making her a danger to their son. That request was denied.
The actress has since moved on, marrying celebrity hairstylist Mark Hampton in October 2021. She gave birth to their daughter, Cleopatra, two months later.
