Paul Pierce hit with paternity lawsuit as woman seeks DNA test

NBA legend Paul Pierce is facing a paternity lawsuit from a woman claiming he is the father of her unborn son.

Princess Santiago, an event director in Los Angeles, filed the suit on Jan. 12, according to TMZ Sports. She is demanding DNA testing from the 48-year-old former Celtics and Nets star to prove whether Pierce is the father.  

Santiago, in a statement to TMZ, said the case is not about “drama or attention” but accountability and “doing what’s right for my child” after she claimed attempts to keep it out of court failed.

Paul Pierce speaks during Tony Allen’s jersey retirement ceremony on March 15, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images

“I filed for paternity papers after multiple attempts to resolve this privately,” Santiago said in a statement. “Paul Pierce is the father of my son, King, and I am simply asking for a paternity test so the truth can be confirmed.”

Santiago has posted multiple photos of her baby bump to her Instagram account startng in November 2025. Her latest post features her in a satin, blue robe with the caption: “It’s only up from here.”

Pierce’s lawyer had no comment when reached by TMZ.

Pierce has three children with his former wife Julie Landrum. The couple had been together since 2010 before divorcing in 2023.

The former Kansas star was drafted No. 10 overall in the 1998 draft and played 19 years in the NBA, ending his career with the Wizards and Clippers.

Pierce, a basketball Hall of Famer and former FS1 contributor, won his only NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008 and was the MVP of the Finals. He was a 10-time All-Star

Princess Santiago, pregnant and posing in front of a Christmas arch. Princess Santiago/Instagram

Pierce is no stranger to trouble recently. He was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in October 2025.

He pleaded not guilty, claiming in a social media post he fell asleep behind the wheel because he was “old and tired.’