Norma Gibson is famous as the first wife of renowned actor, singer, and songwriter Tyrese Gibson. Tyrese is a well-known name in the entertainment industry, as he has reached several noteworthy milestones. Apart from being a successful RnB singer, Tyrese is also an actor who has captivated fans with his recurring role as Roman Pearce in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
He has also appeared in films such as “Legion,” “Death Race,” and “Baby Boy.” In addition, the singer and actor is also a published author, having written and published “How to Get Out of Your Own Way” and co-wrote “Manology.” Although his career speaks for itself in terms of success, Tyrese’s personal life has been quite the rollercoaster.
Although Norma Gibson and Tyrese’s marriage had fans swooning, it ended abruptly barely two years later. It has been over a decade since the former couple went their separate ways. However, fans of the duo still show immense interest in the actor’s ex-wife and what happened since their messy divorce.
Here’s everything we know.
Who Is Tyrese’s Ex-Wife, Norma Gibson?
Norma Gibson was born Norma Mitchell to her parents in London on March 1, 1981. She is a British lady with Israeli background, thanks to her mother. Aside from her birthday, birthplace, and ethnicity, there is no information about the 42-year-old lady. Despite being the first wife of a famous actor and singer, she has not disclosed any information about her upbringing.
In addition, there are no details regarding her educational background and achievement. Due to her cagey lifestyle, there’s no information regarding her siblings or parents. Also, since Norma Gibson stays away from the spotlight, there is little information about her life before meeting the actor.
When Did Norma Gibson and Tyrese Gibson Meet?
The actor’s ex-wife was a student in London when she and Tyrese met in 2002. However, it is unknown what she was studying. The then-lovebirds started dating after they met, and Norma agreed to move with Tyrese to Los Angeles shortly after. Norma Gibson and her ex-husband dated for five years and kept their romance a secret.
Afterward, the now-divorced couple decided to take their relationship to the next level and tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2007. Like most celebrity couples, Norma and her ex-husband kept their marriage out of the media but made public appearances together.
However, after welcoming their daughter, Shayla Gibson, in 2007, their marriage became tumultuous. Eventually, their union ended in 2009 after the couple filed for the dissolution of marriage.
How Did Norma and Tyrese’s Divorce Go?
After filing for the dissolution of marriage in January 2009, Norma Gibson requested a modified custody agreement, child, and spousal support. Along with these, the actor’s ex-wife also asked for payment of attorney fees, which halted their divorce proceedings for some time. Things seemed to be running smoothly for the divorced couple as Norma and Tyrese co-parented their daughter.
However, they turned around for the worse after Norma Gibson opened up about her domestic abuse while married to the “Sweet Lady” singer. In March 2015, the singer’s ex-wife revealed in an interview that Tyrese was physically and emotionally abusive towards her and Shayla during their marriage.
Two years after her interview, Norma Gibson took legal action in August 2017 to protect herself and Shayla from Tyrese. Consequently, the court granted her a temporary restraining order against the actor in September 2017. Tyrese’s ex-wife claimed he had been harassing her since 2014, paying someone to follow and watch her every move.
In response to the allegations, Tyrese denied Norma’s accusations and expressed his disappointment in what he described as “shameful efforts” to “ruin” their co-parenting efforts. Despite denying the allegations, the court ordered Tyrese to remain 100 yards away from his ex-wife and child. Afterward, Norma Gibson received temporary full custody of Shayla.
Then she sought a permanent restraining order against the singer. Hence, a messy custody battle ensued, and the former lovers brought forward troubling accusations, including the actor’s first wife, accusing him of physically abusing their daughter.
Did Tyrese Gibson Get Custody of His Daughter?
Yes, he did. Although the court denied his ex-wife’s request for a permanent restraining order, the judge awarded Tyrese 50/50 joint custody of his daughter. Still, it wasn’t the end of their legal battles.
In 2019, they argued in court over their distinct views on Shayla’s extracurricular activities. This time, the judge ruled in Norma’s favor and allowed Shayla to enroll in her school’s soccer team.
Where Is Norma Gibson Now?
Norma Gibson has stayed out of the limelight since the extensive custody battle that followed her divorce from the “Fast and Furious” actor. On the other hand, her ex-husband tied the knot again with Samantha Lee in 2017. However, Tyrese and Samantha Lee separated in December 2020 after welcoming a daughter, Soraya Lee Gibson.
Like Norma Gibson and Tyrese, “Family Matters” actor Jaleel White had a messy custody battle with his ex-lover, Bridget Hardy. However, they now share joint custody of their daughter, Samaya White.