Judge Denies Emergency Custody Request in Sia’s Divorce Case

A judge recently rejected Dr. Daniel Barnado’s urgent plea for emergency custody of their 19-month-old son, Somersault, also known as Sumi. This decision arose amid their ongoing divorce proceedings, as per documents obtained.

Barnado filed a motion earlier in the week, seeking “sole legal and physical custody” of Sumi. He cited concerns over Sia’s alleged “reckless” behavior and claimed she was an “unfit and unreliable parent” due to issues with drug abuse.

Sia responded, noting that their son has rarely spent time with Barnado without her present, implying he’s been supervised. She also referenced a prior custody arrangement agreed upon in August, which she claims was established amid accusations concerning Barnado’s involvement in an investigation into potential child pornography.

On Wednesday, the court determined that “sufficient urgency for the requested emergency relief is not demonstrated at this time.” It noted that most of the concerns outlined in Barnado’s request were already known when the custody agreement was first put in place.

Barnado claimed in his filing that Sia concealed his hospitalization for two weeks when he was supposed to be in Italy with their son. He also alleged Sia had tested positive for substances without any valid medical reason given and claimed she improperly transferred her power of attorney to a nanny, violating their legal agreement.

He painted a troubling picture of Sia’s past, alleging he witnessed her abusing ketamine and spending significant amounts on drugs. One story detailed an incident where he supposedly found her unconscious with a considerable amount of ketamine on him.

In seeking child support, Barnado requested over $77,000 a month and full financial responsibility for child-related expenses. In her defense, Sia claimed to have been sober for six months and asserted that she had voluntarily agreed to drug testing.

The allegations concerning child pornography against Barnado were deemed “inconclusive” and “unsubstantiated” by authorities, and the case has since been closed due to lack of evidence.

Sia filed for divorce in March after two years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Following the filing, she asserted she has provided Barnado with approximately $300,000 to cover living expenses and therapy.

She criticized Barnado’s attempts to leverage her personal struggles as a way to manipulate the situation for his gain, suggesting that it undermines their children and her credibility.