In a surprising turn of events, NBA star Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards is making headlines not just for his performance on the court but also for his personal life. Recently, Ayesha Howard, the mother connected to a paternity petition filed by Edwards, announced the birth of her daughter.
Ayesha Howard’s joyful announcement
Ayesha Howard, also known as Little Ms. Golden, took to Instagram to share her joyous news. On Sept. 22, she posted photos of herself cradling her baby bump in a stunning see-through purple gown. Following the birth of her daughter on Oct. 14, Howard shared images of the newborn, albeit with the child’s face covered by a purple heart emoji. Her heartfelt caption read, “Golden girls … 10/14,” which quickly garnered over 70,000 likes and numerous congratulatory messages from her 628,000 followers.
Public reactions and speculations
The announcement sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly on X. Some fans expressed surprise, questioning Edwards’ choices, while others congratulated Howard on her new arrival. One user remarked, “Wait but didn’t he just have a baby? Y’all gotta start closing y’all legs fr,” while another added, “Ant don’t give af who he get pregnant man.” The discourse surrounding the announcement highlighted the complexities of celebrity relationships and parenting.
Anthony Edwards’ paternity case
As previously reported, Edwards, 23, filed a petition in September to establish his paternal rights regarding Howard’s second child. The legal documents indicate that if genetic testing confirms his paternity, he seeks an order to establish the child’s legal status. A status conference for this paternity case is scheduled for Nov. 13, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding story.
Edwards’ growing family
Edwards is no stranger to fatherhood. He already has a daughter, Aislynn, with his girlfriend Shannon Jackson, born on Mar. 2, 2024. There are also unconfirmed rumors that he may be the father of at least two other children. In July 2024, a woman named Ally D accused Edwards of being an absentee father to a boy reportedly born three months before Aislynn. Additionally, there are whispers that he fathered a daughter named Aris in September 2023.
Connections to Lil Baby
Interestingly, Howard shares a connection with rapper Lil Baby, as she is the mother of his 9-year-old son, Jason. Both Edwards and Lil Baby hail from Atlanta’s Oakland City neighborhood, and their paths have crossed in various ways, including Edwards attending Lil Baby’s AE5 basketball camp. This connection adds a unique dynamic to the situation, as Edwards could potentially have an extended family relationship with the rapper.
Celebrity parenting trends
The situation surrounding Edwards and Howard is not isolated. Other celebrities have also made headlines for their parenting choices. For instance, Draya Michele welcomed her third child earlier this year with 22-year-old Houston Rockets player Jalen Green, while fitness guru Joie Chavis had her third child with NFL star Trevon Diggs. These instances highlight a growing trend among celebrities where age gaps and unconventional family structures are becoming more common.
Anthony Edwards on the court
While family matters unfold, Edwards continues to focus on his basketball career. The Minnesota Timberwolves recently faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, where Edwards scored 27 points in a 120-109 loss. As the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, fans are eager to see how Edwards balances his responsibilities as a father with his aspirations as a professional athlete.
The birth of Howard’s daughter adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative of Edwards’ life, intertwining his professional and personal journeys. As the paternity case unfolds and public interest grows, it remains to be seen how this will impact Edwards both on and off the court.
