Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann’s Custody Battle Intensifies Amid “Abuser” Allegations
Atlanta, GA — The contentious divorce proceedings between former NFL linebacker Kroy Biermann, 39, and reality television star Kim Zolciak have escalated dramatically, with Biermann filing for sole physical custody of their four minor children and alleging that Zolciak is a “tormentor and abuser.” The filing, submitted on Friday, August 15, seeks primary custody and total decision-making authority for their children.
Biermann and Zolciak, known for their appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, share four biological minor children: Kroy Jr., 14, Kash, 13, and 11-year-old twins Kaia and Kane. Additionally, Biermann adopted Zolciak’s two elder daughters from a previous relationship, Ariana, 23, and Brielle, 28, shortly after the couple married in November 2011.
Biermann Cites “Immediate Concern” for Children’s Safety and Lack of Structure
In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Biermann expressed “immediate concern for the physical, emotional, and mental safety” of their children. He further claims a “noteworthy absence of structure and accountability in the Mother’s home,” asserting that the current split/shared custody arrangement, which sees the two older sons and the twins switching houses weekly, is “not in the best interests of the children.” Biermann also cited concerns over three of his children reportedly struggling in school, with Zolciak allegedly picking them up early on a regular basis.
Zolciak’s Representative Denies Allegations, Calls Filing a “Publicity Stunt”
In response to Biermann’s allegations, a representative for Kim Zolciak issued a staunch denial to PEOPLE. The statement condemned the claims as “completely false, misleading, and deeply hurtful,” emphasizing Zolciak’s role as a “devoted, loving, and attentive mother who puts her children’s needs above everything else.” Her representative highlighted Zolciak’s efforts as the “primary emotional anchor” for her children during this difficult period, ensuring a stable home, healthy routines, and unconditional love, and her consistent engagement in their schooling, activities, and therapy.
The representative for Zolciak went on to characterize Biermann’s filing as a “publicity stunt,” alleging that he rushed to file the unsealed document after learning Zolciak intended to file several motions herself. The statement criticized Biermann for repeatedly filing unsealed motions, arguing that such actions not only harm the children’s well-being but also expose them to potential bullying or humiliation at school by making sensitive disputes public. “These accusations are nothing more than an attempt to misrepresent the truth and gain legal advantage,” the statement concluded, reaffirming Zolciak’s commitment to co-parenting in the children’s best interests.
A Tumultuous History: Second Divorce Filing and Custody Battles
This latest development marks another turbulent chapter in the couple’s separation. After approximately 12 years of marriage, Zolciak and Biermann first filed for divorce in April 2023. However, a source revealed to PEOPLE in July 2023 that they had called off the divorce, reportedly “trying to make it work for the kids.” This reconciliation proved short-lived, as Biermann filed for divorce for a second time in August 2023. Following this second filing, both parties have sought custody, with Biermann pursuing sole legal and physical custody and Zolciak reportedly seeking primary physical custody and joint legal custody of their four minor children, as previously reported by TMZ.
