James Heerdegen Loses Custody Hearing Request, Christina Ricci's Ex Petitioned After His Son's Texts

Christina Ricci has built a large fan base over the years through her on-screen roles. She has been a part of films that have unexpectedly turned out to be successful. Ricci is also a recipient of multiple accolades, including the Young Artist Awards and Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. However, outside the entertainment industry, her personal life has also created headlines for various reasons.

The actress was once married to James Heerdegen from 2013 to 2021. While it has been more than four years since they separated, the relationship came into the limelight recently after James started seeking emergency custody of their son. The court dismissed the request. Keep reading to know more!

James Heerdegen was concerned after he spoke to his son

James Heerdegen’s latest efforts to get the custody of his son, Freddie, were a result of Christina Ricci’s drinking habits. Notably, James was contacted by Freddie, who told him that his mother was drinking on a flight to Canada on June 16, 2026. James eventually started seeking an emergency custody hearing.

However, Christina shared her side of the story, admitting that her son got in touch with his father. But she also stated that Freddie used particular words to explain her drinking habit. Furthermore, Freddie did the same thing while speaking about his mother’s behaviour after she drank on a flight. When Heerdegen’s legal team approached Freddie, he claimed that his texts were an overreaction, adding that his mother’s behaviour was not what he claimed, and he is not scared to stay with her.

Meanwhile, Christina has asked the court to keep the messages private so that Freddie does not face any kind of bullying, a problem that he has already experienced in the past and had to undergo therapy for the same. Christina said that her son is preparing to join a new place, and the messages can impact his mental health if he has to face bullying again. On the other hand, Heerdegen’s request for the hearing was rejected by the court on June 23, 2026.

James Heerdegen has been allowed supervised visits for his son after his divorce from Christina Ricci

As mentioned, Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen tied the knot in 2013. The marriage did not last long, with the former filing for divorce in July 2020. A few months later, James was facing allegations of domestic violence from Christina Ricci in January 2021, following which the court cancelled Heerdegen’s visitation rights with their son, Freddie.

The court also ordered James to maintain a distance of 100 yards from Christina, who claimed that the abuse incidents happened between 2013 and 2020. She even stated that the abuse took a worse turn when she and James were forced to stay inside a house due to the COVID-19 pandemic. James alleged in 2022 that he was facing financial troubles due to the problems that were emerging amid the divorce proceedings.

While James was allowed supervised visits with Freddie twice a week, he was also allowed to visit Freddie when Christina would take him to the filming locations. But this came under a condition where Christina was told to cover the traveling expenses of Heerdegen. Although James was allowed to have four FaceTime calls with his son in a week, the court restricted him from speaking anything about the ongoing case, Christina, or anything else that was supposed to remain confidential.

What are your thoughts about the court’s latest decision to dismiss the request for an emergency custody hearing? Let us know.

PC: IMDb, riccigrams/Instagram, Christina Ricci/Facebook

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