Nipsey Hussle’s sister Samantha Smith won the first round in her battle to gain legal guardianship over his 10-year-old daughter, Emani Asghedom, after the rapper was shot and killed on March 31.
In April, Samantha filed an emergency petition in family court to be given guardianship over Emani, claiming the child’s mother, Tanisha Foster, was unstable and unfit.
In her petition, Samantha said she played a crucial role in raising Emani while her bother was alive and she wanted to “ensure the continued stability for Emani and ensure that she will be able to maintain her current and ongoing relationship” with his family.
A judge sided with Samantha on Monday, granting her temporary custody over Emani. Another hearing in the matter is scheduled for July, according to TMZ.
The hearing was sealed since the child is a minor.
Tanisha’s lawyer spoke with TMZ after the hearing. He said he’s working with Nipsey’s sister on a visitation schedule for Tanisha that’s in Emani’s best interest.
Tanisha left the courtroom in tears and she told TMZ she’s “pissed off” by the court’s decision.
Tanisha had previously accused Samantha of taking Emani from her without authorization.
Nipsey and Tanisha shared joint custody of the girl when he was alive. In a hearing earlier this month, Tanisha broke down and cried when she saw Emani for the first time. The judge cleared the room to give the two 20 minutes together.
Tanisha said she had not seen Emani since she went to stay with her father in the days before he died.
In addition to Emani, Tanisha has two teenagers from previous relationships. Rumor has it that she lost custody of those children as well.
On Monday, another judge filed an arrest warrant for Tanisha stemming from an old DUI case in 2017. Tanisha skipped a hearing that was scheduled for May 15, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
