Laura Prepon Slams Ben Foster Over ‘Alcohol Abuse’ in Bitter Custody Battle: Shocking Court Docs Reveal.
Laura Prepon responded to her estranged husband Ben Foster's request for a temporary custody arrangement during their divorce, alleging that he has struggled with alcohol abuse.
Court documents reveal that Laura, 44, is asking the court to prohibit Ben, 44, from consuming alcohol during his parenting time and for 12 hours prior, or to consider having a supervisor present during his visits. Laura's attorney, Larry Hayes, requested that the court establish a fair holiday schedule, allowing the children to spend Christmas morning at home with Laura while permitting Ben to have time with them on Christmas Day.
Ben stated last week that he has been unable to come to an agreement with Laura regarding custody of their two children. Ben's attorney mentioned, “[Ben] has made personal attempts to negotiate a parenting plan that provides both parents with meaningful time with the children, but all efforts have been in vain.” In her motion, Laura noted that both she and Ben are actors who relocated from New York to Tennessee in 2022. She explained that they have been living apart for the past four months, with Ben away for filming while she stayed in their home with the kids.
Laura recounted taking the children to New Jersey to visit Ben in late July, but despite his claims of wanting to spend time with them, she observed that he “consistently opts for other activities instead of being with his children.” In her court documents, Laura stated that although Ben completed filming a movie in August, he did not return home to see the kids “even after being away from them for nearly four weeks.” Her attorney added in the filing, “Instead, despite telling Laura he wouldn’t attend the Venice Film Festival, Ben was seen in Italy on the red carpet without his wedding ring.”
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Laura stated that the children did not see their father again until September 9. On that day, she mentioned that Ben returned to Nashville and requested to see the kids at home, but he asked that Laura not be there. Laura said she respected his wishes. However, she noted that Ben “parked” the kids in front of the TV with their nanny while he quickly went to the bedroom to pack his things, got into his truck, and left, leaving the children with the nanny.
According to her lawyer, Ben’s request to see the kids seemed to be a hurried attempt to file for divorce and take his belongings without Laura being aware. “Despite Ben’s]ongoing absence and unpredictability, Laura]has consistently provided the children with a stable environment and ensured they maintain a regular routine,” her lawyer stated in the motion. Laura mentioned that Ben sees himself as an “artist” who “lives on the road” and is “not a stay-at-home dad.”
She expressed that he often waits until the last moment to ask for time with the children. Laura also said that Ben chose to inform their kids about the divorce, even though she felt it might be premature. In her filing, the actress raised concerns about the kids staying at Ben’s new residence, particularly because it is a high-rise apartment complex.
Regarding Ben’s alleged “longstanding history of alcohol abuse,” Laura recounted an incident shortly after their daughter was born when Ben “became so inebriated” that he locked himself out of their New York apartment. She claimed she found him asleep on the doorstep in his underwear. Additionally, Laura alleged that Ben seems to “always have a cup or thermos” with him. “It was discovered through Ben’s leaving these thermoses or cups around the house that they contained coffee and whiskey,” the filing stated. Laura asserted in her motion that Ben frequently “day drinks” and has shaky hands in the morning.
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Laura mentioned that Ben frequently asks for multiple small bottles of alcohol while traveling and has been known to pass out in front of their children. She noted that flight attendants have previously cut him off from drinking. In October, he arrived for a scheduled visit reeking of alcohol.
Laura expressed that Ben's drinking had become such a concern that they had to set boundaries regarding his alcohol consumption during their marriage. In her legal documents, Laura stated that Ben agreed not to bring alcohol into their bedroom and to refrain from using the stove for late-night snacks, citing safety reasons. She emphasized that she is the main caregiver for their children. Laura also shared that Ben has accused her of “creative sabotage” when she attempted to discuss their issues. Laura requested that Ben be prohibited from drinking before or during his time with the kids, or that a supervisor be present during visitations. Ben has not yet replied to these claims.
Ben filed for divorce in September, marking their separation date as September 9. Ben and Laura were married on May 25, 2018, and they have two children together: a daughter named Ella and another child whose name remains undisclosed. Laura Prepon’s court filing paints a concerning picture of Ben Foster’s alleged alcohol abuse, highlighting the potential risks it poses to their children’s well-being.
Her request for alcohol restrictions during his parenting time and for supervision during visits underscores the severity of her concerns. As their custody battle intensifies, it’s clear that the stakes are high, with both parents seeking to secure their role in their children's lives. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely reveal more details, but for now, Laura's motion reflects her determination to protect her children and ensure their stability during this difficult time.
