Serena Williams’ Crumbling Childhood Home Is Saved from Sale Just in Time as Stepmom’s $436k Debt Is Mysteriously Paid

Serena Williams’ Childhood Home Saved from Auction Amid Stepmom’s Debt Repayment

Serena Williams’ childhood home was saved from auction just 24 hours before bidding was set to begin, as her stepmother Lakeisha Williams’ nearly half a million-dollar debt was mysteriously paid off.

The enormous property, spanning more than 10 acres, had been left vacant. This estate, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, previously belonged to Richard Williams, the legendary tennis coach known as ‘King Richard.’ However, Lakeisha Williams, a former stripper, had faked Richard’s signature on the title deeds and secured a $279,000 loan from hard lender David Simon. Her debt soared to nearly $620,000, including legal fees and interest, after Simon sued her for failing to repay the loan.

Court documents revealed that the final amount owed was $436,113. The proceeds from the house sale were intended to pay Simon and Lakeisha’s other 20-plus creditors. It remains unclear how Lakeisha managed to settle the massive debt in the past week, but The U.S. Sun has reached out to Richard’s family and her lawyer for comment.

Palm Beach County records indicate the property now has a new owner. A new warranty deed filed on Monday shows the four-bedroom mansion was transferred to Hardy Firm LLC, registered with agent and CEO Darrious Christian, who has connections with Lakeisha’s purported family.

Lakeisha has been collaborating with Betty Downing, who she claims is her aunt, for over a decade on various failed business and property ventures, including the foreclosure of another property besides Richard’s. Downing was charged with first-degree grand theft and exploiting an elderly person, which carries up to a 30-year prison sentence in Florida. She escaped with probation and a $135,000 restitution payment.

Richard Williams’ son, Chavoita LeSane, revealed that Lakeisha had been living in a small studio on the property. However, she is now reportedly living with Richard at his new home, which is in Serena Williams’ name. Her lawyer claims they have rekindled their romantic and sexual relationship.

Richard and Lakeisha’s Tumultuous Relationship Timeline

May 2017: Richard filed for divorce, accusing Lakeisha of forging his signature and stealing his Social Security checks.
March 2020: Lakeisha admitted to forging Richard’s signature and selling his motor coach, claiming she did so because he left her and their son starving.
February 2022: Lakeisha claimed Serena Williams wanted to lock her out of the family home.
June 2022: Richard filed a $1 million lawsuit against Lakeisha, despite her claims of reconciliation.
July 2022: The couple’s home, valued at $1.45 million, was due to be auctioned, but Lakeisha stalled the sale by filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
January 2023: Richard accused Lakeisha of taking his money, but his lawsuit was dismissed.
August 2023: Lakeisha struggled with her repayment plan as she fought to keep the house.
April 2024: Richard missed a court date due to health issues, resulting in the case being dismissed.

Lakeisha previously shared a photo of her family on Instagram, showing Richard driving with their son, Dylan, in the back seat. She captioned the photo, “The Williams,” with a heart emoji.

Lakeisha, 45, is only three years older than Serena Williams. Richard, now 82, has suffered two strokes and deals with dementia and memory loss. The couple allegedly met at a tennis tournament where Lakeisha worked as a dancer.

Despite their tumultuous relationship and legal battles, it seems Lakeisha is now back in the family fold. Richard’s son, Chavoita, previously threatened an elder abuse lawsuit but respected his father’s wishes not to proceed.

Richard Williams’ estate, once bustling with life, now stands empty with abandoned buildings and cars. Chavoita commented on the financial troubles caused by Lakeisha, noting various stolen items and forged documents, which he considers elder abuse.

As the Williams family navigates these challenges, Lakeisha appears to have reconciled with Richard, marking a new chapter in their complex relationship.