Deon Derrico Alleges Safety Concerns in Custody Battle

Former TLC personality Deon Derrico has filed new court documents alleging that his ex-wife, Karen Derrico, is associating with a man who inappropriately touched one of their daughters. According to court papers obtained by TMZ.com, Deon claims that 12 of the couple's 14 children reside in his home, and that he has developed what he described as "significant concern regarding the safety and welfare" of their minor children, a statement made in the court filing.

In the motion, Deon asserts that he discovered Karen has been spending time with a man he does not want around his children. He states that he found his daughter's journal, in which entries allegedly describe the man touching her when she was younger. Deon claims he informed Karen of the issue, but she dismissed his concerns. The filing does not specify whether the man is a romantic partner of Karen's.

Karen has not yet responded to these claims in court. As TMZ.com previously reported, she was arrested in June following allegations that she made threats against Deon and their children. In her own filing, Karen contends that Deon withheld the children from her for a significant period, completely depriving her of in-person contact beginning in April and then cutting off video contact in August. The custody dispute remains ongoing.

The former couple divorced in 2024 and share 14 children: 13 minors and one adult. Under the terms of their divorce judgment, the exes share joint legal custody. The latest allegations add another layer to an already contentious legal battle.