Slade Smiley’s ex Michelle Arroyo is alleging that he and Gretchen Rossi had a “nonexistent” relationship with his son Grayson.
Not only did Arroyo make this claim to TMZ on Sunday, but she also alleged that her ex has owed her $152,000 in child support since 2019.
A source close to the family denied her claims, telling Page Six that “it is really sad that Michelle continues to try and capitalize on this tragedy … while continuing to sling mud at a grieving father who just lost a piece of his heart.”
The insider called Smiley “a loving and caring father,” noting, “Gray turned 18 in 2018 ending legal support at that time, despite which fact Slade has always taken care of his son.”
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The source went on to allege that Arroyo “interfered” with Smiley trying to see his son “leading up to his very last days” despite his “endless attempts” to meet.
“The list of false accusations goes on and on, but the sheer fact that she would scoop this low to use this tragedy for attention … is pathetic and really sad,” the statement concluded.
Page Six has reached out to Smiley, Rossi and Arroyo’s reps for comment.
Grayson died on Feb. 5 at age 22 when his “heart suddenly and unexpectedly gave out” after 29 surgeries and 16 years of treatment and complications.
Family member Becky Arroyo has organized a GoFundMe for Grayson, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006 when he was 6 years old.
Becky asked the public for $75,000 in donations to cover medical costs and “expenses related to Gray’s memorial services,” with extra money being donated to the Amazing Gray Foundation.
She noted the “substantial financial cost” Michelle shouldered as Grayson’s alleged “sole care provider and healthcare advocate.”
Rossi’s fellow Housewives Tamra Judge and Teddi Mellencamp discussed Michelle’s comments about Smiley and Rossi in Tuesday’s episode of their “Two T’s in a Pod” podcast.
“It’s heartbreaking and I know Slade lost his son and that’s hard, but Michelle was his prime caregiver,” Judge, 55, said. ” She never said much while Grayson was alive, but now that he’s not, I think she’s had it.
“Gretchen just got a big chunk of money for being on ‘Ultimate Girls Trip’ and Michelle is having to go though a GoFundMe to pay for his services,” she continued.
Mellencamp, 41, chimed in, “Now is the time to help.”
The reality stars, who urged their listeners to donate to the fundraiser, have both give $500.
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