Brittany Renner’s journey through motherhood has been as public as it is poignant, unfolding under the spotlight of social media and professional sports. The fitness model, influencer, and reality TV personality is the mother of one son, Paul Jermaine “PJ” Washington III, who was born in May 2021. His dad is PJ Washington, the professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. Their relationship, which began in 2020, was intense and short-lived, ending just months after their son’s birth. This set the stage for a co-parenting dynamic that has since been marked by very public disputes, financial disagreements, and custody challenges, all playing out across social media platforms for millions to see.
Beyond her son with Washington, Brittany’s personal life has continued to evolve in the public eye. She embarked on a brief, 52-day marriage to rapper Kevin Gates in April 2025, though this union did not result in any children. Her journey has also included a significant spiritual shift, having converted to Islam in 2024, which she has cited as a guiding force in her life as a mother. Through financial hardships and public scrutiny, her focus remains on providing for her son and navigating the complexities of modern co-parenting within the unforgiving glare of the public eye.
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The Father of Her Child: PJ Washington and Their Co-Parenting Journey
The story of Brittany Renner’s motherhood is inextricably linked to her relationship with NBA forward PJ Washington. The couple met in late 2019 or early 2020 at a University of Kentucky basketball game, where Washington was a standout player. Despite their age difference—Brittany was 26 and PJ was 20 at the time—their connection quickly deepened. They publicly confirmed their relationship in February 2021, and just three months later, in May 2021, they welcomed their son, Paul Jermaine Washington III. However, their romantic relationship unraveled shortly after the birth, leading to a separation and the beginning of a difficult co-parenting arrangement.
This arrangement has been anything but smooth. The world got a front-row seat to their tensions in 2025 when a viral video captured a heated argument during a custody exchange. The incident, which occurred at Brittany’s home, showed a distressed PJ Jr. crying as his father arrived to pick him up. Brittany and her mother confronted PJ, accusing him of not spending enough time with his son, which they claimed caused the child’s distress.
The argument escalated dramatically, with Brittany’s mother making a sharp financial accusation, claiming PJ had given “$170,000 to your hoe” while only putting “$11,000 in your son’s bank account.” This clash highlighted ongoing disputes over child support, with Brittany having previously revealed she receives a monthly payment, though the exact figure has been a topic of public speculation and confusion.
Life as a Mother: Faith, Finances, and Future
Brittany Renner’s identity as a mother is a central part of her public persona, one she discusses with candor about both its joys and its struggles. In mid-to-late 2024, she began speaking openly about experiencing significant financial hardship, even stating that she had to move back in with her mother. This admission came despite the child support she receives, sparking debate among her followers.
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By September 2025, her financial situation appears to remain a challenge. In a recent emotional social media post, she shared feelings of uncertainty, stating, “I have no idea where I’m going to live or how I’m going to provide for my son,” though she expressed unwavering faith that her religious beliefs would guide her through this difficult period.
Her conversion to Islam in 2024 has become a cornerstone of her life as a single parent. She often speaks about how her faith provides strength and perspective as she raises PJ Jr., who is now four years old. This spiritual journey has also influenced her public image; she is now frequently seen wearing a khimar or hijab, a shift from her previous style as a fitness model.
Despite the past very public conflicts, the well-being of her son is her stated priority. The challenges of co-parenting with a high-profile athlete are ongoing, but Brittany Renner continues to navigate them while trying to shield her child from the public fallout and build a stable life for him, one day at a time.
