MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The ugly divorce of 'The Golden Bachelor' star Leslie Fhima has been detailed in court records acquired exclusively by The US Sun. Leslie opened up to Gerry Turner about her divorces and being alone for 22 years.
More details regarding her most recent divorce, which occurred over two decades ago, have been disclosed by the outlet. The tumultuous relationship between the personal trainer and her ex, David Fhima began barely a few years after they married in December 1990 in Los Angeles, California.
David filed for divorce from her in September 1994. It was, however, dismissed when the couple appeared to have reunited.
Leslie filed for divorce against him four years later, in July 1998, citing an "irretrievable breakdown" of their marriage. They shared two children, Chloe and Elijah Fhima. Leslie had received another child from her previous marriage, Zack Chazin.
Chloe was seven years old at the time, and Elijah was four. According to Minnesota court documents acquired by The US Sun, Leslie wanted exclusive physical custody and joint legal custody for both parties.
Child support issue
Child support was the most contentious issue in the couple's divorce. Although he is currently the executive chef for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the proprietor of the fine dining restaurant Fhima's, he formerly worked as the owner of the Minneapolis Cafe, where he earned $4K to $5K per month.
She stated that she earned $1,500 to $2,000 per month as a personal trainer and was reliant on David for assistance. She also asked to alter her name from Leslie Beth Fhima to Leslie Beth Paster, so she wouldn't "defraud or mislead anyone."
Finally, in September 1999, the divorce was finalized, and the parties were given shared physical custody, with David forced to pay $340 in child support. However, it was insufficient for Leslie.
The former professional figure skater attempted to adjust child support payments in 2003 based on her ex's purported increased income. According to the court documents, Leslie earned $33,772.50 in 2002 from her part-time employment at Temple Israel and her aerobics classes/personal training sessions.
Meanwhile, according to the documents, David conceded that his income "increased substantially"—to $12,500 per month—and that this "warrants some modification of the existing child support award."
Leslie attacked her ex in the documents, even mentioning that her boyfriend at the time, David Gotlieb--who looks to be a Minneapolis lawyer--had been assisting her with her money.
He "has been very generous in meeting my needs...has given me the use of a car, paid my automobile insurance," she went on to say.
"It is abundantly clear that there is no way I can meet my monthly budget with only $340 in child support...My boyfriend does not have an obligation to subsidize me."
She goes on to say, "Based on these factors, my ex-husband's increased income, my decreased income (because spousal maintenance has now ended), his extravagant purchases, all point to the conclusion that an upward deviation is appropriate."
Leslie also indicated that her monthly costs were $7,500, which included $500 for "entertainment (for children only)" and $400 for clothes for four persons (herself and her three children), which the court disputed.
According to the court, there is a "strong suspicion that the mother's financial situation is probably far more rosy than she suggests."
The breakdown went something like this, "With $5,039 per month in expenses and a $1,000 per month rent contribution from her boyfriend, mother needs $4,039 in after tax cash flow to meet her remaining expenses....yet mother confirmed that she has not been using credit cards or borrowing money on a monthly basis."
Leslie's ex retaliated against her spending, claiming it was outrageous and personal, rather than for the children.
According to the court documents, "Father brought his own motion for attorney's fees, claiming the mother went on an expensive fishing expedition incident to her claim that the parties' MTA (Medical Travel Account) was fraudulently procured."
He attempted to recoup $950 from Leslie for her half of his costs, "but failed to provide his itemization in a timely manner."
Leslie's application for an upward variation in child support and his motion for attorney's costs were both dismissed in June 2003. Her monthly child support, however, rose.
Instead of the $340, the judge ordered David to pay $695.50 every month. He was also ordered to pay her attorney's expenses of $900.
Another order was issued in August 2003, indicating that Leslie owed David $995 for her part of the children's unreimbursed medical bills paid by her ex. David owed her $285 for his portion of the children's unreimbursed medical expenditures.
Where is 'The Golden Bachelor' star Leslie Fhima's hometown?
In last week's episode, Gerry chose Leslie, a 64-year-old Minneapolis fitness teacher, as one of three finalists to earn a "hometown" date. Gerry met Leslie's family as she took him around Minneapolis—he was photographed visiting the Stone Arch Bridge in August — before deciding on his final two favorites at the end of the episode on November 2.
Minnesotans have been heavily represented on 'The Bachelor' and its spinoffs — Prior Lake resident Becca Kufrin and Burnsville teacher Michelle Young both struck love as the lead on 'The Bachelorette' — but the romance hasn't lasted.
Did Leslie Fhima win 'The Golden Bachelor'?
Leslie makes it very far in 'The Golden Bachelor', according to Reality Steve, one of the most reliable sources in Bachelor Nation. She is one of the few who made it to Hometowns and ends up being one of the final three women of the season, alongside Faith Martin and Theresa Nist.
Gerry sends Faith home after the hometowns, making Leslie and Theresa the final two. Thus, there's a good chance Leslie will emerge victorious in 'The Golden Bachelor' Season 1 and win Gerry over as well.
As it is, Reality Steve is still unsure of the winner, but we'll be sure to let our readers know as soon as he does.
What does 'The Golden Bachelor' contestant Leslie Fhima do for work?
Leslie has been a personal trainer for over two decades and was a professional figure skater in the past. According to her bio, she "is passionate about helping others live their best lives."
And speaking of which... Leslie has completed ten marathons and is "looking for her running buddy for life."
Leslie also owns PowerBark, a dog bar company she founded roughly 14 years ago.
'The Golden Bachelor' contestant Leslie Fhima dated Prince
During her introduction to Gerry, Leslie states that she dated Prince and that he even composed a song about her. In an interview with the StarTribune, her son, Eli, corroborated this information.
He claims she dated the singer while she was in her teens and early twenties before leaving him to travel with the Ice Follies, a figure skating group.
"Not only did she date Prince," Eli went on to say, "but she broke up with Prince."
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