90 Day Fiancé fans have questions about Biniyam Shibre’s first son and custody battle, especially now that he is in the United States. Biniyam and his possible wife Ariela Weinberg were added to the 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way season 2 cast. They are also a favorite couple on the current 90 Day Fiancé season 9. Ariela moved to Ethiopia to give birth to the couple’s first child, Aviel, in December 2019. Before Ariela and Avi, Biniyam was married to another American woman, with whom he shared with an older son.
Simon, Biniyam’s first son with his former wife, Bria, was born in the United States in 2017. Simon had a rare congenital disability, causing his intestines to develop outside of his body. This made it impossible for Bria to return to Ethiopia for the birth. 90DF star Biniyam was granted Humanitarian Parole for the delivery, but he has been estranged from his son since his divorce with Bria.
Once, Biniyam and his ex-wife appeared happy. However, Biniyam said that he was confused by his ex-wife’s decision to end the relationship. He noted that although he did nothing wrong, talking with another woman may have been a factor in the couple’s split.
Biniyam Wants More Time With Simon
Not seeing his 5-year-old son has negatively impacted Biniyam, and he occasionally posts heartfelt messages to Simon on his biniyam_shibre Instagram. This has pulled at the heartstrings of many fans, as he adds hopeful notes asking for support and prayers. In September 2021, presumably now married to Ariela, he arrived in America on a K-1 visa, and was finally able to take action. He filed a petition to modify custody and establish parenting time for Simon. After that, Bria filed a Writ of Injunction on October 6, 2021, which was granted the very same day.
Biniyam Doesn’t Back Down From A Fight
While Biniyam’s petition recognizes that Bria was granted custodianship and guardianship at the time of the divorce in Ethiopia, it also specifies that Biniyam has visitation rights. Because of the estrangement, Biniyam is seeking joint legal custody with a reasonable visitation schedule, according to Monsters & Critics. He’s basing his request on a material change in circumstances, which is his move to the United States, and on continuing to be denied parenting time.
While a Mediation Certificate of Attendance was filed by Biniyam and Bria in November 2021, the Writ of Injunction stipulates what Biniyam may not do regarding Simon, until the trial on October 26 and 27 of this year. The Writ of Injunction limits Biniyam in many ways, by forbidding him from letting a third party pick up the child, posting information about his son Simon’s progress online, etc.
90 Day Fiancé Fans Are Rooting For Biniyam
Even though the document explicitly mentions not discussing Simon on 90 Day Fiancé, it does not stop Biniyam from discussing filing for custody, and fans hope to see the legal battle unfold on the show. As of February 2022, Biniyam has less than $500, and makes $0 per month, according to an Affidavit of Financial Status filed with the Iowa court. That makes sense, because K-1 visa holders cannot work for months after getting married. It could also be that he is continuing to try to become an MMA fighter, and is not yet at a place in his career where it is profitable. There is also speculation that Ariela’s parents may be helping out with the court costs.
After seeing Biniyam with his son Avi, many 90 Day Fiancé fans are rallying around this fan favorite, as they appreciate that he’s trying to build a stronger bond with Simon. His move to America has no doubt complicated things in Bria’s life, but Biniyam deserves the chance to co-parent his son. While he seeks joint legal custody to help make decisions, he only wants reasonable parenting time, rather than full physical custody. Let’s hope that Biniyam can reunite with his son, and successfully co-parent with Bria, as this will ultimately benefit their young son.
Sources: Biniyam Shibre/Instagram, Monsters & Critics
