In 2001, Anderson filed for sole custody of her and Tommy Lee’s two sons, telling a Los Angeles courtroom, as reported by the Evening Standard, “My children are not safe with Tommy Lee.” Alleging both physical and mental abuse, Anderson recounted just how much she allegedly suffered with Lee, sharing the 1998 altercation that resulted in her filing for divorce as proof of his reported explosive ways. “I was holding Dylan in my arms while breast-feeding him, when Tommy physically attacked me with complete disregard for my safety and, more importantly, for the safety of our children,” she alleged. “Tommy kicked me violently in the back several times and in the buttocks. He was completely out of control.”
Anderson then went on to accuse Lee of showing their sons graphic videos, forcing them to call her a “freak,” using obscene language around them, and more. She claimed, “Often when they come home they suffer from nightmares for days. They typically scream, cry and cling to me when they know they have to go to Tommy’s house and tell me they do not want to go.” Anderson argued, “Tommy’s behavior has deteriorated to such an extent that I am afraid for the emotional well-being of the children while in his care.”
In 2002, the exes eventually settled on an equal joint custody arrangement.
