Brian Dunkleman's wife claims American Idol host 'emotionally and physically abused' their son as bitter custody dispute continues

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 20:54 EST, 17 May 2016 | Updated: 01:34 EST, 18 May 2016

Former American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman has been accused of 'emotionally and physically abusing' his three-year-old son in the latest development in his bitter custody dispute.

In newly published legal papers his estranged wife Kalea claims Dunkleman is 'almost constantly angry and/or volatile' and that over the past year he 'has emotionally and physically abused me and our son'.

The claims come after Brian fled with the couple's son to New York, where he was granted temporary physical custody pending a custody hearing.

A house divided: Former American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman is embroiled in a bitter custody battle over three-year-old son Jackson with wife Kalea - pictured in 2003

A house divided: Former American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman is embroiled in a bitter custody battle over three-year-old son Jackson with wife Kalea - pictured in 2003

Kalea has asked the judge in the case to order that Dunkleman return their son immediately to California - where the family lived together before the split.

In the newly published papers, as reported by People magazine, Kalea says her ex was a 'previously loving and caring father'.

But although she admits 'he loves [their son] Jackson deeply and wants what is best for him' she claims 'Brian's behaviour has changed.' 

Furthermore, Kalea disputes her husband's claims she is a danger to their son - insisting he is the abuser.

She said on occasion he has 'picked her up and thrown her against a wall in front of their son.'

He said, she said: Brian recently whisked son Jackson off to New York as he alleged he was fearful of his safety from Kalea, an alcoholic who is 'so out of control she poses a danger to himself and their son' (pictured in April)

He said, she said: Brian recently whisked son Jackson off to New York as he alleged he was fearful of his safety from Kalea, an alcoholic who is 'so out of control she poses a danger to himself and their son' (pictured in April)

Throwback: Brian originally gained fame as Ryan Seacrest's co-host - who famously stepped down to pursue acting - on the first season of American Idol in 2002

Throwback: Brian originally gained fame as Ryan Seacrest's co-host - who famously stepped down to pursue acting - on the first season of American Idol in 2002

She has also accused him of verbally abusing her, calling her a 'c***,' 'an abomination,' and 'a useless b***h,' according to TMZ.

Kalea also alleged that Dunkleman is so abusive that he 'once locked her out of the house and made her pee outside while he smirked at her from inside.'

Brian previously claimed that his ex is an alcoholic who is 'so out of control she poses a danger to himself and their son.'

The comedian also alleged that his wife 'has drunkenly punched him in the face and is now involved with a cartel drug dealer she met in rehab.'

Kalea admitted a diagnosis of alcoholism, but insisted she was now sober.

She explained in her papers - filed when she petitioned for legal separation - that the disease took hold when she was overwhelmed juggling life as a new mother with working full time.

Financial issues forced her to return to her career as a publicist when her baby was just seven weeks old.

Kalea claimed: 'Though I didn't recognize it at the time... I began to self-medicate my anxiety and stress with alcohol.' 

The former couple wed in 2007. 

Reunited: The comedian recently returned for the series finale of American Idol in April

Reunited: The comedian recently returned for the series finale of American Idol in April

 

 

 

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