Sia’s Divorce From Dan Bernad Turns Bitter Amid Custody Battle Over Son
Australian pop icon Sia is facing an increasingly contentious divorce from her estranged husband Dan Bernad, as shocking new allegations emerge in their legal battle over custody of their 19-month-old son, Somersault Wonder, affectionately known as Summi.
The “Chandelier” singer, 49, filed for divorce from Bernad in March 2025 after two years of marriage. Initially, both parties agreed that Sia would retain primary custody of their child. However, Bernad has since filed for sole legal and physical custody, claiming that Sia poses “a serious and immediate danger” to their son.
In court filings obtained by PEOPLE, Bernad accused Sia of substance abuse, alleging she was secretly hospitalized for two weeks in September and tested positive for barbiturates and benzodiazepines. He further demanded $77,245 per month in child support, claiming the singer is an “unfit and unreliable parent.”
Sia Responds: “He’s Weaponizing My Past”
In response, Sia has fiercely denied the accusations, filing her own declaration on October 28. She maintains that Bernad is attempting to use her past struggles with addiction against her in a manipulative effort to secure custody and financial gain.
“My recovery has been a cornerstone of my life and one of the primary reasons I chose to separate from Dan,” Sia stated. “His attempt to weaponize my past sobriety journey—an issue long resolved and well-documented—serves no legitimate purpose and is intended only to distort the facts and undermine my credibility.”
Sia acknowledged that she battled substance abuse more than 15 years ago, but emphasized that she has now been fully sober for over six months, participating in a recovery program that includes weekly testing and a sober companion.
She also alleged that Bernad, who previously worked as an oncologist, has refused to submit to regular drug testing, despite requesting the court to order her to do so.
Sia Alleges Ex Was Investigated for Child Pornography
In a shocking revelation, Sia claimed that after their separation in March, she learned Bernad had been under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) for allegations of child pornography found on his computer hard drive.
While she noted that both investigations were ultimately “inconclusive and now closed,” Sia said the findings have left her deeply unsettled.
“This does not appease my concerns about Summi spending unsupervised time with Dan,” she wrote, reiterating that her priority remains the safety and wellbeing of their son.
Financial Motives Behind the Custody Dispute
Sia further accused Bernad of being motivated by money, alleging that he has repeatedly tied his requests for additional custodial time to financial gain rather than genuine parental interest.
“To date, every request by Dan for additional custodial time has been directly tied to financial gain,” she wrote. “He has already received over $300,000 since our separation.”
Bernad, who claims he quit his job at Sia’s request, recently filed for $250,856 per month in spousal support, in addition to $300,000 for legal fees and $200,000 for forensic accounting fees—a move Sia’s team has called “excessive and manipulative.”
A Relationship That Began With Promise Ends in Controversy
Sia and Dan Bernad married in 2022 in a private ceremony, keeping much of their relationship out of the public eye. Their marriage reportedly began as a deep creative and emotional partnership but later unraveled amid lifestyle clashes and trust issues.
Sia previously cited Bernad’s “nightlife and recreational drug-use lifestyle” as one of the key reasons for their separation, saying it was incompatible with raising a child in a stable home.
What’s Next for Sia and Her Son
As of late October 2025, the court has not yet ruled on Bernad’s custody request. Sia continues to fight for full custody of Summi, while maintaining her commitment to sobriety and stability.
The pop superstar, known for her privacy and powerful advocacy for mental health, has largely kept quiet outside of legal filings. Her representatives have not issued a public comment, though sources close to the singer describe her as “resilient” and “focused on protecting her child.”
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