Ryan Phillippe is reportedly seeking the assistance of his ex-wife, Reese Witherspoon, to mend his strained relationship with their 25-year-old daughter, Ava. Sources claim Phillippe has made a "desperate plea" to Witherspoon to intervene. The rift reportedly stems from a past domestic assault allegation against Phillippe.
Phillippe and Witherspoon, who divorced in 2006, have generally maintained a good co-parenting relationship. However, the dynamic shifted after Phillippe's ex-girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt, accused him of domestic assault in 2017. Ava reportedly began to view her father differently after the settlement of the case.
Ava has allegedly distanced herself from her father, even unfollowing him on social media. She reportedly believes he leaked news of their strained relationship to the press. There are also reports that Ava is considering changing her last name to Witherspoon.
Witherspoon, while heartbroken, is reportedly respecting her daughter's decisions and refrains from interfering. Sources say she doesn't believe it is her place to get involved. The situation remains tense, with little sign of immediate reconciliation between Phillippe and Ava.