Singer Sia’s estranged husband, Dan Bernad, has filed for full custody of their 19-month-old son, Somersault Wonder Bernad (nicknamed “Summi”), whom they welcomed in March 2024.
Bernad submitted his request on Monday, October 27, alleging that the 49-year-old singer is “an unfit and unreliable parent struggling with substance abuse and addiction.”
In response, Sia, in court documents filed on Tuesday, October 28, stated that she has been sober for over six months, following a recovery program that includes weekly testing and a sober companion. She added that her separation from Bernad was partly due to his nightlife and recreational drug use, which she described as incompatible with a healthy environment for their child.
Bernad claimed that Sia delegated most child-rearing responsibilities to nannies while maintaining control from a distance, creating “a one-sided and highly managed environment” that limited his access to Summi. He also alleged that Sia’s house often had numerous staff, collaborators, and friends competing for time with the child, further infringing on his parenting.
Sia countered that Summit has always been in her primary care. She said Bernad has never had custody for more than two hours at a time and was always monitored due to a prior criminal investigation by the LAPD and Department of Child and Family Services concerning alleged child pornography. While the investigations were inconclusive and closed, Sia argued that it is still not in Summi’s best interest to spend unsupervised time with Bernad. She suggested that any custody arrangement should involve a gradual increase in time with a qualified childcare provider present.
Bernad denied any involvement in the alleged contraband, claiming Sia “planted” the hard drive containing inappropriate images to limit his access to their son.
In addition to full custody, Bernad is requesting that Sia:
- Submit to regular drug testing
- Participate in six months of co-parenting classes
- Allow monitored visitation three times per week for two hours
Bernad, who claims to be unemployed and financially dependent on Sia, is also seeking $77,245 per month in child support and that Sia cover all uninsured medical, extracurricular, tuition, and childcare expenses. He stated that Sia ceased funding their joint venture, Modem Medicine, including his salary.
Sia, who adopted two 18-year-old boys in 2019, countered that Bernad is financially motivated, noting she has already paid him $300,000 since their split in March. She claimed that his requests for additional custody have been linked to financial gain rather than genuine parenting intentions.
Earlier this month, Bernad also filed for $250,856 per month in spousal support, plus $300,000 for legal fees and $200,000 for forensic accounting fees.
