Hearing in Jennifer Hudson case turns into family reunion

More than two dozen friends and family members of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson packed a Daley Center courtroom Thursday as the seven-month legal battle between Hudson and her ex-fiance over custody of their 8-year-old son continued.

Hudson did not attend the hearing, which seemed more like a family reunion — complete with snacks and selfies outside the courtroom. It was reported that the South Side native is in the Los Angeles area taping the upcoming season of “The Voice.” Her former fiance, lawyer-turned-professional-wrestler David Otunga, showed up to court.

All but a few minutes of the four-hour hearing was held behind closed doors. It seemed attorneys were tackling the ex-couple’s parenting schedule as a deal already in place was set to expire at the end of June.

At issue was Hudson’s work schedule. Tracy Rizzo, Otunga’s attorney, said she learned via news release that Hudson is coaching singers on Season 15 of “The Voice,” which is scheduled to premiere Sept. 24 on NBC.

It’s difficult to say where the case stands after Thursday’s hearing. Judge Karen Bowes signed a gag order months ago that prohibits Hudson, Otunga and their attorneys from talking to the media about the case. Hudson’s sister, Julia, declined to comment.

Hudson, 36, and Otunga, 38, got engaged in 2008 and welcomed David Otunga Jr. in 2009. The couple broke up last year.

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