By Brian Gallagher For Dailymail.com 00:18 February 20th 2023, updated 00:43 February 20th 2023
- Michelle Arroyo, Grayson’s birth mother, revealed to TMZ that Rossi and Smiley’s tribute posts “grossly misrepresented” her relationship with Grayson
- Arroyo also claims that Smiley’s relationship with his son was virtually “nonexistent” and he still owes over $152,000 in child support
- Grayson, 22, died earlier this month from complications from a brain tumor he had been battling since he was six
Earlier this month, Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi and her fiancé Slade Smiley mourned the death of Slade’s 22-year-old son Grayson after a long battle with brain cancer.
Both Rossi, 44, and Smiley, 49, shared heartfelt tribute posts on Instagram after Grayson passed away earlier this month, but Grayson’s birth mother, Michelle Arroyo, takes them out on the matter.
Arroyo accused both Rossi and Smiley of “grossly misrepresenting the true nature of their relationship with Grayson, which was practically non-existent,” according to TMZ.
She adds that Gretchen hasn’t made much of an effort to see him in the past 20 years, calling their relationship “nonexistent.”
Arroyo has been through a lot, losing her own business, life savings and even her home while dedicating her life to caring for Grayson, who has battled brain cancer since he was six.
Passed away: Earlier this month, Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi and her fiancé Slade Smiley mourned the death of Slade’s son Grayson, 22, after a long battle with brain cancer. Birth mother: Both Rossi, 44, and Smiley , 49, shared heartfelt tribute posts on Instagram after Grayson passed away earlier this month, but Grayson’s birth mother, Michelle Arroyo, takes them to task
She told the page that she could no longer remain silent about Slade’s “inexcusable behavior and neglect” of her son Grayson, who she said was “desperate” to have a relationship with his father, even though his father didn’t make much of an effort.
Arroyo even had to hire lawyers to get Smiley to pay child support owed to him, approximately $152,000, and he hasn’t made a payment since 2019.
She also recently started a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of a proper memorial for Grayson and outstanding medical expenses, which Slade is said to be covering half of, but he hasn’t contributed at all.
The family’s goal is $75,000 with over $31,000 in donations pledged so far, with the family revealing that over his 22 years Grayson has had 29 surgeries, 21 of which were brain surgeries.
“For 16 years his tumors were treated, but the treatments and complications have damaged almost every major system in his body. In the end, Grey’s heart gave out suddenly and unexpectedly,” reads the GoFundMe page’s description.
“As you can imagine, alongside the sudden and eternal grief, there is a significant financial cost to his mother, who has been his sole caregiver and healthcare advocate for over 16 years,” the site adds.
“Gray’s out-of-pocket medical expenses are in the hundreds of thousands and we are raising money to cover arrears as well as expenses related to Gray’s memorial services,” the family said.
“Any donations raised in addition to the amount needed to support his mother will be donated to the Amazing Gray Foundation,” the description continued.
Target: She told the page that she can no longer remain silent about Slade’s “inexcusable behavior and neglect” of her son Grayson, who, she said, “desperately” wanted a relationship with his father, even though his father didn’t make much effort Child support: Arroyo even had to hire lawyers to get Smiley to pay the child support he owed, approximately $152,000, and he hasn’t made any payment since 2019. Mourning: ‘As you can imagine, along with sudden and eternal grief comes at a significant financial cost to his mother, who has been his sole caregiver and healthcare advocate for over 16 years,” the site adds
Gretchen wrote a heartfelt tribute to Grayson on her Instagram page on Feb. 7, along with several snaps of the family over the years.
“Our rational minds told us that day might come, but our hearts always held onto the hope that day would not come,” Rossi began.
“We are beyond devastated and heartbroken at the loss of Grey. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special person,” she added.
“He was an angel on this earth and an incredible warrior… a warrior like no one has seen before,” Rossi continued.
“He struggled through his pain and discomfort every day to find joy in the smallest of things. Despite his circumstances, he always sang, danced and laughed. He was a true beacon of light and hope,” she said.
“Even though his life on earth was cut short, he had an incredible impact on so many people. The Lord knew his life had purpose and would touch many along the way,” she said.
“We are forever grateful for the many lessons we learned from this little man and will greatly miss his wonderful spirit. May the Lord hold him in his hands, rebuild his broken body and give him life again,” Rossi added.
“This isn’t goodbye, but see you soon, little man… We love you, Grayson. You will always be in our hearts,” she said.
“Love your father, Gretchen and your sister Skylar Gray,” she said, adding, “Please respect our privacy as we mourn this unbearable loss.”
Tribute: Gretchen wrote a heartfelt tribute to Grayson on her Instagram page on February 7, along with several snaps of the family over the years . May the Lord hold him in his hands, rebuild his broken body and give him life again,” Rossi added