Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Baby Daddy Mystery
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 6, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 6, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
There's a story in today's Times that should be a reminder to everyone that shredding documents is not a chore but a duty. An "About New York" column by Jim Dwyer tackles the tale of a man accused of being a deadbeat dad (it's Times Select, so maybe grab the Metro section from somewhere or use your college email).
Mike Shaieb, a film and TV music composer, received a letter from the city demanding that he appear in family court because a woman claimed that he fathered her baby, and therefore, the city wanted him to pay child support. Shaieb hired a lawyer, even though "Court officials pointedly told [him] that he could handle the case himself," and it turns out that in family court, details don't have to be disclosed.
Mr. Shaieb’s lawyer said he had never met the woman in question. The magistrate said Ms. Robbins could discuss those particulars afterward with the city attorney.
Ms. Robbins leaned over.
“Do you mind if I tell them?” Ms. Robbins asked.
“Not at all,” Mr. Shaieb replied. “It’s fine.”
Ms. Robbins addressed the magistrate.
“Mr. Shaieb is gay,” she said. “He’s never had sex with a woman in his life.”
Dunh dunh dunh! That's like an Ally McBeal/Boston Practice/whatever- other-David E. Kelley -show twist! Apparently the woman gave Shaieb's name when she applied for welfare - Shaieb and his partner suspect someone got a hold of a receipt or their address and figured Mike for a patsy. What a scam.
Tagged
About New York
ally mcbeal
baby
boston
city attorney
college
court
david
David E
film
gay
metro
Music
new york
News: NYC
scam
sex
the city
Times Select
tv
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Jersey City housing development deal expected to send money to schools, city government
The Canal Crossing project broke ground this week, with plans for housing, 20,000 square feet of commercial space and a public park.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 22, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. ET
The divide among Mamdani allies over reforming the NYPD
The dispute raises questions about who will have Mamdani’s ear as he faces pressure to deliver on campaign promises to reform the world’s largest police force.
By
Elizabeth Kim
News
The divide among Mamdani allies over reforming the NYPD
The dispute raises questions about who will have Mamdani’s ear as he faces pressure to deliver on campaign promises to reform the world’s largest police force.
By
Elizabeth Kim
How NY Gov. Hochul, Bruce Blakeman would tackle rising electric, heat bills
By
Jon Campbell
Early Addition: Some NYC workers got up extremely early to commute from the Poconos
By
James Ramsay
Mamdani-backed housing bill will give nonprofits head start on buying NYC apartments
By
David Brand
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .