The Mental and Physical Toll of a Public Custody Battle
The physical and emotional toll on the 42-year-old television personality became evident following his recent return from an Umrah pilgrimage. Close friend and former manager Nanda Persada disclosed that the father of three is showing visible signs of intense distress and exhaustion as the legal dispute intensifies.
Persada observed the troubling changes firsthand during a meeting in Cilandak, South Jakarta, on July 5, 2026. He noted that the heavy emotional burden Ruben has been carrying is actively manifesting in his physical well-being, leaving him looking noticeably unwell and drained.
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The emotional distress reportedly peaked after Ruben noticed a shift in his children's behavior, describing their interaction at the airport as tense and distant. "He confessed to me that he is completely exhausted by this situation, noting that taking this to court brings him no pride, only deep sadness," Persada stated, quoting the presenter.
The legal escalation follows a breakdown in private family communications, forcing Ruben to address the dispute publicly and file an official custody lawsuit at the South Jakarta District Court on June 30, 2026. The court has scheduled the initial hearing for the high-profile case on July 15, 2026.