Sports Entertainment
Published Nov. 23, 2023, 10:18 a.m. ET
Teyana Taylor has accused Iman Shumpert of being involved in multiple cheating scandals and “being extremely emotionally and mentally abusive” towards her in divorce documents obtained by TMZ on Nov. 23. The singer cited that their seven-year marriage is “irretrievably broken” in legal papers she secretly filed in Georgia in January.
Taylor previously announced that she and Shumpert had been separated for a while and that “infidelity” did not play a factor in their split in a post on Instagram on Sept. 17. However, she claims things were much different behind the scenes in her divorce filing, which she had reportedly tried to keep as private as possible by using their initials.
There were no further details about the alleged cheating scandals in the report — but Taylor claimed after she filed for divorce in January, Shumpert insisted on them getting back together only to be involved in another cheating scandal.
Taylor said she was embarrassed and humiliated, and accused Shumpert of cruel treatment, narcissistic behavior and being jealous of her career and fame throughout the majority of their marriage. The actress decided to file for divorce because she was “unable to handle the emotional rollercoaster.” Taylor said she “began to intentionally dim her light for her husband to try to have a harmonious and peaceful marriage” while he “became more and more angry” about her fame.
Taylor also alleged Shumpert crashed her Rolls Royce and fled the scene to avoid a DUI arrest. She also cited his previous DUI arrest and his 2022 arrest for weed possession in an airport. Taylor claimed Shumpert would get annoyed while they were out together at events because photographers would ask for him to step aside to capture her. She accused the NBA champ of feeling insecure about being good enough for her when he signed his $40 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015. Prior to that, Shumpert had an impressive start to his career with the Knicks after being picked in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft out of Georgia Tech.
Per the court documents, Taylor alleged Shumpert started sending her condescending text messages with manipulative language about her stardom and would pick fights with her for no reason and then apologize. She claimed she turned down various music opportunities and acting jobs because Shumpert “did not want her to work” — but when she stopped working after welcoming one of their daughters, he complained about her not making money. Taylor said Shumpert “reacted with further cruel treatment and selfishness” when she tried to save their marriage. Shumpert left their family home in October, and Taylor said he hasn’t spent much time with their two daughters, Junie, 7, and Rue, 3, since, according to the court documents. Taylor is asking for temporary and permanent primary physical custody, plus joint legal custody and child support.
According to TMZ, the documents were made public when Shumpert included their full names in his divorce proceedings. The claims in the documents go against what Taylor publicly stated in September.
“In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while,” she said in her Instagram post on Sept. 17, calling Shumpert her best friend and business partner. “To be 1000% clear, ‘infidelity’ ain’t one of the reasons for our departure.” Taylor went on to explain that the separation was “peaceful” and they are focused on raising their two kids. “The only reason I’m even sharing THIS part of the chat is because the narratives are getting a little out of hand & it’s unfair to all parties involved.” Taylor and Shumpert tied the knot in 2016.