Nia Long is opening up and spilling the tea on her current relationship with her ex-fiancé and father of her youngest son, Ime Udoka, following the viral cheating scandal that surrounded them in 2022.
RELATED: After 13 Years, Nia Long & Ime Udoka Reportedly Confirm Breakup Following Cheating And Suspension Scandal
Nia Long Opens Up About Current Relationship With Ime Udoka
On Thursday, October 9, The Cut published an exclusive interview with Long, where she opened up about co-parenting with Udoka. Furthermore, she explained that over the summer, she traveled with Udoka and their son, Kez, and they “had a great time.”
“But it was really beautiful because we’ve had a very public journey that has found its way to peace and understanding,” she said of her and Udoka. “And there’s a lot of mutual respect we have for each other.”
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As she continued, Long explained that the “most important gift” parents can give their children is to “heal” their “trauma.”
“I don’t talk much about my personal life ’cause it’s no one’s business, but every now and then people speculate things on social media, and it’s like, me and Coach are good. I hope he wins. He deserves to win. He’s really great at what he does. We can have our experiences with our son and make him the priority.”
Ultimately, Long explained that there’s still “healing” to be done in their relationship. But “the past is the past.”
“I’m not going to carry burdensome energy with me because that just transfers to my children, and it transfers to everything else in my life. I’m proud of myself. I think we’re proud of each other as the parents of Kez that we’re able to make this an annual thing… Protect the innocence of your children, but allow them to see the truth in every situation.”
More On The Viral Cheating Scandal That Made Headlines In 2022
As The Shade Room previously reported, in September 2022, reports surfaced alleging Ime Udoka had an “improper relationship” with his then-co-worker on the Boston Celtics. Initially, Udoka apologized to the “players, fans, the entire Celtics organization” and his family for “letting them down,” while Long asked for privacy.
Then, in November of that year, Long took to social media, sharing her gratitude for “new places and spaces,” per The Shade Room. The following month, a source exclusively confirmed to PEOPLE that she and Udoka went their separate ways. Furthermore, in August 2023, The Blast reported that Long filed for sole physical and legal custody of her and Udoka’s son. Additionally, she reportedly asked a judge to grant Udoka visitation and establish his paternity of Kez.
In September of that year, Udoka reportedly responded to Long’s request, asking instead for joint custody of their son, per The Shade Room. In November of that year, Long opened up about her “really public breakup” while interviewing Jeezy, per The Shade Room. During their conversation, she shared that her and Udoka’s relationship was “rocky for a long time,” and doesn’t believe a third party has to power to split anyone up.
Ultimately, in January 2024, Long and Udoka reportedly reached a custody settlement. This, with Udoka reportedly being ordered to pay Long $32,500 in monthly child support, per The Shade Room.
Before Opening Up About Ime Udoka, Nia Long Made Headlines Alongside Larenz Tate
Before opening up about where she stands with Ime Udoka, Nia Long made headlines alongside Larenz Tate. As The Shade Room previously reported, in June, the pair popped out for a panel discussion around their 1997 film ‘Love Jones’ at the American Black Film Festival. Furthermore, footage of the pair making their way into the event left social media users commenting on their interaction and mentioning Tate’s wife.
