Ne-Yo has confirmed he’s in a relationship with multiple women, and he was shocked to find out the laws around polygamy.
The 44-year-old noughties R&B star was spotted at The Grove in Los Angeles this week as he walked hand-in-hand with both of his partners, and he admitted he is new to the idea of multiple romantic interests.
‘This is the first time that I’ve been in a relationship or situation like this,’ admitted the Closer hitmaker, who isn’t breaking any laws with his polyamorous lifestyle.
In a somewhat awkward moment, he was then asked for his thoughts on whether or not polygamy – the act of having multiple spouses – should be legalised, given that it’s still outlawed across the United States.
‘Legalising polygamy? I didn’t know it was illegal,’ he told TMZ. ‘You should let people do whatever the hell they want to do.’
The So Sick singer – whose ex has revealed some intimate details about the breakdown of their relationship – added that he ‘can’t see how it’s hurting anybody’.
However, despite being in favour of legalising polygamy, he doesn’t seem himself getting involved in politics to push the issue, and he stopped short of endorsing the lifestyle for other people.
‘To be honest, I don’t need the government to tell me what I can and can’t do in my personal life,’ he explained. ‘I don’t recommend anything to anybody – what works for me might not work for you, or vice-versa.’
He also noted marriage isn’t something he’s interested in right now, which means the legality issue isn’t something that would affect him.
Is polygamy illegal?
- In the United States, polygamy is illegal in all 50 states
- It’s illegal under federal law due to the Edmunds Act
- In 2020, the state of Utah reduced it to the status of a traffic ticket
- In the UK, polygamy is treated as bigamy if a second marriage (including civil partnerships) occurs in the country
When it comes to his music, Ne-Yo didn’t give much of an idea about whether or not his new relationships could impact his material.
‘I mean the songs come out depending on the situation and the circumstance,’ he said. ‘I don’t force it when it comes to music, it happens organically.’
Last year, Ne-Yo finalise his divorce with Crystal Renay, 37, after she accused him of being unfaithful.
The star has kids Madilyn, 13, and Mason, 12, with ex fiancee Monyetta Shaw-Carter, and Shaffter Jr, eight, Roman, five, and Isabella, two, with Crystal, as well as sons Braiden and Brixton with Sade Jenea Bagnerise.
Your Daily Horoscope
Back in 2021, he told People: ‘I don’t know about any other entertainers and their kids, but my kids actually dig my music. They’re actually the best people to get critiques on my music from.’