Nia Long Speaks Out About Ime Udoka’s Scandal — Says It Was ‘Devastating’ For Her Son Kez: “No One From The Celtics Organization Has Even Called To See If I’m OK, To See If My Children Are OK”
In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter, iconic actress Nia Long talks about the return of ‘The Best Man franchise. She also dives into her career and how she plans on taking control of it. While speaking with the outlet, she also discusses being dragged into the wild NBA scandal that not only affected her but also her children.
As it was previously reported, Ime Udoka, who’s dated Nia Long since 2010, was suspended as coach of the Boston Celtics amid infidelity allegations. On September 22, The Athletic reported that Udoka — had an “intimate and consensual relationship with a female member” of the team’s staff. The alleged relationship was not only considered “improper” by the franchise, but it was also a violation of the NBA’s code of conduct. He has apologized after allegations surfaced.
Long explained to THR that she had been in the middle of a project when the news broke about her fiancé’s scandal. She said, for the first time in her 36-year career she had to walk off the set to be with her son. She explains that the project she was handling at the time was not only unfulfilling but “there was also this sense that the business I have to deal with at home is more important to me than teaching a white director-producer how to tell a Black story.” Long added, “I went home to be with my son, and that was what was most important to me because he was not having an easy time. I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public,” she says of the organization’s big move to call a press conference to address Udoka’s suspension. Long went on to share that she actually took her son out of school when the news hit, saying that it was “devastating, and it still is.”
“He still has moments where it’s not easy for him,” the Friday actress adds. “If you’re in the business of protecting women — I’m sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK. It’s very disappointing.”
What Is The Status Of Their Relationship?
While she has not shared that yet, she has released a statement thanking fans for showing her love and support during this unfortunate time:
“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” Long said in a statement issued to ET. “I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.”
More On “The Best Man: Final Chapters” Series
The final installment of the Peacock series will premiere Dec. 22. It will feature the original stars from the film, including Long, Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Melissa De Sousa, and Harold Perrinea.
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