Jennifer Hudson Splits From David Otunga, Receives Protective Order Against Ex-Fiancé
Jennifer Hudson and fiancé David Otunga have reportedly called it quits after a decade-long relationship and ended their engagement.
The singer's rep confirmed the news on Thursday, Nov. 17, adding that The Voice coach also requested and was granted a protective order against Otunga.
"They have been in the process of ending their relationship for a number of months," the rep said in the statement. "Today, Jennifer requested and received a protective order against her ex-fiancé. Jennifer's actions are solely taken in the best interest of their son."
Hudson, 36, and Otunga, 37, started dating in 2008 and the former pro wrestler popped the question to the Academy Award winner only a few months into the relationship. The couple also has a child together; an 8-year-old son named David Daniel Otunga Jr., who was born in August 2009.
A post shared by David Otunga (@davidotunga) on Jun 18, 2017 at 11:09am PDT
The pair has never officially tied the knot but in November 2013, rumors had it that the couple secretly married after Otunga was spotted wearing a wedding band around his finger. However, Hudson later clarified that the band was an engagement ring that she had gifted Otunga on his birthday.
A month after they got engaged, Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and brother Jason were fatally shot in a Chicago home listed under her mother's name. Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was also found dead in the backseat of a car. The Dreamgirls actress' brother-in-law William Balfour was found guilty of the triple murder in 2012.
Hudson's rep pointed out that the protective order against Otunga was requested for keeping their son's best interests in mind. Otunga's attorney, however, says that Hudson only asked for the order because she's afraid she will lose custody of the child.
The attorney, Tracy Rizzo, told TMZ that her client has been involved in negotiations with Hudson over an amicable parenting agreement for many weeks. Apparently, when the singer started to realize that Otunga is most likely to be granted residential custody of the child because of the fact that he is the child's primary caretaker since Hudson is busy pursuing her singing career, she filed a "meritless" petition in a bid "to gain an unfair advantage in the custody dispute."
Rizzo claims Jennifer Hudson gave an award-winning performance in court to make herself look like the victim. Although her rep's statement does not accuse Otunga of domestic abuse, the attorney clarifies that her client has never abused or harassed Hudson or their son.
