Ne-Yo is back in the public eye, defending his polyamorous relationships saying that they are not just about physical connections with his four girlfriends, but the relationships serve as a community for his seven children.
In a recent interview with Real 92.3 LA, the R&B singer and songwriter shared his perspective on having multiple girlfriends, explaining that it’s primarily about “partnership,” not “ownership.”
“I do partnership, not ownership,” he explained. “I don’t even want to own you. I want a partner in this situation. I don’t demand exclusivity or ask for it, nothing like that. If you offer it and I accept [then] there are rules to follow, but nothing is above a conversation as long as we’re being honest.”
Later in the conversation, Ne-Yo pointed out that many people get fixated on the physical side of relationships and fail to look beyond that.
“See, people get caught up on the sexual element of it. If the only reason you’re doing it is for the sexual part if it, you’re bound to fail.” He went on to clarify saying that his polyamorous situation is a “community” and that everyone on the “team” works together, even the children, for the benefit of their unorthodox family to succeed.
“Me being as busy as I am, I’m rarely home — and God bless my kids for them being understanding — but if you want your [Roblox] and your V-bucks and them Jordans, daddy gotta go to work. And while daddy’s at work, this one’s gonna cook dinner and this one is gonna make breakfast, and this one’s gonna get you ready for school…”
Ne-Yo also shared that his children are fully aware of his lifestyle and understand that, above all, they are loved.
“Kids understand what you explain [to them]. If I make it confusing, then it’s confusing. My kids understand that they are loved and that they are cared for and that is what matters to me.”
In a previous interview Ne-Yo stated that he has been very transparent about his lifestyle with his children. The “So Sick” crooner told Rickey Smiley when asked if his children knew about the nuances of his dating life, he responded, “Of course they do.”
“Of course they do. And I answer them. Honestly. Again, I’m not lying to nobody, not even my children.” He added, “It’s like, ‘Hey, this is daddy’s girlfriend. And so is that, and so is that. And so is that.’”
Fatherhood for Ne-Yo’s began with the birth of his first daughter Madilyn Grace (born in 2010) and son Mason Evan (born in 2011) with his former fiancée, Monyetta Shaw-Carter. The 45-year-old shares three children with his ex-wife, Crystal Renay: Shaffer Chimere Jr. (born in 2016), Roman Alexander-Raj (born in 2018), and Isabella Rose (born in 2021). He also has two sons, Braiden (born in 2021) and Brixton (born in 2023), with social media influencer Sade Jenea Bagnerise.
Photo: Ne-Yo Instagram
