Singer/The Voice judge, Jennifer Hudson (36), and her Harvard trained lawyer fiancee/WWE Wrestler, David Otunga, have had one of the longest engagements in the history of show business. When the two lovebirds first became engaged in September 2008 -after just months of dating- everybody and their mommas were like ‘That mess ain’t gonna last.’ Otunga was fresh off of his stint as a contestant on VH1’s reality dating show, I Love New York 2, where he was assigned the official nickname, “Punk” on the show. Jennifer was becoming a force to be reckoned with after her immaculate performance in the 2006 film, Dreamgirls. However, the two proved everyone wrong and remained happily together for the next 9+ years. Unfortunately, that has all come to a screeching halt and they are in the midst of a legal war.
It’s just been reported that Jennifer and David have decided to split, but there’s a couple of major problems: (1) the battle over the custody of their 8 year old son, David Otunga Jr.; and (2) the restraining order Jennifer has just filed against David to keep him away from her and their son. Now David Otunga, whom is very close to their son, is heated and claims that Jennifer’s motives for the restraining order have nothing to do with him endangering her, or their child in any way, but has everything to do with Jennifer’s plot against him. See details below.
Jennifer Hudson’s Restraining Order Announcement
Hudson kept her announcement short, but the message rang loud and clear- that she perceives David Otunga as some type of threat to her and/or their son:
PEOPLE exclusively confirmed on Thursday that Hudson, 36, and Otunga, 37, have been in the “process of ending their relationship for a number of months,” according to a statement from the singer’s rep. “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 [8-year-old David Daniel Otunga Jr.],” the statement concluded.
David Otunga’s Clap Back
Otunga then released a statement through his attorney, Tracy M. Rizzo, to shut down Jennifer’s claims:
Via People: “David Otunga has been trying to negotiate the terms of an amicable parenting agreement with Ms. Hudson for several weeks now,” the statement read. “However, when it became apparent to Ms. Hudson that Mr. Otunga would be the parent granted residential care of the child, as a result of Mr. Otunga being the child’s primary caregiver while Ms. Hudson pursues her career all over the world, Ms. Hudson decided to file a meritless Petition for Order of Protection in an effort to gain an unfair advantage in the custody dispute.”
“As a result of Mr. Otunga’s career in the WWE, Ms. Hudson felt that she could give an award winning performance in court to portray herself as the victim. Mr. Otunga has never abused or harassed Ms. Hudson or their son, and it is unfortunate, especially in today’s climate, that she would feel the need to make these false allegations against him. Mr. Otunga looks forward to his day in court and in being awarded the residential care of the parties’ only child,” the statement concluded.
It’s very unfortunate their relationship didn’t last because their bond seemed strong. David was Jennifer’s rock to lean on when her mother, nephew, and brother were tragically murdered by her sister’s boyfriend in October 2008, just one month after Jennifer and David got engaged. Although their engagement lasted longer than most celebrity marriages actually do, their relationship appeared to be picture perfect from the outside looking in. Whatever the issues are now between Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga, hopefully the ending result will be in the very best interest of their son.
