Ashanti and Nelly have quickly become one of Hollywood’s hottest couples, but their reunion hasn’t come without controversy.

Nelly’s ex, Shantel Jackson, recently stirred up drama by accusing Nelly of cheating on her with Ashanti, causing a whirlwind of media attention. Shantel, who dated Nelly for several years, claimed that the rapper started seeing Ashanti before their relationship officially ended, suggesting that Nelly had been unfaithful.

The history between Nelly and Ashanti is long and tumultuous. The two first met at the 2003 Grammy Award nomination announcements, and soon after began dating. Though they tried to keep their relationship private, fans quickly caught on. Despite years of denying their romance, rumors persisted, and the couple eventually confirmed their relationship.

However, they called it quits in 2013, with rumors of infidelity plaguing both sides. Nelly reportedly heard whispers about Ashanti being unfaithful, while Ashanti hinted at Nelly’s betrayal through her music, particularly in her song “Never Should Have.”

Despite the breakup and public shots at each other over the years, including Ashanti openly expressing feelings of betrayal during concerts, Nelly and Ashanti rekindled their relationship in 2022. The reconciliation surprised fans, as the two were spotted performing together at various events and eventually confirmed their romance by stepping out hand-in-hand.

Their relationship quickly progressed, leading to an engagement in April 2023 and the announcement of Ashanti’s pregnancy shortly after. The couple’s happiness, however, has been overshadowed by Shantel’s recent claims.

Shantel, who stood by Nelly’s side for years despite allegations of his infidelity, now appears to be harboring resentment over his new marriage to Ashanti. During a Q&A session on Instagram, Shantel threw shade at the couple, stating that she doesn’t believe in getting back with an ex and wouldn’t “go backward.”

She has since insinuated that Nelly was seeing Ashanti behind her back, stirring speculation about whether Nelly and Ashanti’s rekindled romance began before his relationship with Shantel ended.

In response, sources close to Ashanti have reportedly claimed that Shantel is simply jealous and bitter. Ashanti is said to be furious over the accusations, denying any wrongdoing and stating that Shantel is only upset because Nelly married Ashanti instead of her. Fans of the couple have taken to social media, expressing their support for Ashanti and Nelly, while acknowledging Shantel’s heartbreak.

Many have commented that it’s not uncommon for a man to stay in a relationship for years without truly being in love, and some have offered sympathy to Shantel for her unfulfilled hopes of marrying Nelly.

The drama continues to unfold, with Shantel and Ashanti seemingly at odds. While Nelly and Ashanti appear to be enjoying their happily-ever-after, the situation serves as a reminder of the complex emotions and lingering pain that often follow long-term relationships. Whether Shantel’s accusations are true or simply the result of a scorned ex remains a point of debate, but for now, Ashanti and Nelly are focused on their future together, leaving the past behind.