Kehlani has always been an open book when it comes to their music, using their soulful voice to share intimate details about their life—from growing up to navigating their identity within the LGBTQIA community. But when it comes to their personal relationships, the 29-year-old singer has learned to keep things more private. That privacy took center stage recently, as fans discovered that Kehlani quietly married and divorced within a mere three-month period.
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A Quick Marriage in Vegas
In July 2024, the internet was buzzing with rumors that Kehlani had tied the knot earlier in the year. These whispers turned out to be true—Kehlani had indeed married, but the relationship ended just as quickly as it began. The singer secretly wed Mariel Gomerez, a behind-the-scenes music powerhouse, in Las Vegas on April 20, 2024. Mariel, who has an impressive resume working as an A&R professional for Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, and Kehlani started dating shortly after Kehlani’s breakup with Kiara Russell, a UCONN Women’s Basketball Graduate Assistant.
Although Kehlani kept their marriage under wraps, fans started to piece things together when a TikTok user claimed Kehlani’s song “Chapel” was inspired by their Vegas wedding. While the couple’s whirlwind romance was kept off social media, court records confirm that the marriage did indeed take place, only to be annulled in June 2024—just three months later.
Why Did the Marriage End So Quickly?
Details about why the marriage ended so abruptly have emerged, shedding light on what might have gone wrong. According to court documents, Mariel claimed that she married Kehlani under the impression that both were deeply in love. However, she soon realized that Kehlani’s intentions were not as pure as she believed. In her annulment complaint, Mariel alleged that Kehlani was more focused on promoting their upcoming album than on their marriage. She even claimed that the marriage was “obtained by fraud,” stating that Kehlani had confessed to being "insane" at the time of their wedding.
Mariel’s claims didn’t stop there. She also accused Kehlani of infidelity during their short-lived marriage, which only added to the tension between the two. While the annulment complaint was dismissed in June 2024, Kehlani and Mariel are reportedly still legally married, despite their estrangement.
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Kehlani’s Life Post-Divorce
Despite the personal turmoil, Kehlani hasn’t let the drama slow them down. The singer recently announced their Crash World Tour set to kick off in Fall 2024, following the release of their new album, Crash. On the other hand, Mariel continues to make strides in her career, working on several high-profile projects, including Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift and Kehlani’s 2024 album.
A Custody Battle Amid the Chaos
Adding another layer of complexity to Kehlani’s life, they are also embroiled in an ugly custody battle with their ex-partner, Javaughn Young-White, over their five-year-old daughter. Javaughn filed for full custody in July 2024, citing concerns about the child’s safety, and even accused Kehlani of being involved in a "cult." These allegations have since been disputed by Kehlani, who took to Instagram to strongly deny the claims, emphasizing their commitment to their daughter’s well-being.
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Javaughn has also stepped forward to clarify that the original story published by TMZ was "sensationalized" and that the court filing was incomplete. He has called for a retraction and apology, adding yet another twist to this ongoing saga.
What’s Next for Kehlani?
As Kehlani navigates the aftermath of their short-lived marriage, ongoing divorce, and custody battle, one thing is clear: they are not letting these challenges stop them from continuing to make music and perform.
Fans can only hope that Kehlani finds peace and resolution in their personal life as they continue to shine on the world stage.
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