It seems like not everyone is thrilled about Ashanti and Nelly’s wedding and the fact that they’re expecting a baby. While most people are happy for the couple, Nelly’s ex, Shantel, has been causing some drama. She’s been making shady comments about Ashanti and suggesting that Ashanti stole Nelly from her. It looks like Ashanti has had enough of Shantel’s antics. Honestly, who wants to deal with that kind of negativity when you’re pregnant? So, has Ashanti finally clapped back and put Shantel in her place? And did Nelly really promise to marry Shantel, not Ashanti? Let’s dive into it.
It’s not hard to see why Shantel might be upset about Nelly and Ashanti. She thought she was going to marry Nelly, not Ashanti, especially considering how Ashanti and Nelly’s previous relationship ended on a sour note, with them taking shots at each other for years.
For those who don’t know, Nelly and Ashanti first met at an event for the 2003 Grammy nominations. Nelly played it cool by asking for her autograph instead of her number. They started dating sometime after that, but kept the details of their relationship pretty private. Fans eventually figured it out, though. Ashanti kept insisting they were just friends, and in 2008, she told People magazine, “Me and Nelly, we’re good friends. We kick it, hang out a lot. The industry is very hard, so it’s good to have fun and lighten it up.” Nelly also insisted there was nothing romantic going on, saying, “What people don’t understand is that I think you really have to be friends first. That’s the thing. It’s not about how long it takes. There’s no time limit on this. I’m not a person who wants to be married more than once. I’m not a person who wants to be in a relationship more than once. You’re dying if you leave me.”
But soon enough, breakup rumors started swirling, and let me tell you, it was not pretty. They officially split in 2013, with allegations of infidelity on both sides. Sources close to Nelly claimed that Ashanti had allegedly cheated on him with multiple men. One source said, “For years, Nelly heard rumors that Ashanti was being unfaithful, but he didn’t want to believe them. It’s no secret in the industry; Ashanti isn’t exactly known for being sweet and innocent. Everyone knows about her fling with Irv Gotti. But Cornell chose to ignore the rumors that Ashanti had been involved with rappers like Jay-Z and Nas, and lesser-known producers like Santana. There were even whispers that Ashanti found out he was seeing Keyshia Cole, which led to a feud between Ashanti and Keyshia. While the truth of these claims is uncertain, the allegations were rampant.”
Ashanti hinted at Nelly’s infidelity in her song “Never Should Have,” singing, “You were all that I wanted. I fell in love with all of your heart and soul. From that moment, I couldn’t imagine you ever hurting me or mistreating your love. I should have known. Rivers of teardrops, these sharp pains in my heart. If this was the way that you loved, you never should have loved me.” In 2015, she opened up about the relationship, saying, “I think sometimes when people have their own insecurities, it allows them to act out of character. I’ve been betrayed. You just have to grow. You have to grow up. You have to accept responsibility for the things that you do. I’m not a big fan of people being cowards.”
It seems she held onto the grudge because, in 2018, she took shots at Nelly during a concert. While on stage, she said, “I’ve been betrayed before, publicly at that,” and when someone in the crowd shouted, “Screw Nelly,” she responded, “Word. See, I just want to make sure y’all really understand exactly what I’m saying because I’ve been betrayed before, publicly at that. I just want y’all to understand everything.”
Given all this, the last thing anyone expected was for them to not only get back together but also be married with a baby on the way, especially since Nelly seemed to have moved on with his now ex, Shantel, who has been accused of shading Ashanti.
The thing about Shantel is that she was always there for Nelly 100% when they were together. Despite him cheating on her regularly and having more scandals than anyone could count, she stayed by his side. She even defended him when multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior, insisting they were lying. “Those dates these Jane Does are claiming? I was at those venues, in the dressing rooms, and on that tour bus. There are women dealing with real issues, and for the first time, people are listening, and there is a chance for real change. But all of this work is discredited and makes things harder for survivors when people lie,” she said.
Nelly also made it seem like Shantel was his forever, saying, “I would not want my life to not have Shantel in it. We’ve been seeing each other for five or six years. Anytime you can connect with somebody like that, it works out for the long run. She’s sweet, beautiful, and the more we get to know each other, she’s just as beautiful inside.” He even talked about them working towards an engagement, but that never happened. Things got tense between them, and when Shantel asked for a break, Nelly probably saw it as a way out and dumped her for good. Not long after, he and Ashanti got back together, catching everyone off guard, even Ashanti herself.
“Are you crazy? Why did you think that this was absolutely not the person and the journey for you?” Ashanti reflected. She explained that after a breakup, she tends to shut that person out and move on, believing that chapter is closed.
They reconnected on the Verzuz stage, where Fat Joe and Ja Rule set it up without telling Ashanti because they knew she would back out if she knew Nelly was going to be there. They met on stage, hugged, and that was it. Fast forward to November 2022, and Ashanti and Nelly surprised everyone by reuniting on stage to perform “Body On Me” at Power 98.3 and 96.1’s Under the Mistletoe concert in Arizona. Their chemistry was undeniable, showing they still had that spark. Rumors about them getting back together started after they were seen holding hands following the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia boxing match in Las Vegas. They made their official comeback as a couple on the red carpet for the third annual birthday ball for Quality Control CEO Pierre “P” Thomas in Atlanta. Since then, it’s been smooth sailing. Fans got their happy ending when Ashanti announced their engagement in April 2023. Nelly proposed during an intimate moment while Ashanti was still in her PJs at home. Shortly after, Ashanti announced her pregnancy, expressing her joy about becoming a mom.
As if that wasn’t enough, it was also revealed that they had secretly gotten married, and everything seemed perfect between them. However, Shantel appears to be caught up in her feelings and has been taking shots at Nelly and Ashanti. During a Q&A on Instagram recently, a fan asked her how she felt about someone getting back together with an ex, and Shantel threw shade, saying that she doesn’t go backwards.
“Am I single? Yes, I am, and I’m ready to mingle! I’m American Indian, Black, and White. As for advice, someone asked me, ‘What would you say to someone who went back to a person they really loved?’ If it works for you, then go for it. Personally, I don’t go back. I believe in moving forward.
Speaking of moving forward, remember when Nelly posted that picture of Ashanti sitting on his lap and captioned it, ‘Of course not beautiful. I’m fine, love you too’? Ashanti reposted it with, ‘LMAO babe, I’mma knock you out.’ Everyone thought they were adorable together. Then, Shantel posted a video that made it clear she’s still in love with Nelly. But honestly, it’s making her look bad, especially since Ashanti is now heavily pregnant. I don’t expect Ashanti to respond immediately, but when she does, it’s going to be savage because she’s known for her quick wit.
Fans had a lot to say. One commented, ‘I know Shantel Jackson has to feel some type of way. She seemed to really love him and had high hopes for their relationship, only to find out Nelly was still in love with Ashanti. This whole situation shows how a man can be with you for years and you’re not who they want to be with. It’s a scary world out here.’ Another said, ‘I’m happy for Nelly and Ashanti, but I feel heartbroken for Shantel. I hope she heals.’