Nia Long on Ime Udoka Scandal: Celtics Made 'Very Private Situation Public'
© Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
In this photo, actress Nia Long is seen at the premiere of "47 Meters Down Uncaged" the at Regency Village Theatre on August 13, 2019 in Westwood, California. Long broke her silence in a new interview about the scandal that resulted in the suspension of her fiancé Ime Udoka from the Boston Celtics.
For the first time, Nia Long has publicly addressed her fiancé Ime Udoka's suspension as head coach of the Boston Celtics.
Long broke her silence on the scandal to The Hollywood Reporter, but she did not get into specifics about Udoka's year-long suspension issued in September for what the NBA team called "violations of team policies." The Athletic's Shams Charania reported at the time that Udoka was allegedly involved in an "improper intimate and consensual relationship" with a female member of the Celtics organization.
Long, an actress known for roles in films like Boyz n the Hood and TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, shares a son with Udoka. She discussed with The Hollywood Reporter how hard the news of the scandal was on their young child.
"I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son's face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public," Long said to the publication. "It was devastating, and it still is. He still has moments where it's not easy for him. If you're in the business of protecting women—I'm sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I'm OK, to see if my children are OK. It's very disappointing."
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Following the announcement of his suspension, Udoka provided a statement to ESPN's Malika Andrews.
"I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down," Udoka said. "I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
After allegations of Udoka having an affair were published, social media users rallied around Long. The actress soon released her own statement to People and other outlets.
"The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me," Long said in the statement. "I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children."
Udoka and Long went public with their relationship in 2010, and their son was born the following year. Long also has another son, born in 2000, from a previous relationship.
Newsweek reached out to Long for further comment.
Update 12/01/22 4:15 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include more background information.
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