Last year, Alicia Keys was in the midst of public scandal, being called the homewrecker in a love triangle between her and the soon-to-be divorced Swizz Beatz and Mashonda Tifrere. Now that the scandal has cooled down, the Grammy-winning singer is opening up about her relationship with her new husband, and saying that she didn’t break up his family.
In the cover feature of the June issue of Essence, Keys explains that she and Swizz Beatz, born Kasseem Dean, didn’t become romantically involved until after the demise of his relationship Tifrere.
“Everything was in order. We didn’t start seeing each other until months after they had separated,” said Keys.
And although Tifrere repeatedly slammed Keys on the Internet, damaging her public image, Keys explains that she refused to retaliate or address her critics for fear of making the situation worse.
“I was aware of all the false things that were being said about me and it definitely hurt,” said Keys. “But I was sure that if I engaged, it would become back-and-forth like some sick entertainment, which goes against everything I believe and would have made things worse. Of course, people will believe what they want to believe. But I know the truth will shine through.”
However, things seem to now be better between the Keys and Tifrere, who, this past March, wrote an open letter to show appreciation for her “beautiful blended family” and acknowledged Keys as a “partner” in raising her and Dean’s son, Kasseem Jr.
“Things are really good now,” said Keys, who gave birth to her and Dean’s child, Egypt Daoud Ibarr Dean in October 2010. “Kasseem is very present in his children’s lives. I wouldn’t be able to love him otherwise. We’re doing what’s best for the children. That’s always been the most important thing.
Do you think Keys broke up Dean and Tifrere’s family? What do you think of their reconciliation? –nicholas robinson
