Wissam Al Mana (left) and Janet Jackson
Only three months since they welcomed their first baby, pop star Janet Jackson and Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana have decided to part ways, after five years of marriage.
But what had show biz observers really talking were claims that Janet could possibly walk away with up to $200 million under the terms of the couple’s prenup, according to New York Post’s Page Six, which cited “multiple family sources.”
According to the report, the American artist is entitled to $100 million should the marriage last five years—an amount that would allegedly be doubled if she and Wissam have a baby.
While not a few netizens were swift to judge and make fun at Janet for “scamming” her billionaire husband, a longtime driver for the Jackson family stressed that money wasn’t the culprit, but Wissam’s “conservative ways.”
“She loves to be in control,” the source told Page Six. “She ceded that control [in marriage] and wasn’t happy about it. She wants to get back to being Janet Jackson; not Mrs. Wissam Al Mana or being the obedient Muslim wife.”
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey loveless, too
Looks like this month hasn’t been very kind to our divas—at least when it comes to romance. Aside from Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey also recently made headlines, after she called it quits with Bryan Tanaka—her backup dancer whom she had been dating for less than a year.
“She’s focusing on her kids and new music,” a source told People magazine.
True enough, shortly after news on the breakup surfaced, the pop-R&B star announced that her own Butterfly MC Records has just entered a partnership with her current label, Sony’s Epic Records.
The news effectively quelled persistent rumors that Mariah was on the verge of being dropped by Epic.
“I’m putting my heart and soul into making more new music,” Mariah, who’s expected to churn out a new album later this year, said in a statement. “I’m so thrilled for this next chapter—and to continue working with, and for, everyone I love.”
Harry Styles
Brotherly love
While One Direction has been disbanded (or on hiatus) for almost a year now, brotherly love remains strong among its former members.
For instance, singer Harry Styles, who has recently released his first single as a solo artist, “Sign of the Times,” has expressed support for the respective career endeavors of Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
“It’s amazing for your friends, to watch them put music out and for it to go so well,” Harry told radio station Sirius XM. “Everyone so far has done [amazingly well], so if I get to join them in that, that would be amazing.”
Harry added that he’s thrilled to see Louis and Liam Payne (who has yet to embark on a solo career) become fathers. “I’ve spoken to both of them, and they’re both super happy. It’s pretty great to watch,” Harry related. “I spoke to Liam yesterday morning and he’s loving it, so I’m very happy for him.”—ALLAN POLICARPIO