Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe’s estranged husband Lanre Gentry has given an exclusive interview to Punch Newspaper, that gave an insight into their marriage and what really happened on the day the actress accused him of assaulting her. The socialite and businessman opened up on their disagreement on that fateful day, the on-going legal case and more, see the excerpts below:
On what led to the disagreement that made Mercy leave their matrimonial house, Gentry said: It was during the Easter period. We were expecting some guests and I gave her N160,000 to prepare food and other things. But that was when she decided to go for a photo shoot. From there, she went for AY’s comedy show around 12am. It was even her publicist that told me this. I then went to her stylist’s place because I was angry. We argued but I didn’t beat her; her publicist and stylist were there that day so they can prove me wrong. I am not a violent person; as a matter of fact, whenever I’m angry, I don’t talk. I don’t even want to say much about this because it is a family issue and I want to protect my family.
On previous domestic abuse: I have never touched Mercy in my life. All what she is doing and saying is made-up. Even her face that appeared badly bruised was achieved through make-up. She knows what she is doing; she just wants to be free. She doesn’t want to be under any man.
On how her parents are trying to settle the rift: Her parents are wonderful people and we speak every other day. They are aware of all that transpired and they have been speaking with her too. I take her mum like my own mother because she is a good and virtuous woman. I cannot look away because of her and my children.
On his relationship with their children Juwon and Mercy’s daughter from a previous relationship after the fight: I have a very cordial relationship with my children. I love each and every one of them deeply. I cannot do without them and I think that’s why Mercy decided to deprive me of the chance of seeing my children. Though we have only one child, Juwon, together biologically; I consider Michelle, who Mercy had before we got married, as my child too because I raised her and she actually bears my surname.
On Any regrets marrying Mercy: I have no regrets whatsoever. I have never regretted being with any woman. Besides, I’m still legally married to Mercy. Till I hear from her about a divorce, I believe I’m still her husband and that’s why I still wear my wedding ring at all times. Maybe you should just ask her why she is destroying my image.
Mercy’s previous complaints in the marriage: Whenever we had disagreements, she used to say that she would just pack out of the house and live alone. I think she may be influenced by some of her friends.
Is it true that he is broke and was that the reason his actress wife wanted out? My business is going on very fine and smoothly. While staying together, Mercy does not even buy ordinary water in the house. I was the one that usually took care of all the expenses in that house. I pay the children’s school fees and cater to every other responsibility as a man. The things I achieved before I turned 40 are enough for me and my children for the rest of our lives. I am also into real estate and I have a lot of investments. I am very okay and can take good care of my family.
On the negative effect of him being named a wife beater: No, they are not being fair to me at all. What we, men, face in the hands of women cannot be expressed. The society cannot make a fair judgment because they have only listened to her side of the story, and haven’t heard from me.
Photo Credit: Getty
