Porsha Williams’ Marriages: Exploring Her Relationships with Kordell Stewart and Simon Guobadia
Porsha Williams, a prominent figure known for her captivating presence on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has navigated a high-profile love life that has often captivated and sometimes stirred controversy among fans. From her early days as a new bride on reality television to her recent marriage, Porsha’s romantic journey has been a testament to her resilience and pursuit of happiness. Her relationships, particularly her marriages, have played out under the intense scrutiny of the public eye, revealing layers of personal growth, unexpected twists, and profound emotional experiences.
- Porsha Williams gained significant fame on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, becoming a fan favorite for her candid personality and engaging storylines.
- The former model was married to NFL star quarterback Kordell Stewart from 2011 to 2013, a relationship that was heavily featured during her initial seasons on the show.
- She stirred considerable conversation when she married Simon Guobadia in 2022, notably because Simon was the ex-husband of Falynn Pina, a guest on RHOA introduced as Porsha’s friend.
Porsha Williams, a dynamic personality and a beloved figure during her nine-season tenure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, made headlines when she decided to depart the hit Bravo franchise in 2021. Speculation quickly arose that her exit was primarily motivated by a desire to sidestep potential on-camera drama, particularly following her engagement and subsequent marriage to Simon Guobadia. Porsha and Simon’s connection first developed while filming Season 13 of RHOA, where Simon was then married to Falynn Pina, who appeared on the show as Porsha’s acquaintance, initially introduced to viewers as a “friend.” This complex entanglement inevitably fueled public curiosity and debate.
However, Porsha has consistently refuted these rumors, clarifying her reasons for leaving the show. In an interview with People in March 2023, she stated, “I wasn’t running away.” She further elaborated, explaining that her decision to exit the series was made long before her relationship with Simon began. “I’ve dealt with a lot of harsh things on the show and I’ve been there at the beginning of every season to film, with the camera on. So no, this had nothing to do with that.” The former model emphasized that she had planned her departure from the franchise for a much-needed personal hiatus, a decision conceived “long before” she ever met Simon Guobadia.
Her time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta not only solidified her status as a reality TV icon but also provided a platform for her personal life, including her relationships, to unfold publicly. From emotional highs to challenging lows, viewers witnessed Porsha’s journey through love, heartbreak, and ultimately, her search for lasting companionship and family. This ongoing narrative has kept fans deeply invested in her story, eagerly seeking updates on her romantic endeavors and personal growth.
As Porsha and Simon, the adorable newlyweds, continue to flourish in their relationship – celebrating not one, but two extravagant weddings, vividly documented on Porsha’s Instagram – fans remain eager for all the details regarding her fascinating love life. This includes a keen interest in her past, particularly her first marriage to former NFL superstar Kordell Stewart. Below, we delve deeper into the lives and relationships with the men who have significantly impacted Porsha Williams’ journey and captured her heart.
Kordell Stewart: The NFL Star and First Marriage
Porsha Williams was initially introduced to the loyal fanbase of The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a newlywed, radiating happiness alongside her husband, Kordell Stewart. During her debut season in 2012, Porsha openly shared intimate details of her year-old marriage to Kordell. Kordell, a celebrated figure in his own right, known as “Slash” during his impressive NFL career, once shared with Inside Weddings, “I prayed for a wife with all of her qualities and she was sent to me.” The couple’s initial encounter was described as an instant connection during a casual “night out,” which swiftly led to their marriage merely months later. Porsha fondly recalled their special wedding day, telling the news source, “Our eyes met as I was walking down the aisle, and I couldn’t believe how happy we each were to be marrying the loves of our lives.” Their early relationship portrayed a picture of romance and genuine affection, setting the stage for what many believed would be a lasting union.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Kordell Stewart (@kslash10)
However, the initial romantic spark between Porsha and Kordell began to diminish, and their highly publicized marriage soon faced significant challenges. The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, born in Louisiana on October 16, 1972, abruptly filed for divorce in 2013, a decision that blindsided Porsha. According to US Weekly, Porsha revealed the devastating news reached her through social media, a particularly cruel blow given the private nature of their split. The divorce proceedings and their aftermath were extensively covered on RHOA, showcasing Porsha’s raw vulnerability and emotional turmoil during that period.
Following his retirement from professional football in 2005, Kordell Stewart faced persistent rumors regarding his sexuality, which unfortunately intertwined with the narrative of his marriage to Porsha. Despite these challenges, Kordell maintained a respectful stance towards his former wife. On The Tamron Hall Show, he openly addressed both the marriage and the rumors, stating, “We were married. That never was the impact at all. That was true love at the time.” He acknowledged the profound shift once their lives became a part of reality television: “But once you get on the show, and things are starting to be insinuated — from the conversation about a beard to me being controlling — it becomes a whirlwind of things.” Kordell’s perspective shed light on the immense pressure reality TV can exert on personal relationships, often distorting perceptions and creating narratives that diverge from reality.
Years later, in 2017, Porsha also reflected on their failed union, choosing to look back with a sense of understanding and positivity, rather than bitterness. She shared her insights with The Daily Dish, revealing the lessons she cherished from the experience. “It’s hard to say [what lessons I learned] because what I really loved about marriage was that union. I loved knowing that I belonged to someone. They belonged to me and that I had a household that I was taken care of and that I was proud in that moment,” she explained. Porsha emphasized the deep personal fulfillment she found in the commitment of marriage, highlighting its significance for her. “And I think that will probably be what will force me to get married again ’cause that fulfillment means a lot to me, family means a lot to me.” Her words underscored her enduring desire for a family-oriented partnership, a theme that would continue to define her journey.
The marriage to Kordell Stewart, while ultimately ending in divorce, was a formative experience for Porsha. It introduced her to the complexities of a public relationship and deepened her understanding of what she truly sought in a life partner. The lessons learned from this period, particularly her longing for a strong, supportive union, would guide her in subsequent relationships and ultimately lead her to new chapters in her personal life.
Simon Guobadia: Finding Love Amidst Controversy
Family clearly holds immense importance for Porsha, as evidenced by the joyful arrival of her daughter between her two marriages. After her divorce from Kordell and before meeting Simon, Porsha found love and became a mother. Alongside her ex-fiancé Dennis McKinley, she welcomed their beautiful daughter, Pilar Jhena, into the world in March 2019. Despite the engagement to Dennis not leading to marriage, Porsha embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, and Pilar quickly became a central focus of her life.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Porsha Guobadia (@porsha4real)
While Porsha and Dennis’ engagement eventually concluded, it wasn’t long before Porsha found herself deeply in love once more. In a surprising announcement in May 2021, Porsha revealed her engagement to Simon Guobadia after a whirlwind romance of only one month! This news, however, was met with significant public scrutiny and raised many eyebrows, particularly because Simon was still officially married to Falynn Pina, who had appeared on RHOA. Porsha quickly addressed the seemingly controversial timing, providing clarity on her Instagram. “For all of you that need facts, I get the optics but Simon filed for divorce from a previous marriage in January,” Porsha wrote, firmly asserting her position. “I had nothing to do with their divorce filing. That’s between the two of them.” This statement aimed to quell rumors and establish that her relationship with Simon began after his decision to end his previous marriage, emphasizing that she was not a factor in his divorce from Falynn.
Simon Guobadia, born in Nigeria on June 2, 1964, and an immigrant to the United States in 1982, as detailed on his official website, is a successful business entrepreneur with a background as a former accountant. His journey to the U.S. and subsequent achievements paint a picture of ambition and dedication. Porsha and Simon celebrated their union with two distinct and magnificent wedding ceremonies. The first, a traditional Nigerian native law and custom ceremony, took place at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on November 25, 2022. This event honored Simon’s rich cultural heritage, with Porsha donning elaborate traditional attire and the couple performing sacred rites. The very next day, the couple exchanged vows in a second ceremony, a lavish American-style white wedding. This grand celebration saw a host of Porsha’s RHOA castmates and celebrity friends, including Kandi Burruss and Kim Zolciak, in attendance to offer their support and witness the couple’s joyous occasion. Both weddings were extensively documented, offering fans a glimpse into the couple’s fairytale celebration and their deep commitment to each other.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Porsha Guobadia (@porsha4real)
Porsha’s adoration for her new husband is palpable, and she has spoken openly about what makes their connection so special. In an interview with People in March 2023, she gushed about Simon, saying, “I love his heart. And I love the way he sees me.” She highlighted a profound sense of acceptance and authenticity she experiences with him: “I think that over the years, I’ve always thought about how I wanted someone to see me or frame myself, whichever way. But with Simon, I’m truly myself. And he sees that. And he supports everything that I am, everything I want to do.” This sentiment reflects a deep level of trust and genuine partnership, indicating that Porsha has found a companion who truly understands and champions her.
Simon, beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, is also a devoted father. He has five children from two previous relationships: Quentin, Nicole, Christian, Benjamin, and Ximena. In May 2022, he proudly shared a heartwarming snap on his Instagram, featuring three of his children celebrating their graduations. His caption underscored his commitment to effective co-parenting: “Thanks to both moms for working with me to co-parent these exceptionally gifted children. Learning to put our children first has not only been good for our children, but has been good for us individually.” This demonstrates Simon’s dedication to his family and his proactive approach to fostering positive relationships with his ex-partners for the sake of their children, a philosophy that resonates deeply with Porsha’s own family values.
Porsha Williams’ journey through marriage has been a public spectacle, marked by both personal struggles and triumphant new beginnings. From her early days alongside Kordell Stewart to her current joyous union with Simon Guobadia, she has consistently shown her commitment to finding love, building a family, and embracing her true self, all while navigating the unique challenges of celebrity life and the intricate world of reality television. Her story continues to evolve, reflecting a persistent pursuit of happiness and a strong belief in the power of love and family.