Jurnee Smollett and Josiah Bell’s love story as soon as appeared like a scene from a romantic comedy — however now, it’s unfolding extra like a drama straight out of a Tyler Perry film. The couple finalized their divorce in 2021 and initially agreed to a good settlement. Nonetheless, Bell is now looking for extra. He’s reportedly going after a share of all the things Smollett gathered throughout their marriage — and even property she acquired earlier than they had been collectively.
The 2 first met within the early 2000s and tied the knot in 2010. All through the wedding, Bell typically publicly supported Smollett, particularly as her Hollywood profession skyrocketed with standout roles in “Underground” and “Lovecraft Nation.” Their love story appeared picture-perfect — from heartfelt Instagram tributes to candy red-carpet moments, and even collaborating on music, like Bell’s music “Smoke and Mirrors,” which he devoted to Smollett. For some time, they regarded like an influence couple constructed to face the check of time.
Nonetheless, in 2020, the fairy story ended when Smollett filed for divorce after almost a decade of marriage. They finalized their break up in 2021, and Smollett agreed to pay Bell near $1 million as a part of their settlement. Moreover, she’s been paying $7,000 a month in youngster help for his or her son. It appeared like all the things was settled — till now.
Bell is reportedly again in court docket, now looking for entry to Smollett’s 401(okay) and her SAG (Display screen Actors Guild) pension, which she has contributed to since she was three. His request has puzzled many, particularly since these retirement funds predate their marriage and are tied on to Smollett’s lifelong profession within the leisure business. Followers at the moment are questioning Bell’s motives and audacity as he seemingly makes an attempt to stake a declare on wealth that Smollett gathered lengthy earlier than they met.
For these unfamiliar, Smollett comes from a legendary household, however she has undoubtedly carved her path within the business. She’s acted since she was a toddler, with early roles in “Full Home” and “On Our Personal.” Her breakout function got here in “Eve’s Bayou,” and she or he’s since constructed a powerful profession starring in main tasks like “The Nice Debaters,” “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor,” “Birds of Prey,” and most notably, her critically acclaimed efficiency in “Lovecraft Nation.”
So why is Bell now pursuing her hard-earned retirement financial savings? Is he genuinely entitled to it due to their marriage, or is he merely reaching for a lifeline after their divorce? Legally, spouses can generally declare some retirement property gathered in the course of the marriage. Nonetheless, the truth that Bell is concentrating on funds that predate their relationship has many individuals side-eyeing him.
It additionally raises an ethical query: Ought to an ex-spouse have entry to wealth earned earlier than the wedding? Moreover, if Bell willingly agreed to a settlement and youngster help association in 2021, why is he now reneging on that settlement? Is that this about authorized entitlement or just monetary desperation? And truthfully — the place is the disgrace?
The court docket will in the end resolve if Bell has any authorized standing, however the public opinion is already loud and clear. Many individuals consider Bell is overreaching and that Smollett shouldn’t need to sacrifice her retirement financial savings—constructed from a lifetime of labor—to appease an ex. Others are questioning if Bell’s monetary scenario has shifted, prompting him to pursue extra.
So what do you suppose? Does Bell have a legitimate declare, or is that this only a determined money seize? Ought to ex-spouses ever be entitled to property acquired lengthy earlier than the wedding? Drop your ideas within the feedback.