TMZ reports today that former American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino could be facing legal action. It stems from her controversial relationship with a married father of two, Antwuan Cook.
The ramifications of her almost year-long tryst with a North Carolina woman’s husband could land the sultry singer in serious legal hot water.
Paula Cook, wife Antwuan, the now well-known lover of Barrino, has reportedly filed for divorce indicating an “adulterous affair” as the reason for the legal action. At this point, Mrs. Cook has not gone further to implicate “The Color Purple” Broadway star as the guilty party responsible for the marriage break up. At least, not yet.
Gena Graham Morris, Barrino’s attorney, explains legal action against her client could be imminent. The law is certainly on Paula Cook’s side should the jilted wife decide to take things one step further. Known as alienation of affection, the state of North Carolina allows a spouse to sue “homewreckers,” those who cause the break up of a marriage.
Whether any of that weighs heavy on Barrino remains to be seen. The R&B singer has stated, according to TMZ, she is “certain that she is not responsible for the deterioration of the Cook’s marriage.” Barrino cites her ability to repeatedly overcome obstacles and challenges in life as her saving grace to get through this adversity.
In addition, Barrino points out her faith in God, herself, and her family remain as strong as ever.
Morris suggests that Mrs. Cook is seeking media attention, willingly “spilling the beans” so to speak, with juicy, explicit claims to sensationalize her case.
TMZ further reports Morris as saying, “The fact that she would seek such publicity in a case involving her children is particularly disgraceful.”
Nothing was said about Barrino, who knew during her on-again, off-again nearly one year relationship that Antwuan Cook was married and a father of two boys, ages 2 and 6.
The lawsuit is seeking child support from the estranged hubby, post-separation support, alimony, and Mrs. Cook’s legal fees, as well as equitable distribution of the couple’s assets and property.
Not helping Barrino’s case is the fact that rumors of her affair with Antwuan Cook have been circulating for quite some time. She has denied all talk of an adulterous relationship.
It may appear that Paula Cook has the upper hand. Morris refers to the North Carolina law which gives Mrs. Cook the right to file suit as archaic. Six other states have this law on their books. Morris explains the “heartbalm tort” originated from the thought that women were once property and could be stolen.
Barrino’s attorney is holding out in belief that Mrs. Cook will not sue her client. In the event that she does, Morris is prepared to “vigorously defend” Barrino, the other woman.
Sources
TMZ.com, realitytvworld.com
