Carmelo & La La Anthony: A Prenup, a Stripper, and a Quiet Ending
They stayed together through his cheating scandal for their son's sake, then quietly ended it when it was time.
Key Facts
What Happened
Carmelo Anthony and Alani 'La La' Vazquez were one of basketball's most prominent power couples. They began dating in 2004 when Anthony was a rising NBA star with the Denver Nuggets and La La was a MTV VJ and television personality. Their son Kiyan was born in 2007, and the couple married in a lavish ceremony in July 2010 at Cipriani in New York City, with their wedding special airing on VH1.
The marriage survived its first major public crisis in 2017 when it was reported that a New York dancer named Mia Angel Burks was pregnant with Anthony's child. La La and Carmelo separated briefly, and the tabloid coverage was intense. However, the couple reconciled for the sake of their son Kiyan, publicly attending events together and maintaining the appearance of a united family. La La later acknowledged on her reality show that forgiveness was difficult but that she wanted to model resilience for Kiyan.
In June 2021, La La formally filed for divorce in New York, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing was described as amicable by representatives of both parties. The couple had signed a prenuptial agreement before their 2010 wedding, which reportedly simplified the division of assets. Legal experts estimated La La could receive $60,000 to $100,000 per month in child support given Anthony's career earnings exceeding $260 million, though the exact terms remain confidential.
The divorce was finalized quietly, with both parents expressing commitment to co-parenting Kiyan, who has become a top basketball recruit in his own right. The case demonstrates how couples can sometimes stay together through infidelity for their children's sake but ultimately reach a point where separation becomes the healthiest option. The prenuptial agreement ensured the financial separation was straightforward, allowing both parties to focus on their son's wellbeing rather than fighting over assets.
Legal Breakdown: Prenuptial Agreements and Public Image
Prenuptial Agreements and Amicable Divorce
The Anthony prenup allowed the couple to focus their energy on co-parenting rather than asset litigation. By defining the financial terms in advance, the prenup removed the most contentious element of divorce proceedings and allowed for a relatively quick and private resolution.
New York Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution
New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. However, the existence of a prenuptial agreement largely overrides the default equitable distribution framework, as courts generally enforce prenups unless they are found to be unconscionable.
Child Support in High-Income Cases
New York's child support guidelines apply a formula to income up to a statutory cap, but for high earners like Anthony, the court has discretion to deviate from the formula. Estimated support of $60,000-$100,000 monthly reflects the child's established standard of living and the father's ability to pay.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Staying together for the children can be the right choice temporarily, but it does not eliminate the underlying issues.
- →A prenuptial agreement allows divorcing couples to focus on co-parenting rather than fighting over money.
- →Amicable divorces are possible even when infidelity was involved, especially when both parties prioritize their children.
- →Child support in high-income cases is based on the child's established standard of living, not just basic needs.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.