Yandy Smith is opening up about why she never legally married Mendeecees Harris. According to the Love & Hip Hop star, her decision was driven by a desire to protect her finances while Harris dealt with legal troubles.
During an appearance on David Shands’ Social Proof Podcast, Smith revealed that she and Harris never obtained a legal marriage license, despite having a televised wedding and later renewing their vows. She emphasized that their commitment to each other was genuine, but she wasn’t willing to take on the potential financial responsibilities that could come with making their union legally binding.
“I did not want to be in business with the government and him,” Smith explained. “I wanted to be in business with him.”
Smith appeared on the podcast alongside her business partner, Ebony Austin, to discuss their restaurant ventures, including a $2.3 million project in Miami. However, the conversation eventually shifted to marriage, relationships, and the financial considerations women face when entering long-term partnerships.
Smith explained that Harris was awaiting sentencing on federal charges when they held their wedding ceremony. Although she wanted to marry him, concerns about potential restitution payments and child support obligations made her think twice about signing the legal documents.
“I knew that I could not help you pay restitution,” she said, explaining that she had already built considerable wealth through her entertainment career and business investments.
Smith also reflected on her journey from growing up in New York’s Grant Houses to working her way through Howard University, Violator Management, and Atlantic Records before becoming a familiar face on Love & Hip Hop.
“I worked hard for everything that I have,” she said, emphasizing that she wasn’t prepared to put her financial stability at risk.
Rather than legally registering their marriage, Smith said she and Harris established other legal arrangements that allowed them to make important decisions on each other’s behalf.
She pointed to medical proxies and powers of attorney as examples, adding that they also handled their taxes separately.
“When I sign them taxes, I’m a single woman,” she said.
Smith maintained that exchanging vows before God and approximately 300 wedding guests was enough to demonstrate the seriousness of their commitment.
“I do not feel like I have to certify my love with you because this person said I need to sign here at the dotted line,” she explained.
Her remarks come after Harris appeared on Yung Joc & The Streetz Morning Takeover, where he confirmed that they had separated after more than two decades together.
“We was never legally married, so we’re not getting a divorce,” Harris said at the time.
He also linked their decision not to marry legally to his legal troubles, suggesting that skipping the paperwork ultimately saved them from the complications of divorce proceedings.
Their split later attracted more attention when Tamar Braxton faced allegations of being involved with Harris. Both denied the claims, while Braxton later joked about collecting “apology payments” from those who had accused her.
Meanwhile, Smith has continued to grow her business portfolio while exploring opportunities outside Love & Hip Hop, including a potential appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Despite choosing an unconventional approach to marriage, Smith stressed that she wasn’t encouraging other couples to make the same decision.
“This is Yandy’s way of thinking. I am not advising anyone,” she said, while reaffirming that she still values marriage and commitment.
