Damon Wayans Sr. describes falling ‘in love’ with nephew’s ex-girlfriend: Family gatherings are ‘awkward’

New York Post - Apr 7th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Damon Wayans Sr., a well-known comedian and actor, revealed to listeners of the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast that he once dated his nephew's ex-girlfriend, creating an 'awkward' family dynamic. This revelation came about as Wayans Sr. reminisced about his single years following his 2001 divorce from Lisa Thorner. After discovering the connection between his nephew and the woman he had grown fond of, Wayans Sr. humorously decided to proceed with the relationship, noting the scarcity of dating options in California. Though he did not name his nephew, the incident sparked a conversation with host Shannon Sharpe about the boundaries of dating within a family circle, to which Wayans Sr. offered a light-hearted defense.

The story underscores the close-knit nature of the Wayans family, renowned for their collaborative work in Hollywood on projects like 'In Living Color' and 'White Chicks.' Damon Wayans Sr. emphasized the familial chemistry and trust that have been integral to their professional success. This personal anecdote highlights the complexities of navigating personal relationships within a family that is both large and publicly prominent. The discussion touches on broader themes of familial loyalty, the challenges of dating within small circles, and the unique dynamics of Hollywood families.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

Overall, the story about Damon Wayans Sr. dating his nephew's ex-girlfriend is well-supported by direct quotes from a reputable podcast, ensuring a high level of accuracy. The narrative is clear and engaging, with a focus on personal anecdotes that capture reader interest. However, the story could benefit from additional perspectives and context to enhance balance and transparency. While the topic is timely and relevant to entertainment news, its impact and public interest are limited to those intrigued by celebrity culture. The article's readability is a strong point, making it accessible to a wide audience. Despite its moderate potential for controversy, the story maintains a neutral tone that minimizes polarizing effects.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story's accuracy is relatively high as it aligns with Damon Wayans Sr.'s public statements on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast. The main claim that Wayans dated his nephew's ex-girlfriend is corroborated by multiple sources. However, the story lacks specific details about the identity of the nephew and the exact timeline of the relationship, which could enhance the accuracy further. The comparison to the Jackson family situation is presented as an analogy, which is factually correct but could be misinterpreted without context. Overall, the story is truthful and precise in its main claims but lacks complete verifiability due to missing details about the nephew and family reactions.

7
Balance

The story presents Damon Wayans Sr.'s perspective on his relationship with his nephew's ex-girlfriend, primarily focusing on his narrative and reasoning. It lacks input from other family members or the ex-girlfriend, which could provide a more balanced view. The article does not appear to favor any particular side excessively, but it does omit potential viewpoints from the nephew or other family members who might have different perspectives on the situation. Including these perspectives would enhance the balance and provide a fuller picture of the family dynamics involved.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a straightforward narrative that outlines Damon Wayans Sr.'s relationship with his nephew's ex-girlfriend. The language is concise and accessible, making the story easy to follow. The use of quotes adds authenticity and liveliness to the narrative, though the story could benefit from additional context to explain cultural references, such as the comparison to the Jackson family. Overall, the structure is logical, and the tone is neutral, maintaining clarity throughout the article.

8
Source quality

The story relies on direct quotes from Damon Wayans Sr. during his appearance on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast, which is a credible source for his personal experiences and opinions. The podcast itself is a reputable platform, hosted by Shannon Sharpe, a well-known figure. However, the article does not cite additional sources or corroborate the claims with independent verification, such as statements from other family members. The reliance on a single primary source limits the depth of reporting but maintains credibility due to the direct nature of the quotes.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent about its primary source, Damon Wayans Sr.'s podcast appearance, and provides direct quotes to support its claims. However, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or provide context about the podcast's nature and audience. The lack of detailed background information on the family's dynamics or the implications of the relationship on Wayans' family life reduces transparency. Greater disclosure about the methodology of obtaining and verifying the information would enhance the reader's understanding of the story's basis.

Sources

  1. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/damon-wayans-nephew-girlfriend-dating-b2728670.html
  2. https://popculture.com/celebrity/news/damon-wayans-sr-says-he-fell-in-love-with-his-nephews-ex-girlfriend/
  3. https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/damon-wayans-sr-reveals-surprise-romance-with-nephews-ex-