### Howard Hewett Breaks 40-Year Silence on Feud with Jody Watley

At 69, Howard Hewett, the legendary R&B singer, has finally addressed a 40-year rift with former Shalamar bandmate Jody Watley, revealing a bitter feud that contributed to the iconic group’s collapse.

In a raw and emotional public apology, Hewett expressed deep regret for hurtful words he allegedly spoke to Watley, while pointing to underlying tensions with another bandmate, Jeffrey Daniel, as a key factor in their discord.

Shalamar, formed in the late 1970s, soared to fame with hits like “A Night to Remember” and “Second Time Around,” driven by Hewett’s powerful vocals, Watley’s sultry style, and Daniel’s groundbreaking dance moves. Their early days were magical, as three young dreamers—Hewett at 23, Watley even younger, and Daniel just a year older—built a musical legacy with albums like *Big Fun* and *Friends*. They sold millions of records, toured globally, and became cultural icons of early ’80s R&B.

However, success bred tension. By 1983, at the peak of their commercial triumph, personal and professional cracks emerged. Fame, relentless touring, and individual ambitions strained their once-tight bond. Watley eyed solo success, Hewett sought creative control, and Daniel grappled with personal issues, turning their camaraderie into a business fraught with conflict.

The breaking point came during a 1984 promotional tour in London outside the Blake Hotel. What began as a routine discussion about the group’s future exploded into a personal confrontation.

Hewett allegedly told Watley she’d “never be without Shalamar,” words that cut deep, symbolizing a betrayal to her. Whether he said them or not, the impact was undeniable—trust shattered. Watley soon left the group, launching a platinum solo career with hits like “Looking for a New Love,” proving her independence. Yet, the personal wound lingered, fueling a decades-long silence between her and Hewett.

Hewett’s life post-Shalamar wasn’t without drama. In 1985, he faced a devastating cocaine trafficking charge in Miami alongside his fiancée, Mari Molina, risking 49 years in prison.

Acquitted after a four-day trial, thanks to Molina’s testimony and lack of financial motive, the scandal still scarred his reputation as he launched his solo career with *I Commit to Love*. His personal life mirrored this chaos, with four marriages reflecting struggles to find stability amid fame’s pressures.

In 2021, nearing 70, Hewett’s spiritual reflection—spurred by conversations about forgiveness—led to a public apology via social media. He owned up to the pain his words caused Watley, emphasizing it wasn’t for publicity but for personal peace.

“I am truly, truly sorry,” he said, voice laden with vulnerability, not expecting reconciliation but seeking to clear his conscience. Fans lauded his accountability, but Watley’s response remains unseen. Hewett also hinted at unresolved issues with Daniel, suggesting deeper dynamics tore Shalamar apart.

This apology marks a poignant chapter in Hewett’s journey, questioning if 40 years of hurt can heal, or if some scars are too deep, revealing fame’s dark cost on relationships.