Shantel Jackson Reveals Why She and Nelly Split After Seven Years, Fans Suspect Ashanti’s Influence

Earlier this year, fans were surprised to learn that rapper Nelly and his longtime girlfriend, Shantel Jackson, had split after seven years together. The news came as a shock to many who had followed their relationship, which seemed strong and supportive from the outside.

Now, in a candid interview on the daytime talk show “The Real,” Shantel Jackson has opened up for the first time about the real reasons behind their breakup, though some fans think there’s more to the story—especially where Nelly’s ex, Ashanti, is concerned.

Jackson, 40, revealed that the primary reason for their split was the couple’s increasingly busy schedules, which left little time for each other. “My ex and I, we didn’t end on bad terms,” she explained.

“When we started our relationship, I was always on the road with him, traveling out of the country on concerts, all that good stuff. But then it came to a point where I was home more often, building my company Shoe Gummy or just working on my brand, and him being on the road, me being on the road less with him—we started to grow apart.”

Jackson’s explanation paints a picture of two people whose careers and personal ambitions simply took them in different directions. She emphasized that the split wasn’t due to any dramatic fallout but rather a gradual realization that they were spending less and less time together.

“We started to grow apart,” she said, reiterating the amicable nature of their decision.

Despite the breakup, Jackson left the door open for a possible reconciliation. She described their split as more of a “break” than a definitive ending.

“After realizing we needed some time apart, we thought, ‘Let’s take this time and see if this split is going to bring it back full circle for us,’ and honestly, that’s what we’re doing,” she shared.

When one of the hosts clarified that it sounded more like a break, Jackson agreed, saying, “Yeah, you can say that—a break, a split.”

Jackson added that if the time apart brings them back together, then it was meant to be. If not, then it was inevitable that they would go their separate ways. Her mature outlook on the situation resonated with many viewers who have experienced similar crossroads in their own relationships.

However, not all fans are convinced that busy schedules are the only reason for the breakup. Many point to Nelly’s history with R&B singer Ashanti, whom he dated for ten years before beginning his relationship with Jackson.

Ashanti has never disclosed the exact reason for her split with Nelly but has mentioned feeling betrayed on more than one occasion, fueling speculation among fans.

The rumors intensified after Nelly and Ashanti were seen together at the Fat Joe and Ja Rule Verzuz event last September. Nelly even walked over to hug Ashanti, sparking a wave of nostalgia and hope among fans that the former couple might rekindle their romance.

Despite the public’s wishes, Ashanti has shown no interest in getting back together with Nelly.

For now, Shantel Jackson and Nelly’s relationship remains in limbo, with both parties focusing on their individual careers and growth. Whether their paths will cross again in the future remains to be seen, but Jackson’s honesty and optimism have certainly earned her respect from fans and viewers alike.