Kel Mitchell Breaks Silence on Turbulent Past with Ex-Wife, Shocking Fans with Candid Revelations

Kel Mitchell, the beloved former Nickelodeon star, has opened up about one of the most tumultuous chapters of his life: his painful divorce from his first wife, Taisha Hampton, and the ongoing struggles with their two eldest children, Lyric and Allure.

In a recent appearance on Big Think’s “Question Your Perspective” series, Mitchell described the emotional devastation he endured during and after the breakup, revealing that the experience left him feeling alienated from his children and even drove him to contemplate suicide.

Mitchell, now a pastor, credits his recovery to sharing his story and connecting with others facing similar hardships.

He described his marriage to Hampton as “toxic,” explaining that the emotional turmoil and shame from their split deeply affected his relationship with his kids. The couple separated in 2005 after nine years of marriage, but the wounds from their breakup lingered for years.

Mitchell admitted that, as a young actor thrust into the spotlight on Nickelodeon’s “All That” and “Kenan & Kel,” he struggled to process his feelings and communicate his pain. Despite his success on-screen, his personal life was unraveling.

He faced challenges at work, particularly with producer Dan Schneider, and his ability to find steady employment suffered as a result. This professional instability compounded the difficulties in his marriage, leading to anger and irritability.

The situation worsened when Mitchell discovered that Hampton had become pregnant several times during their marriage with another man’s child. The betrayal forced him into an unavoidable divorce and left him cut off from his children.

He described the divorce proceedings as “poisonous,” with Hampton’s moods swinging unpredictably and Mitchell fighting in court just to see his kids.

During this dark period, Mitchell began sharing his experiences online, finding comfort in the support of others who had faced similar struggles. He says that connecting with this community was a turning point, transforming his pain into a blessing and helping him heal.

Mitchell became a licensed pastor in 2019, and while his faith helped him find new purpose, he admits that not all his problems disappeared. He continues to work on mending his relationships with his older children.

Allure, who graduated college in 2023, has publicly stated that their relationship remains strained, citing a lack of support from Mitchell throughout her childhood.

Meanwhile, Hampton remains active on social media, frequently criticizing Mitchell’s spiritual journey and accusing him of being a “deadbeat.” She claims he owes her nearly a million dollars in unpaid child support, despite court rulings to the contrary.

The ongoing public feud has included lawsuits and social media jabs from both sides.

Mitchell’s second marriage to Asia Lee brought two more children, Wisdom and Honor, adding complexity to his blended family.

Despite the drama, Mitchell says he’s learned to love himself and is committed to loving all his children equally, embracing life’s lessons and moving forward.

Reflecting on his career, Mitchell also discussed the emotional toll of working under Dan Schneider at Nickelodeon, which contributed to his depression and career setbacks.

Today, he regrets not standing up for himself sooner but hopes his story inspires others to find healing and resilience.