Nia Long.Photo: Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty
Nia Longis again calling out theBoston Celticsfor how they handled her ex-fiancéIme Udoka’s cheating scandal.
While on the red carpet at the premiere of Peacock’sThe Best Man: The Final Chaptersin Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, the actress, 52, opened up toEntertainment Tonightabout her frustrations with how Udoka’s former team shared the news of his affair with a subordinate in the organization.
“It feels like no one thought of me, of mychildren. There was no protection,” Long said, referring to kids Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, her child with ex-fiancé Massai Z. Dorsey, and Kez Sunday, her son with Udoka, 45.
“I think theCeltics were irresponsible, and it was hurtful,” she added. “It really was, because we were welcomed in as family, and then it’s like, ‘Well, what happened?’ But I’m figuring it out.”
The Boston Celtics did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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In September, just weeks before the start of the NBA season, the Boston Celticsissued a statementannouncing Udoka’s immediate suspension from the team. At the time, they said Udoka had violated “team policies,” and noted his future with the team will be evaluated.
Shortly before the Celtics statement went live,ESPNreported that Udoka had a “role in an intimate relationship with a female member of the franchise’s staff.” PEOPLE later confirmed the allegations.
Udoka latergave a statementtoESPN’sMalika Andrewson the alleged relationship. “I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” he said. “I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision.”
His message concluded, “Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”
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Long then issued her own statement exclusively to PEOPLE following the news.
“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” Long said to PEOPLE. “I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.”
This week, asource exclusively confirmed to PEOPLE that Long and Udoka ended their 13-year-relationship. “The situation is unfortunate and painful, but Nia is focusing on her children and rebuilding her life,” the source said.
A rep for Long also confirmed the couple is “no longer together, but remain fully committed to co-parenting their son [Kez].”
Continuing to speak withET, Long also said, “I think it’s been incredibly difficult for me to manage all of that while working and trying to be a mom — I’m trying to find the humanity in all of it.”
The star added to the outlet that she has found a fresh start within her new home in Los Angeles. “I love my new house,” Long said. “It’s so peaceful and hidden and tranquil, and it’s just perfect for new beginnings.”
Earlier this month, Long also panned the Celtics in aninterview withThe Hollywood Reporter.
Saying at the time that the team has not reached out to her or her sons privately amid the scandal, Long told the publication, “It’s very disappointing.”
She added: “If you’re in the business of protecting women — I’m sorry, no one from theCeltics organization has even called to see if I’m okay, to see if my children are okay.”
source: people.com
