Update: ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’ Star Martell Holt Convicted Of Domestic Violence – Harassing Communications Against Ex-Wife Melody Shari
Update: ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’ Star Martell Holt Convicted Of Domestic Violence – Harassing Communications Against Ex-Wife Melody Shari
Update #2 (May 16, 2024): Martell Holt has been convicted of domestic violence – harassing communications against his former wife and Love and Marriage: Huntsville co-star Melody Shari.
Court documents obtained by Urban Belle revealed that Martell Holt was convicted on May 2. He was released on bond as he appeals the conviction.
He was handed a suspended jail sentence of 30 days. Under a suspended jail sentence, “a judge may partially or entirely suspend the convicted individual’s prison or jail sentence so long as they fulfill certain conditions,” according to Cornell Law School.
Martell Holt also cannot have any communication with Melody Shari. He was fined more than $500 and was ordered to get a psychological evaluation. His next court date is June 18.
The conviction comes as he and Melody Shari continue to battle over custody of their children. Melody has asked for full custody and wants their children to be able to appear on the hit OWN reality series. The custody case was in mediation at one point, however, it is now open, per docs obtained by the outlet.
Martell was taken into custody in January for a charge stemming from July 2023. The ordeal began when a former friend of Martell’s partner unveiled a scheme where the partner would put inappropriate footage of Melody online. Melody said on the reality show that Martell sent her a screenshot of the video in question, implying that it would be released if she didn’t “stop messing with him.” Though the series showed the text message but not the image, Melody confirmed the photo was of footage they took when they were still married. She said Martell was allegedly trying to expose her for cheating.
Martell’s partner’s former friend took to social media to slam Martell and his partner for the alleged plot and said she had urged Martell’s partner not to release the video.
Update #1: (Jan. 11, 2024): Reality TV star Martell Holt is ready to address his recent arrest.
As previously reported, Martell made headlines earlier this week for spending a few hours behind bars on charges related to domestic violence. According to the arrest report, on Tuesday (Jan. 9) Martell was taken into police custody and formally charged with domestic violence in the 3rd-degree and harassing communications.
However, according to a newly released statement from his publicist, Jonell Whitt, Martell is maintaining his innocence and “adamantly denies” any wrongdoing. The statement read,
“We would like to issue an official statement regarding the recent allegations against Martell Holt concerning harassment text messages to his accuser, dating back to August 2022. It is with great concern that we address these accusations. Martell Holt adamantly denies any intentional harm or harassment towards the Accuser. We believe that these allegations are the result of a misunderstanding, and we are confident that the legal process will ultimately vindicate Mr. Holt.”
And continued,
“Martell remains committed to being a devoted father and maintaining a positive and healthy co-parenting relationship with Ms. Rodgers and Ms. Curry for the well-being of their children. Despite the challenges presented, Martell will continue to focus on his role as a responsible parent and contribute positively to his community. We urge the public and media to approach this matter with fairness and sensitivity, considering the impact such allegations can have on individuals and their families.”
His publicist added,
“We are confident that, as the legal proceedings unfold, the truth will emerge, and Martell Holt will be exonerated. We appreciate your understanding and respect for Martell’s privacy during this challenging time. Further updates will be provided through official channels.”
Original Story: (Jan. 10, 2024): Reality TV star Martell Holt recently found himself behind bars.
According to police records, the real estate entrepreneur was detained and released yesterday (Tuesday, January 10th) on charges related to domestic violence.
Reportedly, documents show that Martell Holt, 42, was arrested in Madison County, Alabama, and was taken to the local Sheriff’s Office around 4:00 pm. He was formally charged with 3rd-degree domestic violence, seemingly due to sending someone harassing communications. The OWN network star only spent a few hours in a cell. Records show he was released just 3 short hours after his initial detainment. Though the police department has not yet commented publicly about his arrest, it is noted in one report that the misdemeanor stems from a warrant.
At this time it’s also unclear who was on the receiving end of Holt’s alleged harassment. During the first few seasons of “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” he was married to his longtime wife Melody Holt with whom he shares four children. However, Melody filed for divorce in June 2020 after nearly 12 years of marriage following his continued allegations of infidelity. If you recall, Martell welcomed his fifth child with the woman he was allegedly cheating on his wife with, Arionne Curry, though the pair did not continue their relationship after his divorce. In fact, Curry very vocally bashed Martell’s subsequent relationship with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Shereé Whitfield.
Martell and Shereé initially sparked dating rumors back in June of 2022, and the Bravo star confirmed the relationship just a couple of months later. However, the two reportedly split sometime last summer. It does not appear that Martell nor the OWN network has commented on his arrest at this time.
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