Exclusive Interview: Mary J. Blige Opens Up About Money, Resilience, and Life

In a recent exclusive interview on the renowned podcast “Earn Your Leisure,” Mary J. Blige, the iconic queen of Soul, delved deep into her financial journey, shedding light on her experiences with alimony payments and a staggering tax debt exceeding $100 million. Known for her soulful music and empowering lyrics, Blige courageously shared the valuable lessons she has learned about money, resilience, and life.

Hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, the Earn Your Leisure podcast provided a platform for Blige to reflect on her past financial struggles and offer insights gained from her challenging ordeal. Blige revealed that she had been paying a jaw-dropping $30,000 a month in alimony to her ex-husband, highlighting the immense financial burden she faced.

When asked if she would have done anything differently to protect her assets when she first got married, Blige candidly admitted, “I would have never let a person have that much power over my money, my life, over anything ever again.” The artist explained the importance of taking control of her business and finances, expressing the need for financial education to avoid being taken advantage of in the future.

The Queen of Soul attributed her financial troubles to a lack of education and misplaced trust in people who were supposed to help her but instead stole from her. She acknowledged the significance of surrounding oneself with a reliable team of financial advisors and business managers, stressing the importance of staying informed and being actively involved in financial decisions.

One critical aspect discussed during the interview was the topic of taxes. Blige revealed that she had faced a massive tax debt, owing millions, and admitted that she never thought she would be able to escape the burden. However, she shared how she gained wisdom and transformed her approach to finances. Blige highlighted the importance of separating personal and business finances, acknowledging that payroll taxes, tithes, and other financial obligations were not her money to keep but rather to fulfill responsibly.

Throughout the conversation, Blige explained the significance of making money but also stressed the importance of keeping it. She advised listeners to seek financial education, build a trustworthy team, and prioritize timely communication and payment to maintain a positive reputation in business dealings.

Reflecting on her experiences, Blige revealed that she regrets not having a prenuptial agreement, stressing the need for protection regardless of gender or financial status. She highlighted the unfairness of alimony payments, recounting her own situation where she had to pay despite her ex-husband’s infidelity and deception. Blige strongly advised women who are wealthy or financially independent to consider getting a prenuptial agreement to safeguard their assets.

Mary J. Blige’s interview was a candid and heartfelt account that gave listeners a rare glimpse into the difficulties she encountered and the lessons she gained from her financial journey. Her story shows how essential it is to have financial knowledge, trust, and a sense of empowerment.

As the woman’s festival unfolds, Mary J. Blige’s shared experiences of her financial struggles become a source of inspiration for others facing similar obstacles. Her remarkable journey from a financial crisis to eventual triumph offers hope and invaluable lessons for individuals striving to attain financial independence.