Irv Gotti, the CEO and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, is a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his contributions to hip-hop and R&B. However, his personal life, particularly his marriage to Debbie Lorenzo, has drawn just as much attention as his career. Over the years, Gotti’s relationship with his ex-wife has been clouded by infidelity allegations, a high-profile affair with Ashanti, and eventual divorce.
Who is Debbie Lorenzo?
Debbie Lorenzo is best known as the ex-wife of Irv Gotti, but she is much more than that. She is a hat designer and entrepreneur, having founded Frances Grey, a millinery business specializing in high-end hat designs. Born and raised in Queens, New York, she is of Jamaican descent and pursued her passion for fashion by attending New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology, where she specialized in millinery.
Beyond her career in fashion, Debbie is also a social worker, earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work following her split from Gotti. Her ability to rebuild her life after a tumultuous marriage is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Irv Gotti and Debbie Lorenzo’s Marriage
Irv Gotti, whose real name is Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., married Debbie Lorenzo in the early 2000s. The couple shared a life together for over a decade and had three children: Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan “JJ” Wilson Gotti.
During their marriage, Gotti built Murder Inc. into a music empire, working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ja Rule, Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, and DMX. However, his growing success in the music industry came at the cost of his marriage, as allegations of infidelity and controversy followed him.
The Affair with Ashanti and Infidelity Allegations
One of the most talked-about aspects of Irv Gotti’s personal life is his relationship with R&B singer Ashanti. In the docuseries The Murder Inc. Story, Gotti opened up about how his relationship with Ashanti developed while he was separated from his then-wife, Debbie Lorenzo.
He described how their bond grew naturally as Ashanti frequently visited the studio, stating:
“I’m separated from Deb. I’m on my own. And Ashanti’s coming to the studio every day, and our friendship and bond is naturally growing.”
He went on to recall how their relationship escalated:
“One day, I was like, ‘Yo, I’ll take you home.’ She said, ‘Bet, cool.’ We are walking to her front door of her crib. She turns and says goodbye, and I just kiss her and grab her a* and just mwah.”*
This revelation sparked significant backlash, with many criticizing Gotti for publicly discussing his past relationship with Ashanti in such a manner.
Debbie Lorenzo’s Reaction and Their Divorce
Debbie Lorenzo has spoken publicly about the affair, stating that it was one of the key reasons behind their divorce in 2013. In a 2019 episode of Growing Up Hip Hop: New York, she revealed how her husband’s relationship with Ashanti was a major factor in their split. However, she also claimed that Ashanti was not the only person Gotti had an affair with.
Gotti himself admitted to cheating on Debbie multiple times. In an interview on The Wendy Williams Show, he recalled how his wife caught him cheating while he was in Baltimore directing the music video for “I Cry”. He explained:
“The door was latched, but she knows I’m in there. That’s what broke me and Deb up.”
Following their divorce, Debbie Lorenzo focused on rebuilding her life, launching her successful millinery brand and furthering her education in social work.
Public Backlash Against Irv Gotti
After Gotti’s revelations in The Murder Inc. Story docuseries, social media erupted with criticism. Many highlighted the 10-year age gap between Ashanti and Gotti, pointing out that when they allegedly began their relationship, Ashanti was 19 or 20 years old, while Gotti was in his 30s and still legally married.
The backlash intensified as people called his comments about Ashanti inappropriate, labeling them predatory and disrespectful. Some fans also pointed out that Ashanti has never publicly acknowledged any romantic relationship with Gotti, making his continued discussion of their past even more controversial.
Where Are They Now?
Debbie Lorenzo
Since her divorce from Irv Gotti, Debbie Lorenzo has focused on her career as a businesswoman and social worker. Her hat brand, Frances Grey, has gained recognition for its unique designs and craftsmanship. She remains private about her personal life and appears to have moved forward from her past with Gotti.
Irv Gotti
Gotti continues to be active in the music industry and entertainment world. He remains the head of Murder Inc., which recently struck a $300 million deal with Iconoclast for the rights to its master recordings. He also has multiple television and film projects in the works, solidifying his legacy as a music mogul despite the controversies surrounding his personal life.
