'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Star Phaedra Parks and Apollo Nida to Divorce
Phaedra Parks is calling it quits with Apollo Nida.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 40, "has retained an attorney with the intent of amicably ending her marriage," her rep tells Yahoo. The couple, who has been married for five years, are the parents to two young sons, Dylan and Ayden.
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The split comes just one month after Nida turned himself in to prison on Sept. 10. He was sentenced to eight years behind bars after pleading guilty to bank fraud and identity theft back in May. Nida, 35, defrauded millions from at least 50 people over four years by stealing their identities. He'll also have to pay $2 million in restitution.
"On behalf of my client Apollo, right now he feels remorse," Nida's attorney said at the time. "He thought the judge was fair, and accepts his sentence, although he was hoping it would be less. Apollo is elated that this proceeding is past him and is no longer hanging over his head. It meant everything to him that his mother and brother spoke on his behalf. He's OK, and will get through this."
However, Nida didn't have high hopes for the future of his marriage. In July, he told Atlanta’s B-100 radio that he doubted his relationship would survive his jail sentence. "It's hell on wheels," he said. "My wife didn’t even f---ing show up for my sentencing. I'm still salty about that. You know, whatever."
In fact, while he was on his way to prison last month, Nida took a little bit of a detour. According to Us Weekly, he showed up at Parks's house, where he supposedly picked a fight with his wife and yelled at her for not coming to his sentencing in July. A rep for the reality star confirmed at the time there was an “incident.” Cameras were rolling, naturally.
Once Nida finally reported to begin his sentence, he posted a video on Instagram before surrendering."Well, everyone, I have finally arrived at the penitentiary. I'm about to go asunder," he said in the short clip. "Thank you for the support and prayer. Stay tuned, and you'll hear from me shortly."
This is Apollo's second stint in prison — he was in jail for six years between 2003 and 2009 for car theft charges.
Nida's legal troubles have played out on past seasons RHOA, so it's likely their divorce will be front and center when Season 7 returns on Nov. 9.
