Toni Braxton Reveals Why She Never Married Birdman

As the voice behind several iconic love songs, Toni Braxton’s personal love life has always intrigued her fans. However, her relationship with rapper Birdman, whose real name is Bryan Williams, has been one of her most publicized and complex romances. The couple’s on-again, off-again relationship has sparked numerous headlines and rumors, especially regarding their potential marriage and the reasons behind their ultimate split.

Braxton and Birdman’s relationship began in 2016, but their connection dates back much further. The two initially met as friends and collaborators, working together on Birdman’s 2002 single “Baby You Can Do It.” Over the years, Birdman became a significant support system for Braxton, particularly during her battles with lupus. Despite their close bond, their relationship evolved into a romantic one only after years of friendship.

In February 2018, Braxton confirmed their engagement in a trailer for the new season of her family’s reality show, “Braxton Family Values.” However, by the start of 2019, the couple announced that they had called off their engagement. At the time, they claimed the split was a publicity stunt to boost the show’s ratings, but it seems there were deeper issues at play.

One of the most significant revelations came when Braxton clarified rumors on Instagram that she and Birdman had secretly married in Mexico. In January 2024, she wrote “#fake news” over a screenshot of a news story, asserting, “My dear friend @Birdman and I are not married, never been married, we are both single.” This announcement highlighted that their relationship had ended, though it was unclear exactly when they had split.

The breakup led to speculation about Birdman’s personal life, particularly his alleged secrets that might have contributed to the couple’s inability to stay together. Braxton hinted at complexities in Birdman’s personal life, which she eventually revealed in more detail. According to Braxton, one of the reasons for their split was Birdman’s alleged bisexuality. This claim brought renewed attention to an old controversy involving Birdman and Lil Wayne.

The rumors about Birdman’s sexual orientation first gained traction in 2006 when a photo of Birdman kissing Lil Wayne surfaced. The image shocked the hip-hop community, which has historically struggled with LGBTQ acceptance. Despite the backlash, Birdman defended the kiss, stating it was a display of fatherly affection. He explained that before he had his biological son, he treated Wayne as his own, showing him paternal love.

Birdman’s explanation, however, did little to quell the rumors. The speculation about his sexuality persisted, and these ongoing questions likely added strain to his relationship with Braxton. The kiss and subsequent rumors highlighted a broader issue within the hip-hop community regarding masculinity and expressions of affection among men.

In conclusion, Toni Braxton’s relationship with Birdman was complex and fraught with challenges. Their deep friendship evolved into a romantic relationship that faced public scrutiny and internal struggles. While Braxton’s revelation about Birdman’s alleged bisexuality adds a new layer to their story, it also underscores the broader issues of acceptance and understanding within the entertainment industry. As both continue their separate paths, their story remains a poignant reminder of the complexities behind the glitz and glamour of  celebrity romances.