Yandy Smith Makes A Public Statement Regarding Mendeecees' Recent Legal Troubles
Up until a few weeks ago, Mendeecees Harris was best known as a star of Love And Hip Hop and Yandy Smith's boyfriend and the father to her child. But Mendeecees has also gained some unfortunate notoriety recently after serious legal accusations of drug trafficking as well as sexual assault, which he was tried for and found not guilty, surfaced. And now, Yandy has released a public statement addressing these reports.
In a statement posted to her Everything Girls Love site, which we have excerpted below, Yandy thanks her supporters, but also talks about the toll the allegations have taken on her and her family. "I chose to stay silent until I was able to hear both sides and form my own opinion," she writes, and now, she's ready to talk. Hear what she has to say below.
To My Supporters,
The past few weeks have been some of the hardest days, hours, and minutes of my life. I found myself torn between a man that I know and love, and an accusation that makes me sick to my stomach. I hoped and prayed that someone I loved so dearly could not be guilty of such a disgusting and shameful act… I hoped, but I did NOT assume.
I chose to stay silent until I was able to hear both sides and form my own opinion. I went to court every single day; I listened intently to the case from both sides ready to face whatever truth was revealed.
In the end, the truth is Mendeecees Harris may be many things, but he is NOT guilty of the heinous accusations made against him. I won’t get into much detail because at the other side of this is a young woman that regardless of the outcome, remains broken. I pray that she is able to move past this and realize her full potential and I pray that the world is able to accept that in this case justice was served.
As a woman, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and a human being, it breaks my heart when I hear of crimes committed against children. There is nothing worse than offenses against those whose lives are so precious and who look to us to guide them and help them understand the world. Children that are abused are robbed of their innocence, their childhoods, and their self-esteem. They’re robbed of their optimism and dreams and forced to see the evils of the world before they can see the beauty.
My life has been and will continue to be devoted to empowering women and helping young women to aspire to accomplish and go after their dreams and because of this, I would never knowingly or willingly support or condone any behavior contrary to the very things I stand for. I am so thankful to the people who supported us and stood by our side through what was an extremely overwhelming and challenging time...
...To those of you who have supported me, prayed for me, and did not pass judgement, I want to say THANK YOU. Your prayers and support have helped me through a very difficult time. I have worked very hard to build a reputation based on hard work, loyalty, and perseverance. The faith, values and ethics that got me to this point in my life are stronger now than ever before. My personal life has been a roller-coaster this year, filled with highs and lows, and I’d be lying if I say I have it all figured out. I don’t. I’m giving it up to God and I’m leaving it up to him to guide me in the right direction as he’s done many times before. In the meantime I’m going to focus on what I do best, business. After all, they don’t call me a “Hustlapreneur” for nothing.
With Love
Yandy Smith
[Photo: Getty Images]