Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has opened up about discovering his longtime partner’s infidelity while he was serving 13 years in prison, revealing that he chose to forgive her because he understood the challenges she faced during his incarceration.
Speaking during an appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, the artiste, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, said he did not hold a grudge against Tanesha “Shorty” Johnson, the mother of his children, despite the emotional pain the revelation caused him.
“Prison is dangerous because when you go to prison, shit gets weird,” Kartel said, explaining how years of separation placed a strain on their relationship.
He acknowledged that Johnson had remained committed to him for years before eventually reaching a point where she could no longer maintain the relationship as before.
“She held it for years, and then she couldn’t hold it anymore,” he said.
Kartel said his decision to forgive her was rooted in understanding rather than resentment, noting that he recognised the difficulties of expecting a partner to remain faithful throughout such a prolonged period of incarceration.
“But I still respect her because I understand [she is a] human being… I forgave her immediately because I understand, but I just had to move on,” he said.
‘She Was There for Me’
The dancehall star also acknowledged Johnson’s support throughout his time behind bars, pointing out that she had stood by him for years and continued helping him manage responsibilities while he was in prison.
Reflecting on the length of his incarceration, Kartel questioned the expectation that a partner should put her life on hold indefinitely.
He said Johnson had supported him long before he became famous and wealthy, making it difficult for him to disregard the years she had remained by his side.
Kartel also revealed that the news of her infidelity came from another woman with whom he shares a child.
Recalling the emotional impact of the revelation, he said: “Big up, Shorty, my love. She made me cry.”
Despite the hurt, he maintained that he understood her circumstances and did not want to remain consumed by anger.
