*Nia Long is embracing a new chapter in her personal life, finding balance after her public breakup with Ime Udoka in 2022. The former couple shares a strong commitment to the well-being of their son, Kez Sunday Udoka, prioritizing his stability above all else.
In her feature with The Cut, Long opened up about the journey she and Udoka have navigated following the end of their engagement. The former Boston Celtics head coach was suspended for the 2022-2023 season after public allegations of an affair and was eventually relieved of his duties.
Despite the past turmoil, Long described a newfound harmony with her ex. “We’ve had a very public journey that has found its way to peace and understanding,” she shared. “There’s a lot of mutual respect that we have for each other.”
Long further expressed support for Ime, adding, “I don’t talk much about my personal life ’cause it’s no one’s business, but every now and then people speculate things on social media, and it’s like, me and coach are good. I hope he wins. He deserves to win. He’s really great at what he does. We can have experiences with our son and make him the priority.”
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Reflecting on her impact in film, Long said the connection audiences feel with her roles is deeply meaningful. “That’s why I do what I do: to make people feel something, to think about things differently, and to understand Black culture in a way that feels very authentic to us,” she explained.
Long also noted, “The women that I play are obviously a reflection of who people think I am in the world or what my work has shown me to be. But I also feel like, isn’t this who we are as Black women?”
Looking ahead, Long is preparing for several major career milestones, including her portrayal of Katherine Jackson in the Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and set for release in early 2026.
In a statement, Fuqua said, “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long said, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Nia Long to Star as Katherine Jackson in Michael Jackson Biopic
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