Ne-Yo Defends Polyamorous Lifestyle: “I’m Not Lying to My Kids or My Partners”

R&B star Ne-Yo is doubling down on his unconventional relationship structure, opening up about his polyamorous lifestyle in a new interview on The Angie Martinez Show. The 45-year-old singer-songwriter revealed that he’s currently in a relationship with four women—and he’s never been happier.

“I was tryna be what society’s norms tell you to be… one man, one woman,” Ne-Yo told Martinez. “It has never worked for me… this is just a happier life.”

Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith, explained that while he is allowed to see other people, his partners—who have all voluntarily entered what he calls his “poly pyramid”—have chosen to remain exclusive to him.

“I didn’t ask for their exclusivity,” he clarified. “They came to me and said, ‘I wanna be exclusive to you and just you.’”
When asked whether the women are allowed to date other men, Ne-Yo responded firmly: “No. And imma tell you why… they offered their exclusivity. I didn’t demand it. Everyone here is here by choice.”

The artist emphasized that there’s no manipulation involved, and that each of his girlfriends has the freedom to walk away if the arrangement no longer suits them. “The door is never locked,” he said. “You have permission to go on about your business.”

Despite being transparent, Ne-Yo’s lifestyle has sparked criticism—especially from his ex, Sade Bagnerise, who is the mother of two of his children. She recently called him out after he admitted in a March interview on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show that he discusses his romantic relationships openly with his kids.

“I’m not lying to nobody, not even my children,” he said at the time. “I tell them, ‘Hey, this is daddy’s girlfriend, and so is that, and so is that, and so is that… she’s gonna make you cereal, she’s gonna cook lunch, and she’s gonna wash your clothes. It’s all good. It’s family. It’s community.’”

Bagnerise, however, was not on board. She took to social media to slam the artist:

“Didn’t I tell your corny a** not to have that sht going on in front of my kids? Do that cornball sht on your own time.”

Ne-Yo has continued to show no signs of backing down. From public outings with his girlfriends to heartfelt interviews defending his choices, he insists his poly lifestyle is not only consensual—but rooted in love, honesty, and community.