Ashanti and Nelly Unaware of Pregnancy Amid Viral Moment
In a surprising twist, Ashanti and Nelly, who rekindled their romance after a decade-long hiatus, were unaware of Ashanti’s pregnancy during a viral moment that sparked widespread speculation. The couple, who confirmed the pregnancy and their engagement in April, had no idea they were expecting when the rumors first began.
The buzz started when Ashanti placed her hands on her belly during an event late last year. This simple gesture led many to believe that the couple was expecting a child. However, Ashanti, 43, revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that she hadn’t even taken a pregnancy test at that time. She explained that she was merely adjusting a pendant on her dress when she touched her stomach, inadvertently fueling the rumors.
Footage from Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis, Missouri, captured the moment. Ashanti was seen with her hands on her stomach while on stage. Nelly, 49, briefly touched the accessory on her torso, and the couple laughed as Polow da Don suggested they “seal the deal.” Nelly touched her pendant again, smiling, while Ashanti bashfully turned them away from the crowd. She clarified to ET that she was pushing the pendant down, and Nelly’s actions made it look like something more significant was happening.
The couple, who dated on and off for around a decade after meeting in 2003, had no inkling of the pregnancy at that moment. Ashanti shared that she suspected she might be pregnant after missing her period following the event. The confirmation brought a mix of shock, happiness, and emotion. She had always dreamed of this moment and felt the timing was perfect.
Ashanti couldn’t wait to share the news with Nelly. She FaceTimed him to reveal the big news, and his reaction was priceless. Nelly, who has two adult children from previous relationships and adopted his late sister’s children, was overjoyed. Ashanti described the moment as a blend of happiness, surprise, and a bit of everything.
The couple’s engagement was equally intimate and unexpected. Ashanti recounted the proposal to ET, describing it as a beautiful, low-key moment. She was in bed, watching TV in boxers, when Nelly popped the question. Despite the casual setting, she was overwhelmed with joy and immediately shared the news with everyone she knew.
Ashanti and Nelly plan to welcome their child before tying the knot. Ashanti already has a specific month in mind for the wedding. The couple’s journey back to each other has been a rollercoaster. They reunited at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle in 2021, and after months of speculation, Nelly confirmed in a September 2023 interview that they were giving their relationship another chance. Ashanti made their relationship red carpet official at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, accessorizing her look with a clutch featuring a photo of the couple.
Reflecting on their journey, Ashanti expressed her disbelief at where they are now. She never imagined they would be back together after their breakup, let alone expecting a child. The viral moment that sparked the pregnancy rumors turned out to be a serendipitous prelude to their joyous news.
As Ashanti and Nelly prepare to welcome their first child together, their story is a testament to the unpredictability of life and love. Their journey from a viral moment to a confirmed pregnancy and engagement is a heartwarming tale of rekindled romance and unexpected blessings.
