Who is Kennedy Reid dating? 'American Idol' star accused of having 4-year long affair with her boss
JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA: While most contestants from the Season 22 'American Idol' bask in their newfound fame, mortician and aspiring singer Kennedy Reid has previously shared that she's faced significant criticism since her audition aired on February 18, 2024. The candidate vying for the Top 20 slot faces even more criticism after a fresh allegation surfaced.
If fans recall correctly, Kennedy was joined by her boss, Anthony Oxendine, and her soon-to-be ex-wife, Darlene Booth Oxendine, during her audition. Darlene recently took to Facebook to levy a new accusation against the aspiring Idol star.
In a lengthy post, Darlene wrote, "Let me just get this out there so everyone knows…Anthony Oxendine and I are getting a divorce finally. While I know you want to help or tell me things you are finding out, please don’t anymore. Instead, I ask for you to pray for me and my children as we rebuild our lives."
She further wrote, "It has been reported to me via numerous people that Anthony’s relationship with Kennedy Reid has been ongoing for close to 4 years. I signed Kennedy up for Idol and took all her pictures and videos for Idol. I prayed with her, held her hands and told her how amazing she was not knowing she had been sleeping with my husband the entire time and many of you knew it and who knows what you were told or thought about me."
She added, "I was reassured over and over that I was “paranoid” and Kennedy told me he was “old enough to be her Dad” but here we are. See the police report below that contains the words “boyfriend” and “ex husband” because now everyone close to them is trying to say it “never happened” and I’m “making it up.” Even her mother reached out to my Pastor telling him it had been going on for years. I get it, it doesn’t look good on national television to be sleeping with a married man, pregnant with his baby and trying to win a singing competition."
She continued, "It has been reported to me via her uncle’s brother that she was pregnant in November of last year by my husband. Despite the fact that Kennedy and her mother have been actively calling and visiting my place of employment trying to get me fired because I found out about this. Many of you have shared you saw him on Idol not only when she came out from her audition but also when they showed him in the audience last Monday (thank you Whitney for the screenshots) as I am no longer watching and cannot support this person for obvious reasons."
To conclude her post, she wrote, "I appreciate those who have reached out and provided encouragement and support. I am a good person. I love the Lord. I can no longer stand by and allow anyone to say anything they want about me when I did nothing but try to live right and be a good wife and friend. I did the best I could in a failing marriage believing I was the problem. The devil is working overtime! Please continue to pray for me and my children as we struggle through this mess of a life we have been dealt."
To substantiate her claims, Darlene made sure to attach pictures of Kennedy's audition and her time in Hawaii, including ones with her ex, Anthony. Additionally, one of the images features a screenshot reportedly from a conversation between Darlene and Kennedy's mother.
Who is Kennedy Reid's boss Anthony Oxendine?
Anthony (Democratic Party) ran for Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky. Unfortunately, he lost in the Democratic primary on May 17, 2022. He believed he stood out from other candidates because he had witnessed directly the consequences of the surge in crime.
Furthermore, Anthony serves as the Funeral Homes Director at Spring Valley Funeral Home, a position he has held for over 8 years. He stated that his position at Spring Valley has allowed him to oversee dozens upon dozens of funerals for victims of such brutality.
During his campaign, he vowed to recruit a new leader of the Louisville Metro Police Department to replace Chief Erika Shields. At 45, Anthony owns Spring Valley Funeral Home facilities in Louisville and New Albany, Indiana.
Anthony also aimed to enhance opportunities for individuals in Louisville's West End. Additionally, he stressed the importance of collaboration within the Louisville Metro Council to achieve positive and impactful improvements throughout the city.
He previously ran for county coroner in Floyd County, Indiana, although he was unsuccessful. He told The Courier-Journal that his heart is in Louisville, which is why he is running for mayor.
What does 'American Idol's Kennedy Reid do for a living?
Kennedy advanced to the Top 24 for Season 22 of 'American Idol' after putting in a lot of effort. She is from Sellersburg and has worked as a mortician.
Kennedy's aspiration to be a singer and entertainer has been a lifelong pursuit. Prior to her debut on 'American Idol,' she had the opportunity to perform and open for notable Grand Ole Opry members like Gene Watson and John Conlee in West Point, Kentucky.
'American Idol’s Kennedy Reid reacts to getting compared to Tammy Faye Messner
Kennedy confidently showcases her hair, extravagant glitter, and bold costumes on 'American Idol'. The 23-year-old contestant took to Instagram on April 3 to address critics who had made disparaging remarks about her appearance.
Some have even compared Kennedy to the late televangelist Tammy Faye Messner, who was renowned for wearing colorful wigs, dramatic lashes, and heavy eye makeup.
Kennedy's Instagram post featured a carousel of two photographs of Tammy, both of which showed the television personality's characteristic blonde hair and black liquid eyeliner.
"For all of the jokesters that want to call me Tammy Faye! Man! I sure am glad I finally looked her up," Kennedy began her caption. "You better bet that I will definitely be rocking wigs and full glam when I’m older!" she added.
"This woman was beautiful. And SHAME on anyone that treated her like a laughing stock. Nobody’s perfect. Some people choose to look different. And if it’s not affecting your wellbeing, you shouldn’t be commenting about it. Let’s all try to be better. Besides….. you know what they say opinions are like! #tammyfaye #kennedyreid."
