Lionel Richie Recounts Dramatic 1988 Confrontation with Ex-Wife Brenda Harvey and Diane Alexander

Music icon Lionel Richie is now discussing a well-known 1988 event that involved his first spouse, Brenda Harvey, and his subsequent spouse, Diane Alexander.

“June of 1988 marked the pivotal moment. What remained largely unknown was that Brenda and I had already separated,” the acclaimed “Hello” vocalist recounted in his recently released memoir, Truly, which hit shelves on Tuesday, September 30, as reported by People. “I secured a beachfront residence, seeking refuge and solitude, attempting to alleviate the intense pressure that was affecting everyone involved.”

Richie, aged 76, detailed how he visited Alexander, featured in his 1986 “Dancing on the Ceiling” visual, at her Beverly Hills residence just as Harvey arrived unannounced at the entrance.

“Upon the door opening, Brenda was present. A significant confrontation ensued. Diane was completely stunned, and I was attempting to depart, to divert Brenda’s attention,” he penned. “It devolved into the most terrible shouting argument I’ve ever witnessed, confined within that narrow entryway.”

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Richie noted he had wished his wife would have pursued him out of the unit, “but after my departure, she returned and continued the dispute. The residents alerted law enforcement. Legal accusations were filed and subsequently dismissed.”

Harvey faced arrest on allegations of spousal abuse, obstruction of justice, and assault after the occurrence, as documented by the Los Angeles Times in its contemporaneous coverage.

“The most agonizing aspect, the unfortunate event in our lives, was Brenda’s profound sorrow,” he shared, according to E! News. “One cannot truly anticipate their actions or emotions until confronted with such circumstances. This was an unfamiliar predicament for all of us.”

“We were all entitled to leniency, as the unfolding narrative was unforeseen. It was simply crude, unpleasant, and catastrophic,” the American Idol panelist added. “Before that day, I remember a prevailing sense of indecision regarding whether to attempt reconciliation and end our separation.”

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As stated by Richie, the event at Alexander’s residence solidified his decision to dissolve his marriage.

“That day represents the most sorrowful point in a marital relationship,” he observed. “When you realize that affection might persist, and a shared past will always remain, yet the union is undeniably concluded. And you acknowledge it.”

Richie finalized his divorce from Harvey, the adoptive mother of Nicole Richie, in 1993. He wed Alexander subsequently, two years later, before their divorce in 2004. Richie and Alexander are parents to two offspring: Miles, 31, and Sofia, 27.