K Michelle says hurtful jokes about relationship with Idris Elba made her feel 'not good enough'
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Singer and television personality K. Michelle recently reflected on the emotional toll of public reactions to her eight-month relationship with actor Idris Elba during an appearance on the podcast 'Club Shay Shay' on Thursday, May 21.
The 44-year-old opened up about the criticism and jokes that followed revelations about their romance, explaining how deeply the comments affected her at the time. She is currently married to her longtime friend, Dr. Kastan Sims and has previously made headlines for speaking openly about the unconventional rules in their marriage.
K Michelle recalls hurtful criticism and defends relationship with Idris Elba
Speaking about her past relationship with Elba, Michelle said, “We dated. We were together every day for about eight months. But because I never got online and was like, ‘This my man,’ people didn’t know.” She later reflected on the public jokes and criticism that emerged after news of their relationship surfaced.
Among those who reacted publicly was radio personality Charlamagne tha God, recalling the criticism, she stated, “They acted like I was ugly. They acted like I wasn’t good enough. Charlamagne said it was like turning wine into Arbor Mist.”
The singer also explained that those remarks deeply affected her confidence as a young Black woman. “That hurt me. I’m a young Black woman, and you’re saying that I’m not good enough?”
K Michelle reflects positively on past relationship with Idris Elba
Despite years of public scrutiny surrounding their romance, Michelle made it clear that she still respects Elba and remembers their relationship fondly. Reflecting on their past connection, she said, “I have nothing bad to say about him.”
She also revealed sending Elba her album before its release and received a heartfelt response from him afterward. According to her, he told her it was “a masterpiece” and expressed regret about how things unfolded between them.
During the interview, she also commented on how the public often perceives him differently from who he is in reality noting, "I am so sick of y'all...You talking about a DJ that was in the streets and in Hackney...I don't care how fine, how Denzel y'all want him to be."
Michelle is currently married to Sims, a Memphis-area dentist and her longtime friend since junior high school, tied the knot in September 2025. Meanwhile, Elba, best known for his role in 'Luther,' recently celebrated seven years of marriage with his wife, Sabrina Elba.
