After almost 12 years of marriage, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak filed for divorce from her husband and former NFL player Kroy Biermann on May 8, TMZ first reported.
According to the outlet, the reality star said the two were splitting because their marriage is “irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation.” At the time, TMZ also reported Zolciak was asking for primary physical custody of the kids and joint legal custody in addition to spousal support and to legally restore her maiden name.
The couple, who tied the knot back in 2011, share six children together. Over the years, they welcomed 9-year-old twins Kaia Rose and Kane Ren, and sons Kash Kade, 10, and Kroy Jagger, 11. Biermann also legally adopted her older daughters Ariana, 21, and Brielle, 26, in 2013.
Check out everything we know about Zolciak and Biermann’s divorce as the drama unfolds below.
A Messy Divorce Lies Ahead
After news of the divorce broke, a source told People that they think things will quickly get messy between them. “Everyone expects this divorce is going to get really bad because neither of them will give in,” the source said. “Divorce is terrible but the kids are going to have to go through this in a very public manner,” the source continued.
Role Struggles
According to the same People source, not being the one calling the shots was challenging for Biermann.
“As a couple, it’s obvious that Kim has always been the head of the household,” the source said. “Because of that, this makes [the divorce] even harder for him.”
“It’s really sad because he is a great dad,” the source added. “With that said, they were both very involved parents and they both deserve to share custody and anyone that knows them would agree.”
Their ‘Final Straw’
According to TMZ, Zolciak and Biermann owe more than $1.1 million to the IRS in unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties from 2013, 2017, and 2018. In addition, the couple also reportedly owes the state of Georgia $15,000 for unpaid taxes from 2018. Lastly, the couple’s Georgia home, per Us Weekly, is in foreclosure.
“The financial burdens have been a strain on their relationship,” a source told Us Weekly. “Between the tax debt and other financial stresses, it’s been difficult. The tax debt was the straw that broke the camel’s back in their marriage.”
It Took Andy Cohen by Surprise
“I was very surprised,” Andy Cohen on an episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, per E! Online. “That was not the news I ever expected to get.
“They seemed so much in love and just together,” the Bravo producer continued. “I mean, they were a couple that, yeah, I thought they were in it for the long haul. Very surprised.”
Kroy Wants His Kids Away from the Limelight
Following the news of their divorce, Biermann filed papers to stop his ex-wife from talking about their kids and their divorce on TV. Per TMZ, the formal football player asked the court to set up some sort of protection for their kids while the divorce proceedings continue.
At one point, Biermann also added the reality star talks in an “abusive” and “derogatory tone” about the divorce when the kids are around.
Kim Isn’t Afraid to Fight Back
Following Biermann’s claims, Zolciak’s attorney, David Beaudry, issued a statement to TMZ. “The emotional and mental abuse Kim has suffered from this man for so many years has taken a toll on her and, most heartbreakingly, their children,” the statement read. “Kim has always been an extremely devoted mother to her children; they are her entire world and she is always there to love and support them every step of the way.”
“She refuses to allow Kroy to paint her as something she is not for his own gain,” the statement continued. “Kim looks forward to the day we can appear in court and solve these issues once and for all.”
Further Financial Problems
In addition to the financial struggles with the IRS, TMZ reports the former NFL player is also being sued by BMW after missing lease payments on his 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Biermann’s attorney, Marlys Bergstrom, then issued a statement about the situation to TMZ. “Mr. Biermann never imagined that he would find himself in this position, having a car repossessed,” the statement revealed. “But this is the fallout when folks find themselves spending way beyond their means. Kroy retired and no longer receives that NFL salary… I don’t think anyone told Kim.”
Bergstrom continued, “When it comes to finances, Kim is detached from reality; every month Kroy has to scratch enough money together to pay the mortgage to save the home from going into foreclosure; they are getting collection notices and now, lawsuits on behalf of creditors. Kim continues to spend money on online gambling, wine, and things that are NOT necessities, but luxuries. Well, now they have one less luxury item.” Ouch!
Calling 911
According to an audio obtained by TMZ, Zolciak and Biermann’s disagreement reached new heights on June 16 when Zolciak called 911 against Biermann. Per the outlet, it all happened when Zolciak allowed her son to go on a playdate with a friend and Biermann reportedly threatened to file a kidnapping report against the woman who was picking up their son. Per the audio, Biermann’s reaction left the friend in a panic and her son “in tears.” But, knowing that Zolciak was on her way to pick up her son, the case wasn’t considered an emergency and police were not called to the scene.
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