One minute, Simon Guobadia is popping bottles on Real Housewives of Atlanta, and the next, he’s being deported by ICE. Yes, you read that right. Porsha Williams’ soon-to-be-ex husband has officially been removed from the United States, and the Bravo information highway is working overtime. While Porsha has been out there reclaiming her peace and her peach, Simon’s storyline has taken a turn worthy of its own spin-off. Let’s break down what happened, why Simon was deported, and where things stand with his very public divorce from Porsha.
Simon Guobadia was released from ICE custody and deported
After spending months at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, Simon has officially been sent back to his home country of Nigeria. The sketchy businessman was first taken into custody back in February. The 61-year-old was put on a flight a few days ago, Us Weekly reported. Simon’s business partner and friend, Tai Savet, shared that Simon was in “good spirits” after an uncomfortable experience at the Lumpkin facility. Allegedly, Simon was also hoping to have a meeting with the POTUS. According to the outlet, Simon is no longer listed as being housed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The outlet obtained a photo of Simon, who looked unshaven but smiling. He had lost weight and was wearing a red shirt when he left the facility. Simon has also launched a new business that will sell shirts to help people in ICE custody.
Why was Simon Guobadia deported?
Simon’s deportation didn’t come out of the blue. Simon’s immigration status had been in question for some time. Reports suggest that he was in violation of U.S. immigration laws, which eventually led to ICE stepping in. Simon first came to the United States in 1982 on a six-month visa but overstayed his welcome. Simon then went on to marry his first wife, an American citizen. He then applied for “Adjustment of Status” in 1985. However, Simon was denied citizenship because the government believed the marriage to be a sham after his ex told INS they never lived together or consummated their marriage.
Simon left the country voluntarily. However, he re-entered the U.S. again in 1986 on another visitor’s visa, and once again, he broke the rules by overstaying his six-month visa. Things only got worse when in 1987 was arrested for bank and credit card fraud. Still in the country in 1989, Simon was arrested again, but this time for unauthorized use of a vehicle, and in 1990 for fraud. The Immigration and Naturalization Service started deportation proceedings against Simon. In 1991, he was accused of committing credit card fraud. And in 1992, he was forcibly removed from the United States by a judge’s order.
Where does Porsha Williams’ divorce from Simon Guobadia stand?
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star filed for divorce from Simon in early 2024, just 15 months after their lavish Nigerian-American wedding that was split into two ceremonies. The filing was reportedly due to “irreconcilable differences,” and based on everything that has happened since, we’re thinking those differences were indeed very irreconcilable. During the newest season, Porsha has revealed she knew nothing of her husband’s scams and questions who she even married. According to court records, the divorce is still moving forward, and now that Simon is no longer in the U.S., the logistics could get even messier. Porsha recently won her bid to stay in the marital home until the divorce is finalized.
Porsha and Simon are due to face off in court later this week. The outlet reported that Simon is being allowed to appear via video because of the deportation. The pair is currently fighting over their prenuptial agreement. Fans are already rallying around Porsha. And let’s be honest, she’s been through enough reality TV chaos to earn a break (and maybe a vacation that doesn’t involve customs officials). Whatever happens, it is highly unlikely Simon will ever be able to reside back in the United States. After years of being denied citizenship, it finally looks like he will have to call Nigeria his permanent home.
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TELL US – DO YOU FEEL BAD FOR SIMON, OR DO YOU AGREE WITH THE DECISION?
