R&B Icon Brandy Norwood Details Tumultuous Past Relationships and Alleged Exploitation in New Memoir Phases

R&B icon Brandy Norwood reveals details of her past romances with Wanya Morris, Robert Smith, and more in her candid new memoir titled Phases.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 5:43 AM EDT

Source: People

Candid Revelations Regarding Wanya Morris In "Phases," Brandy Norwood provides a detailed account of her first public romance with Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris. Norwood alleges that the relationship began when she was 16 years old, a claim that contradicts previous statements by Morris suggesting they waited until she reached the age of consent. The singer describes a period of "elaborate fiction" where the pair hid their romantic connection to protect their respective careers. Looking back as an adult, Norwood states she felt "taken advantage" of during the relationship, which ultimately ended after she discovered evidence of infidelity.

The "Spiritual Union" with Robert Smith The memoir also revisits Norwood’s early 2000s relationship with producer Robert Smith, also known as Big Bert. The couple welcomed a daughter, Sy'rai Smith, in 2002, following a public announcement that they had married in 2001. However, after their 2003 separation, Smith claimed the marriage was a fabrication designed to preserve Norwood’s "clean" image during her pregnancy. Norwood clarifies in her writing that while the union was not legally recognized, she viewed it as a "spiritual commitment," noting the profound impact the subsequent public backlash had on her professional trajectory.

Navigating Fame and High-Profile Engagements Following her split from Smith, Norwood’s personal life remained a fixture of tabloid interest, specifically her engagement to former NBA player Quentin Richardson in 2004. Although the pair were frequent fixtures on red carpets, including the BET Awards, the engagement was eventually called off. Later, Norwood entered a long term relationship with music executive Ryan Press. The two became engaged in 2012 before a mutual split in 2014. Despite the end of their romantic involvement, the two have maintained a professional friendship, most recently appearing together during Norwood’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in March 2026.

Addressing Industry Rumors and Digital Narratives The singer recently took to social media to address comments made by rappers Shyne and Mase during a podcast appearance. The artists reportedly joked about past intimate encounters with the singer, prompting a swift denial from Norwood on Instagram. She characterized the claims as an "untrue narrative" and emphasized that her relationship with Shyne, specifically, was strict...