The verdict is in when it comes to the now estranged relationship between Judge Mathis and his wife Linda Yvette: they’re headed for divorce.
Yup, you read that right. After nearly 40 years of marriage, Linda filed the paperwork to dissolve their relationship in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday. She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split and is petitioning for spousal support—though she requested for her requirement to pay spousal support to be waived, according to E! News. Court documents also state that they officially separated on July 17.
If this news comes as a shock to you, that’s understandable as the famous TV judge has been consistently outspoken about his love for his wife over the years. Most recently, when Judge Mathis—legally Gregory Ellis Mathis Sr.—received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2022, he thanked his wife and family for the support they’ve given to him over the years.
“After coming out of the streets in Detroit, Linda allowed me to work 15 hours a day, five, six days a week. So it’s that support that allowed me to pursue the success that you see.”
“Our love and support runs deep,” Linda added at the time.
Fast forward to the top of 2024, the two were seen on social media cozied up with one another in Cabo. And in March, they expressed their joint love for their family and the life they’ve built together during a red carpet interview at an Influencers Brunch.
“We’re a whole family, a wholesome family, we all have our flaws—but we don’t fight. Never have,” he said. However, there have been unsubstantiated rumors and speculation that the beloved judge allegedly stepped out on his marriage at some point over the years.
Linda and Judge Mathis, tied the not back in 1985 and are parents to four children: Jade, Camara, Greg Jr. and Amir.