One single act of infidelity in a relationship can be enough to crush a person and destroy an otherwise solid bond. But how about discovering your partner has cheated with more than 50 other people?
Such was the shocking revelation faced by one woman - on national television, no less - when her husband made the confession to her on the American reality show 'Iyanla: Fix My Life' on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
After growing up as childhood sweethearts, Brandi Maxiell married retired basketball player Jason Maxiell in 2010, after 17 years together. They have a six-year-old son together.
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The couple appeared on the show in a bid to save their fledgling marriage with Brandi suggesting her husband has a "drinking problem" and disclosing that Jason has had eight affairs during their eight years of marriage.
At the urging of the show's host, life coach Iyanla Vanzant, Jason reveals that number is actually a gross underestimation: He's had sex with more than 50 women during their marriage.
Brandi understandably walks out the room after breaking down in tears and calling her husband's behaviour "disgusting."
In a separate interview, the former Detroit Pistons player shockingly divulges that he's actually slept with a grand total of 341 women in his life but adds that he's not a sex addict.
"At the time it was easy to do, to be pleasured that way. And I don't know if I was looking for something else in it or trying to receive something else through it but I did do it."
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In a statement for The Shade Room, Brandi has suggested her life's focus has shifted 'from being a great wife and mother into being the best mother and person' possible and outlined how the experience has affected her.
"I would like to say I'm more frustrated with him blurting out a number to the world without no regard for my feelings. Eight put a damper on our relationship and I was willing to work on it. Over 50 tore it down!
The episode only recently aired in America but it was actually filmed a year ago. Miraculously, the couple appear to still be married as an Instagram post shared by Brandi in August celebrated their nine year anniversary.
Brandi captioned the post, "'Real relationships are when you can fight like enemies, laugh like best friends, and love like soul mates.' Met him at 17 and look what God did...lifelong best friend!"
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Right...OK.
Words by Amy Roberts
Topics: News, US News, US Entertainment