Adrienne Bailon's New Boyfriend Is Joel Osteen BFF Who Faced Cheating Scandal
March 23 2016, Published 7:48 p.m. ET
Adrienne Bailon is dating a new man with a dark past: He's faced rumors that cheating destroyed his marriage!
Adrienne Bailon’s 30th Birthday Celebration
Ballon, 32, and gospel singer Israel Houghton, 44, were spotted on an intimate getaway at the Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa in Mexico over the weekend. The pair have known each other for years. Seen here, they hung out in 2013 after she starred in the movie I’m In Love with a Church Girl. Houghton was the producer.
Adrienne Bailon’s 30th Birthday Celebration
Houghton, who has worked as a pastor at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, was proudly wearing a wedding ring during the getaway! He only announced he was divorcing his wife of 20 years, Meleasa, in February. And there are no divorce documents filed yet in either the couple’s home of Kingwood, Texas, or their second home of California. A rep for Houghton did not immediately respond to RadarOnline.com’s request for comment regarding the divorce.
Adrienne Bailon’s 30th Birthday Celebration
But in regards to the divorce, one thing is certain: It involves a cheating scandal! Houghton admitted that he strayed in the marriage in an explosive Facebook post back in February. "Several years ago, I failed and sinned in my marriage," he wrote, and later deleted. "Though this is new to many, it is not new to us as we have been working through this for over 5 years." Many commenters posted in response Bible verses about sin and adultery. Houghton wrote, "I have repented for my actions."
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Houghton had been a preacher at Lakewood Church in Texas since at least 2011, and his picture and biography appeared on the church’s Leadership page through November 2015.
“I’m In Love With A Church Girl” New York Screening
But after news of the cheating scandal broke, he was quietly wiped from the website!
“I’m In Love With A Church Girl” New York Screening
Asked whether he still preaches at the church, a receptionist said "certainly." But Lakewood did not respond to RadarOnline.com's request for comment about his removal from that web page.
“I’m In Love With A Church Girl” New York Screening
Houghton's wife Meleasa did not immediately respond to RadarOnline.com's request for comment on the split.
Meanwhile, an insider told RadarOnline.com that Bailon is "livid" that photos of their vacation leaked, and is trying to keep their relationship on the down-low for now.
Houghton released a statement on his Facebook page Tuesday night: "I met Adrienne Bailon a bit over 2 years ago, we worked together & became friends... Our circles connected & we remained good friends. From a friendship, as two single adults we have very recently begun to explore a dating relationship. As I previously wrote in a statement I released a while back, My marriage had been over for quite some time before going public with my divorce announcement. ... I had not even yet met Adrienne during the time my marriage was falling apart. It deeply saddens me that an innocent party would be dragged into this situation that I have taken personal responsibility for. Adrienne is a woman of integrity & character... Most of all she is a true friend, and she should not be blamed for my past indiscretions. I assure you - I am willing to own my wrongs and I have in the past. God knows & sees all things. I appreciate your prayers, and I join you in praying for the issues of life that truly matter today all over the world."