Angela Oakley Opens Up About Her Strained Marriage On RHOA

The Real Housewives of Atlanta has caused quite a stir for its sixteenth season. Fans rejoiced when Porsha Williams rejoined the cast after taking two seasons away from the series, and they were shocked when Kenya Moore left the RHOA so early in the season, only to be replaced by former Housewife Phaedra Parks.

New Housewives Kelli Ferrell, Shamea Morton Mwangi, and Britt Eady did their jobs and brought the heat for Season 16, but it was Angela Oakley who had fans wanting more, especially after seeing the dynamic between her and her husband, Charles Oakley.

Angela Oakley Opens Up About Her Strained Marriage On RHOA

The vibe that Angela Oakley brought to Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta felt similar to the glory days of RHOA in the early seasons. It was a time before glam squads and stylists, a time when Housewives aired all their dirty laundry while being unapologetically themselves among a new group of women.

In Angela’s first season, a main piece of her storyline was her strained marriage to former NBA legend, Charles Oakley. There were layers to their relationship that only Angela and Charles would be able to understand, as viewers tried to catch up on their ups and downs.

Angela was honest about a few public incidents in their marriage that continue to haunt them, along with private issues that have strained their marriage.

"Charles and I sometimes [can] get in our own heads and he won't hear me, I won't hear him. And through therapy, I realized I wanted him to change. Then I realized that I have flaws too."

What Are The Main Issues In Angela And Charles’ Relationship?

• Past Infidelity: According to Bravo, Angela unfortunately dealt with her husband’s infidelity. "I married someone who kind of checks a lot of boxes: famous, attractive, money, all of the things. With that, came a lot of women — a lot of women.” The Housewife continued, “When we got married, I didn't expect him to need so much time to cut his single ways. I will say that. I thought when he got married, I'm like, 'You're old enough, you know what marriage is. Like, we can't do none of that. This is what it is.'"

Many of the affairs began after a public incident in 2017, where Charles was thrown out of Madison Square Garden (more below). Angela theorized that Charles had low self-esteem and cheated as a way to feel secure again.

Coinciding with Charles's alleged affairs was the rumor that he had a love child outside of his marriage to Angela. The possibility of a baby and multiple affairs haunted Angela throughout the season as the other Housewives openly talked about their marriage.

• The Madison Square Garden Incident: A year after getting married, Angela told audiences about a public incident that affected their marriage. In 2017, the former NBA player was thrown out of a basketball game after getting into an argument with security. The Knicks owner, James Dolan, had him escorted out for his behavior, which did not sit well with Charles.

Charles later filed a lawsuit against the stadium and James for "excessive force in accomplishing the removal," according to the NY Post. The lawsuit was dismissed twice.

As a former Knicks player, Angela told Bravo that she saw this moment as a turning point in their relationship. Through therapy, she saw why he cheated after the incident. "He was just like, 'Where am I safe? You know, this is where I played 10 years, and they did this to me on national television.'" Angela continued, "It wasn't until now I can empathize with him a little bit about being potentially humiliated on national television, right? So, now I get it. I get it. And I'm not making excuses for him, but I empathize with him on the humiliation."

• Financial Strain: Angela is a self-made businesswoman who has her own financial consulting company. She also buys and renovates houses for profit. In Season 16, Angela shared how hard it was owning five homes and waiting for them to sell, especially when Charles helped her financially. Bravo shared that the Housewife was $2 million in debt until she could see the homes.

"These houses have put a strain on our marriage because I'm constantly asking Charles to pump more money into these properties. And now he's at a point where he doesn't want to." The mother of four concluded, "We have since reduced the price on all of these homes. I feel like we've done all that we can do in order to protect my marriage. Sometimes you have to cut off your finger to save your hand, and that's what I’m doing."

Between the former infidelities and financial issues, it's clear why there is tension in their marriage. Through it all, Charles and Angela have made it work and continue to work on their marriage through therapy.

The Positive Sides To Charles And Angela Oakley's Relationship

Charles and Angela Oakley's marriage isn't only focused on past issues. The couple also showed the positive sides of their marriage throughout Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Bravo reported that Charles and Angela met at a party in Chicago but didn't connect until years later when they became neighbors. They started dating shortly after. "We exchanged numbers and then I didn't hear from that man for another ten years when we became neighbors in the same condominium. I feel like our relationship was destined to happen," she shared.

Together, the couple has their daughter, Arleigh. However, they both have kids from former relationships. Angela has Ahmauri and Avan, while Charles has Charlie Jr.

As seen on RHOA, Angela has bragged about her husband's love of cooking and cleaning. The former basketball star even helped their castmate Kelli cook chicken and waffles for an event. Showcasing their love of food, the couple runs the Angela and Charles Oakley Foundation. The foundation aims to "tackle food insecurity in inner-city neighborhoods. Their mission is simple: spread love, laughter, and a little bit of good food."

With a serious past, the couple has a positive future ahead with newfound fame.

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