Boris Becker Opens Up on Infidelity and Life After Prison
Tennis icon Boris Becker has sought to clarify long-standing rumours about his infidelity towards his first wife, Barbara Feltus, specifically addressing claims that he cheated while she was in labour with their second child. In a candid interview on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Becker admitted to the affair but denied it occurred during contractions, stating Barbara was in hospital but not actively giving birth at the time.
Setting the Record Straight on the Cheating Incident
Becker explained that the incident, which took place in a London restaurant, happened while Barbara was heavily pregnant with their son Elias, but not during the birth itself. He acknowledged his infidelity led to their divorce, but emphasised they have since built a respectful co-parenting relationship. 'There were no contractions,' Becker said. 'She was in hospital, but there was no contractions. No.' He added that Barbara has been a wonderful mother to their two oldest sons, and they have moved past the turmoil to maintain a close-knit family dynamic over the past 25 years.
Divorce and Financial Settlements
Reflecting on the divorce, Becker noted that Barbara held significant power in the proceedings due to his role as the 'bad guy.' He revealed she received a substantial financial settlement, including a lump sum and ongoing monthly support. 'She got a nice cheque out of it. She got a nice monthly support out of it. And she realised that nobody's perfect,' he said. Despite the initial conflict, Becker prides himself on being a good father, maintaining strong ties with his children even after they moved to Miami.
Prison Experience and Deportation
Becker also delved into his recent legal troubles, discussing his eight-month prison sentence for hiding assets and loans to avoid debts. He was deported to Germany upon release, a consequence he described as unexpected but ultimately beneficial. 'It's easy in hindsight to say I'm thankful for it now because it just stopped the old life and I got a chance for a new life,' he shared. Currently, he is working with authorities to potentially return to the UK, but for now, he resides in Milan with his wife Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro and their newborn daughter, Zoe Vittoria.
Reflections on Diddy and Party Culture
During the podcast, Becker touched on his acquaintance with disgraced rapper Diddy, who is serving a four-year sentence for prostitution-related charges. Becker expressed no surprise at the allegations, recalling the extravagant, drug-fuelled parties in Miami. 'The parties were parties. But even the parties, they took sometimes a day or two,' he said, noting he avoided such long events. He emphasised that while he attended some gatherings, he never engaged in the more extreme activities.
Moving Forward with a New Perspective
Becker concluded by highlighting his transformation post-prison, embracing a fresh start in Italy. He described his incarceration as 'living hell' at the time but now views it as a pivotal moment that allowed him to rebuild. With his family by his side, he focuses on his role as a father and husband, hopeful for future opportunities to revisit the UK.
