Tisha Campbell has bravely shared her experiences regarding the significant financial challenges she encountered when she and her ex-husband, Duane Martin, filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Despite her status as a well-known public figure, Tisha openly revealed the extent of her financial crisis, where she found herself with only $21 in her pocket. This dire situation made it incredibly difficult for her to provide gifts for her children during the holiday season. Here’s a deeper look into what she expressed about this challenging chapter in her life…

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Tisha Campbell Opens Up About Her Difficult Bankruptcy Journey

During an honest discussion on ‘The Breakfast Club‘ on Wednesday, July 9, Tisha Campbell reflected on the financial hardships that profoundly affected her nearly a decade ago. Charlamagne Tha God prompted her to recount the moment when she was down to her last $21. In a moment of vulnerability, she shared the struggles faced by both her and Duane Martin as they navigated tough times while raising their two sons, Xen and Ezekiel.

“The story was I had $21 in my pocket and a knife cost $7, and I wanted to pay for the knife,” Tisha revealed. “It was Christmas, and I had a choice to try to get some extra toys for my kids at the Rite Aid or something.”

The native of Oklahoma found herself making challenging decisions to ensure her children’s holiday spirits remained high, despite the stark reality of her dwindling bank account. Tisha’s candid reflections on her struggles struck a chord, illustrating the emotional weight of her experiences. The bankruptcy case she filed with Duane in 2016 remained unresolved until July 2024, according to Yahoo News. She candidly expressed her ongoing process of understanding how everything spiraled out of control. “I think it’s a lifetime of stuff, and I don’t really understand how we went through the bankruptcy, honestly,” she admitted. When asked if the closure of the bankruptcy case felt like a new beginning, Tisha responded:

“I was kind of separated from it, so I don’t really know how we got through it, but it really is just taking yourself outside of it and keep it moving forward.”

Understanding the Reasons Behind Tisha and Duane Martin’s Bankruptcy Filing

The bankruptcy filing was a significant burden that struck Tisha and Duane after enduring years of financial instability. The couple, who ended their marriage in 2018 after two decades together, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, citing millions of dollars in debt. Reports indicated that they allegedly owed over $15 million to various creditors, including banks and even the IRS, as reported by the LA Times. Despite the chaos surrounding their finances, Tisha remained steadfast, prioritizing the well-being of her children throughout this tumultuous period.

“I got kids, man. I got two kids, one has ADHD, the other one got autism, two separate issues, and I just keep moving forward,” she shared. “I can’t look backwards. I can’t. So I just don’t.”

Tisha Campbell’s Transformation: Embracing Self-Love with a Mommy Makeover

Fast forward to 2025, and Tisha is radiating confidence once more! At the recent ‘BET Awards,’ she made a stunning impression with her bold burgundy ensemble. During her interview with Entertainment Tonight, the star of ‘My Wife and Kids’ shared insights about her recent mommy makeover that has rejuvenated her body and spirit. Tisha revealed that she underwent surgery to address the “extra skin” resulting from childbirth. Importantly, she emphasized that this transformation was not for anyone else but herself!

“It’s snatched now, so that’s good,” she expressed, showcasing her renewed confidence. Tisha further mentioned how her transformation has inspired her friends, Tamara Johnson-George and Leanne Lyons from SWV, to consider their own consultations! “We should be feeling good about ourselves,” she encouraged, advocating for self-love and empowerment.

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