At 50, Gary Owen Goes Off on Ex-Wife’s Shocking Demands After Claiming She Needs a New Man | HO

At 50 years old, comedian Gary Owen is no stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to his turbulent personal life. His recent public comments about his ex-wife, Kenya Duke, have reignited a legal and emotional battle that began when the two filed for divorce in 2021 after nearly two decades of marriage. In the latest development, Owen has been candid about Duke’s jaw-dropping alimony requests, and the comedian hasn’t shied away from discussing these issues both on stage and in interviews.

Owen recently addressed the issue during a live performance at the Philadelphia Helium Comedy Club. In a video posted on September 18th, the comedian shared the surprising amount that his ex-wife was seeking in alimony—$44,000 per month. The revelation drew gasps from the audience, and Owen, never one to miss a comedic opportunity, capitalized on their reaction. “That’s a lot,” he remarked, letting the audience’s shocked “Oohs” resonate throughout the venue.

This isn’t the first time Owen has touched on the complexities of his divorce from Duke. The comedian previously discussed the split on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, where he revealed that the divorce proceedings have been fraught with allegations, including Duke’s claim of adultery. Owen filed for divorce in Ohio, while Duke countered by filing in Los Angeles, a jurisdiction where spousal support tends to favor the non-earning partner.

As the comedian continued his routine, he addressed the audience’s skepticism over the fairness of Duke’s alimony request. Owen asserted that if the roles were reversed and he was in Duke’s position, he would never ask for such an exorbitant amount. “I know what my worth is at this stage in my life,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd. However, when a woman from the audience interjected by expressing disbelief, claiming that men, in general, would do the same, Owen pushed back. “No, I wouldn’t,” he insisted, navigating the conversation with a mix of humor and frustration.

This interaction highlighted the gender dynamics often present in discussions about alimony and divorce. For Owen, the idea of asking for that level of financial support was absurd, and he seemed to take offense at the notion that men would naturally be inclined to do the same. As the back-and-forth with the audience member continued, Owen lightheartedly quipped about Philadelphia’s “bitter women,” using the moment to shift the tone back to humor.

Owen’s comedic routine didn’t go unnoticed online. The video, which was initially posted to his Instagram account before being removed, continued to circulate on other social media platforms. Commenters were quick to chime in, with many siding with Owen and criticizing the woman in the audience for assuming all men would act the same. One person remarked, “How’s she going to tell you what you would do? She’s wild.” Others expressed their support for Owen, while a few sympathized with the idea that divorce, especially one involving public figures, often stirs up emotions that lead to overgeneralizations.

Owen’s public handling of the divorce has not gone over well with Duke, who has repeatedly accused her ex-husband of being unfaithful during their marriage. Duke has also alleged that Owen abandoned her and their children, ceasing to provide financial support, which has only fueled her request for the significant alimony payment.

Kenya Duke, who shares two children with Owen—Kennedy and Austin—has not held back in criticizing her ex-husband on social media. She has accused him of being a “deadbeat” dad, claiming that he has been neglecting his responsibilities toward their family since the divorce. Owen, for his part, has acknowledged the rift with his children but seems to have come to terms with the estrangement. He has repeatedly expressed understanding that his kids, particularly Kennedy and Austin, may not want to be around him at the moment, given the circumstances.

Despite the ongoing legal and emotional wrangling with Duke, Owen has moved on with his life. The comedian is now engaged to Brianna Johnson, and the couple welcomed twin boys, Royal and Rome, earlier this year. Owen’s new family life has brought him some joy amid the chaos, though it has also served as another point of contention with his ex-wife.

Duke has made it clear that her grievances go beyond just the financial aspect of the divorce. She claims that during their marriage, she gave up a promising career as an account manager to support Owen’s comedy career, a sacrifice she now regrets. Duke has said that she feels financially vulnerable in the aftermath of the divorce and that her request for spousal support is meant to help her maintain the standard of living she enjoyed during their marriage.

As Owen continues to use his personal life as material for his comedy, reactions from the public remain divided. While some appreciate his humor and candor, others believe that his jokes about his ex-wife and their divorce are insensitive, particularly given the emotional toll the split has taken on his children. A few online commenters have speculated that Owen’s lighthearted approach to the situation may be hurting his chances of mending his relationship with his kids.

One fan remarked, “Well, if you cheat, that’s how you expect her to be,” referencing Owen’s admission of infidelity during their marriage. Another person commented, “His response might be funny to the audience, but his children won’t find it amusing.” These sentiments reflect the broader cultural debate about how public figures should navigate the intersection of personal life and entertainment, particularly when children are involved.

As the divorce saga continues to unfold, it’s clear that Owen’s experiences will remain a significant part of his comedy. Whether discussing his ex-wife’s demands for spousal support or reflecting on the complexities of co-parenting, the comedian seems intent on using humor as a coping mechanism. However, as the public’s reactions have shown, not everyone finds the situation as funny as he does.

At 50, Gary Owen is at a pivotal point in both his personal and professional life. While he continues to thrive as a stand-up comedian, the ongoing tension with his ex-wife and their children suggests that the road to healing may still be a long one. Only time will tell if Owen’s comedic approach to his divorce will help him find peace or further complicate an already messy situation.