Lamar Odom has spoken out in support of Will Smith and says he wishes he had protected Khloe Kardashian in the same spirit.
The former NBA star, 42, was married to reality icon Khloe for seven years after getting engaged days after first meeting in 2009, and tying the knot weeks later.
Their relationship wasn’t to be, however, and they eventually went their separate ways, with their divorce being finalised in 2016.
Six years later, Lamar regularly speaks about his regret for their failed marriage, just last month admitting he still misses his ex-wife.
Now the Celebrity Big Brother US star has compared his and Khloe’s relationship to that of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, after the King Richard star slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars for making a joke about his wife’s alopecia.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the former Lakers star began by stressing that he does ‘not condone violence against anyone.’
But, Lamar went on, ‘he loves his wife… I was told love covers a multitude of sins.’
Speaking of the discourse and controversy around the incident, Lamar said everyone is ‘taking side, dragging them both to hell when it all boils down to love (sic).’
‘She was hurting, it is a husband’s responsibility to protect his wife… he did what a husband is called to do. Protect his wife, from anything and anyone who causes her pain.’
The basketball star went on to wonder, had he ‘protected’ Khloe the same way, whether the pair could still be together.
He wrote: ‘Had I protected my wife versus mentally, emotionally and spiritually hurting her, I may still be married.’
Lamar finished by calling for an end to ‘judgement’ and for people to learn how to ‘forgive each other,’ sharing a photograph of Will and Jada at the Oscars alongside his message.
In February, footage emerged of Lamar in the CBB US house speaking to housemate Todrick hall and confessing he had been dreaming about Khloe the night before.
Lamar explained that they were no longer in touch, stating: ‘I miss her so much. I wish I could take that time back.’
He also recently touched on their break-up in an interview with SiriusXM, explaining they are no longer in contact due to his ‘behaviour and some bad decisions.’
The sports star admitted he misses the Kardashian family ‘tremendously’, and hopes that ‘in time people heal and [will] be able to forgive me.’
After their split, Khloe moved on with fellow NBA star Tristan Thompson, with the pair welcoming daughter True Thompson in 2018.
However their relationship fell apart after it was marred by infidelity, with Tristan fathering a child with another woman last year.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Khloe Kardashian’s ex-husband and NBA star Lamar Odom joins Celebrity Big Brother
