Brandy's Ex: We Were Never Married

NEW YORK – Two years ago, Brandy (search) announced that she had been secretly married for months. It turns out the real secret may be that she was never married at all.

Music producer Robert Smith (search) told New York radio station WBLS-FM that he and Brandy were never wed as she had claimed. Speaking to Wendy Williams on Tuesday, Smith said their supposed marriage was a ruse to protect the image of Brandy, who was then pregnant with their daughter, Sy'rai. (search)

Courtney Barnes, a representative for Brandy, refused to comment on whether Brandy and Smith were indeed wed when contacted by The Associated Press Thursday.

However, Brandy released a statement that read: "I am deeply hurt and shocked by the things that Robert has been saying. We had a spiritual union and true commitment to each other, and we still share a common bond through our daughter, Sy'rai.

"He is trying to destroy my reputation, while using me and our daughter to get publicity and radio airplay for his artists. I am stunned that he is being so dirty about it."

Later, Smith reportedly issued a statement of his own. MTV.com quoted Smith as saying in part: "I prefer not to air our dirty laundry through the media. I was just stating the truth. Brandy and I have many things to work out over a long period of time, and will hopefully head in a more positive direction."

In February 2002, Brandy declared that she and Smith had been secretly wed in 2001.

"I've fallen in love with a very warm, gentle, understanding and focused person. This summer we married quietly. A new experience, a new day for me — I couldn't be happier!" she said in a statement then.

In June 2002, Brandy gave birth to Sy'rai. MTV documented preparations for the birth with the reality series, "Brandy — Special Delivery." (search)

A former teen pop princess, Brandy also starred in her own sitcom, "Moesha," from 1996 to 2001. Her latest album, "Afrodisiac," was released last month.