REAL Housewives of Atlanta star Sheree Whitfield’s new man Martell Holt filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and said he owed creditors millions, The U.S. Sun has exclusively learned.
During Sunday night's RHOA premiere, Sheree, 53, introduced her new boyfriend Martell to the group of ladies.
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Sheree Whitfield introduced her new man, Martell Holt, to the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta during Sunday's premiere episodeCredit: Bravo
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Martell's debut came with cheating accusations from cast members Kandi Burruss and Kenya MooreCredit: Bravo
The Real Housewives star explained to viewers that she met Martell, 41, through a mutual friend and said that she sees him on weekends since he lives in Alabama.
"We really enjoy each other's company," she gushed.
"Despite what you see on TV, he's never shown me anything but respect and I'm really happy that I didn't give up on love, that I left the door open."
She also claimed he "exudes big d**k energy" and praised his muscular arms and overall "great physique."
Prior to dating the reality star, Martell filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2020, months after his ex-wife Melody Holt filed for divorce.
In the court documents, exclusively obtained by The U.S. Sun, Martell indicated that he owed less than 50 creditors between $1million to $10million.
The creditors he listed included: ex Melody, American Express, Capital One, Lowe's, Home Depot and the IRS.
He noted at the time his estimated assets were $500K-$1 million.
From the Internal Revenue Service alone, he owed outstanding amounts of over $76K in 2017, over $66K in 2018 and over $131K in 2019.
In the end, Martell walked away with a lot of discharges, relinquishing him from his responsibilities to pay various creditors.
The judge even allowed him to keep his property in Huntsville, Alabama, and not having to turn it over to the trustee.
The case was terminated in August 2021.
FIGHTING FOR MORE
In the midst of his bankruptcy proceedings, Martell and his now ex-wife also filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on behalf of their company, Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC.
As a couple, Martell and Melody operated their own business, titled the Holt Preservation Academy, to share advice about the property preservation industry- a "multi-billion dollar industry."
They filed for bankruptcy in March 2021 - the same month their divorce was finalized - claiming they owed less than 50 creditors anywhere between $1million to $10million.
Court docs, obtained by The U.S. Sun, show that the exes owe Eva Bank over $157K and Synovus Bank over $555K.
This case is still ongoing two years later.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Martell and Melody for comment.
PAST ACCUSATIONS
Martell and Melody Holt were part of OWN's Love & Marriage: Huntsville for the first three seasons, from 2019-2021.
Martell disclosed his legal issues on the show that featured two other couples from Huntsville, who were successful in their real estate ventures.
The Bravo couple divorced after his long-term affair with his mistress Arionne Curry was revealed.
She got pregnant with his son while he was still married.
He now is a father to five children - four from Melody.
In an interview with Madame Noire, Melody put Martell's money troubles on blast while claiming he "stole" money from her.
"What I will say is around August or September of last year (2020), we had a joint business account and we had joint business funds that went to that account. And prior to, we split the funds 50-50, no biggie," she spilled to the outlet.
"In the fall, he decided he was going to take my money. I have not gotten it back.
" I don’t think I’m going to get it back. Because it was done before he filed bankruptcy, it wipes it all clean."
In a new statement to The U.S. Sun, Martell's rep denied Melody's claims.
"Court documents show that Martell 'stealing money' ($17,000) from Melody Holt wasn’t accurate," his rep said.
CHEATING RUMORS
Right off the bat, during the RHOA season 15 premiere, Sheree's castmates shared their thoughts about her new man.
Kandi Burruss claimed he was an "opportunist" and that Sheree was "being used for publicity."
Kenya Moore also revealed Martell slid into her DMs.
When the cast reunited at Sanya Richards-Ross' husband's 40th birthday bash, they had not the nicest things to say about the OWN star.
Kenya joked to cameras: "I think Sheree needs her own spinoff show- 'Watch Me Date These Dumb Dudes.'"
At the end of the episode, Kenya told Sheree about Martell's DM and cheating rumors she had heard.
The Harlem Nights themed party takes a turn for the worse in next week's episode. A teaser showed the cast exploding over the rumor.
Kenya screams at Martell in the teaser: "Once a cheater, always a cheater, you f**king piece of shit."
RHOA airs new episodes every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
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Sheree gushed over her new boyfriend while having dinner together prepared by a private chefCredit: Bravo
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Sheree warned Martell about meeting up with the cast at Aaron Ross' birthday partyCredit: Bravo
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Martell's ex Melody filed for divorce after learning about his seven-year affairCredit: Getty
