Larsa Pippen has once again set the record straight about long-standing rumors of a romantic connection with Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons. On the latest episode of her podcast, Going Rogue with Larsa Pippen & Michelle Pooch, the 50-year-old reality TV star and entrepreneur firmly denied any involvement with Simmons, expressing frustration over the recurring speculation.
“I’ve definitely been linked to guys that I’ve never even hung out with,” Larsa said on the podcast. “I was linked to Ben Simmons, do you remember? And I never sought him out. I don’t even know him, by the way.”
The rumors, which first surfaced in 2019, suggested that Larsa was romantically involved with Simmons while she was still married to NBA legend Scottie Pippen. Larsa has repeatedly dismissed these claims over the years, emphasizing that there was no truth to them.
Navigating a Public Divorce
Larsa and Scottie Pippen were married for over two decades, tying the knot in 1997 and finalizing their divorce in 2021 after years of separation. During their marriage, they welcomed four children: Scotty Pippen Jr., Preston, Justin, and Sophia. Despite the challenges of their public split, the former couple has prioritized co-parenting and maintaining a healthy relationship for the sake of their family.
Reflecting on the aftermath of her divorce, Larsa has spoken openly about the challenges she faced, including intense media scrutiny and losing friends. She described the period as a “cleansing phase” that allowed her to discover who truly supported her.
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Persistent Media Speculation
Throughout her time in the public eye, Larsa has often been the subject of speculation about her personal life. In addition to the rumors about Simmons, she faced backlash in 2020 when she was photographed holding hands with NBA player Malik Beasley, who was married to Montana Yao at the time.
The images caused a media frenzy, and Yao filed for divorce shortly after they went public. Larsa later addressed the situation, stating she was unaware of Beasley’s marital status when they began dating.
Larsa also made headlines for her brief relationship with rapper Future in 2020 and, more recently, for her romance with Marcus Jordan, the son of Michael Jordan.
The relationship drew significant attention due to the historical ties between their families, as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were legendary teammates on the Chicago Bulls. Although Larsa and Marcus went public with their romance in 2023 and reportedly had wedding plans, the couple eventually parted ways.
Moving Forward with Strength
Despite the persistent rumors and controversies, Larsa remains focused on her family and professional endeavors. She continues to use her platform to address misconceptions and assert her truth, refusing to let media narratives define her.
“I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve always stayed true to myself and my values,” she said in a recent interview. “People are going to talk, but at the end of the day, I know who I am, and that’s all that matters.”
While the rumors about her alleged connection to Ben Simmons may resurface from time to time, Larsa’s firm denial and candid reflections signal her readiness to move past the speculation. For now, she’s focusing on her role as a mother, her podcast, and her ongoing journey of self-discovery.