Ashanti on Irv Gotti’s Death: ‘I Will Forever Be Grateful for Everything That You’ve Done for Me'

Ashanti gracefully expressed her deepest sympathies after the sudden passing of late Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti on Wednesday (Feb. 5).

While the two have a rocky history, which came to a head following a 2022 Drink Champs episode where Gotti, born Irving Lorenzo Jr., made salacious claims that he and Ashanti had an affair, the R&B singer respectfully memorialized him in an Instagram post on Friday (Feb. 7). In the Instagram carousel was a group shot with Ashanti, Gotti, Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, Vita and Cadillac Tah, followed by the record label's 2002 compilation album and Ashanti's eponymous debut, released the same year.

"I can’t believe things ended like this….and it makes me so sad," began Ashanti, who married Nelly in December 2023. "We weren’t on the best terms the past few years but as I’ve always said, through our ups and downs I will forever be grateful for everything that you’ve done for me."

"We made history and that will remain infinite.. I’ve always respected your musical genius and ability to push me to be my best.. All the greatness and positive things that came, far outweigh the dark and negative times," she continued.

"I have always prayed for you to find peace. Sending love and prayers to the entire family. Rest well. Rest in Peace Irv 🙏🏽🕊️"

On the aforementioned Drink Champs episode, Gotti expressed feeling "hurt" that Ashanti had began dating Nelly in the early 2000s. The couple would be on-and-off over the years before getting married and having a son. The "Baby" singer is now expecting her second child.

Ashanti would respond with an appearance on Diddy's "Gotta Move On" remix and, in an interview with Angie Martinez, accused Gotti of being a "liar" and angered that he doesn't have "control" over her.

In 2019, in an interview with Wendy Williams, Gotti denied that Ashanti was a "homewrecker," as he was married to his now-ex-wife Deb Lorenzo while the alleged affair occurred.