Nelly changed KK's first diaper in hospital, says Ashanti
The rapper clarifies his viral comment from their reality show, explaining that hiring professional help was his intention, not a refusal to participate in care.
By Matthew Collins ·
One. That is the number of diapers Nelly changed for his 2-year-old son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, that Ashanti specifically pointed out as evidence of his involvement. She clarified this fact on Wednesday, October 28, during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. The comment directly addresses a viral clip from the first season of their Peacock reality series, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together. In that episode, the rapper told his wife he had no intention of changing their infant son's diapers.
The couple discussed the controversy surrounding Nelly's parenting style. Ashanti described how her husband immediately took action after their son's birth. "He actually changed [KK’s] very first diaper," she said. "We slept in the hospital room when he was born. He popped up first to change the diapers." This account offers a specific timeline that contradicts the perception formed by the on-camera exchange.
Nelly defended his original remark, stating it was a joke that fans misinterpreted. He explained that he has always participated in diaper changes, even while making the comment that sparked the debate. "I changed them when I said it, but it just wasn’t a consistent change," he told the hosts. He added that he preferred to rely on professional help when it was available.
The rapper emphasized that his strategy involved securing the best support system for his family. "It’s like, yo, if the nanny’s within earshot, I’m paying for that," Nelly said. He argued that the public focused too narrowly on one aspect of childcare, ignoring the broader arrangement he had in place.
In a separate interview with PEOPLE, Nelly addressed the tone of the conversation on the show. "It was on our show, so if it didn’t come off as a joke, then we are the ones to look at for that," he said. He maintained that the core of his message was about providing high-level assistance rather than avoiding the task entirely.
Nelly also referenced a December 2025 interview with DJ Envy, where he reiterated his participation in routine care. "Let’s be clear. I have changed Pampers," he stated at the time. "Even when I made that statement, I have changed Pampers." This comment aimed to settle the ongoing discussion among listeners and viewers who followed the reality series.
The rapper is the father to two older biological children and has also raised his late sister Jackie Donahue's two children. The recent comments serve as a prelude to the next phase of their public narrative. The second season of Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together is scheduled to premiere on November 19 on Peacock.
The debate over the viral clip has persisted since the first season aired. Ashanti's specific recollection of the hospital room provides a concrete counterpoint to the audio clip that circulated online. Nelly's explanation centers on the distinction between a one-time task and a consistent daily routine, noting that he viewed the 24-hour nanny as a key component of his parenting plan.
Source: WTLC-FM
