Former Big Brother Africa (BBA) winner Karen Igho has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her housing and legal fees as she fights a challenging custody battle with her estranged Russian husband, Yaroslav Rakos.
Karen, who gained fame after winning the popular reality TV show in 2019, has been vocal about her current financial struggles and the emotional toll of her fight to regain custody of her children.
In the description of her GoFundMe campaign, Karen opened up about the hardships she has faced in recent months, including being homeless and unable to pay for stable housing. “Dear Friends and Community, we are reaching out to ask for your support for our dear Karen Igho, who is going through a tough time. Recently, she faced unexpected challenges that have made it difficult to pay bills and secure stable housing,” the statement reads.
The once-celebrated reality TV star has found herself in a dire situation following her official divorce from Yaroslav Rakos. According to Karen, her estranged husband is not only withholding child custody but also fabricating claims about her mental health in an attempt to gain exclusive custody of their children. Karen has revealed on social media that she has been homeless for over a year and has endured both physical and sexual abuse during this time.
Karen’s decision to create the GoFundMe page comes after she publicly shared her story in a heartfelt video posted on her social media accounts. In the video, the former BBA star tearfully expressed her frustrations and fears for the future. “I have been homeless for a year, and I have been hurt sexually and physically. If anything happens to me, hold the man who brought me to a country where I know no one. He is trying to take my children away by saying I’m mentally sick,” Karen stated.
This is not the first time Karen has spoken out about her struggles with her ex-husband. In previous interviews and social media posts, she had hinted at being trapped in an abusive relationship, both emotionally and physically. However, the latest revelations about her homelessness and the custody battle have brought her situation into sharper focus, sparking concern among her fanbase and the broader public.
The GoFundMe page, titled “Support Karen Igho’s Housing and Legal Battle,” was set up in the hopes of easing her financial burdens while she fights for her children. The campaign states, “Karen has always been a fighter, and with your help, she can continue to fight for her children and rebuild her life.” It further appeals to the kindness of her fans and the general public to contribute whatever they can, adding that no amount is too small to make a difference.
Karen’s situation is not entirely new to those who have followed her post-Big Brother Africa journey. Since winning the reality show, she has faced several personal challenges. Karen married Yaroslav Rakos after her stint on BBA, and the couple initially appeared happy, sharing moments of their lives on social media. However, their relationship soon soured, and it became clear that all was not well behind the scenes.
In past posts, Karen alluded to suffering from abuse, and she has spoken about how difficult it was to escape from the toxic relationship. Her claims of physical and sexual abuse by her husband were made more public in recent months as she began to fight for the custody of her children. In her latest video, she pointed out that her estranged husband is using her mental health as a weapon in the custody case, accusing her of being mentally unstable in order to gain full custody.
Since the launch of her GoFundMe campaign, fans and supporters have rallied around Karen, offering words of encouragement and pledging donations. Many expressed shock at her current situation, especially given her previous success as a public figure. The emotional outpouring on social media has been overwhelming, with many expressing sympathy for her plight and urging others to donate.
Despite the support, some critics have questioned the need for public fundraising, citing Karen’s fame and previous earnings. However, supporters argue that fame does not necessarily equate to financial stability, especially when dealing with legal battles and personal trauma. Karen herself has not responded directly to the criticism, instead focusing on her immediate goal of raising funds to secure housing and fight for her children.
In her online posts, Karen has made it clear that her children are her top priority. She has repeatedly expressed her desire to be reunited with them and to ensure that they grow up in a stable and loving environment. However, with her estranged husband reportedly pushing for exclusive custody, the road ahead looks uncertain.
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