The Untold Chapter: Michael McCary's Ex-Wife And His Life After Boyz II Men
Michael McCary, often affectionately known as "Mike Bass," was once a cornerstone of one of the most iconic R&B groups of all time, Boyz II Men. His deep, resonant bass vocals were an integral part of their legendary sound, contributing to a string of platinum albums and timeless hits in the 1990s. Alongside Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman, McCary helped shape an era of music that touched millions. However, behind the harmonious facade of success, McCary was battling profound personal struggles, many of which remained hidden from the public eye for years. Central to this personal narrative is the story of his marriage and subsequent bitter divorce, which profoundly impacted his life and relationship with his children.
The Rise and Sudden Departure of a Bass Icon
Michael Sean McCary, born December 16, 1971, was a founding member of Boyz II Men, a group that rose to superstardom after forming in Philadelphia in the late '80s. Their unique vocal blend and heartfelt ballads captivated audiences worldwide. From their debut album "Cooleyhighharmony" in 1991 to subsequent multi-platinum successes like "II" and "Evolution," Boyz II Men dominated the R&B charts. McCary's distinctive bass voice was a signature element of their sound, making him an unforgettable figure in music history.
However, by the early 2000s, McCary's presence in the group began to wane, and he eventually left Boyz II Men. For years, the exact reasons for his departure remained shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation among fans. While some attributed it to internal conflicts, the full truth was far more complex and deeply personal.
A Hidden Battle: The Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
The primary reason for Michael McCary's departure from Boyz II Men was a debilitating health condition: Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In 2000, at the age of 28, doctors delivered the life-altering diagnosis. MS is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms including chronic back pain, fatigue, and mobility issues. The physical demands of touring and performing became increasingly difficult for McCary.
What makes this revelation particularly poignant is McCary's decision to keep his diagnosis a secret. He was scared, and for years, he hid the truth from almost everyone, including his bandmates and, most significantly, his then-wife. This decision, born out of fear and a desire to protect those around him, inadvertently created a rift in his closest relationships.
The Unraveling of a Marriage: Michael McCary's Ex-Wife
Michael McCary was married for fourteen years. This period of his life, which largely coincided with his time in Boyz II Men and the initial years after his departure, was fraught with challenges, many stemming from his hidden health battle. While some reports mention a "Heather McCary" as a steadfast source of love and support, court records reveal that a "Venus Mccary" filed for divorce/separation from Michael McCary in Los Angeles County, CA, on May 14, 2007. The divorce was finalized on December 23, 2009, marking the official end of their 14-year union.
McCary himself described the relationship toward its end as "completely beyond repair." The years of keeping his MS diagnosis a secret undoubtedly took a toll on the marriage. While the specific dynamics of their relationship remain private, the weight of such a significant secret would naturally strain any bond. The divorce was described as "bitter," leaving McCary not only single but also estranged from his children.
Estrangement from His Children: A Heartbreaking Consequence
Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking aspects of Michael McCary's post-Boyz II Men life is his estrangement from his three children. The bitter divorce left him separated from them for many years. In a candid and raw interview, McCary revealed the profound pain of this separation, admitting that he had not seen his children in several years and tragically, did not know if they were "dead or alive, eating or starving."
The only tenuous link he seemed to have with them was through his ex-wife, Venus McCary, who reportedly sent him emails as their family's sole source of contact. This stark reality painted a grim picture of the personal cost of his hidden struggles and the breakdown of his marriage.
Seeking Healing: The Iyanla Vanzant Interview
In 2016, Michael McCary made a powerful and cathartic appearance on Iyanla Vanzant's show, "Iyanla: Fix My Life." This interview served as a platform for him to finally reveal the true reason he left Boyz II Men and to openly discuss the personal demons he had been battling. During a one-on-one session at Iyanla’s House of Healing, McCary laid bare his struggles with MS and the profound impact his decision to keep it secret had on his life, particularly his marriage and relationship with his children.
He spoke candidly about hiding his MS from everyone, including his wife, both before and after his diagnosis. The interview was a significant step in his journey towards healing, allowing him to share his story and begin to process the pain of his past. He also revealed that he had "nothing to say" to his former group members, highlighting the deep sense of betrayal he felt regarding their past disputes, which he alluded to as being partly about money.
A Glimmer of Reunion: Boyz II Men
Despite the long-standing estrangement and his public statements about his former bandmates, a surprising moment of reunion occurred. After 21 years since his departure, Michael McCary made a surprise appearance on stage with Boyz II Men in Las Vegas. While he didn't sing with the group, his presence alongside Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, and Nathan Morris sparked chatter and offered a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. This reunion, even if symbolic, suggested a potential softening of old wounds and a step towards a stronger, better relationship with his former band members, perhaps through Iyanla’s House of Healing.
Conclusion
Michael McCary's journey is a poignant reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of fame, personal struggles often unfold in silence. His story is one of immense talent, a devastating health diagnosis, a marriage that crumbled under the weight of hidden truths, and the heartbreaking estrangement from his children. The narrative of his ex-wife is inextricably linked to his own, as her life, too, was shaped by the secrets and eventual dissolution of their 14-year marriage. Through his brave revelations on "Iyanla: Fix My Life," McCary began a public healing process, shedding light on the complexities of his past. While his path to full reconciliation with his family and former bandmates remains ongoing, his story offers a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and the enduring quest for peace and understanding.
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