90 Day Fiance’s Angela Deem has filed for an annulment of her marriage to Michael Ilesanmi. She cited allegations of fraud, physical abuse, and infidelity. The new court filing, reported first by
Starcasm, provides insight into the contentious legal battle between the couple. This article draws from the provided details, supplemented by additional context from web sources, to evaluate the claims, counterclaims, and the likelihood of Angela’s annulment succeeding.
Background of the Case
Angela Deem and Michael Ilesanmi, who married on January 27, 2020, in Lagos, Nigeria, have been a focal point of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise. They appeared on multiple spin-offs, including Before the 90 Days, Happily Ever After, and The Last Resort. Their relationship, often tumultuous on-screen, has now spilled into a legal dispute. In June 2024, Angela filed for an annulment in Georgia. She claimed the marriage was invalid due to Michael’s alleged fraudulent intentions. Michael responded with a counterclaim for divorce. He successfully raised over $50,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to fund his legal defense. His attorney also filed a motion to dismiss the annulment. He argued that the marriage was legitimate.
Allegations of Fraud
Angela’s latest filing asserts that Michael entered the marriage with the sole intent of gaining entry to the United States and securing permanent residency. The filing claims that Michael’s lack of genuine romantic feelings was evident. He allegedly “abandoned” Angela just 60 days after arriving in the U.S. in February 2024. The document cites Georgia law, which allows annulment in cases of fraud. However, it references only two precedents involving bigamy, where one party was already married, rendering the marriage legally void. These cases are not directly applicable, as there is no evidence that Michael was married to another person at the time of their wedding.
Michael’s attorney counters that Angela has consistently acknowledged the validity of their marriage in public appearances, including on television, YouTube, and in her legal filings. The attorney argues that Angela’s claim of fraud lacks merit. The marriage was recognized as valid by U.S. immigration authorities, a process that involves rigorous scrutiny. Furthermore, Michael sent Angela over $200,000 between 2018 and 2023, a fact Angela confirmed in her responses to a Request for Admissions. It suggests a significant financial investment in their relationship, which undermines the fraud narrative.
Allegations of Abuse
Angela’s filing reverses the narrative seen on 90 Day Fiancé, where she was frequently depicted as verbally and physically abusive toward Michael. She now claims to be the victim. She alleges that Michael hit and slapped her, causing physical injuries such as torn and bloody skin. The filing dismisses the televised incidents of Angela’s abusive behavior as “scripted” by show producers. This was a claim she reiterated in her Request for Admissions responses.
This assertion has sparked debate among fans and observers. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) and web sources, such as articles from ScreenRant and InTouch Weekly, highlight that Angela’s on-screen behavior, including yelling, throwing objects, and physical confrontations, was a recurring theme across multiple seasons. While reality TV is known for staged drama, the consistency and severity of Angela’s actions make her claim of being the sole victim contentious. Michael’s attorney has not directly addressed the abuse allegations. However, the motion to dismiss suggests confidence in challenging Angela’s narrative.
Allegations of Infidelity and Fathering a Child
The filing also accuses Michael of fathering a child with another woman in the U.S. It also states he engaged with “multiple female paramours,” which he allegedly flaunts on social media. Additionally, it claims Michael uses his knowledge of immigration law to “coach” others in exploiting romantic relationships for immigration purposes. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate the claim of Michael fathering a child. The use of “purportedly” in the filing suggests a lack of concrete proof. No verified reports confirm a child or multiple affairs.
Michael’s attorney has not directly responded to these claims, but the lack of corroborating evidence weakens their legal weight. Social media posts reflect mixed sentiments. Some users supported Michael’s narrative of escaping an abusive relationship. Others speculated about his intentions without definitive proof.
Legal Prospects for Annulment
Angela’s bid for an annulment faces significant hurdles. In Georgia, annulments are granted under specific circumstances, such as fraud, duress, or a marriage being legally void (e.g., due to bigamy or incapacity). Angela’s fraud claim hinges on Michael’s alleged intent to use the marriage for immigration purposes. However, proving intent is challenging, especially given the length of their relationship (over six years) and the financial contributions Michael made. The federal government’s recognition of their marriage for immigration purposes further bolsters its legitimacy, as Michael’s attorney argues.
Michael’s legal team has portrayed Angela’s annulment filing as an act of bad faith. It suggested she hoped to secure an annulment before Michael could respond. They were planning to publicly shame him. The attorney’s filing highlights Angela’s acknowledgment of the marriage’s validity and her financial gains from their televised relationship. It was estimated to be substantial due to their prominence on the show. Reality TV World notes that Angela’s earnings from 90 Day Fiancé likely far exceeded Michael’s contributions, weakening her claim of being deceived.
The motion to dismiss filed by Michael’s attorney appears strong, emphasizing the absence of a “justiciable issue of law” to support annulment. Georgia courts are unlikely to grant an annulment for a marriage of this duration and complexity without compelling evidence of fraud or invalidity. If the annulment is denied, as seems probable, the case will proceed to a divorce. In a divorce case, issues like asset division and alimony may come into play.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
The 90 Day Fiancé fanbase has been vocal about the case. Some fans, citing Angela’s on-screen behavior, support Michael’s decision to leave and view her annulment filing as retaliatory. Others question Michael’s motives. The involvement of reality TV producers in scripting scenes adds complexity. It blurs the line between genuine interactions and manufactured drama, a point Angela leverages to deflect criticism.
Conclusion
Angela Deem’s annulment filing against Michael Ilesanmi rests on claims of fraud, abuse, and infidelity. However, these allegations face significant legal and evidentiary challenges. The fraud claim lacks direct evidence and is undermined by the marriage’s duration and federal recognition. The abuse allegations are complicated by Angela’s televised behavior and her claim of scripted scenes. This may not hold up in court without corroboration.
The infidelity and child-fathering claims remain unverified, reducing their legal impact. Michael’s counterclaim for divorce and motion to dismiss appear well-grounded. It is supported by Angela’s admissions and the marriage’s documented history. The annulment is likely to be denied. It would pave the way for a divorce proceeding. This case continues to captivate audiences, but its resolution will hinge on legal merits rather than public spectacle.
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