This article delves deep into Bert Girigorie’s background, career, marriage to Wendy Williams, the reasons behind their divorce, and his life after their split. Drawing from interviews, biographies, and media reports, we piece together the story of a man who briefly stepped into the spotlight before retreating into a private, successful life.
Who Is Bert Girigorie?
Early Life and Education
Bert Girigorie was born on March 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, into a close-knit Christian family. He was the middle child among three siblings—Gabrielle and Bruce Girigorie—though details about his parents remain private.
Growing up, Bert was shaped by strong family values and a disciplined upbringing. He attended Morehouse College, a prestigious historically Black men’s institution in Atlanta, Georgia, where he laid the foundation for his future career in sales and marketing. Though his exact major is unknown, his time at Morehouse was instrumental in developing his professional skills.
Career Beginnings
After college, Bert entered the media industry, working as an account executive at Kiss FM, a prominent New York City radio station, in the early 1990s. It was here that he first crossed paths with Wendy Williams, who was then rising through the ranks as a shock jock known for her unfiltered commentary.
Though he started in radio, Bert later transitioned into marketing and sales, eventually founding G2 Marketing Inc., a digital marketing agency based in Charlotte. His LinkedIn profile describes him as a “sales & marketing professional,” and his company specializes in web development, revenue growth strategies, and brand development.
His estimated net worth ranges between $700,000 and $1.5 million, a testament to his business acumen and steady career progression.
Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams: A Whirlwind Romance and Turbulent Marriage
How They Met
Bert and Wendy met in the early 1990s at Kiss FM, where he worked in sales while she was establishing herself as a bold radio personality. In her autobiography, Wendy’s Got the Heat, Wendy described being drawn to Bert’s maturity—evident in his salt-and-pepper hair—and his confidence in approaching her despite her rising fame.
Their relationship progressed quickly. After eight months of dating, Bert proposed, and they tied the knot in 1994 in a ceremony at Wendy’s childhood church in New Jersey. The wedding was described as “perfect,” with Bert’s parents funding their honeymoon to Rio de Janeiro.
The Downfall of Their Marriage
Despite the fairy-tale beginning, their marriage unraveled almost immediately. According to Bert, Wendy’s behavior became increasingly “bizarre” shortly after their wedding. He later speculated that her struggles with drug addiction—which she publicly admitted to in the 1990s—played a role in their marital breakdown.
In a 2019 interview with RadarOnline, Bert revealed:
“It was very bizarre. She just turned into a different person. I didn’t understand a lot of things that she did. I didn’t understand what her motivations were.”
Their honeymoon was marred by constant arguments, with Bert allegedly trying to control Wendy’s appearance and social habits. Things escalated when, during a heated fight, Bert spat in Wendy’s face, which she cited as the final straw before leaving him.
The marriage lasted just five months, with their divorce finalized in 1995.
Bert’s Perspective vs. Wendy’s Account
In her book, Wendy painted Bert as controlling and financially insecure (he earned significantly less than her). She also accused him of physical abuse, a claim he has denied.
Bert, however, maintained that Wendy’s erratic behavior—possibly linked to substance abuse—strained their relationship. He claimed he was unaware of her drug use at the time but later suspected it explained her actions.
Life After Wendy Williams
Professional Success
Following the divorce, Bert steered clear of the media circus and focused on his career. He moved back to Charlotte, where he built G2 Marketing Inc. into a successful agency. Unlike Wendy, who thrived in the public eye, Bert preferred a low-key, professional life.
Personal Life
Bert has remained single since his divorce from Wendy and has no children. He maintains a private lifestyle, rarely speaking about his past marriage except in a few interviews.
Where Is He Now?
As of 2025, Bert continues to run his marketing firm in Charlotte. He has largely avoided the spotlight, unlike Wendy, whose health struggles (including dementia and aphasia) have kept her in the news.
The Legal and Financial Aftermath of the Divorce
The dissolution of Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams’ marriage was not just emotionally taxing but also involved legal and financial complications. Reports suggest that their divorce was finalized in 1995, just months after their wedding. Unlike many celebrity divorces, there were no prolonged court battles over alimony or assets, primarily because they had a short-lived marriage with no children. However, Wendy later claimed in interviews that Bert was financially dependent on her during their relationship, which he denied. She also alleged that he tried to control her earnings, a claim that further strained their post-divorce relations. Bert, on the other hand, maintained that he was financially stable, having worked in radio sales and later establishing his own marketing firm. The lack of a prenuptial agreement meant that the divorce was relatively straightforward, with both parties moving on without significant legal entanglements.
Bert Girigorie’s Relationship with Wendy’s Family
Bert’s interactions with Wendy Williams’ family were minimal and reportedly tense. Wendy came from a strict, religious household, and her parents were initially skeptical of Bert, given their quick engagement. However, after meeting him, they approved of the marriage, believing he would provide stability. Unfortunately, the union deteriorated so rapidly that Bert never fully integrated into Wendy’s family circle. After the divorce, he had no further contact with her relatives, including her parents and siblings. Wendy’s brother, Tommy Williams, later commented in interviews that Bert was “not a bad guy” but simply incompatible with Wendy’s fiery personality. This detachment from her family further solidified Bert’s exit from Wendy’s life, allowing him to maintain complete privacy in the years that followed.
How Wendy Williams’ Career Affected Their Marriage
One of the biggest strains in Bert and Wendy’s marriage was the disparity in their careers. While Bert was a sales executive with a stable job, Wendy was rapidly ascending in the radio industry, known for her controversial takes and growing fame. Bert admitted in later interviews that he struggled with Wendy’s demanding schedule and celebrity lifestyle, which often left little room for their relationship. Wendy’s book, Wendy’s Got the Heat, suggested that Bert felt insecure about her success, leading to arguments. Additionally, her provocative on-air persona—often discussing infidelity and scandal—reportedly caused tension at home. Some sources claim Bert wanted a more traditional wife, while Wendy was unapologetically ambitious. This fundamental clash in expectations contributed to their eventual split.
Bert’s Reaction to Wendy’s Later Marriages and Scandals
After their divorce, Wendy went on to marry Kevin Hunter in 1997, with whom she had a son, Kevin Hunter Jr. Bert, however, never publicly commented on her subsequent relationships or the scandals that followed, including her messy divorce from Hunter in 2019. Unlike some ex-spouses who engage in public feuds, Bert remained silent, focusing on his own life. The only time he briefly addressed Wendy was in a 2019 RadarOnline interview, where he expressed sympathy for her health struggles but avoided delving into their past. His restraint highlights his preference for privacy, even as Wendy’s life played out in tabloids. This detachment suggests that Bert had fully moved on, refusing to be drawn back into the drama surrounding his famous ex-wife.
The Impact of Wendy’s Health Struggles on Bert’s Public Statements
In recent years, Wendy Williams has faced severe health issues, including Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and cognitive decline. When asked about her condition in interviews, Bert responded with measured sympathy, stating he wished her well but had no direct contact with her. Unlike others in her orbit who have given extensive commentary, Bert’s remarks were brief and respectful. He neither capitalized on her struggles nor reignited old grievances, reinforcing his reputation as a private and dignified figure. This contrasts sharply with other former associates of Wendy who have spoken extensively about her downfall, further distinguishing Bert as someone who values discretion over publicity.
Bert Girigorie’s Legacy: Businessman Over Celebrity Ex-Husband
Despite being best known as Wendy Williams’ first husband, Bert Girigorie has deliberately crafted a legacy separate from her. Through his company, G2 Marketing Inc., he has built a reputation as a skilled marketing strategist, working with clients in Charlotte and beyond. Colleagues describe him as professional, driven, and low-key, a stark contrast to Wendy’s flamboyant public persona. While Wendy’s name continues to dominate headlines—for better or worse—Bert’s story serves as a reminder that not all figures linked to celebrities seek the limelight. His ability to rebuild and thrive independently speaks to his resilience and business acumen, ensuring that he is remembered for his career, not just his brief marriage.
Conclusion: A Man Who Moved On
Bert Girigorie’s story is one of quiet resilience. Though his marriage to Wendy Williams was short-lived and tumultuous, he rebuilt his life away from fame, carving out a successful career in marketing. While Wendy’s life has been marked by public highs and lows, Bert’s journey reflects a man who chose privacy and stability over the chaos of celebrity.
His narrative serves as a reminder that behind every public figure’s story, there are untold perspectives—ones that often reveal just as much about love, ambition, and reinvention.
