Upon passing along the shocking news yesterday that Kim Porter died at the young age of 47, nearly every outlet referred to the model as Diddy’s ex-girlfriend.
And this was an accurate description.
But it’s also an incomplete one.
According to TMZ, Porter and Diddy may have broken up for good in 2007 (following 13 years of off-and-on dating), but they remained very close in the decade-plus since.
This was only natural and logical because they shared three kids together (twin girls born in 2006 and a son born in 1998), but insiders say the relationship went beyond a mere co-parenting arrangement.
“They genuinely had love and affection for each other,” TMZ writes.
This was evident to anyone who perused Porter’s Instagram page.
Just over a week before she passed away, Porter posted a lengthy tribute to Diddy on the occasion of his 49th birthday.
These same sources say Porter and Diddy celebrated holidays as a family, vacationed together and simply hung out on a frequent basis.
Overall, there was never an extended period of time during which the exes were even on particularly bad terms.
Heck, Diddy and Porter never even formalized a custody agreement; they simply worked around each other’s schedules and amicably figured out who would care for the kids when.
It really is a tragedy all around.
Porter was found dead at her Toluca Lake home Thursday following what appears to have been a cardiac arrest.
She had reportedly recently gotten over pnuemonia and had contacted her doctor the day before because she felt ill — but no cause of death has been confirmed as of this writing.
Porter leaves behind her and Diddy’s 20-year-old son Christian and 11-year-old daughters Jessie James and D’Lila, as well as 27-year-old Quincy, who’s dad is recorded artist Al B. Sure!
“Diddy is devastated and shocked.
“He and Kim were still very close friends and co-parents even though their romantic relationship didn’t work,” a source tells People Magazine, adding:
“They were still a family.”
That much appears evident.
In the wake of Porter’s death, many in Hollywood took to social media in order to express their shock and remorse.
Wrote 50 Cent:
R.I.P to Kim Porter, I send my condolences to her friends and family. She was loved and will be missed dearly. I know puff is hit right now he loved her for real, soul mate type shit. Chin up puff, Positive vibes only.
And Missy Elliott:
This is so heartbreaking. Lord please give her kids & her whole family strength.
And Tevin Campbell:
Totally shocked. Kim Porter has left us. Too young. Nothing but memories of her, my lil bro and I goofing around in the lab with Al B. Heartfelt prayers/condolences to the family especially the kids. Sad.
The official account for talk show The Real even chimed in as follows:
We are so sad to learn that actress and model Kim Porter has passed away at 47 years old. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children, family, and friends. May she rest in peace.
We concur.
And we send our condolences to all who knew Kim Porter well.