Nationwide — Pastor Reginald Steele and his wife, Kelley, shocked many when they revealed they stayed married for over 30 years — despite Reginald openly cheating throughout most of their relationship. The couple says their marriage lasted because Kelley accepted his behavior.
Speaking on the Dear Future Wifey podcast on April 9, the Steeles detailed their 32-year marriage. Reginald, who leads Kingdom Church in Phoenix, Arizona, admitted he was unfaithful from the very beginning. “You’re my starter, but I got other ones on the bench,” he told Kelley early on, according to The Root.
The two married young — he was 21, she was 19. Kelley said she already knew about his affairs but married him anyway, hoping the role of “husband” would make him change. She thought staying would keep their family together.
At one point, she even helped him get ready for his nights out with other women. “I would literally help him get ready to go meet a side chick by ironing his clothes and getting him ready for the night,” she said.
Kelley explained her tolerance came from how she was raised. Her parents divorced over infidelity, and she thought forgiveness might prevent that cycle. “I always thought if you could just forgive him, our family could stay together. I walked down the aisle knowing that I was marrying his worst,” she added.
Reginald said cheating seemed normal to him, since his father had 10 children with six women. He also claimed he was “called” to be with Kelley, even if she wasn’t his “preference.”
The episode sparked strong backlash online. Many viewers condemned the idea that Christian women should endure cheating for the sake of marriage. Some called the podcast episode damaging and irresponsible.
One viewer said, “I want black women to experience love that doesn’t require being dragged through hell first. May a relationship like this NEVER find me.”
Another wrote, “This story is truly diabolical. Ladies, you don’t have to endure struggle love. Cheating isn’t a thing men do, it’s a lack of care, respect, and self-control. Period.”