R&B singer and “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino addressed her father’s social media post this week that publicly accused her husband, Kendall Taylor, of financial misconduct.
The exchange followed a Valentine’s Day proposal in Houston, where Taylor formally proposed to Barrino with an 11-carat diamond ring after 11 years of marriage.
Joseph Barrino, the singer’s estranged father, took to Facebook shortly after the proposal to criticize the moment and allege that Taylor was involved in missing funds from Barrino’s professional circle.
In his post, he called the proposal “‘Fake Cry Bull Crap’” and asserted Taylor was “giving back some of the missing money the fired financial committee says he’s probably stole.” He urged followers to “pray for Fantasia.”
Fantasia Barrino did not keep her response private. On Feb. 18, 2026, she published a post on Instagram—later deleted—that directly addressed her father’s claims.
In the caption, she wrote that she could no longer call Joseph Barrino her “Dad or a Father,” instead labeling him “a DONOR.” She defended Taylor and their roles in their enterprises, stating she serves as CEO and he as president.
She concluded by saying she would go live later that evening “to help you finish the war you STARTED.”
In addition to the written message, Barrino shared a screenshot of her father’s 2024 mugshot, according to entertainment outlets that captured the post before it was removed.
Taylor also responded in a video posted to social media. He denied the theft allegations and outlined his business history prior to meeting Barrino. He said he requested a prenuptial agreement as a safeguard for both parties.
The public dispute reflects long-standing tension between Barrino and her father. In 2006, Joseph Barrino filed a libel lawsuit over statements included in her 2005 memoir.
