Inside the ugly ‘affair’ battle tearing Nashville apart: Country music insiders are in shock… each side is trading dirt… and now friends are speaking out

As a lifestyle expert, I’m seeing everyone in Nashville talking about this really difficult divorce, and honestly, it’s just taken another unfortunate turn. It’s getting increasingly complicated and, frankly, quite messy – and everyone’s buzzing about it.

Country singer Zac Brown, 47, surprised his fans in July by announcing his engagement to jewelry designer Kendra Scott, 51. The couple had only revealed their relationship publicly two months prior, at The American Music Awards.

The pair met through mutual friends; and it will be Brown’s third marriage and Scott’s fourth. 

Both Scott and Brown are well-known figures in the South. Scott is popular for her affordable jewelry, especially among college students participating in sorority recruitment, and Brown has built a large fanbase with his seven successful albums featuring relatable songs about everyday life and love.

Though photos of their dates and public displays of affection appear romantic, there’s a complication: the singer is still legally married to his wife, actress Kelly Yazdi, 34, who has publicly discussed their brief marriage and its end.

A source close to Zac Brown has revealed to the Daily Mail his true feelings for Scott and what he learned from his previous relationship with Yazdi. According to the source, Zac believes Kendra is the one for him, stating, ‘He’s hoping Kendra will be the love of his life.’

Brown and Yazdi started dating in 2022 and tied the knot in August 2023. 

Their marriage didn’t last long, and Brown filed for separation only four months after getting married.

Court records show Brown tried to get a quick court order to stop Yazdi from saying things that could harm his reputation. Although a judge rejected that request, the legal issues between them continued.

The actress from Hawaii Five-0 posted on Instagram, stating that no one, not even musician Zac Brown despite his wealth and legal resources, can stop her from expressing herself creatively or, though she hasn’t yet, from discussing the details of their ongoing divorce.

Similar to Zac, I’ve also hired lawyers and intend to share my side of the story in court – despite him bringing me into this unnecessarily.

She also pointed out the irony of Brown suing her while simultaneously sharing a music video – seemingly referencing the Zac Brown Band’s ‘Beautiful Drug’ featuring Avicii – that she felt made fun of their wedding and portrayed her unfairly.

A music video featuring a woman who looks very similar to Yazdi has sparked controversy, with many fans believing it’s a deliberate jab at her. The video shows the model in a bar, seemingly struggling, while singing about someone having a ‘death wish.’ Viewers have pointed out the striking resemblance, with comments like, ‘They look almost identical!’ and ‘This is a low blow – using the video to attack an ex just reflects poorly on you.’

In July, she responded to online comments, stating that Zac had pushed her into a legal battle and she had to protect herself from what she called his dramatic behavior. The former couple then went to trial in Atlanta on September 15th. Brown had filed further lawsuits claiming Yazdi broke their employment agreement and engaged in corporate spying.

On September 18th, during the final day of the trial, Yazdi testified that the prenuptial agreement didn’t provide for her financial support. She explained that she stopped receiving her salary when she was let go from her position as Executive Vice President of Zac Brown’s Collective.

During the court case, Yazdi testified that she was distressed about losing access to the G Wagon-a Mercedes-Benz she received as a wedding present. She also mentioned an Instagram post that showed Scott seemingly driving her car while he was in Texas.

Yazdi expressed her distress, stating she felt unfairly targeted by legal battles while her ex publicly showcased his new relationship, spoke negatively about her to the media, and promoted his new album.

The court will issue its ruling in December, and then those involved will decide whether to continue pursuing the case.

This wasn’t the first time Yazdi had shown she was upset about the re-gifted vehicle. 

On July 28th, Yazdi shared on Instagram that she’s frustrated by the public narrative surrounding her situation. She explained that while the media portrays a ‘perfect love story,’ she’s actually struggling with significant legal costs and is being discouraged from sharing her own perspective, with threats that doing so will make her appear at fault.

Based in Hawaii, Yazdi posted photos showing that Brown and Scott had the same dates. These dates were strikingly similar, featuring a romantic getaway to the Bahamas, an Alaskan fishing trip, and both of them making their first public appearances together on the red carpet.

Yazdi claims a rumor is circulating that the custom green Mercedes-Benz she received as a wedding gift wasn’t new – it was actually a regift, and someone spotted it in Austin, Texas. She believes her ex-partner gave the car to his new wife.

In August, Yazdi posted an update on Instagram about her lawsuit, stating the judge emphasized that celebrities are subject to the same laws as everyone else and won’t receive any preferential treatment.

Yazdi stated that the judge ruled the contracts Zac used to try and silence her are not legally valid in their current form.

Yazdi stated that the other party’s decision to pursue legal action against him, combined with a public relations campaign spreading untrue stories, has ultimately resulted in a series of defeats for them.

Yazdi told Brown she wants him to dismiss his lawsuit against her permanently, preventing him from suing her again, and to cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars she’s spent on legal fees.

Yazdi frequently shares personal struggles online, but Scott has been much more reserved. Scott often posts encouraging messages and inspirational quotes, emphasizing support among women and highlighting her strong values and beliefs.

This supremely messy divorce isn’t the only drama Brown is dealing with. 

U2’s upcoming concert series at the Sphere in Las Vegas this December is proving to be a very expensive undertaking.

Oh my gosh, you guys, he *told* Us Weekly he’s literally going into debt to make his vision happen! It’s insane! He wants to be remembered forever, like the Grateful Dead or the Rolling Stones – bands that really connect with their fans for *life*. He wants that kind of lasting impact, and he’s willing to do *anything* to achieve it. I just… I can’t even with how dedicated he is!

According to a source at Daily Mail, Brown is choosing to concentrate on his work and avoid the current controversy. The source says his priority is creating successful music, both for himself and for the broader country music community in Nashville.

According to a source, Brown believes this relationship with Kendra is crucial – if it doesn’t work out, he fears it will be his last chance at a successful relationship. However, he’s relieved to be completely separated from Kelly.

When the couple gets married, their families will come together. Brown has five children from his previous marriage to Shelly Brown, and Scott has two adult sons from her marriage to John Scott, as well as a young son with another former partner, Matt Davis.

According to a source, the country singer remains close to his first wife due to their shared children and the many years they spent together.

He hopes to apply the lessons from his past relationship and brief marriage to create a truly special connection with his next partner, sources say.

The Daily Mail reached out to Yazdi for comment.  

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2025-09-28 03:06