Teddi Mellencamp breaks down in tears asking if cancer diagnosis was ‘payback’ for her affair

Previously unspoken by former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Teddi Mellencamp, she has now addressed the rumors of an affair with her horse trainer, Simon Schroeder.

On the recent episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast, I found myself delving into a controversy that stirred up quite a buzz towards the end of 2024, sharing my perspective as a dedicated follower.

Mellencamp clarified that he has been silent on the matter due to the children and does not want anyone to be certain if the event transpired or not. However, he admitted that he has indeed caused pain to others.

With tears filling her eyes, the mother of three pondered over the profound impact the ongoing situation had on her, choosing not to discuss or verify the rumors about the alleged infidelity.

As a lifestyle expert reflecting on someone else’s words, they often ponder if their past experiences may have contributed to their current health struggle – specifically, stage 4 cancer. This disease, which has reached their brain and lungs following a melanoma diagnosis, feels like a heavy price to pay for them. They can’t help but wonder if their heartache from those events might somehow be linked to this battle they now face.

‘Everything requires payment,’ she pointed out. ‘Regardless of how long it lasted, it was a topic in all media outlets and everywhere. You aim to alleviate everyone’s suffering. However, you actually worsen it instead. Since now not only is the individual involved, but also their significant other, children, and even the other person’s significant other and children.’

Records from the court show that divorce papers were filed by Karli Schroeder, Schroeder’s former spouse, on December 30, 2024 – a move made only a few months following whispers about an alleged affair becoming widespread.

The papers acquired by People indicate that the couple encountered insurmountable disagreements and disclosed their second wedding on April 14, 2024, following the cancellation of an earlier union in February.

They officially separated on September 22, 2024.

During a challenging time in her personal life, the accusations against Simon surfaced as well.

On November 1, 2024, she initiated the process of separating from her husband, Edwin Arroyave, after 13 years of marriage, due to disagreements that could not be resolved.

In February 2025, Mellencamp made a public announcement about her cancer diagnosis, which temporarily halted the ongoing divorce process.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say, even amidst life’s ups and downs, John Mellencamp and his ex-partner, Elaine Arroyave, have managed to maintain a friendly and collaborative coparenting bond.

The former couple share three children: Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5. 

She commented during the podcast that she had always expected him to make the right decision for her. Even though he could have finalized their divorce at any point, instead, he chose to wait – saying something like ‘Sure, we can wait.’ or ‘Yes, of course. No, let’s wait until she recovers first, and then we’ll sort it out.’

When questioned about her involvement in the scandal, Mellencamp didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the aftermath she found herself in.

In my experience as a lifestyle expert, it’s often the case that numerous individuals find themselves caught up in tumultuous circumstances. Yet, allow me to share a perspective that might offer some solace: these upheavals don’t materialize out of thin air; they are usually the result of a series of unforeseen events or missteps. I can confidently say that I have never encountered such chaos in my life without it being preceded by a chain of decisions or circumstances that led to the unfolding of those events.

During that time, she openly admitted that she felt shattered on multiple levels – mentally and physically. She explained, ‘It seems I made decisions beyond my usual good sense because I was in such a fragile state as a person.’ She also emphasized, ‘I was truly unwell.’

For several months, Mellencamp had been dealing with intense, disabling headaches. It wasn’t until later that doctors found tumors in her case.

She shared, “I sought solace wherever possible, as I was overwhelmed with distress. I felt such intense agony and illness. I didn’t visit a doctor but rather endured an unusual emotional state.” She further explained, “The pain was so profound that it almost made me resent the act of waking up each day, which is not typical for someone like me.

Still, she emphasized that illness doesn’t excuse her choices.

Mellencamp stated, “I didn’t feel like my usual self, but I won’t use being ill as an excuse for my actions. However, I believe numerous events occurred in my life concurrently, and I had no control over any of them. It felt like I was a headless chicken running around frantically.

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2025-08-05 18:48