After nearly three years of tension and headlines, Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has finally closed the chapter on a bitter legal dispute with her ex-husband.
The TV star, 44, had been sued for £70,000 by former partner Timo Kulczak over claims she made in her autobiography, where she described him as “controlling.” This week, a German court ruled in Motsi’s favor, officially ending the long-running case.
A Long and Draining Ordeal
Motsi addressed the outcome on her Instagram stories, acknowledging the emotional toll the lawsuit had taken.
“After almost three years, the legal proceedings against me have now come to an end with the court ruling in my favor,” she shared.
She described the process as a “constant burden” but said she now feels “relieved” and grateful for the support of her husband, Evgenij Voznyuk, her legal team, and management.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
In her statement, Motsi expressed heartfelt thanks: “I would like to thank my family, especially my husband, my lawyer, my team, and those who supported me throughout this time.
Now I can close this chapter and focus on the future with renewed strength.”
The Origins of the Marriage
Motsi’s relationship with Timo began when she met him at a dance tournament, marrying the former Ballroom and Latin dancer in 2003 at just 22 years old.
After 11 years together, they went their separate ways.
Life Under Timo’s Control
In her 2022 book, Finding My Own Rhythm, Motsi detailed how her difficult marriage hindered her professional ambitions.
She claimed Timo refused to let her open a dance school, controlled her finances, and dictated aspects of their daily life, including what they ate.
She recounted confrontations, including a trip to Thailand where she finally told him she was leaving.
Timo’s Response
Timo hit back at Motsi’s book in November 2023, accusing her of fabricating parts of the story to boost sales.
Speaking to The Sun, he described feeling “deeply disappointed and hurt” and insisted that he had always been a loving and supportive husband, viewing his actions as organizing rather than controlling.
Moving On and Building a New Life
Motsi moved to Germany at 18 to be with Timo but realized over time that she no longer loved him.
The couple divorced in 2014.
In 2017, she married her Ukrainian husband, Evgenij Voznyuk. They now live in Germany with their four-year-old daughter and run a dance school together.
Ready for the Strictly Spotlight
With the court case behind her, Motsi is now free to focus on her career and family.
She will soon return to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life with renewed energy.