Judge Mathis Addresses Cheating Rumors Amid Divorce From Linda Mathis

Judge Gregory Mathis responded to rumors that he cheated on his estranged wife Linda Mathis after she filed for divorce following 39 years of marriage.

it’s the worst days of my life. Maybe I’ll be the example for another man. A

Judge Mathis is sharing his truth.

Nearly two weeks after the TV judge’s wife of 39 years, Linda Yvette Mathis filed for divorce, he shared insight into the real reason behind the decision and shut down rumors that he was unfaithful.

“It’s the worst days of my life,” the TV star, whose real name is Gregory Mathis, told TMZ Aug. 30 at LAX airport. “Maybe I’ll be the example for another man—a cautionary tale. Don’t neglect your wife. That’s what happens, guys.”

He also noted that it’s understandable that his wife believed he could be cheating, although he denied the allegations.

“Neglect can create suspicion, certainly,” he explained. “If you’re gone as much as I am, she has every right to suspect. You go to work, and you go to serve the community around the country. Then, you go with your guys to sporting events around the country and you go to other events without your wife. She would have a right to suspect infidelity.”

But he emphasized, “That’s not the reason for this.”

Here’s What Judge Mathis’ Estranged Wife Linda Is Seeking in Their Divorce

Greg—who shares daughters Jade, 40, and Camara, 36, as well as sons Greg Jr., 35, and Amir, 34, with Linda—explained that he moved his show to Los Angeles last February and planned to spend more time with his wife following their relocation.

“I committed to staying home more and making my wife more of a priority, but as you see, I haven’t,” he admitted. “I’m still here on the road doing the same thing in terms of going out and to another city.”

Judge Mathis, Linda MathisRodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Nonetheless, he’s not giving up on his relationship.

“We’re still in the same house, we’re maintaining a friendship,” Greg explained to the outlet. “I have to show her that, though. Hopefully, I can show her while we’re there together and hopefully, she doesn’t complete the process.”

He added, “I’m getting my wife back.”

Linda filed for divorce Aug. 22 and cited “irreconcilable differences,” according to court documents obtained by E! News. She is also seeking spousal support and requested that her requirement for spousal support be waived.

Judge Mathis and Linda MathisInstagram/Linda Mathis

Greg, who tied the knot with Linda in 1985, previously credited his wife’s support as the foundation of his career’s trajectory.

“It was really my family that was the foundation of my success,” he said on E! reality show Mathis Family in 2022. “After coming out of the streets in Detroit, Linda allowed me to work 15 hours a day, five, six days a week. So it’s that support that allowed me to pursue the success that you see.”

Linda agreed and added, “Our love and support runs deep. That’s how the Mathis family rolls.”

Keep reading for a look back at Greg and Linda’s relationship.

Judge Greg Mathis, Greg Mathis Jr., Linda Mathis, Camara MathisStefanie Keenan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

June 2005: Family Affair

Judge Greg Mathis and Linda Mathis bring their kids Greg Mathis Jr. and Camara Mathis to the 2005 BET Awards in L.A.

Linda Mathis, Judge Greg Mathis, 2008Michael Germana/Shutterstock

February 2008: Grammy Parties

Greg and Linda attend the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring Aretha Franklin in L.A.

Linda Mathis, Judge Greg Mathis, 2009Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock

March 2009: Birthday Babes

The longtime couple step out in Los Angeles to attend Queen Latifah‘s birthday party at SIR Studios.

Rodney Peete, Holly Robinson Peete, Linda Mathis, judge Greg Mathis, 2017David Livingston/Getty Images

July 2017: Gala Gang

The duo double date with pals Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete at the 19th Annual DesignCare 2017 gala.

Judge Greg Mathis, Linda Mathis, 2022, Walk of Fame StarStewart Cook/Shutterstock

May 2022: A Star Is Born

Linda supports the legendary TV star as he receives his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Judge Greg Mathis, Linda Mathis, Amir A. Mathis, 2022Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock

June 2022: Red Carpet Royalty

Linda is ravishing in red while walking the red carpet with her husband and their son Amir Mathis at The Fourth Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Judge Greg Mathis, Linda Mathis, 2022Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

August 2022: Coordinating Couple

The former couple is all smiles during date night at the 22nd Annual Harold And Carole Pump Foundation Gala in Beverly Hills.

Elliott Cooper, Greg Mathis Jr., Linda Mathis, Judge Mathis, Amir MathisAFF-USA/Shutterstock

November 2022: Premiere Party

Linda and Greag are joined by sons Amir Mathis, Greg Mathis Jr. and his fiancé Elliott Cooper at the Emancipation film premiere.

Linda Mathis, Judge Greg Mathis, Fear World PremiereFati Sadou/ABACAPRESS.COM/Shutterstock

January 2023: Date Night

Linda and Greg attend the Fear world premiere in L.A.

Judge Greg Mathis, Linda MathisInstagram

January 2024: Sealed With a Kiss

“Linda and I had a great time celebrating the holidays in Cabo,” Greg shared on Instagram with a PDA-filled pic. “A great way to end 2023.”

Linda Mathis, Judge Greg Mathis, GrandkidsInstagram

May 2024: Birthday Girl

“Had a great celebration for Linda’s birthday,” Greg shared on Instagram while partying alongside their grandkids. “Gonna have a great adult celebration tonight.”