Larsa Pippen is opening up about one of the most talked-about chapters in her personal life-the brief and controversial relationship with NBA player Malik Beasley back in 2020.
The former Real Housewives of Miami star now says the whirlwind romance, which sparked headlines and backlash, was a mistake fueled by the lingering effects of COVID-19.
In a new episode of The Jason Lee Show, the 50-year-old reflected on the events that unfolded during the pandemic lockdowns, including how she ended up dating Beasley, who was then still legally married to Montana Yao.
“That was a mistake,” Pippen admitted. “I had COVID brain. I just had COVID. I was stuck in my house, I hadn’t gone anywhere. He was there. He was like, on me.”
Pippen and Beasley‘s relationship made national headlines after they were spotted holding hands in Miami in late 2020.
The public revelation stunned many, including Beasley‘s then-wife, Yao, who claimed she was blindsided by the news. Beasley would later issue a public apology to Yao and their son, before briefly reconciling with his family.
Navigating Awkward Moments and Moving Forward
While the backlash eventually faded, things got complicated again in 2023 when Beasley and Pippen’s son, Scotty Pippen Jr., ended up playing for the Los Angeles Lakers at the same time.
Despite speculation about potential tension, Larsa insists the interaction between the two men was cordial.
“They had a conversation when they were on the same team, and it was fine,” she explained. “It wasn’t like we had a really bad breakup.”
Since then, Pippen has moved on romantically and appears to be entering a new chapter in her life. She is currently dating former professional basketball player Jeff Coby.
The couple made their red carpet debut in April 2025 and seem to be going strong. Coby, 31, recently revealed plans to marry Pippen in November, telling reporters, “We’re getting married November 2025. It’s gonna be a beautiful marriage.”
Though the couple hasn’t officially confirmed an engagement, their public appearances and shared statements suggest a serious commitment.
Meanwhile, Beasley has also turned the page, now in a relationship with Instagram model and influencer Natalia Garibotto. The two went public in April 2025 and appear to be enjoying their time together.
Both Pippen and Beasley have come a long way since the scandal broke nearly five years ago. With their lives taking different paths and their past now behind them, they seem to be focused on the future-leaving drama, apologies, and COVID-fueled mistakes in the rearview mirror.
What began as a high-profile entanglement during a global pandemic has evolved into a story of lessons learned and fresh starts. And while Pippen may chalk it all up to “COVID brain,” it’s clear that everyone involved has moved forward-on and off the court.
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