Kelli Ferrell’s Ex Sues For $200M, Housewife Hires Phaedra Parks
Chuvalo “Mark” Ferrellex-husband of The Real Housewives of Atlanta newcomer, Kelly Ferrillhas filed a $200 million lawsuit against Bravo over his portrayal on the reality series. However, he faces a tough separate legal battle as Kelli has enlisted the help of #RHO veteran and licensed attorney Phaedra Parks to represent her regarding a petition she filed against her ex-husband.
Mark Ferrell accused Kelli of making up lies about him on the show
According to court documents received because of Daily MailMark claims that Kelli, 40, was involved in a “fabricated storyline” on the show where she made multiple false claims about his behavior and financial dealings. Kelli – who joined the cast of season 16 earlier this year – allegedly claimed on the show that Mark had abused her, a statement his lawyers say is false. He also denies her claims on camera that he borrowed money from her and never paid it back.
Mark states in legal documents that he and Kelli secured a $420,000 loan together three years ago to open their dream business, Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles. However, he claims that Kelli misappropriated a significant portion of the loan for a birthday party and other unauthorized expenses.
To cover up these actions, Mark claims that Kelli falsely accused him of taking the money from her. He insists he paid back the loan in full and says Kelli continued to spread misinformation by claiming he took the money without her permission.
The couple married in 2011 and welcomed three children before finalizing their divorce in September 2024, according to court documents.
As before reportedon September 2, Mark announced plans to sue both Bravo and the Rockdale County Clerk of Court, accusing them of mishandling his 2022 divorce with Kelli. Mark claimed that the aftermath of the divorce and the “lie” aired on the show “stole his livelihood and his children's future.”
He claimed that the 2022 divorce proceedings were marked by judicial misconduct and abuse of power. Despite presenting documents showing his co-ownership of Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles, the court accepted Kelli's claim of sole ownership, effectively divesting him of his business rights. Mark said crucial evidence – including signed agreements, tax returns and business records – was ignored.
Additionally, he accused Rockdale County Clerk Janice Morris of bias, claiming she celebrated the court's ruling against him on social media. He also accused Judge Nancy Bills of acting with hostility, denying him legal representation, insulting him in court, ordering unfair prison terms, and forcing him to transfer assets under threat.
Kelli filed a petition against Mark With The Help Of Phaedra Parks
Meanwhile, Kelli has brought in Phaedra Parks, 51, to help in her ongoing legal battle with her ex. On October 2, Kelli filed an emergency petition, claiming that her ex-husband was trying to prevent their children from appearing on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Us Weekly reported.
According to court documents, Kelli was awarded primary physical custody of her three minor children — Chance (born in 2012), and twins Chasiti and Chelsi (born in 2015) — in a final judgment entered on September 23, 2024.
Kelli, 40, said she was given the authority to make decisions regarding the children's education, health care, religious upbringing and extracurricular activities. They described this as having “absolute final decision-making authority” over their activities.
In her filing, Kelli said she agreed to have her children participate in the filming #RHObut Mark allegedly “objected, creating confusion and asking the network to demand judicial clarification before continuing to film the children,” the filing read.
She also claimed that her ex had made threats of “litigation against the network”, which led to filming delays. For example, Bravo producers reportedly weren't sure if they could film their daughter's homecoming dance because of the dispute.
“As a mother, my children are an important part of my storyline. As such, I have agreed to their participation The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 17,” Kelly said. She also claimed Bravo and NBC had asked the court to confirm their right to film with the children before proceeding.
“I believe participating is in my child's best interest,” she added, saying it would be “memory lost” if cameras couldn't capture her daughter's special moment.
What do you think of this ongoing suit between Mark Ferrell and Kelli? Tell us in the comment section.
