Stella got her groove back

AlterNet
and
 Lakshmi Chaudhry
June 27, 2005

Only to find herself married to a very gay gold-digger. Long before Demi met Ashton, Terry McMillan was promoting younger men as the perfect antidote for feminine loneliness. "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" -- a thinly disguised fictional account of the author's romance with a 24-year old Jamaican -- made a huge splash back in the nineties for promoting a vapid, mainstream version of feminism which mistakes imitating male behavior for gender equity.

As it turns out, the truth is uglier and a lot more interesting than McMillan's fiction. As the recently filed divorce papers reveal, cradle-snatching has its downside, especially when the boy toy in question turns out to be gay. The legal briefs filed by both sides describe a sordid little drama that includes drive-by vandalism, homophobic ranting, and, of course, old-fashioned greed.

The fact that McMillan's next book is about women having a mid-life crisis is more than a little ironic given how badly her own experience has turned out.

Report typos and corrections to: feedback@alternet.org.

Enjoy this piece?

… then let us make a small request. AlterNet’s journalists work tirelessly to counter the traditional corporate media narrative. We’re here seven days a week, 365 days a year. And we’re proud to say that we’ve been bringing you the real, unfiltered news for 20 years—longer than any other progressive news site on the Internet.

It’s through the generosity of our supporters that we’re able to share with you all the underreported news you need to know. Independent journalism is increasingly imperiled; ads alone can’t pay our bills. AlterNet counts on readers like you to support our coverage. Did you enjoy content from David Cay Johnston, Common Dreams, Raw Story and Robert Reich? Opinion from Salon and Jim Hightower? Analysis by The Conversation? Then join the hundreds of readers who have supported AlterNet this year.

Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure AlterNet remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to AlterNet, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.

DonateDonate by credit card

Close
Copy link
@2021 - AlterNet Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks for your support!

Did you enjoy AlterNet this year? Join us! We're offering AlterNet ad-free for 15% off - just $2 per week. From now until March 15th.