What did former Miss SA Claudia Henkel say about her ex-husband?

Former Miss South Africa Claudia Henkel has broken her silence following renewed media attention surrounding her private life, after a recent Huisgenoot article revisited financial and legal troubles linked to her ex-husband. The publication, which focused on court action involving Henkel’s former spouse, unexpectedly pulled the former beauty queen into a narrative she says no longer has anything to do with her.

Henkel, who was crowned Miss South Africa in 2004, responded by issuing a firm but deeply personal public statement—one rooted not in self-defense, she says, but in the need to protect her children and reclaim her privacy.

A Line She Says Should Not Have Been Crossed

Sharing the magazine cover on social media, Henkel began by acknowledging the media’s longstanding support throughout her public life. However, she made it clear that her circumstances have changed dramatically since her pageant days. Today, she says, her priority is no longer public perception, but parenting.

Henkel emphasized that she is legally divorced from her ex-husband and asked that she—and anyone connected to her since the divorce—no longer be included in stories about his legal or financial disputes.

Her plea was direct and heartfelt: dragging her name into issues involving her former spouse, she said, is unfair, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to those closest to her.

Protecting Her Children Comes First

At the core of Henkel’s response is concern for her two young children. While acknowledging that her relationship with her ex-husband is firmly in the past, she stressed that he remains their father. For that reason alone, she believes sensitive matters should be handled with discretion.

She appealed to journalists and editors as parents themselves, asking them to consider the long-term impact such coverage could have on children who did not choose public life.

Clarifying the Legal Confusion

Despite her desire to stay silent, Henkel said she felt compelled to address certain inaccuracies reported in the article. She explained that she only recently became aware of a clerical error involving her divorce documentation and its filing with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.

According to Henkel, this administrative issue does not invalidate her divorce or the court’s ruling that legally ended her marriage. She added that she has since been assured the matter is being corrected and does not alter her marital status in any way.

Setting the Record Straight on the Porsche

Henkel also addressed speculation surrounding a luxury vehicle mentioned in the report—a matt grey Porsche that had been linked to her personal relationships.

She clarified that the car was a gift from her former fiancé, years after her divorce, and had no connection whatsoever to her ex-husband or his financial dealings. Importantly, she explained that there was a clear understanding between her and her then-partner: ownership of the vehicle would revert to him if their relationship ended. When it did, that agreement was honoured.

Henkel described it as “grossly unfair” for the media to repeatedly name her former fiancé in stories unrelated to him, and firmly requested that this stop.

Moving Forward, Not Backward

In closing, Henkel made it clear that she is focused on the future. While she once held a national crown, she no longer defines herself by that title. Today, she says, she is simply a mother doing her best to build a stable, peaceful life for her children.

Her message was not one of bitterness, but of boundaries—an appeal for dignity, fairness, and respect for a woman who believes her past should not continue to overshadow her present.

FAQ

Who is Claudia Henkel?
Claudia Henkel is a former Miss South Africa, crowned in 2004, and is now a private individual and mother of two.

Why did Claudia Henkel release a public statement?
She responded to a recent media article that linked her to her ex-husband’s legal and financial issues, which she says are unrelated to her.

Is Claudia Henkel still married to her ex-husband?
No. She confirmed that she is legally divorced and that any clerical issues do not invalidate the divorce.

What was the issue involving a Porsche?
Henkel clarified that the vehicle was a gift from a former fiancé after her divorce and had no connection to her ex-husband. Ownership reverted to the fiancé after their relationship ended.

What is her main concern regarding media coverage?
Her primary concern is protecting her children’s privacy and preventing unnecessary harm caused by public scrutiny.