John McAfee, the eccentric and often controversial founder of the McAfee antivirus software, led a life as complex and unconventional as his professional endeavors. His romantic history was no less tumultuous, marked by multiple marriages, significant relationships, and public scrutiny, often intertwined with his legal troubles and globetrotting escapades. His journey through love spanned decades, from early academic encounters to his final marriage, which endured until his death.
McAfee’s first marriage, shrouded in relative mystery, reportedly occurred in 1968 while he was pursuing his doctorate at Northeast Louisiana State College. His wife was an undergraduate student at the time, and their relationship led to McAfee's expulsion from the university. Little public information is available about her identity or the duration of this union, though it is rumored to have produced his only publicly recognized child.
His second marriage was to Judy McAfee, a former flight attendant and yoga enthusiast. The details of when their marriage began are not widely documented, but it concluded with their divorce in 2002. This period of his life was less publicly scrutinized regarding his relationships compared to his later years, as his profile as a tech mogul was still primarily defined by his professional achievements rather than his personal life.
The early 2010s marked a significant shift in McAfee's life, both personally and legally. While on the run from authorities in Belize in 2012, he became involved with Samantha Herrera. Herrera, who was 18 years old at the time, accompanied McAfee as he fled from Belize to Guatemala. Their relationship was heavily documented in the Netflix film "Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee," showcasing the chaotic and high-stakes environment in which their romance unfolded. This relationship was relatively short-lived, concluding before McAfee met his future wife.
In 2012, while in Miami after being deported from Guatemala, McAfee met Janice Dyson. Their initial encounter was unconventional; McAfee hired Dyson, who was working as a prostitute, for her company. This paid encounter quickly blossomed into a profound connection, leading to their marriage in 2013. Janice Dyson, who took McAfee’s surname, became his third and final wife. Their relationship was characterized by intense loyalty amidst constant legal battles and public scrutiny. Janice often appeared by his side, campaigning for his freedom and defending his actions.
Their marriage was far from ordinary. Reports indicate that in the early years of their union, Janice was compelled to pass information about McAfee to a “criminal underlord” who sought to rob or kidnap him. Despite these dangerous circumstances, McAfee reportedly discovered her actions but understood her difficult position, choosing to remain with her. > "It's been one plot after another," McAfee told Newsweek, referring to the various threats he faced, adding that Janice's cooperation with those plotting against him was ultimately beneficial as she also tried to protect him.
The couple’s life together involved frequent moves, including living in Tennessee, England, various European countries, and even on a luxury yacht to evade authorities and criminal elements. Janice McAfee remained a steadfast presence throughout his later years, supporting him through his presidential bids and numerous arrests. She was actively involved in his social media presence and consistently advocated for his cause, particularly during his final imprisonment in Spain.
Janice McAfee was still married to John McAfee at the time of his death in a Spanish prison on June 23, 2021. She has been a vocal proponent of an independent investigation into his death, asserting that he was not suicidal and that his death was not a suicide, despite official reports. Her dedication to his memory and legacy continues, as she actively campaigns for answers regarding the circumstances of his passing. Their tumultuous yet enduring marriage was a testament to their unique bond, navigating a life constantly in the public eye and under immense pressure.