Ghanaian comedian, actor, and musician Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng, widely known as Funny Face, has captivated audiences not only with his comedic prowess but also with a highly publicized and often tumultuous romantic life. His journey through love has been marked by intense public scrutiny, dramatic breakups, and the complexities of co-parenting, painting a vivid picture of a personality whose private struggles frequently spill into the public domain. His relationships have been a significant part of his narrative, shaping public perception and, at times, influencing his well-being.
Funny Face's first publicly known marriage was to Elizabeth Adjoa Ntim. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in December 2014. Their union, however, was short-lived and fraught with issues that quickly became fodder for public discussion. The marriage lasted for approximately two years before a dramatic and very public separation.
The breakup with Elizabeth Adjoa Ntim in 2016 was characterized by bitter accusations from both sides. Funny Face, born Benson Ohene Oduro Boateng, openly accused his then-wife of infidelity, claiming she had cheated on him with "36 men" and that he had found evidence through a tracking device. This allegation sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian entertainment scene. In response, Elizabeth Adjoa Ntim countered with her own claims, famously stating that Funny Face was not satisfying her in bed, referring to him as a "2-minute man" and an irresponsible husband. These public exchanges highlighted the deep-seated issues within their marriage and the acrimonious nature of their split. The comedian later expressed regret over his public outbursts and offered an apology to his ex-wife in February 2020, acknowledging the pain caused. Despite the public drama, Elizabeth Adjoa Ntim eventually moved on, remarrying in July 2021 and welcoming a child with her new husband in April 2022.
Following the highly publicized divorce from Elizabeth, Funny Face entered into another significant relationship with Vanessa Nicole. Their romance began around 2019, and it quickly led to the birth of three children: twin daughters named Ella and Bella, and a son named Mateo. Funny Face often expressed immense joy and affection for his children, even naming his twin daughters after his mother and his close friend, Togolese footballer Emmanuel Adebayor. This relationship, however, proved to be even more turbulent than his first, becoming intricately linked with his well-documented struggles with mental health.
The relationship with Vanessa Nicole has been a source of both profound happiness and considerable distress for Funny Face. Public disputes, often played out on social media, became a recurring theme. Funny Face frequently accused Vanessa of denying him access to their children, leading to emotional pleas and rants that raised concerns about his mental state. According to reports, Vanessa Nicole herself has attributed Funny Face's trust issues, which she believes contribute to his mental health challenges, to the trauma he experienced in his previous marriage. She recounted how his distrust manifested in their relationship, particularly concerning her interactions with other men.
Despite the ongoing challenges and public spats, there have been attempts at reconciliation and efforts towards co-parenting. In February 2021, Vanessa Nicole publicly expressed a desire to upgrade her status from "baby mama" to wife, stating, > "I need an upgrade from baby mama to a wife. I have three kids with Funny and I deserve some respect. If he wants me to come back to him, he has to come and do the right thing by marrying me." This proposal highlighted her willingness to work through their issues for the sake of their children. However, their relationship has remained complex and largely separated, with Vanessa stating in January 2024 that they are "cool" for co-parenting purposes, focusing on the well-being of their children.
Funny Face's romantic history reveals a pattern of intense, public relationships that have significantly impacted his personal life and public image. His love interests have often been at the center of media attention, with the details of his relationships, their beginnings, and their dramatic conclusions widely reported. The comedian's struggles with mental health have frequently been intertwined with the challenges in his relationships, particularly with Vanessa Nicole, leading to public concern and calls for support. While his career has seen him rise as a prominent figure in Ghanaian comedy, his romantic journey has been a testament to the complexities of celebrity relationships, where personal matters become public spectacles. As of recent reports, Funny Face and Vanessa Nicole continue to navigate a co-parenting arrangement for their three children, a testament to their enduring, albeit complicated, connection. His romantic life remains a significant, and often dramatic, chapter in the ongoing story of Funny Face.