Marlon Wayans is the proud father of two. Despite coming from a massive family, the youngest Wayans opted to keep his offspring unit small. On May 24, 2000, he and his ex-partner Angelica Zackary welcomed Amai Zackary Wayans. Her name means “sweet” in Japanese, a nod to her mother’s roots in the country. Two years later, on February 3, 2002, they welcomed Shawn Howell Wayans. Shawn’s name is obviously a homage to his uncle Shawn Wayans.
Marlon Wayans met and began dating Angelica Zackery in 1992. The couple separated in 2013 and never officially married despite Wayans calling Zackary his “ex-wife.” While the Wayans family is known for living in the spotlight, not all of them desire to be stars. Marlon’s kids keep a pretty low profile. However, in 2019, Marlon shed a big light on his daughter following the revelation that Amai was gay. The University of California student was only a freshman when her dad told the world about her sexuality.
In an Instagram post from Pride 2019, Marlon showed off his little girl and celebrated her ability to live loud and authentically. The picture showed Amai sitting on the ground showing off the rainbow sole of her sneaker. In the caption, he said, “Happy pride 🌈 to my pride and joy. I wouldn’t change one effing thing about you. Love you to the moon around the sun through the galaxies and back again.”
While many celebrated Marlon Wayans for supporting his little girl, others decided to jump in his comments and spread negativity. One person said, “Another brother from Hollywood who failed his kids.” Another said, “It is also okay to believe in and support your kids while NOT agreeing w/ their choices. That is called parenting as well. ijs.” When one person commented that Amai would not be able to bear children with another woman, Marlon said, “There’s technology, and I got the means … So thank you, shallow [expletive]. Go hate your own kids.” It was not all hate, with one supporter pointing out, “I see a lot of good comments here, but some of them are just absolutely disrespectful disgusting, and ignorant. He’s a dad, and he’s supporting his kid like every parent should.”
Last year, during a discussion with Dr. James Flower, Marlon Wayans opened up further about how he’s supporting his daughter and making sure she has all the love she needs. When asked how Amai coming out affected him emotionally, Marlon said that his sister called and asked, “are you okay?” Marlon says that he felt fine because he knows that “acceptance is the greatest love you can have.” Marlon goes on to allude to his daughter maybe considering transitioning as well but pledges his undying support for her. “Whoever you are, you will be loved. Whatever you choose to do with your life.” He says as long as she’s smiling and happy, he’s happy. “This is her dance; this is her life.”
