Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse finally drew a line under a bitter legal row with her ex-husband after almost three years.
The TV star, 44, had been sued for £70,000 by her former partner Timo Kulczak over claims she branded him ‘controlling’ in her autobiography.
But this week, a German court ruled in her favour, bringing the long-running case to an end.
Motsi confirmed the result in a statement to fans on Saturday, admitting the battle had taken its toll on her.
She said the ordeal had been a ‘constant burden’ but insisted she was ‘relieved’ to have clarity at last.
The dancer added she was grateful for the support of her husband Evgenij Voznyuk, her legal team and her management throughout the fight.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse finally drew a line under a bitter legal row with her ex-husband after almost three years
The TV star, 44, had been sued for £70,000 by her former partner Timo Kulczak over claims she branded him ‘controlling’ in her autobiography (pictured together in September 2013)
Taking to her Instagram stories she wrote: ‘After almost three years the legal proceedings against me have now come to an end with the court ruling in my favour.
‘This case has been a long and challenging process accompanied by media coverage and many articles over the years it has been a constant burden and I am relieved that clarity has finally been achieved
‘I would like to thank my family especially my husband my lawyer my team and those who supported me throughout this time now I can close this chapter and focus on the future with renewed strength.’
Motsi married Kulczak in 2003 after meeting him at a dance tournament and the former Ballroom and Latin dancer married him when she was just 22 years old.
After 11 years she broke off the marriage.
In her 2022 book Finding My Own Rhythm, Motsi claimed her difficult relationship with Timo held her back professionally as he refused to let her open a dance school.
The TV personality said Timo took charge of her finances, paying her an allowance from what she earned from her TV appearances and dance classes.
She claimed Timo chose what they ate and refused to split up from her when she spoke to him about it.
This week, a German court ruled in Motsi’s favour, bringing the long-running case to an end which has meant Motsi can now move on with her life
Motsi confirmed the result in a statement to fans on Saturday, admitting the ordeal had been a ‘constant burden’ but insisted she was ‘relieved’ to have clarity at last
The dancer added she was grateful for the support of her husband Evgenij Voznyuk (pictured), her legal team and her management throughout the fight
Motsi wrote in her book: ‘Timo and I went to Thailand, and I told him, once and for all, that I was leaving. We fought every day, but I refused to back down this time.’
Their relationship fell apart after they stopped dancing together, despite the couple previously winning two German championships together.
In November 2023, Timo hit back at Motsi’s claims, accusing her of fabricating the story in order to ‘push book sales’, while claiming they have even been in friendly contact since their divorce.
He told The Sun: ‘She did something bad to me and my family and I can’t accept that. Now I have reached a point whereby I cannot just let things stand as they are when something is put out there in public and it is simply not true.
‘I am deeply disappointed and hurt. Looking back, I remember a very good and positive and happy time that simply cannot be compared to some of the claims about me that have now come to light.
‘I was a loving and caring husband who was always by her side at any time, when she needed help. I don’t feel I was controlling, I see all of what I did as organising and being helpful to her.’
Motsi went on to marry her Ukrainian husband Evgenij Voznyuk in 2017 and the pair now live in Germany together where they share a daughter, four, and run a dance school
The ruling now allows Motsi to move on just weeks before she returns to the Strictly judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood
Motsi moved to Germany to be with Timo at the age of 18 but realised she was not in love with him at the time: ‘I wasn’t in love with Timo any more – and I hadn’t been for a while.’
The couple eventually divorced in 2014 and Motsi went on to marry her Ukrainian husband Evgenij Voznyuk in 2017.
They now live in Germany together where they share a daughter, four, and run a dance school.
The ruling now allows Motsi to move on just weeks before she returns to the Strictly judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood.
