# Love & Marriage: Huntsville casting and cast tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/love-marriage-huntsville-casting-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-26T11:23:05.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3. In the season premiere of the OWN series ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’, Martell Holt introduced Arionne Curry as his partner. Holt noted that while the two are in a relationship, they do not currently live together, as he intends to wait until marriage before cohabitating. Following the introduction, viewers criticized the casting of Curry, who was previously involved in a scandal that contributed to the end of Holt’s marriage to co-star Dr. Melody Shari. Executive producer Carlos King defended the decision on ‘The Tamron Hall Show’, explaining that he had intentionally kept Curry and Shari apart on screen for nine seasons to protect Shari’s emotional health. King stated he decided to proceed with Curry’s casting once Holt began developing a relationship with her. As the season progresses, Curry has addressed tensions with cast member Destiny Payton. During an episode featuring Miss Nell Fletcher, Curry discussed derogatory comments allegedly made by Payton regarding the length of time it took to associate with her. While Curry claimed Payton suggested it took two years to be around her, a flashback showed Payton stating it actually took three years to be in a space with Curry. Curry noted these comments were unexpected, stating their previous association was only public knowledge because Payton had posted a photo from a birthday dinner for Holt. ## Claims - Arionne Curry claims Destiny Payton made comments regarding how long it took to be around her. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Destiny Payton stated it took her three years to associate with Arionne Curry. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Arionne Curry noted that their association was only public because Destiny Payton posted a photo from a birthday dinner for Martell Holt. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Arionne Curry addresses tensions with Destiny Payton on Love & Marriage: Huntsville Arionne Curry addresses past friction with Destiny Payton on the OWN series ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’, disputing comments regarding their history and association. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arionne-curry-addresses-tensions-with-destiny-payton-on-love-marriage-huntsville ### 2026-09-16: Carlos King defends Arionne Curry casting on Love & Marriage: Huntsville Executive producer Carlos King defended the casting of Arionne Curry on ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’, noting he waited two years after Melody Shari’s exit to avoid direct confrontation on screen. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlos-king-defends-arionne-curry-casting-on-love-marriage-huntsville ### 2026-09-13: Martell Holt introduces Arionne Curry on ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’ Martell Holt introduced Arionne Curry and their son on the season premiere of ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’, stating he intends to marry Curry before they live together. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martell-holt-introduces-arionne-curry-on-love-marriage-huntsville --- Cite as: Love & Marriage: Huntsville casting and cast tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/love-marriage-huntsville-casting-controversy