DeVon Franklin is officially off the market!
The pastor and movie executive, who has been open about his struggles with depression since his split from ex-wife Meagan Good, confirmed his relationship with celebrity personal trainer Maria Castillo on Saturday (November 2).
The couple had been subtly spotted together at various events and on social media but didn’t formally affirm anything until at the 14th Annual Merge Awards, where Franklin proudly introduced Castillo on the red carpet.
“Yeah, this is my girl,” Franklin told Baller Alert.
He elaborated on the importance of commitment.
“It’s critical to give [that assurance]. Sometimes, you know, you say ‘date,’ and it’s like, oh, yeah, cool. But that implies a moment. When I’m saying, ‘Hey, this is my girl,’ I’m saying that’s a commitment,” the 46-year-old explained.
“So, I think it’s very important when we make a commitment to be okay with verbalizing that, vocalizing that, especially in relationships. There are so many forces that can create division and insecurity. Communicating and being clear on our commitment is vitally important.”
Castillo also shared what she admires most about Franklin.
“It’s his empathy. You know, he goes through life constantly thinking of others and he’s also fine,” she said, laughing. “But he’s obviously, you know, a man of God, and that comes first. That was my green flag.”
Franklin, who finalized his divorce from Meagan Good in June 2022, has openly shared his healing journey since.
When asked about Good’s new relationship with fellow actor Jonathan Majors during a sit-down with The Breakfast Club, the entertainment producer responded with grace,
.“Upset me? No. She’s happy. That’s a blessing. So, no, there’s no hate. There are feelings, and … I’ll leave it at that,” he said at the time.
Reflecting on his post-divorce journey, Franklin admitted.
“I’m doing much better… There were nights I’d cry myself to sleep or feel anger, but I allowed myself to feel it all in order to heal. Now that I’ve had time, I can say, ‘I’m good. We’re good.’”
