After a whirlwind courtship, fairy-tale wedding and two years of marriage, the First Lady of Turks & Caicos and actress LisaRaye McCoy-Misick and Premier Michael Misick have separated and are headed for divorce court.
On August 14, 2008, McCoy-Misick was taken to the island’s police department by her publicist, Lynn Jeter of Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates, and her personal
The former star of sitcom “All of Us” spent nearly seven hours filing a report following an alleged altercation between herself, husband Misick, the couple’s personal security, and Jeter, that took place on August 13 at the presidential palace, the premier’s mansion. When contacted by ESSENCE.com, Misick’s office had no comment.
According to Jeter, the actress had returned to Turks & Caicos for a scheduled meeting with her and Misick’s lawyers in hopes to reach a temporary spousal-support agreement until their divorce is finalized. The Chi-town native believed all had gone well until she learned that Misick and his lawyer reneged on the settlement. It wasn’t until she returned to the presidential palace, where she stayed in a separate bedroom the week prior, that, for unknown reasons, she was refused entry and allegedly physically forced to leave the property, Jeter explains.
Despite reports that McCoy-Misick’s rep was also involved in the incident, Jeter denies allegations that she assaulted anyone. “I’m too grown for that,” she told ESSENCE.com. “I don’t do drama and altercations unless it’s verbal, because I can mediate that.”
Since then, the first lady and premier have each released personal statements alleging that both were assaulted by individuals from the other party’s entourage. Reportedly McCoy-Misick sustained injuries, including a bite mark and visible bruises. But Jeter assures that her client is doing well. “LisaRaye is fine and in good spirits,” Jeter told ESSENCE.com, “and is working to get this matter resolved quickly as she moves forward with her career.”
ESSENCE.com obtained photos of McCoy-Misick’s alleged injuries from a source close to the situation who asked not to be identified.
Despite allegations of corruption and rape charges against the premier (which Misick strongly denies), McCoy-Misick has never publicly spoken about the charges against her husband, but she recently released a statement announcing their separation.
“I ask that my privacy be respected in these difficult times and I believe that the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands will understand and support my wish to receive the necessary independent representation from the legal counsel of my choosing. I hope that, in time, the Turks & Caicos Islands government will come to share that view. Although I have always been a supportive wife even in light of the very serious allegations currently pending against the premier, there are limits even for me.”
