American reality TV star Porsha Williams has officially introduced her new girlfriend, Patrice “Sway” McKinney, marking her first public relationship since finalizing her divorce from Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia in June. Williams made the announcement on Instagram while celebrating McKinney’s birthday, sharing affectionate photos and videos that confirmed months of speculation about her dating life.
In the post, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star praised McKinney with a warm tribute, expressing excitement for upcoming plans and describing her birthday wish as heartfelt and intentional. The social media reveal is widely being viewed as a “hard launch” of the couple’s relationship, especially given the romantic tone of the images, including the pair embracing in front of a Christmas display.
Williams’ announcement comes after several months of personal healing and emotional recalibration. In interviews earlier this year, she said she would remain single until she felt “whole again.” However, recent public appearances, including at Culture Con in October, hinted that she had begun dating again—and exploring a new chapter in her identity.
From Divorce to Discovery: Williams Reflects on the Path to Emotional Growth
The unveiling of Williams’ new relationship follows a highly publicized divorce from Guobadia, which occurred just 15 months after their wedding. The separation marked a turning point for Williams, who spoke openly about reassessing her relationship patterns and working closely with her therapist. She shared that she had been unpacking past experiences—particularly her tendency to attract partners with narcissistic traits.
During a candid Culture Con conversation, Williams revealed she was dating both a man and a woman, explaining that she had “narrowed it down to them both” and was allowing herself the freedom to explore connections beyond her previous relationship norms. She emphasized that her new romantic interests, including McKinney, challenged her in healthy ways—asking questions, setting boundaries, and preventing her from controlling the dynamic.
The star also acknowledged that exploring the possibility of dating women was part of her broader healing journey. After her divorce, she told PEOPLE she wanted to understand herself more fully before committing to someone new. McKinney’s presence in her life appears to align with that shift, offering a relationship rooted not just in attraction but in self-awareness and emotional growth.
Who Is Patrice “Sway” McKinney? Inside the Life of Williams’ New Partner
Patrice McKinney, known professionally as “Sway,” is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur and beauty-industry mentor. She founded Encore Salon Suites, a business that supports and trains salon professionals, and has built a strong reputation for empowerment and community leadership within the beauty sector.
Public reaction to the relationship has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising Williams for prioritizing her happiness and embracing a dynamic that appears supportive and emotionally grounded. The exchange of affectionate comments between the pair on Instagram further validated the authenticity of their connection.
Entertainment outlets have highlighted how Williams’ new partnership contrasts with her past relationships, describing it as healthier, more balanced, and aligned with her journey toward emotional maturity. For Williams, the relationship marks not just romance—but an intentional step into a chapter defined by clarity, autonomy, and renewed self-identity.
