Larry Birkhead has opened up about the complexities of his relationship with the late Anna Nicole Smith, offering a candid look at their dynamic during a conversation on the March 22nd episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast, hosted by Bunny XO, Jelly Roll's wife. Detailing what he described as a 'cult-like' atmosphere, Birkhead shared how his romance with the former model and reality star was influenced by those closest to her—including her attorney, Howard K. Stern.

A Complex Triangle

Birkhead, now 53, described how his relationship with Anna Nicole was overshadowed, at times, by the strong presence of Stern. While Stern worked tirelessly as a legal advocate for Anna Nicole and played the role of father figure to her late son, Daniel Smith, his close involvement often put strain on the couple's relationship.

"It kind of felt a little cult-like, you know," Birkhead remarked on the podcast. He elaborated that Stern's constant presence made it challenging for him to maintain independence within the relationship. "I didn’t want to be an entourage member or whatever. So, I tried to maintain as much independence as I could," he said.

Anna Nicole’s son Daniel tragically passed away in September 2006 at the age of 20, further complicating an already challenging time for the three individuals involved.

Stern’s Dual Role

While Birkhead gave Stern some credit for being a stabilizing influence in Anna Nicole’s often chaotic life, he made it clear that Stern’s proximity sometimes crossed personal boundaries. He recalled instances of discomfort, including how Stern would sleep on the couch directly below Anna Nicole’s bedroom.

"It was a little bit uneasy for me," Birkhead explained. He felt Stern was often deliberately inserting himself into their daily lives. "He’d bring the dogs in... or say, 'Here’s what we’re doing today.' Some of it was necessary, but some of it, I think, was to get in there to figure out what we were doing."

Birkhead also acknowledged the mixed emotions he had about Stern’s role. On one hand, Stern acted as a "cleanup man" in the model's life, handling many of her issues. On the other hand, this involvement often pushed Birkhead’s patience to the limit. "I don’t want to make excuses for him because, in the moment, it hurt what he was doing to me," Birkhead admitted during the interview. "I try to see everything from both sides, but I do know that it became difficult to exist in the relationship with her."

Maintaining Independence

Birkhead emphasized his resistance to being absorbed into what he described as a tight-knit and, at times, isolating environment. "It was like we were in some kind of cult," he remarked, highlighting the challenges of establishing a clear boundary between their relationship and the intense network of people surrounding Anna Nicole.

Despite these challenges, Birkhead continued to try to carve out his own space within the relationship, a task that proved to be easier said than done.

The Legacy of Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith, who gained widespread fame as a Playboy model and reality TV star, passed away in 2007 at the age of 39. The couple shared one daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead, who is now 19 years old. Larry Birkhead has largely stayed out of the limelight since her death, focusing on raising their daughter and maintaining her late mother’s legacy.

E! News reached out to Howard K. Stern for comment on Birkhead's recent disclosures but has not yet received a response.

Takeaways

Birkhead's reflections highlight the unique challenges of navigating a relationship in the public eye, particularly one intertwined with a complicated support system. His attempt to maintain independence and balance while dealing with Stern's close involvement added another layer of complexity to his romance with Anna Nicole Smith. His candor on the Dumb Blonde podcast provides a glimpse into the often tumultuous reality of celebrity relationships.

As Dannielynn Birkhead continues to grow into adulthood, Larry Birkhead remains committed to protecting her privacy while navigating the enduring interest in her late mother’s life.

FAQ

Who is Larry Birkhead? Larry Birkhead is a former celebrity photographer who was in a relationship with Anna Nicole Smith. They share a daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead.

What podcast did Larry Birkhead appear on? Birkhead shared his story on the Dumb Blonde podcast, hosted by Bunny XO.

What was Howard K. Stern’s relationship with Anna Nicole Smith? Howard K. Stern was Anna Nicole Smith's attorney and a close confidant. He also played a fatherly role in her late son Daniel’s life.

How old is Dannielynn Birkhead now? Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of Larry Birkhead and Anna Nicole Smith, is 19 years old.

What challenges did Birkhead discuss about his relationship with Smith? Birkhead detailed the "cult-like" atmosphere surrounding Anna Nicole, including Howard K. Stern’s constant presence, which often strained their relationship.