Tyrone Gilliams is a former basketball player who played for the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He later became an entrepreneur, investor, and promoter of hip-hop artists. He is also known for being the boyfriend of Shereé Whitfield, a star of the reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA). However, Gilliams has also been involved in legal troubles, as he was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of millions of dollars. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2013 and was released in 2021. So, how much is Tyrone Gilliams net worth as of 2023? Let’s find out.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Tyrone Gilliams was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1975. He is the youngest of three children of his parents. He attended the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and graduated from there in 1989. He then went on to pursue a career in rap music and started his own rap group, Major Figgas.
However, Gilliams also had a talent for basketball, and he joined the University of Pennsylvania’s basketball team in 1987. He played with the team for four years, and led the team in several games from 1988 to 1989. He even played with the team after the end of his university course. He was known for his skills as a point guard and a shooter. He also earned a degree in business administration from the university.
Entrepreneurship and Hip-Hop Promotion
After his basketball career, Gilliams ventured into the business world and established his own firm, Gilliams Financial Group. He claimed to be a successful commodities trader and investor, and he attracted many clients who trusted him with their money. He also became involved in the promotion of hip-hop artists and rappers, and he organized several events and concerts featuring famous names like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z. He also portrayed himself as a philanthropist and a social activist, and he donated money to various causes and charities.
Legal Troubles and Prison Sentence
However, Gilliams’ business and philanthropic activities were not as legitimate as they seemed. In 2011, he was arrested and charged with wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. He was accused of running a Ponzi scheme that swindled investors of more than $5 million. He allegedly used the money to fund his lavish lifestyle, his hip-hop events, and his donations. He also lied to his investors about the returns and the risks of his investments, and he created fake documents and statements to cover up his fraud.
In 2013, Gilliams was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay back $5 million to his victims. He appealed his conviction and sentence, but his appeals were denied. He was incarcerated in a Kentucky prison, where he met and dated Shereé Whitfield, a star of the reality show RHOA. Whitfield visited him frequently in prison and supported him throughout his legal ordeal. She also revealed their relationship on the show and said that she planned to marry him after his release.
Release and Current Status
In 2021, Gilliams was released from prison after serving eight years of his sentence. He was placed under house arrest and had to wear an ankle monitor. He also had to follow strict rules and regulations, such as not leaving his home without permission, not using the internet or social media, and not contacting his victims or witnesses. He also had to report to a probation officer and attend counseling sessions.
However, Gilliams did not seem to give up on his entrepreneurial ambitions. He started his own podcast called “The Art of Wealth”, where he claimed to educate people about non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a form of digital art that uses blockchain technology. He also tried to reconnect with Whitfield, but their relationship reportedly soured after he refused to appear on RHOA with her. He also initiated legal proceedings against Bravo TV, the network that produces RHOA, over the use of his name and likeness on the show. He claimed that the network violated his privacy and exploited his image without his consent.
Tyrone Gilliams Net Worth
According to various online sources, Tyrone Gilliams net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2023. However, this figure may not be accurate, as Gilliams’ financial situation is unclear and complicated. He may have hidden assets or debts that are not publicly known. He may also have to pay fines, fees, taxes, and restitution to his victims and the government. He may also face lawsuits from his former investors or business partners. Therefore, his net worth may change depending on the outcome of his legal issues.
Tyrone Gilliams is a former basketball player who became an entrepreneur, investor, and hip-hop promoter. He is also the boyfriend of Shereé Whitfield, a reality TV star. However, he was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of millions of dollars. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and was released in 2021. He is currently under house arrest and has a net worth of around $1 million. However, his net worth may vary depending on his legal troubles and his future endeavors.