Nikolija Jovanović, Serbian pop star, publicly addressed rumors of an affair involving her husband, Relja Popović, and Anite Stanojlović, a contestant on the reality show “Zadruga 9 Elita,” during a June 7 appearance at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport. “Da bih sačuvala kuću, prećutala bih,” she said, translating to “To save the house, I would stay silent,” according to news.google.com. Her mother, Vesna Zmijanac, later echoed this sentiment in a podcast, claiming Relja “is not the type to sneak around” and that she would “stay silent to protect the family.”
Vesna Zmijanac’s Defense of Relja
Vesna Zmijanac, a veteran singer, publicly dismissed rumors of her son-in-law’s infidelity, stating, “He doesn’t drink, smoke, or eat meat. He’s not the type to sneak around with ‘fish’ in hotels,” referencing a local slang term for extramarital affairs. This assertion, reported by Blic, came after a direct question from podcaster Boki 13 about whether she would remain silent if she knew Relja had cheated. Vesna added, “Nikolija would never divorce him. He loves the family, the house, and the children.” Her comments, also cited in Puls Online, framed Relja as a “family man” despite the scandal.
Nikolija’s Silence on the Scandal
Nikolija Jovanović, who has largely avoided public commentary on the affair, emphasized her focus on “truth” over rumors. “I don’t react to stories, only to facts,” she told Naslovi.net, while promoting her upcoming Sava Center concert. The incident, tied to Anite Stanojlović’s reality TV presence, has fueled speculation about the couple’s relationship, though Nikolija has not directly addressed the claims. Her mother’s defense, however, suggests the family is prioritizing privacy over confrontation.
The Role of Anite Stanojlović’s Reality TV
Anite Stanojlović, a participant in “Zadruga 9 Elita,” has become a focal point of the scandal. While no direct evidence of an affair has been confirmed, her association with Relja Popović has sparked tabloid coverage. Republika.rs noted that the couple’s public image remains intact, with Nikolija focusing on her career. Vesna Zmijanac’s remarks, which emphasized Relja’s loyalty, contrasted with earlier reports of familial tensions, including her father’s disapproval of Vesna’s career choices, as detailed in Puls Online.
What’s Next for the Family?
The family’s next steps remain unclear. Nikolija has hinted at a potential collaboration with her mother and husband during her Sava Center concert, telling Republika.rs, “It’s a good idea—we’ll think about it by November.” Meanwhile, Vesna Zmijanac’s podcast comments suggest a strategic effort to safeguard the family’s reputation.