Gospel singer Israel Houghton has proposed to his girlfriend, Adrienne Bailon, co-host of TV talk show The Real, during a romantic getaway in Paris, France.
In a lengthy Instagram caption for a picture of Bailon's hand and engagement ring in front of the Eiffel Tower, Houghton addressed the criticism that has been directed towards his fiancé.
"I have seen and felt the essence of Gods grace through the life, the kindness and the courage of this woman. I've seen her attacked, lied about, wrongfully accused, mocked, laughed at, and misunderstood. But, I've also seen the shining example of the eagle she is that rises above the cacophony of the noise of ignorants - I'm learning from her example."
He also made reference to his failed marriage and thanked God for his new relationship.
"She loves Jesus. She loves her family. She loves people. Even the ones that don't love her back. I pray God give me that same grace in my life. I've taken a giant leap of faith in asking her to share life with me forever and to give me a shot at getting it right this time... She has graciously granted my request... She said yes. Thanks Be To God. Thank you @adriennebailon or graciously loving me."
Houghton and Bailon are believed to have been dating for four months. They first went public with their relationship in March of this year.
The multi Grammy Award-winning singer was placed on indefinite leave from Joel Osteen's Lakewood church after he announced his divorce from his wife of 20 years and his new relationship with the former Cheetah Girls band member. He served as a worship leader at the church in Houston, Texas.
In a Facebook post published in March, Houghton, who has four children from his first marriage with Meleasa, admitted to his own failure in his union but denied Bailon's involvement.
"As I previously wrote in a statement I released a while back, My marriage had been over for quite some time before going public with my divorce announcement. Where I shared, or as some have pointed out 'over-shared' my failure in my marriage... From over 5 years prior. It seems to be simple math that I had not even yet met Adrienne during the time my marriage was falling apart.
"It deeply saddens me that an innocent party would be dragged into this situation that I have taken personal responsibility for. Adrienne is a woman of integrity & character... Most of all she is a true friend, and she should not be blamed for my past indiscretions. I assure you - I am willing to own my wrongs and I have in the past."
Bailon posted a short video on Instagram in which her diamond engagement ring is glistening in front of the Eiffel Tower with the caption: "You. Me. Oui." In a separate post she revealed that Houghton had flown her parents out to Paris.
