french montana | United States | Meet Ex-Wife Deen Kharbouch

What happened

French Montana (born Karim Kharbouch) recently made headlines for an engagement reportedly confirmed by his representative, said to have taken place during Paris Fashion Week in June 2025. That development has renewed interest in his earlier marriage to Deen Kharbouch, his first wife and the mother of his son, Kruz.

French and Deen’s relationship began long before his mainstream success. They married in 2007, welcomed Kruz in 2010, separated in 2012 and finalized an amicable divorce in 2014, with child support noted in the settlement.

Key details

• Marriage and family: Married 2007; son Kruz born 2010; separated 2012; divorced 2014.
• Child support: Reports cite USD 7,000 in child support as part of the divorce settlement.
• Education and early career: Deen graduated from New York University with a BA in Media Studies and worked in finance and marketing.
• Business role: She founded and leads Palmer Road, a company focused on real estate management and investment sourcing.
• French’s profile: Moroccan-American rapper, immigrated to New York at 13, credited with hits like "Unforgettable" and a diamond-certified single; estimated net worth USD 25–50 million.

Background

Deen Kharbouch grew up in New York City and pursued higher education at New York University, earning a degree in media studies. Prior to and during the early years of her marriage, she held roles in finance and marketing that gave her practical business experience.

When she met Karim Kharbouch, the artist later known as French Montana, he was still building a name for himself as a battle rapper and independent artist. Deen is reported to have helped him establish his early business infrastructure, including the formation of Coke Boys Entertainment, which played a role in his rise.

Reactions

Public reaction to the couple’s past split reflected both sympathy and curiosity. Media coverage at the time focused on rumours of infidelity surrounding French Montana, which Deen later cited as a central reason for their separation.

French himself has publicly acknowledged Deen’s parenting, offering praise for her protection of their son and crediting her with strong maternal influence. He has also made conciliatory comments acknowledging her role, and on at least one occasion gave a public shoutout to her.

Analysis

Deen’s trajectory after the divorce is notable for a deliberate pivot from a role defined by association with a rising performer to independent entrepreneurship. She applied her background in media, finance and marketing to build Palmer Road, positioning herself as a CEO focused on real estate investment opportunities and asset management.

Her decision to keep their son out of the public eye aligns with a common strategy among parents with public figures in the family: minimize exposure to preserve a sense of normalcy. That approach, combined with an emphasis on steady business growth, has allowed Deen to cultivate a reputation distinct from her former marriage.

For French Montana, the arc from struggling immigrant teen to commercially successful artist (including achieving a diamond-certified track) is well documented. His recent reported engagement signals another high-profile chapter, and the attention it draws naturally leads outlets and readers back to his earlier life and relationships.

Timeline

1. Early 2000s — Karim (French) and Deen begin dating while he pursues music.
2. 2007 — The couple marry.
3. 2010 — Birth of their son, Kruz.
4. 2012 — The couple separate amid reports of infidelity and limited contact.
5. 2014 — Divorce is finalized; child support arrangements are reported.
6. 2017 — French publicly praises Deen’s parenting in interviews and social posts.
7. June 2025 — Reports say French became engaged during Paris Fashion Week.

What’s next

Deen appears focused on running Palmer Road and maintaining privacy for her family. Publicly, she has signalled a preference for keeping Kruz’s life out of media attention, suggesting continued low public visibility for mother and son.

For French Montana, recent engagement reports mean further media scrutiny and potential shifts in his public life. Observers will likely watch for how both parents navigate co-parenting and public duties as his profile evolves.