Tisha Campbell vows to protect Martin Lawrence, forever.
In a recent interview, actress Tisha Campbell reaffirmed her unwavering loyalty to former co-star Martin Lawrence, despite the high-profile legal battle that led to the end of their iconic 1990s sitcom.
Campbell, who played Gina Waters on the hit show “Martin,” emphasized that she considers herself a protector of Lawrence and refuses to speak disparagingly about their shared past. “I will protect him till the day I die,” Campbell said in response to questions regarding the series. The actress made it clear that she has no intention of ever sharing unkind words with media outlets about the comedian.
“Let me just stop you. Well, I’m a stop you, right? Never have I ever said a bad, unkind thing about the show, about Martin Lawrence, and I never will. I will protect him till the day I die,” Campbell responded. “I don’t care what people think about me till the day I die, and I will never say a bad or unkind word to any media outlet ever. That person needs protection, and I will protect him till I die.”
Her comments signal a profound transformation in their relationship, which was once the subject of intense public scrutiny and industry-shifting litigation. The history between the two stars is complex. In 1997, Campbell abruptly departed “Martin” during its fifth season and filed a lawsuit against Lawrence. The legal filing detailed allegations of sexual harassment, verbal abuse, sexual battery and physical threats.
At the time, she described Lawrence’s behavior on set as volatile, claiming several instances of unwanted physical contact and forced intimacy during filming. The lawsuit was settled out of court in April 1997, but the terms of Campbell’s return for the series finale were strict. Production required the actors to record their scenes separately so they would never have to be on set at the same time.
The “Martin” cast eventually underwent a period of reconciliation. Before the premiere of a reunion special on BET+, Campbell noted that the group had moved on from their past struggles. She described the previous issues as personal situations from which all parties involved have healed, adding that she no longer feels the need to discuss the specifics of those trials.
Lawrence has echoed these sentiments of peace and forgiveness. “It is nothing but love with her and me,” Lawrence previously said when reflecting on their current dynamic. The two have been seen publicly supporting one another, marking a rare instance of full reconciliation in the entertainment industry following such a public legal dispute. The broader cast has also reflected on the show’s legacy and its premature end. Carl Payne, who played Cole on the series, noted that while the show’s “family drama” was significant, the bond between the actors remains. Payne suggested that while “Martin” could have potentially lasted longer than five seasons, the cast has accepted the outcome of their journey together.
