Ne-Yo is learning that radical honesty can still come with consequences.

The R&B star recently opened up about the realities of living publicly in a polyamorous relationship, admitting that his unconventional setup has affected not only public perception—but also his career opportunities.

During a candid appearance on the "Sorry We’re Cyrus" podcast hosted by Tish Cyrus and Brandi Cyrus, the singer revealed that some brands and business partners have distanced themselves because of his openly non-monogamous lifestyle.

“There’s deals that I missed out on because they’re like, ‘I don’t know if we can get behind the whole polyamorous thing,’” Ne-Yo shared. 

The singer, real name Shaffer Chimere Smith, has become increasingly open about his romantic life, often posting photos with his girlfriends on social media and speaking candidly about how their dynamic works behind closed doors.

Despite online debate surrounding the arrangement, Ne-Yo insists there is no manipulation involved.

“You have to witness it,” he explained. “People say the dumbest stuff like, ‘It’s degrading.’ Degrading to who? I’m not lying to nobody. Everybody is here by choice.”

The Grammy winner said communication has become the foundation of his relationships after years of navigating public scrutiny over his personal life.

The singer’s outlook on romance notably shifted following his divorce from ex-wife Crystal Renay in 2022. At the time, Crystal accused him of infidelity, while Ne-Yo avoided publicly discussing the details of their breakup.

Now, he admits dishonesty in previous relationships caused unnecessary pain.

“I decided, ‘You know what? I ain’t lying to nobody no more,’” he previously said during an appearance on "BigBoyTV." “I hurt a lot of people with just being dishonest about things that I could’ve been honest about.”

These days, Ne-Yo says he makes his intentions clear from the start and gives potential partners the freedom to decide whether his lifestyle works for them.

“I like you, but I also like her, and her and her,” he explained in another interview. “If you cool with that, come on. We’re gonna have a great time. If you’re not, thank you for your time.”

The singer also stressed that exclusivity was never something he demanded from the women in his life.

“When I got with these women, I did not ask for their exclusivity,” he said. “They asked for it.”

According to Ne-Yo, honesty remains the one non-negotiable rule in all his relationships.

“We’re not gonna lie,” he stressed.

He also revealed that he chooses to be transparent with his children about his lifestyle rather than hide it from them.

While critics continue debating the morality of polyamory, Ne-Yo maintains that adults should be free to define relationships on their own terms—as long as everyone involved is honest and consenting.

And he’s hardly the only celebrity challenging traditional ideas about love and commitment.