Naomi Judd’s Husband Speaks on Shocking Shooting Drama

So, like, apparently Naomi Judd’s widower just spilled the juiciest tea yet—he claims the country legend actually shot him after catching him in a cheating scandal. In a recent sit-down with People Magazine, Michael Ciminella detailed how Naomi allegedly grabbed a handgun the night she uncovered his affair and pulled the trigger on him, grazing his shoulder. According to TMZ’s report on the police records, the incident took place at their Nashville estate on July 12, 2023, shortly after midnight.
Let’s unpack this without overhyping: sources say Naomi confronted Michael about suspicious texts she’d found on his phone, then stormed off and returned with a .38 revolver. “She fired one shot before I managed to calm her down,” Michael told People. Emergency crews arrived ten minutes later, and he received treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Police classified it as an accidental shooting, but Michael insists it was a moment of deliberate rage.
Court filings obtained by TMZ show Michael filed for divorce just days later, citing “irreconcilable differences” and “emotional distress.” He’s now dropped the divorce petition in light of their ongoing separation agreement, though a protective order remains in place. Interestingly, a neighbor’s 911 call (also detailed by TMZ) captured Naomi’s frantic apology: “I never meant to hurt him—I just wanted him to answer me.” That audio clip has yet to be publicly released, but multiple insiders confirm its authenticity to People and The Nashville Tennessean.
Financial docs reviewed by People reveal Michael is seeking spousal support and exclusive rights to their Nashville home. Naomi’s estate isn’t commenting, but reps issued a statement saying, “We’re focused on healing and moving forward—out of respect for both parties.” Meanwhile, internet sleuths have already dug up receipts for a second firearm Naomi purchased six months prior, raising questions about premeditation.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a full-blown celeb saga without social media reactions. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are split: some defend Naomi as a frustrated spouse pushed too far, others mock the irony of a music icon firing blanks—figuratively and literally—in her personal life. A TikTok thread tagged #JuddGate has already racked up 2.3 million views, with many users debating whether this was a dramatic plea for attention or a tragic accident born of betrayal.
Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
TMZ
New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed