A former British rugby star with a turbulent personal life has sparked controversy by asking guests to pay for his upcoming wedding. Danny Cipriani, known for his string of high-profile relationships and public scandals, is set to marry AnnaLynne McCord, a television personality and actress. The couple, who have been engaged since April, plans to tie the knot soon, reportedly within this weekend. However, they have taken an unusual approach to funding the ceremony by launching a crowdfunding campaign on the Honeyfund platform, inviting friends, family, and even strangers to contribute financially. Cipriani’s career in rugby brought him fame, but his private life has often overshadowed his professional achievements. He has been linked to numerous celebrities, including Kelly Brook, Kirsty Gallacher, Katie Price, and even Lindsay Lohan. His marriage to Victoria Rose lasted two years until 2023, when he left her without explanation, leaving her with debts and emotional trauma. Rose later shared on social media that she still possesses items belonging to Cipriani, including his toothbrush and clothing, despite his abrupt departure. The new engagement has drawn attention due to the couple's unconventional request for financial support. They have created a fundraising page on Honeyfund, allowing donors to contribute between £75 and £450 (approximately €87 to €525). Contributions can be directed toward various aspects of the wedding, including the venue, catering, music, decorations, and even their honeymoon. The total amount requested is £10,660 (around €12,379). This move has raised eyebrows, particularly among locals, who find it inappropriate to expect guests to cover such expenses. According to reports, Cipriani earned around £4.5 million during his rugby career, yet the couple continues to present themselves as financially strained. On social media, they frequently showcase lavish lifestyles, which has led to criticism over their apparent lack of funds for the wedding. A source close to the situation told The Sun that it was “unbelievably unrefined and disrespectful” to ask guests to pay for such a major life event, especially in the city where the wedding will take place. Cipriani and McCord met on a dating app for celebrities called Raya approximately ten years ago. Their relationship was intermittent for several years before they broke up in 2020. After a brief reconciliation, Cipriani married Rose, but the marriage ended shortly thereafter. The pair reunited again, eventually leading to their engagement in April. McCord, 39, wore a white mini dress with a floral pattern to their family dinner, while Cipriani, 38, opted for a casual look in black shirt and striped trousers. Rose has publicly criticized Cipriani’s behavior, stating that he left her in December 2023 without warning, leaving behind a trail of debt and emotional distress. She described their final days together as peaceful, with them watching TV on the couch, only for Cipriani to suddenly declare he would not return. She claims he struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, making it difficult to maintain a stable relationship. Despite these challenges, she expressed confusion over his decision to leave. As the wedding date approaches, the couple’s unique approach to financing the event continues to generate discussion. Whether their request will be fulfilled or how the public will react remains uncertain. For now, the focus remains on the event itself, with both partners continuing to share glimpses of their preparations through social media.
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