Jeannie Mai Steps Out to Support 'Incredible' Cause amid Ongoing Divorce from Ex Jeezy

Mai's estranged husband Jeezy filed for divorce in September 2023

<p>Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Smile Train</p> Jeannie Mai attends the Smile Train 25th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 08, 2024 in New York City.

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Smile Train

Jeannie Mai attends the Smile Train 25th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 08, 2024 in New York City.

Jeannie Mai is embracing her independence amid her ongoing divorce from Jeezy.

The former The Real co-host, 45, attended the Smile Train Gala in New York City on Wednesday, May 8. While there, she spoke to PEOPLE about her upcoming Mother's Day plans and reflected on the important work the nonprofit does for a cause that's close to her heart.

"I come from a family where cleft had taken place when I was growing up as a kid, to a family member of mine, and we did not know how to address it," she shares. "We didn't know where we could go for it. We didn't even know what it was called."

Mai says that she brought her daughter, Monaco, who she shares with Jeezy, on a trip to Vietnam to share with her the "incredible" work the nonprofit does and "explain to her why these children may look different."

On the topic of her two-year-old, Mai admits that despite the major holiday coming up this weekend, she's in the dark about what's to come on Mother's Day. "I don't even know what I'm doing yet for Mother's Day. I know I'm a good mom when I don't even know that it's happening," she says.

Mai's main priorities are that "Monaco gets her nap in and she and I have time together," she admits, adding that a little spa treatment wouldn't hurt. "She's really into manicures, so if we get a manicure, I'm set," she says.

Related: Jeannie Mai on Being a Single Mom amid Difficult Divorce: 'I'm Going to Do Whatever It Takes' (Exclusive)

Mai’s comments come days after Jeezy claimed in court documents that his estranged wife contacted their doctor about pursuing IVF because she wanted a second child despite him telling her that he "planned to file for divorce."

In the filing obtained by PEOPLE, lawyers for the 46-year-old "Put On" rapper claim that he and Mai attempted to conceive a second child "naturally for over a year."

After Jeezy allegedly told her in June 2023 that he planned to file for divorce, Mai then "contacted their same doctor about in-vitro fertilization (IVF)," a process that required permission from Jeezy (born Jay Wayne Jenkins), per the documents.

<p>Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images</p> Jeannie Mai and Jeezy at the Rag & Bone fashion show during NYFW in 2020

Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Jeannie Mai and Jeezy at the Rag & Bone fashion show during NYFW in 2020

Related: Jeezy Says He's 'Surviving and Thriving' amid Legal Battles with Ex Jeannie Mai

Mai previously accused Jeezy of multiple instances of domestic abuse and child neglect that she claims took place during their relationship, which Jeezy denied again in the latest filing.

Jeezy's lawyers state in the filing that Mai's allegations were "all because the Petitioner declined to have a second baby with her, and the Petitioner decided to file this divorce action."

The pair have been battling over their prenuptial agreement and custody rights of their daughter since Jeezy filed for divorce in September 2023. The musician is currently requesting joint physical and legal custody of Monaco.

<p>Stefanie Keenan/Getty</p> Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Jeezy at the Gold House's Inaugural Gold Gala: A New Gold Age in 2022

Stefanie Keenan/Getty

Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Jeezy at the Gold House's Inaugural Gold Gala: A New Gold Age in 2022

Related: Jeannie Mai Laughs with Daughter Monaco in Adorable Photos amid Custody Battle with Ex Jeezy

Mai previously accused Jeezy, whom she wed in 2021, of multiple instances of abuse and neglect — including striking her with “a closed fist across her cheekbone and eye," pushing her down stairs and leaving a weapon unattended in their marital house as their child allegedly discovered it.

Mai's allegations, made in a court filing obtained by PEOPLE, also included claims that the musician had "explosive outbursts, excessive drinking and domestic violence.”

In response to her claims, in a statement shared with PEOPLE at the time, Jeezy called them "not only false, but also deeply disturbing, especially coming from someone I loved."

"This malicious attempt to tarnish my character and disrupt my family is ridiculous,” he said. “It's disheartening to witness the manipulation and deceit at play and at this time my main concern is being an active father to our daughter as I continue to fight for court mandated joint custody. Rest assured, the truth will prevail through the proper legal channels.”

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While at the Smile Train Gala, Mai also spoke about the importance of the organization, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing global cleft care. She also opened up about her involvement with the organization on social media ahead of the event.

“It fills my heart to finally share our unforgettable journey to my country of #Vietnam with @smiletrain, celebrating their milestone of 25 profound years in cleft care,” she captioned an April 23 Instagram post.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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